If money is no object, you are going to get a higher quality cooler for a higher price. But if you’re looking for one that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of solid options on the market that will do the job. Unlike Styrofoam, which is slow to break down and can release chemicals into the environment, this cooler is made from 100% recycled and biodegradable materials. Still, we don’t suggest making a habit of using one as it’s not built for multiple outings. With padded shoulder straps, a rigid and padded back panel, an adjustable sternum strap, and a weight of under three pounds, this Hydro Flask product is essentially a hiking backpack that also happens to be a cooler. If you’re planning a hike that will take all day and you want to stop for lunch in the middle, this is the cooler for you.
To be fair, the cooler was filled to capacity with ice, as we do with all of our ice retention tests. However, 4 days should be easily attained with a decent amount of ice used. A cooler that boasts a ton of features and is ready to tackle the trail. This cooler has been out a few years and we finally got our hands on one to put to the Tailgating Challenge. The Trailmate cooler claims to keep ice for 4 days and go anywhere with it’s 10 inch all-terrain wheels. We are on the quest to find the best coolers for whatever adventure life gives you, so now let’s learn more in the Igloo Trailmate Cooler Review.
While it looks a bit like a travel backpack, the Lotus isn’t built for distance, but if you’re walking a mile tops to the location where you’ll spread your blanket, it’s perfect. That said, before you purchase a cooler the size of an inflatable pool, consider the types of activities you are going to use it for. If you’re planning a day hike and want to pack some drinks and one meal, you don’t want a 70-quart hard-sided cooler.
The built-in Cool Riser Technology® dramatically improves the cooling performance by elevating the cooler’s body away from any hot surfaces. A suspended interior wire food basket keeps selected food items dry. The antimicrobial-treated liner inhibits stains and odors caused by bacteria, easing cleanup and extending the life of the cooler. Use bungee cords or rope (not included) with the cooler’s tie-down hooks to make it easy to haul things like towels, quad chairs, or a surfboard to your destination. A water-resistant, lockable storage compartment features an anti-leak gasket to keep your sunglasses, phone, or any other accessories safe and dry. The threaded drain plug is garden-hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip tethered cap to eliminate the possibility of a small leak.
A dedicated slot in the lid holds your mobile device upright for easy viewing and access. There are four built-in cup holders in the lid for easy access to your beverages. Get this versatile, full-featured cooler today and discover why it is referred to as the Swiss army knife of coolers. Head out to your favorite picnic spot with your meal packed in the Igloo Trailmate™ Journey 70 qt. Designed with a padded glove box, a serving tray, a food basket and 2 accessory holders for versatile storage, this cooler offers oversize, never-flat wheels and a padded, telescoping handle for easy portability.
We were initially pumped about this array of features, though our excitement lessened throughout testing. The plug leash – a great feature for any cooler – is attached in a way that we had a pretty hard time unscrewing the actual plug, and typically had to use two hands to accomplish. The extra boxes and fishing rod holders on igloo soft cooler the outside kept popping off when we lifted the cooler or pushed it up against something in a certain way. The butler tray isn’t quite the right size to fit snugly in the trolley handle, and so slides a lot when in place. We did find the internal dry basket and two bottle openers on the outside to be fairly useful though.
If you’re in search of a sleek cooler with abundant features at an exceptional value, look no further. For what it’s worth, this was one of our “fan favorites” among friends and family while we were conducting an ice retention test which included 25 different coolers. A quick look at the Igloo Trailmate will reveal its’ unique stance.
You’ll get long-lasting, extended ice retention, thanks to a THERMECOOL™ (it’s eco-friendly!) insulated lid/body and Cool Riser Technology®. Often referred to as “the Swiss army knife of coolers”, Trailmate Journey is truly the cooler that does and has it all. Good looks, many talents (aka handy and effortless-to-haul features) and an easygoing nature. You’ll get long-lasting, extended ice retention igloo water cooler with the Trailmate, thanks to the THERMECOOL™ (it’s eco-friendly!) insulated lid/body and Cool Riser Technology®. Items should be repackaged so they are completely airtight and can be packed in a way that eliminates as many spaces as possible. “Air and space are your enemy, so fill in the gaps between items with more ice or ice packs to maximize contact and thermal efficiency,” Cunningham says.