Thicker insulation tends to aid in maintaining coolness for up to several days, but you may find these models to be more bulky overall. Conversely, a compact cooler with lots of interior space might have thinner, less efficient insulation (fine if you’re just planning on using a cooler for a few hours). Hard-sided coolers should be made of durable plastic — thicker, commercial-grade polyurethane will last longer than thin plastic but will be more expensive. Soft-sided coolers should be made of stain-resistant, durable fabric like high-density nylon or neoprene. If your cooler has a zipper closure, look for a version with a high-quality zipper mechanism and well-made seams that can withstand the rigors of constant opening and closing with the added weight of the cooler’s contents. No need for an oversized ice chest when a small cooler fits your outdoor needs.
A tote bag style cooler is a smart option for picnics and long trips, but it can also be nice to have for transporting perishable items from the grocery store or farmers market. Made from durable 600D polyester, this zipper-top bag from Hydro Flask boasts lightweight insulation that keeps things cold for up to 36 hours. This model holds up to 24 cans (without ice) and also comes in a larger 26-liter size that can hold up to 42 cans (without ice).
One caveat — this type of cooler needs to be prepped before use. The manufacturer recommends bringing it indoors and filling it with ice for a few hours to let the container cool, then adding fresh ice and your perishables for optimum performance. And we always focus on providing you with long-lasting cold retention, the whole point of a cooler!
Fit up to 12 drink cans (plus ice) and keep everything cool for days, thanks to rubber foam insulation. Food & Wine editor Daniel Modlin brings his Yeti Hopper to the park and grocery store, among other places. Finally, the entire unit is easy to clean with mild dish igloo electric cooler soap and water, so it can handle plenty of outdoor use. This 16-quart cooler by Coleman is a wallet-friendly option that keeps its design simple but functional. It can hold up to 11 drink cans along with eight pounds of ice, keeping items cold throughout the day.
Some coolers have straps that can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody so you can keep your hands free to carry other items. If you don’t want to bear the weight of the cooler on your arms or shoulders, pick a model on wheels for optimum maneuverability. A lot goes into building a cooler, and we’re committed every step of the way. And we have a huge selection of hard coolers for the beach, perfect for keeping you and your crew refreshed for as long as you need. Insulation will determine how long your cooler actually keeps things cold.
We found it comfortable to wear and easy to pick up during testing. We wish the material held up better, as dropping the bag from a table a few times scuffed it. This durable, high-end cooler from RTIC is a fantastic alternative to a Yeti or Pelican cooler, at a better price. The cooler holds up to 24 cans, plus ice, which makes it a good size for a camping trip or an outdoor gathering. Made from rotationally molded plastic, its thick walls ensure contents stay cold for a few days.
Our affordable ice chest designs are thoughtful, intuitive and reliable because we think of YOU and the adventures you’re planning to take our coolers on. We have hardside coolers with a rugged build, handy features, easy carrying capabilities and, most importantly, igloo cooler with wheels up to seven days of ice retention — because you can’t properly go camping without a fully packed cooler. When picking out a cooler, portability is an important factor. Look for easy-to-hold handles that allow you to securely load and unload your cooler.