Best Overall
Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler
Runner-Up
Coleman Reunion 54-Quart Steel Belted Cooler
Best Bang For The Buck
RTIC 45-Quart Ultra-Tough Cooler
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Coolers have arrive a long way since the ungainly , lumbering models of previous age , but with such a large array of sizes and styles available these days , choosing the secure 1 for your needs can be take exception . To help you resolve whatoutdoor gearcan keep your solid food and drink frosting cold , we put a host of popular models through their rate , testing them in substantial - earth condition to see how well they run .
We used the coolers on gravy boat , at campsites , and in the yard . Each cooler was examine in full sun , in the shade , and in change weather condition . Our favorite is theArctic Zone Titan Pro 55 - Quart Coolerthanks to its bright design , Ice Saver feature , and interior LED illumination . We were impressed by the service program and performance of several other models as well , and it ’s reset the cooler food market is dilute with option .
But , as we incur in testing , there are a luck of great options . notice out why we moot these models the best coolers around .
Our Top Picks
The best coolers gain gamy ratings for durability and efficiency . We try out the follow popular framework — in the Miami and Montana heat — and find them all to be splendid quality . depend on your motive , you ’re likely to discover a big option in this roundup of top - rat cooler .
Our Ratings : Performance5/5;Portability4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
This rotomolded Titan Pro ice chest by Arctic Zone really hit the correct notes in term of sizing , mental synthesis , and features . It ’s very paying attention in the way everything is design and laid out , making it the sodding clique tank in our ruling . We loved the security provided by smooth- locking Cam River latches , and the obliterable LED light is a biz changer while tenting .
At 55 quart , it ’s slightly larger than the Yeti Tundra 45 and RTIC 45 . However , we found the capacity worthy to meet the motive of a small group for 3 to 4 days of camping . The bungee on the palpebra are useful for bear down blankets and gear while you ’re carrying the ice chest , and we also used them to attach a flotation twist that worked perfectly as a posterior stamp pad .
The surprising discriminator was the Ice Saver , which is a slight , foam - vogue back for the ice in the cooler . When put down over the ice , it removes empty outer space and in reality seems to make the ice last longer . When you consider the interior dry bin , stout transport handles , and included bottle opener , this ice chest is a serious achiever .
Lastly , we liked the waste pipe plug with the tether so it wo n’t fall out or get drop off . The padlock expansion slot makes it deliver - cogent evidence and lockable as well . The only thing that did n’t knead out for us was the lip design , which stand for the ice chest wo n’t model on peck frame as a fanny . This is a extremely specialized use , however , and it wo n’t impact most cooler owners .
Get the Arctic Zone cooler atAmazonorArctic Zone .
Our Ratings : Performance5/5;Portability4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Do n’t be fooled by the Graeco-Roman 1950s vintage vibe ! Modern features abound on the Coleman Reunion cooler . The painted sword consistency houses an insulated Department of the Interior with a 4 - day ice retention capacity , even when temperatures soar to 90 degree Fahrenheit . When we put it to our Miami deoxyephedrine challenge , it held up great : We found solid ice inside 4 days by and by , and after 5 days , the water was still cold .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Measuring 16.25 inch magniloquent by 24.375 column inch encompassing by 16.25 in deep , this Coleman is roomy enough to hold eighty - five 12 - apothecaries' ounce cans , bear 2 - cubic decimeter bottles just , or make enough sandwiches for a crowd . A leak - resistive channel drain mean the cooler does n’t need to be tipped over to empty out melted ice . We appreciated that the rugged cooler boasts a Have - A - Seat eyelid ( helpful when chairs are scarce ) , comforter - grip handles , and a bottle undoer for good attach to the front . Such features are handy for beach parties and tailgate event .
Our only real issue was get that the rust - resistant stainless sword chapeau hatch can be tricky to use unless it ’s completely vertical with the tip pointing down at 180 degrees . Plus , while light colors are uncommitted , the matte black paint on the cooler we tested became quite hot in the sunshine .
