It’s almost indestructible, it has two drainage ports and replaceable parts, and it kept our ice frozen for 10 days. For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise
credit at the lowest price within the last 90 days. Proper ID will be required in the form of a valid, state-
issued driver’s license or state ID card.
ORCA (Outdoor Recreation Company of America) isn’t a household name like YETI, but the Tennessee brand has gained a dedicated following of committed outdoorspeople. 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 coleman sundome pocket to be a nice 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. Choosing the right Coleman cooler really depends on what type of trip or event you are taking your cooler to.
From our picks above, the RovR Products RollR 45, Igloo Trailmate Journey, Pelican 80QT Elite, and Coleman Xtreme have rear wheels and tow handles, and YETI’s Tundra series also includes the wheel-equipped Haul. Downsides are even more weight (the RovR and Igloo weigh around 35 lbs.), 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. We’ve tested soft coolers for many years, and the Engel HD30 continues to impress us.
We dragged our test subjects through the gravel, sand, mud, and grass while road-tripping, tailgating, camping, and hanging out on the beach. We asked our friends and family, who span three generations, to help us dive into these coolers (sometimes literally) and identify the top performers. From being thrown into vehicles, dropped from waist height, jumped on by a 200 lb tester, dragged across hot surfaces, yanked on, jerked around, and otherwise abused, these chests have seen it all. We’ve tested over 40 coolers since 2016 in search of the best, most well insulated models. We started in the lab with rigorous insulation testing and continued assessments through a wide range of real-world uses.
On the flip side, those products with large handles and awkward shapes that are difficult to Tetris into the back of the minivan, along with everything else you need for the party in the park, don’t score as well. Of course, the internal dimensions and capacity also make a big difference in what you can bring with you in your icebox and how many extra bags and boxes you’ll need to bring along. And the proportion of these dimensions to one another also makes a big difference. A low and long model is easy to find things in but harder for one person to carry. On the flip side, one that’s too narrow and tall is easier to carry but harder to locate items that have wormed their way to the bottom.
This, along with her never ending love for the outdoors, gives her the necessary skills to create honest and trustworthy gear reviews. This team of dedicated testers and reviewers understands the power of a great cooler’s value, whether for off-grid living, celebratory summit beers, road trips, or backyard barbecues. Beach, lake, backyard or tailgate—bring the party in comfort with our Southern Comfort Coleman Cooler. It would definitely be time to pack in some more ice or wrap up your camping trip. They’ve successfully disrupted the market and changed the way that consumers view coolers with aggressive marketing and extremely high-quality products. The Coleman Ice Chest is an affordable, entry-level icebox that is good for those that are looking for a product that can work for an afternoon or evening rather than multiple days.
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. Chest Coolers are available in metal or plastic, and are insulated to help keep food and drinks cool and protected. They are available in various sizes and capacities, and include models capable of retaining ice between 1 to 7 days. Coolers with additional features, such as threaded drain plugs for hose hookups, or dual snap locks and childproof safety lid latches, are also available. 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.