The most important metric for most of us is how well an ice chest keeps food cold and fresh. This metric is also the source of many extraordinary claims from manufacturers. From models with “5-Day” in the name to stickers boasting up to 16 days of ice retention, it seems that just about every product out there will knock your socks off.
Also, the thicker insulation and higher quality materials result in quite good ice life for the size and price. That being said, the lid can be a bit stubborn to open and close and screws used on the hinges can also strip prematurely. You will enjoy a bump up in ice coleman sundome life and toughness with this cooler but it also comes with a bump up in the asking price. 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.
Though it can’t match the premium models’ rotomolded insulation prowess and rugged durability, the Coleman clearly shows its worth and value, considering the massive chunk of change you’ll save. It’s also much lighter than the majority of the rest of the competition, even lighter even than several of coleman instant tent the personal-sized models we tested. And to top it off, it has a deceptively large internal volume for a comparatively small overall size. With a simple pull-open lid and no latches to slow you down, the Coleman is one of the most natural-feeling chests to use — like opening your fridge at home.
The semi-recent update to the design resulted in more attractive styling and subtle ice life improvements. It can be an adequate personal cooler for an afternoon outing but may struggle beyond that. Also, if you are needing a simple solution for an afternoon picnic (ice life of just a few hours) or a more long-term solution that will keep your items chilled for several days, Coleman has you covered. The Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 was the first backpack-style cooler that we’ve tested, and although its overall performance wasn’t stellar, there were things I did like.
However, dry ice can be dangerous to touch (you have to wear heavy gloves to prevent frostbite), 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. The RovR RollR, Arctic Titan, Yeti Tundra 65, and Igloo IMX all come with practical interior dry storage options, which is great for holding aside some clean ice for drinks or keeping sensitive food out of ice water.