Get the Coleman cooler atAmazon , orDick ’s Sporting Goods .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
Our rating : Performance4/5;Portability4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
RTIC hits a marvellous price point with an ultra - long-lived rotomolded cooler . The design feature mirror those of the Yeti to a large degree , and while it ’s not a cheap tank , the damage is importantly lower . We be intimate the overall shape , and the rubber handles , latches , and waste pipe jade are all easy to swap out , making it possible to keep the cooler in use indefinitely .
The treble drain plug are a nice feature article on this cooler . They ditch water apace or easy , depending on your penchant while seek to manage ice . The interior basketball hoop work well for dry goods , and the ice chest can double as a seat . As with many rotomolded coolers , the duncish insulated wall and difficult shell make for a arduous design . This should n’t deter emptor , however , because these elements are the primary intellect ice last longer .
Photo: Amazon
In fact , it take 3 days of full sunshine to melt the ice in the cooler ( loaded to half electrical capacity ) . It perform at the same levels as the Yeti and was just behind the Arctic Zone Titan . We can see this outdoor cooler being a even partner for personal rafting trip , as it fits snugly in a raft frame and repeat as a rear .
Get the RTIC 45 - quart cooler atRTIC .
Best With Wheels
BrüMate BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler
Our rating : Performance4/5;Portability4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5
The BrüMate BrüTank is the most unequaled tank in the rotomolded space . It ’s grueling - duty , holds methamphetamine for day , and is loaded with features . Because of its weight , this model would be well suited for gathering , broil , beach trips , and encampment , or where it will be largely stationary .
It has a fun boozing - commixture chamber and tap for ice - cold drinks all 24-hour interval . For our psychometric test , we added some chalk and succus , and it was fun to have dusty beverages on need at camp . The tank uses a vent-hole cap on the cooler eyelid to keep in line atmospheric pressure while allowing the tap to work dead . Even with the drink tank , the cooler still has plenty of interior space . You will involve to take extra stair to clean the army tank , but it ’s not a big endeavour .
Photo: Amazon
While this cooler might not be idealistic for campers who are go coolers between boats and vehicles several time a day , it ’s a good ice chest for those who want arugged trilled design . We exhaustively enjoyed examine this cooler , and it ’s excellent for class and groups .
Get the BrüMate coolerDick ’s Sporting GoodsorBrüMate .
Best For Hot Days
IcyBreeze Ultimate Cooler
Our Ratings : Performance3.5/5;Portability5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
The IcyBreeze is the first cooler we ’ve encountered that habituate a battery - power system to get air conditioning . As such , it lives in a decided category for those who want to cool drinks and solid food while simultaneously cool down the air . At first , we were n’t certain what to think about the construct , but it came in handy on blistering years . In fact , we pulled the unit into our place to chill things down during a heating wave .
Powering the air conditioning function involve adding urine and ice rink to the cooler . The interior cooler area operate as usual , but a electric battery plug into the lid where a control board set aside for gentle wind conditioning ascendency . The Ultimate mannikin even has a mister to total cold water to the air . We were impressed with the battery longevity and fan power ; it pumped out cold atmosphere for hours and sure enough made our space more comfortable .
Photo: Amazon
This tank is idealistic for brusk misstep outdoors . Whether you are heading to a bollock game or spending a few hour in the rut , it can keep both drinks and the air cooler . It ’s important to note that it uses ice quickly , and with the air conditioner running , you ’ll run through your methamphetamine in only a half day . For that reason , it would n’t be our first choice for stretch camping trip .
As a stand - alone ice chest , it ’s well designed and fair lightweight . We prize the timber handle , and being a cooler with wheel , it was prosperous to move around . In the absence of the stocky - walled insulation of some of the other coolers we essay , this cooler has shorter ice - melt time .
Get the IcyBreeze cool atIcyBreeze .
Photo: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Best Sling Cooler
Pelican Dayventure Sling Cooler
Our rating : Performance4/5;Portability5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5
In the world of soft - sided cooler , Pelican has several attractive choice . This sling modelling is splendid for stashing a six - pack of cans and a few food for thought items for short trips . Although it works good with ice packs , it can work with cubes as well . The sling shoulder strap get it easy to carry , and the heavy zipper keeps everything inside . It also has an exterior pouch for extra items such as a bottle screw or a few utensils .
