Plus, for the size, it is quite mobile thanks to the side handle and attached wheels. The only weak point comes with the handles and hinges potentially coming loose over time. Their ice chests are designed to last for many days and you can put them through the extremes that nature can throw at you and they will typically come out the other side unscathed. There are also some unique features exclusive to Yeti as well as some accessories that harness their power.
A cooler’s latch or closure system is one of the defining characteristics of a premium model and plays a significant role in overall cooling performance. Among high-end hard-sided coolers, you’ll commonly find two rubber T-handles along the front that keep the lid locked securely in place. These handles are fairly user-friendly, extremely strong, and minimize any openings for cold air to escape. At the other end of the spectrum, coleman cooler budget-oriented models like the Coleman 316 Series and Igloo Ecocool forgo latches completely and rely on a good fit between the lid and cooler body. This results in reduced insulating performance and means you need to keep a close eye on the lid to make sure it doesn’t pop loose or fall off in transport. Well over half of the coolers on our list cost $200 or more, which goes to show how pricey these units can be.
After spending many years evaluating more than 40 cooler models, we’ve chosen eight that are well made, well insulated, and well suited for a range of outings. Since dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, it passes directly from a solid to a gaseous state, meaning no water to deal with as it melts. However, dry ice can be dangerous to touch (you have to wear heavy gloves to prevent frostbite), coleman cooler doesn’t last long, and many coolers aren’t even rated to handle it. All told, it might take some finessing to perfect your ice strategy, but we think a combination of crushed and blocks is the best (and safest) method. When shopping for coolers, many people have a particular brand that they look for. If you and your customers are a fan of the one-and-only Coleman, you are in luck!
But for those on day trips or shorter overnight outings with access to new ice, an inexpensive cooler like the Coleman 316 Series or Igloo Ecocool is a fine option. As we prefaced above, if your cooler must-haves include easy mobility, large capacity, and maximum ice retention, it’s best to consider a rolling hard-sided model. Downsides are even more weight (the RovR and Igloo weigh around lb.), bulk, and cost. Additionally, these wheeled beasts still struggle over rough terrain and may require carrying if you don’t have a defined path to follow. But for camping, days at the beach, or even tailgating, a rolling cooler can be a solid choice.
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.
Igloo’s Ecocool 52 isn’t totally exempt from these drawbacks, but it’s more well rounded and functional than much of the budget competition. For just $60, the Igloo boasts a generous 52-quart capacity, and the proprietary foam insulation does a good job keeping food and drinks chilled for up to three days (in the right conditions, of course). The feature set is also pretty well sorted for the price, including four self-draining cup holders and functional lifts at the bottom that slightly elevate the cooler off the ground or truck bed. Igloo also added holes in the swing-up handles, allowing you to string a bungee between them to make carrying heavier loads easier. Coleman makes hard coolers large and small, whereas its soft coolers are smaller and more suited for outdoor adventures.
The interior is rather roomy – Coleman claims 70 quarts, and we measured it at 68, which is pretty darn close. As the cooler with some of the thinnest walls we tested, the Coleman doesn’t blow us away with an amazing insulation value. During our insulation tests, the Coleman was able to keep below 40º, for 3.7 days — which wasn’t the best. However, considering we tested all of these coolers in the harshest and warmest conditions without chilling them first, we found that this cooler is still a decent option for a weekend trip or a picnic. Note that RTIC coolers are not IGBC (International Grizzly Bear Committee) certified. If that’s necessary for you, here’s IGBC’s list of certified bear-resistant products (PDF).
In the world of coolers, Yeti pioneered the high-end concept, and the Tundra is its best-selling and most versatile model. This popular line features premium cooling and ice-retention capabilities with a thick, rotomolded build that’s more durable and less prone to cracking than injection-molded options like the RTIC above. 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. For those who plan to carry or move their cooler with any regularity, weight should be an important consideration.
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.
The RTIC 65 weighs 36.5 pounds and measures 32 by 17 by 18 inches on the outside. Unlike several other competitors, the RTIC 65 has two drainage ports for quick cleaning and draining. 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.