As such, they are easy to use, lacking the stiff stubbornness of many other latches. Still, more flexible rubber might have a shorter lifespan than denser rubber, though we haven’t had an issue after using these products. The Igloo IMX 70qt is similar, with exceptionally flexible, soft, easy-to-use latches, also giving us pause about how well they’ll hold up through years of use and UV exposure. However, this is just speculation and not something we witnessed during our extensive testing. The Igloo BMX also has T-grip latches with slightly different shapes and thicknesses that both get the job done just fine. The IGBC specifically states that this does not mean the product in question can’t be opened or destroyed by a bear, nor does it mean the product is leakproof.
This roto-molded cooler costs far less than the Yeti Tundra 65 but performs just as well in nearly every way. It’s almost indestructible, it has two drainage ports and replaceable parts, and it kept our ice frozen for 10 days. Our tester used a medium-sized lined cooler bag to keep drinks cold for a game night and found that the Igloo did a great job, “[the drinks were] even colder than they were in the refrigerator,” they reported. Plus, “it kept drinks cold overnight and was still cold and frozen in the morning.” Nicole Papantoniou runs the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, where she oversees all content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear, including this cooler test.
Further, you get a handy basket for dry goods, secure closures, and multiple tie-down slots to easily secure it on a boat or truck bed. What’s more, the Tundra is certified as bear-resistant (locks are sold separately for $30), which is great for those who plan to spend time in bear country. That said, if ruggedness is something you need, the Coleman may not be the best choice. Its handles, hinges, and latches don’t inspire confidence in their ability to last the years in the same way as the high-end, IGBC certified, and rotomolded models do. Every time we’ve used it over the past several years, it seems to pick up numerous extra scratches and dirt, though it still works the same.
Pop-up tents are available as 2 and 3 person tents and come in various styles and designs. The Xspec and Roadie 24 are also notable for innovative and fairly effortless latch experiences. They combine a rubber latch for tightness and security with a plastic locking mechanism that makes them a breeze to use and requires much less brute strength than coleman sundome any of the 100% rubber latches demand. The Kenai 65 features mostly rubber, stretchy latches but swaps out the rubber T-grip section for short metal posts that grip grooves underneath the rim of the body. Though they’re comfortable and easy to use, they proved to be less secure when jostled or dropped and occasionally popped open during our testing.
They’ll protect the life of your sleeping bag, especially if you have an expensive down sleeping bag. Sleeping bag liners also provide an additional layer of warmth, so you’ll feel extra cosy on those colder camping nights. Just pop the liner in the washing machine when it’s coleman instant tent time for a quick freshen up. If your least favourite part of a camping trip is having to put up and take down your tent, it’s time to invest in a pop-up tent. They are incredibly quick and easy to pitch, and when not in use, you can just fold them back into their bag.
And to top it off, it has a deceptively large internal volume for a comparatively small overall size. With a simple pull-open lid and no latches to slow you down, the Coleman is one of the most natural-feeling chests to use — like opening your fridge at home. For a more packable cooler, check out our comparison of the best soft coolers. We’ve also tested the top powered coolers for those who have access to a power source and prefer an iceless approach. Whether you’re planning on a relaxing beach day or a weekend camping trip at your favorite spot, we’ve done the hard work to help you find the best camping gear. We’ve got your outdoor needs covered, from the top-ranked camping chairs and best flip flops for relaxing at camp and our favorite camping tents for when it’s time to hit the hay.
These coolers are simply made by inserting hot plastic into a defined mold, given time to cool, and then removed. The process is simpler and cheaper than rotomolding and allows for greater precision because of the molded shapes. But they’re made with multiple pieces—unlike the single, uninterrupted form with rotomolding—which can lead to a drop in durability and added susceptibility to cracking. That being said, a high-end build like RTIC’s 52 Ultra-Light stacks up favorably to top rotomolded coolers in overall toughness.
Nicole is constantly testing new coolers in real-life situations, whether she’s at the beach or in her backyard (and also probably testing grills at the same time). The Tundra Haul is YETI’s first cooler with wheels, which many will appreciate, since it can exceed 100 pounds when full. You can pack it up to its capacity and still be able to move it around your backyard or your favorite park for a family barbecue. Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab have tested more than 85 coolers in the past decade. In our most recent side-by-side cooler test, we assessed the coolers’ ice and temperature retention, how well they resisted odors and how easy they were to use and clean. No one wants a smelly, stale smelling sleeping bag, so invest in a sleeping bag liner to keep your sleeping bag smelling and feeling clean and fresh for longer.
All in all, we were impressed with the RTIC Ultralight, with its lightweight construction, ease of use, and pleasant price. We’ve tested over 40 coolers since 2016 in search of the best, most well insulated models. We started in the lab with rigorous insulation testing and continued assessments through a wide range of real-world uses. From picnics in the park to beach BBQs, we carted these models everywhere we went to learn which models were most portable and enjoyable to use. We also went through hundreds of pounds of ice and frosty cans in our rigorous insulation tests.
When you’re ready to store this backpack cooler, you simply reverse the bag to empty out the air and fold up the bag. According to the brand, it’s 100% waterproof and can even float, but we haven’t tested that claim yet. There are also bungee cords on the front to help control loose items, such as a water bottle. The RovR RollR, Arctic Titan, Yeti Tundra 65, and Igloo IMX all come with practical interior dry storage options, which is great for holding aside some clean ice for drinks or keeping sensitive food out of ice water. The Igloo IMX’s wire basket is a tighter wire weave, which helps keep smaller items contained.