We occupy this cooler on a few day cost increase to swim in mountain streams . It ’s perfect for light trips , a daytime on the golf course , and other daily outing where only a few drinks and a tiffin are needed . It ’s also idealistic for just drinks ; it would work great as a bottle cool for wine , or to cool a few beers and sodas . We comment the tabu fabric heats up a bit when left in direct sunshine . However , we set the ice chest in a cold brook and it give a firm temperature all solar day . We loved the Pelican ’s convenience , portability , and functionality , and we envision it getting plenty of use on boat and beach day .
Photo: Icy Breeze
Get the Pelican Dayventure cooler atAmazonorPelican .
Best Waterproof Backpack
HydroFlask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler
Our military rank : Performance4/5;Portability3.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
With a watertight TRU Zip zipper and what the manufacturer calls “ weld seams , ” no wet is getting in or out of this HydroFlask delicate cooler . We know it ’s true , having both leave out it into a swimming pond when empty ( yes , it blow ) and taken it on the road pack with Methedrine and fundament . With its 600D polyester shell and an FDA solid food - class BPA - innocent liner , this smart as a whip backpack keeps item moth-eaten for up to 36 hours . The company does n’t take that ice will outride square for 36 time of day , because it does n’t . Though methamphetamine hydrochloride melted steady in our test , we found that the interior stayed plenty cold , thanks to special insulation on the bottom . This was true even when the cooler was left out on blistering moxie and pavement .
With laser - cut welded gear affixation loops for wry computer storage accessory , a side pocket for a body of water bottleful , and a “ ego - healing ” ( no teeth ) silent slide fastener that realigns itself , this is one of the most tough backpack cooler on the market . you’re able to trust on it for the grueling cost increase and the toughest motorcycle ride — the padded straps are comfortable , and the back panel prevent the ingroup from sticking to one ’s shirt . It does get overweight when fully adulterate with 36 drink keister , but do n’t feel obligated to channel it very far : We discover it works just ok as a portable poolside ice thorax for bottle of wine .
Photo: Amazon
Get the HydroFlask cooler atHydro Flask , Backcountry , orDick ’s Sporting Goods .
Best Hard Shell
Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
It ’s no secret that Yeti commute the tank market for the better . The caller brought rotomolded cooler into the mainstream , raising the quality of construction , alongside the monetary value of the intermediate cooler . The Tundra 45 is a staple in Yeti ’s lineup , and it performs exceptionally well .
This cooler is built to survive tough trips , and it ’s a worthy companion to take hunt , fish and rafting . This cooler sits absolutely in a raft frame and doubles as a hindquarters . The hold are lasting , the rubber latches are simple and easy to use , and the interior basket holds wry goods . It also holds frosting for days outside of extreme temperatures .
The only negative we encountered is the drain stopple . It ’s not tethered , and it ’s authoritative to pay attending while run out the ice chest to avoid fall back the plug . fortunately , everything is made to be easy put back if needed . Yeti has a loyal make travel along , great products , and the Tundra does not let down as a top - of - the - line cooler .
Photo: Hydroflask
Get the Yeti cooler atAmazonorDick ’s Sporting Goods .
Best Soft Shell
RTIC Soft Pack Cooler
Our Ratings : Performance3.5/5;Portability5/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value4/5
RTIC calls its insulated voiced cooler bag the strongest diffused - sided tank out there . The 100 percent waterproof shell is made from puncture- and tear - tolerant heavy - duty StayDry nylon . The cooler ’s Closed - Cell Insulation––2 inches on the top and 1 in on the sides––maintains cold temps for up to twenty 12 - ounce cans , plus ice and snacks , making it a slap-up beverage ice chest option .
It boasts a no - leak zipper ( which requires occasional software of an admit lubricant to stay in working rules of order ) . An exterior pocket guard wry items such as utensil , napkins , and even a phone , and the No - Sweat shell keeps the coolheaded prohibitionist on the outside . The antimicrobic lining resists mildew , which we deliberate another plus since this modeling can be stored in a service department or basement without the user worrying about mildew growing .
Photo: Amazon
On the downside , this model can not be placed directly on a blistering surface , such as the deck of a gravy boat or the back of a motortruck , without negatively affecting performance . We light upon that keeping the cooler in unmediated sun causes ice to melt much quicker than the promote 5 sidereal day , and doing so can ultimately harm the material . This is distinctly problematic if you ’re heading for a location without shade . But we love the fact that this framework floats , so we would surely take it on a kayak or rafting adventure , or even on a forest hike .
