When fully loaded, the IceMule Pro carries 39 cans — and makes us wish it had a weight-bearing waist strap. But for what we most like to carry for a daytime adventure, it’s not bad. Still, for bringing some cool refreshments and a chilled lunch for a few friends on a longer walking journey, this comfortable backpack cooler is our top choice.
Many of the options we tested have this feature, including the Pelican Wheeled, Arctic Titan, Xspec, and Igloo IMX. Still, others have specific slots to tie them down in your boat, backseat, or truck bed. There are two critical temperature thresholds we made a note of — 40º F, and 50º F. Based on FDA regulations, 40º F is the maximum acceptable temperature recommended to ensure food safety, as it minimizes the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
The Tundra line also includes a plethora of other sizes, many of which we’ve tested — from small, personal boxes to behemoths. Like many of its competitors, the Tundra 65 has a tiny lip on the inside coleman screen tent of the bottom of the drain, so it is challenging to fully empty without flipping the cooler upside-down. Still, we think the Tundra 65 is a useful choice for almost any vehicle-powered activity.
If you frequent the backcountry or will be traveling where bear-proof gear is required, make sure your cooler is on the list. When it’s time for storage, the dry bin folds flat and can be easily and securely stored on top of the lid. We found these two features to be very handy in countless situations. And if you are so inclined to make additional purchases, the RovR can be mounted to the back of your bicycle like a tiny, ice-filled wagon. The RovR’s dry storage goes above and beyond since it has a large dry bin that extends to the bottom of the interior.
Now let’s compare that to most of the newer cooler designs on models like Yeti, RTIC, Orca, Cabela’s or Frosted Frog that have rubber T-shaped handles you have to stretch to secure the lid. I asked three other adults to secure these coleman ice chest handles and out of the four of us, two were successful, one unsuccessful and the last successful only after an excessive amount of struggling. Performance is important, but design matters, too — and sometimes, it’s a deal-breaker.
All in all, we were impressed with the RTIC Ultralight, with its lightweight construction, ease of use, and pleasant price. 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. From picnics in the park to beach BBQs, we carted these models everywhere we went to learn which models were most portable and enjoyable to use. We also went through hundreds of pounds of ice and frosty cans in our rigorous insulation tests. Whether you’re setting out on a road trip or a hunting trip, we can help you choose your perfect icebox.