Closed-cell foam is considered a better insulator than open-cell foam because the tiny bubbles of gas in closed-cell foam remain independent from one another. Air bubbles that do not share cell walls and in effect stay insulated from one another are better at reducing the overall transfer of heat through the foam. Closed-cell foam is also much more expensive to produce than open-cell foam. The resulting product is strong and especially rigid feeling, and typically it weighs more than 1.7 pounds per cubic foot with more than 90% of its air cells closed to one another. Closed-cell foam is also water-impermeable—so it’s an ideal material for, say, surfers’ wetsuits. Light, simple to carry, difficult to overpack, and insulated enough for a full day’s worth of activities, the Polar Bear Original is a decent-enough backpack cooler for most activities and an especially good choice for parents.
The best powered cooler we have tested is the seriously impressive Dometic CFX3 45. It offers some of the coldest achievable temperatures and above-average insulation. It’s built rugged and tough enough to withstand those questionably-maintained roads you may find yourself driving down. And it is practically bursting at the seams with ridiculously convenient features and well-thought-out usability.
Two internal baskets make loading and locating things that much easier, as you can lift out the basket to find what you need. An internal light assists in finding that last beer in the dark, and a tall interior easily accommodates your celebratory champagne. A free app on your phone lets you easily control and monitor your powered cooler without having to get out of your sleeping bag or camping chair. That’s enough to hold plenty of ice, drinks, and food for a family of three.
Indeed, while their compact size is great for not taking up freezer or lunchbox real estate, they do not stay frozen as long as larger, thicker ice packs. These ice packs come in packages of four and are made with BPA-free plastic. If they become dirty, hand-wash them with soap and water before they’re ready for action again.
While the Cabela Polar Cap 80 boasts impressive features, there are some areas where it falls short. First, it is a heavy cooler, which can make it difficult to move around, especially for just one person. The latches on the cooler are also a potential weak point, and no replaceable parts are included. coleman sundome Despite these limitations, the Cabela Polar Cap is still a reliable option with a massive internal capacity. In addition to pre-chilling, you can maximize ice life by always storing your cooler in the shade, limiting the amount of time you open it, and never draining the melted water.
During the Warranty Period, My Company (change this) will repair or replace, at no charge, products or parts of a product that proves defective because of improper material or workmanship, under normal use and maintenance. If your local store is open, please reach out to them for availability of servicing. If your local store is not open, you will be required at this time to complete the final assembly. So, rather than recommend one over the other, I’m going to say that the best cooler for you is a matter of preference. And, no matter that, you can potentially buy up to 5 replacements before reaching the price of just one Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler.
In the same family as our top budget pick, this basic cooler certainly is a far cry from the RovR RollR, Igloo Trailmate, and Pelican 80QT Elite above, but the functionality is decent for the price. All told, like the non-wheeled Xtreme above, this Coleman cooler should meet the needs of many recreational campers, concert-goers, and tailgaters without breaking the bank. Rotomolded coolers like YETI’s Tundra above are made out of a single piece of continuous plastic, which is great for durability but means they typically lack built-in features and mounting locations. Tack on a price that undercuts the similarly sized Tundra 65 above by a considerable $135, and the Xspec stands out as a very well-rounded design at a great value. We also considered the overall shape and size of each competitor as part of its usability score. Models featuring a compact, packable shape and handles that hide away easily are easier to pack into a vehicle for your next adventure.