Get the RTIC easygoing pack cooler atRTIC Outdoors .
Best Small Size
Pelican 20-Quart Elite Cooler
Our Ratings : Performance3.5/5;Portability5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Pelican Elite is a cooler but it can also function as a concentrated showcase if needed . It has the quality look from Pelican product with great push - button latches and a convenient human body . We like the magniloquent , minute design because it takes up less floor place in vehicles and boats . The handle is sturdy , and the cooler is a bit like an oversize lunch box . In fact , it ’s the perfect mini cooler for holding luncheon and drinks for two people on a twenty-four hours trip-up .
The only downside with this cooler is the lack of a drain plug . To avoid having to care unreasonable water supply from melted ice cubes , you might opt to use ice packs . During our tests we filled it with ice , then simply dump it after our tripper ; the size of the tank makes this very well-to-do to accomplish .
Photo: Amazon
For days when you do n’t involve a bulky cooler , this one carries plenty without requiring much effort to move around . We ’ll be using this one when we go on short sportfishing trips and when we murder the woods to cut and pile firewood .
Get the Pelican Elite tank atAmazonorPelican .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested theBest Coolers
During our testing of several cooler in Montana , thesummer heathit near - trio digits . Each of the six models we tested was filled halfway with ice and an equal act of beverage . The cooler were lay out in lineal sun for 3 daylight , and we checked the ice double daily and drained the water once each day . This initial ice retention test was fantabulous for setting real - domain prospect in a controlled and equal - temperature setting .
The cooler were then debilitate , refilled , and severally used on several rafting trips , camping misstep , and for backyard drinks and barbecues . We tipped them upside down in a leak tryout , and every feature was exhaustively used and tested for carrying out .
The check factor for each honor include price / time value , capacitance , lastingness , features , functionality , and ice holding . The remaining cooler in the awarding family were try in the Miami heat in a late examination cycle , and they held their award places based on the same criteria .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Cooler
The only defining constituent of a cooler is that it celebrate food for thought and beverages chilled . Otherwise , size of it , feature article , and price are as wide-ranging as those of refrigerators . Before buy a cooler , postulate yourself :
Beyond these starter questions , consider the following to narrow down the orbit to the best cooler for your needs .
Material and Insulation
One of the more fundamental choice is between hard - sided and soft - sided cooler , each of which suit different modus vivendi preferences and practices .
firmly - sided coolerstend to be best for folks who on a regular basis go camping , travel in an RV , or prefer to keep a tank outdoors . They ’re the more perdurable pick , as they are often constructed with double - fence in plastic and foam insulation between the inner and outer walls and the top lid , which should be airtight . Some gruelling - duty models retain visible ice for 4 to 5 days and cold temperatures for up to a week . Many such exemplar are manufactured via rotomolding ( myopic for“rotational border ” ) , a manufacturing process that spins the mold as the plastic is pelt , making for a more uniform and better - insulated cooler . This gamy - performance technique typically imply a gamey cost tag end .
sonant - sided coolersare ideal for many inadequate - term jaunts , such as picnics , sidereal day hikes , commuting to work , and beach excursion . These coolers will generally keep food cold for up to 1 daytime , though some may stay cool even longer because of mellow - denseness froth insulation , locking lids , and efficient zippers . Most soft - sided manikin are describe with easy - to - clean , food - safe isolate nylon . diffused - sided coolers are generally smaller and lighter than strong - sided models , and some fold up for well-off storage .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Capacity
Cooler capacity determines how much can be packed inside . capability is usually measured in quarts and can range from 5 quarts ( popular among commuter ) to 150 dry quart for weeklong storage , such as when camping or on an R.V. misstep .
For twenty-four hours trips , tailgating , and similar outcome serve two or three people , a 25 - quart model is spacious enough for most needs without sacrificing portability . When two or three people take a weekend tripper , a 45- to 60 - dry quart tank should suffice . A modest group planning to be off the grid for an extended clock time might consider a cooler in the 100- to 150 - quart range .
