The first thing we always want to look at in a cooler is how well built it is. In this case, the Igloo Trailmate Cooler wasn’t a disappoint because Igloo put a lot of thought into its construction, making sure it is made to be tough and durable. If you’ve used this product, log in and leave a review to tell us and other customers what you thought about it. Get paid up to $16 for submitting one of the first text, photo, or video reviews for this item. The company designed the rechargeable lantern for easy use and high performance.
The wheels, which are essential to the operation of these coolers, are made of tough plastic so you don’t have to worry about them popping. The core metal parts of these coolers are made of marine-grade strength aluminum. This material provides very good strength and is rust-resistant while still managing to stay relatively lightweight. As for the hardware, it is made of stainless steel which is also rust-resistant and extremely tough.
Our least favorite aspect in terms of usability is the drain found in this cooler. Though it has a wide channel to help empty it of meltwater, the inside of the drain also is turned into a protruding tunnel into the interior by a white plastic tube. Why this is a thing, we’re not sure, as it made the Trailmate the least conducive to emptying via drain plug of any model we tested. It is worth mentioning, however, that some users noted concerns about the Trailmate’s durability. If you plan on subjecting it to extreme conditions such as rolling it down a mountainside, you may find it lacking in sturdiness.
igloo soft coolerThe Trailmate all-terrain cooler on the other is neither roto-molded nor bear proof which could be compensated if we take into consideration all the awesome features we already mentioned. Party anywhere you want with the ultimate all-terrain cooler, featuring the kind of built-tough mobility that can traverse in all kinds of conditions. From grassy fields to beach dunes, from dirt roads to wooded trails, you’re in good company with the Trailmate Journey. The Trailmate Journey has a 70qt capacity and can keep oz beverage cans cold with Ultratherm® Technology built into the body and lid.
At the most, it will make the cooler 50% lighter to carry due to the leverage that comes with having a long handle. Just pull the handle to the point where you want it, lock it in, and use it to haul your cooler. The very first, and most prominent feature, is the set of large 10-inch wheels on this cooler. They have a very strong tread that makes them ideal for just about any kind of terrain. They also never go flat, which means you have a set of wheels you can take anywhere that is also going to last you a very long time. One of the drawbacks of this cooler not being rotomolded is that all the extra insulation has made the cooler larger, heavier, and more expensive than it would be had it been rotomolded.
As we mentioned in the opening, we feel the Trailmate is the best bang for the buck when it comes to wheeled coolers. This cooler others impressive ice retention, more features than most competitors, yet doesn’t break the bank. Prices are constantly fluctuating, but normally the Trailmate can be picked up for under $250. Some may find this price point to be steep, but a comparison of a similar sized roto molded cooler will reveal the value.
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But for someone after the maximum storage space, the 70-quart model may prove to be a bit limited. Overall, this cooler crushed the trails and kept ice for days. If you need a go anywhere cooler that looks cooler than most may be suggest the Trailmate Cooler from Igloo. This is great, so everyone has easy access to their cold beverage of choice. It also had two attachments for either fishing poles or an umbrella.
Well, The Trailmate is designed with Ultratherm insulation to keep the cooler’s low interior temperature using thick layers of insulation within those stiff plastic walls which explains the cooler’s weight. These two materials won’t rust, break or fail apart; they’re meant to hold the coolers’ parts together regardless of the surrounding environment for a cooler with a longer life span than expected. And to make this cooler even tougher, Igloo added marine grade aluminum construction and stainless steel to its overall built for maximum durability and functionality. That said, the Trailmate is 34.59″ x 19.7″ x 23.61″ (LxWxH) and that’s not small at all. Actually, you’ll usually end up needing a second hand to help you put the cooler in your car’s or van’s trunk when it’s fully loaded. One you get that covered, you’ll only have to drag it around since it’s wheeled.
A few factors are holding these coolers back from significantly longer ice life. They include a lack of rotomolded insulation, a lack of thick rubber gasket, and lack of a more advanced latch system that creates a tighter seal. As always, ice life is one of the most important metrics of a good cooler. And we have seen instances where a cooler loaded with features ends up having subpar ice performance as a result of all of these additional features. In terms of build quality, all of Yeti’s hard coolers are roto-molded and bear proof including the wheeled ones.