If you’re on the hunt for an inexpensive option to get you through the weekend, you will be just fine using the Coleman Xtreme. Though it’s no tank and may not be something you pass on to your children someday, the money you save can be used to fill it with the best picnic and most delicious beverages. However, we would recommend another option if you’re searching for the best insulation.
Whether you’re headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, there’s a good chance you’ll want to keep your food and drinks cold. Thankfully, the market is packed with high-quality coolers that excel at everything from short day trips to week-long adventures. Below we break down our favorite hard-sided designs of 2023, including budget-friendly Coleman models, ultra-premium Yetis, and popular offerings from brands like RTIC, Orca, Pelican, and more.
Roam is primarily a rooftop tent manufacturer and well regarded among serious outdoor-goers like overlanders and those who like to get off the grid. But their foray into coolers hasn’t gone unnoticed, combining the ruggedness and utility that Roam is known for with a myriad of functional features. coleman canopy And importantly, all these features are integrated nicely and have the same solid and confidence-inspiring feel as the rest of the aptly named Rugged. Coleman has been around for more than 120 years and has earned its reputation of making quality products for outdoor activities.
Many of Coleman’s coolers have helpful little features or accessories built into the coolers to make things as convenient as possible. Examples of this include features such as molded cup holders, easy-access lids, multiple carrying methods, stacking capabilities, and much more. A lot of these unique twists and features you won’t find in many competing brands, and it goes to show that Coleman has a nice understanding of what it takes to make a viable cooler. If you’re worried about re-stocking, ice packs are a viable alternative. Most major brands have their own designs that work well in their coolers, and the best part is that you can use them repeatedly without ever having to drain melted ice. That said, ice packs are fairly expensive (Yeti’s range from $15 to $30 depending on size) and require refreezing once they lose their coldness, which limits practicality for longer trips.
Their 40-quart cooler gives premium rotomolded models here a real run for their money. Its flexible side handles make carrying a breeze, and we found the exterior organizer pocket to be a nice coleman canopy addition for storing small items like koozies, kitchen utensils, and a bottle opener. Starting at 20 quarts and going all the way up to 140, there’s an Orca cooler for just about any activity.
When you shop for camping supplies, you’ll see the Coleman brand on everything from camping stoves to coolers. Some are a traditional chest shape while others have convenient handles and wheels. No matter which style you choose, you know you are getting top-quality coolers to keep food and drink at an ideal temperature. These coolers are smart to have on hand if you host events in your community, but they are also much appreciated as gifts for customers and employees. Still, the Xtreme wasn’t nearly as strong a performer as the equally priced Igloo MaxCold Cooler, so keep shopping if you just want something affordable that’ll keep your drinks cold the longest. But if you just want something affordable that’ll roll from point A to point B and get the job done as far as cooling is concerned, then the Coleman Xtreme isn’t a bad pick.