When thinking about size , it ’s of import to note that a ice chest is more effective when packed tightly , so do n’t prefer a model that you likely wo n’t fill up . If you have changing needs , you may need to empower in both a small cooler and a larger unit .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Portability
If a ice chest will often travel with you , portability is critical , so when thinking about how far you ’ll need to carry it , think that there ’s a wide kitchen stove of size and weightiness on the market to choose from . Hard - shelled variation are the clayey , sometimes weighing up to 50 pounds , but these model are often on wheels and have an lengthy hold for easier portability . Puncture - immune all - terrain tires on the most heavy - responsibility model permit for passage on rugged surfaces . flabby - sided coolers are lighter weight unit and can commonly be toted on your shoulder or in your hand . Backpack versions are especially democratic with hikers and beachgoers .
Compartments
Every metre a tank is open to the air , its contents are reasonably compromised , so the easier it is to quickly grab what you want rather than hunt around , the better . So while some models just have one large compartment that gets filled with ice and the items to be chilled , others sport dividers that keep food and drinks organized . Dry bin or bags are also convenient , as they ’re design to keep such items as sandwich apart from the ice rink so they stay juiceless . There are even coolers with shelves that enable you to severalise hard and soft items , such as sack goods and fruit , so that your soda wo n’t crush your peaches . Also convenient are exterior pockets for utensil , hand wipes , paper products , and other item that do n’t require cool .
Additional Features
Coolers may arrive with a variety of bells and whistling , including cupful holders , can untier , and even twinkle . Some maritime coolers make out with Pisces the Fishes scales and rulers for role on watercraft . And there are party - friendly models that have a separate drink compartment nestled in the methamphetamine hydrochloride with a progress - in pat ; this let you tamp punch or lemonade and serve it directly from the tank . Serious campers will want to consider a wild - worthy tank that includes a bear - resistant locking organization . feature that stomach convenience and cleanliness , like drain fire hydrant and washable lining , are a summation . And for carrying quilt , padded shoulder straps on subdued coolers are a incentive .
Budget
cool prices vary wide , with agio models potentially costing triple that of lower - final stage competitors ’ offering . The sound way to figure out how much to gift is to consider your lifestyle requirements . If you need to keep food and drinks insensate for a picnic or beach solar day , a low- to midrange choice with one compartment may suit your need . If you plan to rely on the tank for a week or more , look at a long-lasting , premium cooler with multiple compartments .
FAQs
Wondering how a tank works or how to compact it correctly ? rum about how long it will keep nutrient cold ? These answers to usual doubt that may come up while shopping for the honest cooler can aid .
As a general rule , the right proportion is 2:1 ice - to - food / potable . A ice chest is more efficient when packed tightly , so endeavor to eliminate air pockets — air is the foeman of ice rink . originate with one layer of solid food or drink at the bottom ( particular you will want last ) , follow by a level of ice , and then continue alternating layers . glass should be the final layer , with whatever food and tope you require first correctly under it .
The lowering - tariff hard - beat out cooler can keep food cold for up to a week or in some vitrine 10 days , while soft versions typically keep water ice frozen for a twenty-four hour period or two at most . To keep the food at its coldest , prechill a cooler by prepping it with ice beforehand , then throw that ice away before packing with fresh ice and solid food items . The smallest models can be prepped flop in the refrigerator . Always chill or freeze intellectual nourishment and beverage so that they stay cold as well . Sprinkling rock salt on top of the ice can make it last longer . Finally , do not remove the water from the meth as it melts since the melted water help keep the stay on water ice isolate .
Coolers keep your food and fuddle cold with ice , thanks to the foam insularism between the inner and out wall and along the top palpebra .
Meet the Testers
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer with over a decade of professional penning experience . He splits his time between the neat outdoors , travel , and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to household redevelopment and maintenance . His house base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for outdoor product and equipment .
An award - winning food writer , eating house critic , and poet , Miami - based Jen Karetnick is the author of 21 books , including four cookbooks and four guidebooks . After farm a historic mango grove for 20 years , she now lives in a restored 1926 Tudor house with her husband , two children , two dachshunds , and four cat .
Additional inquiry provided by Kristen Mosier .
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