Top 10 coolers for camping and outdoor events

Coolers are man’s best campfire-friendly invention, second only to campfires and hammocks. Whether it’s car camping or spending the night in the countryside with your best camping gear, nothing really raises the bar for your outdoor game like cold brews from a fully-filled cooler. If you’re in the market for a new, top-notch cooler, here are our picks for the best coolers for camping.

Yeti Tundra 65 cooler

As the world’s top camping cooler brand, Yeti has long been the benchmark in the industry. Their best-of-breed coolers feature class-leading ice retention, legendary reliability, and a semi-bulletproof and bear-resistant design. For motorists who don’t need to worry about weight, the Tundra 65 Cooler is a beast of cooler with enough room for a long weekend of beer and groceries. Sure, it costs about $500, but sometimes you just have to “buy once, cry once,” as the saying goes. This cooler may be the last camp cooler you need to buy.

RTIC 52-Quart Steel Radiator

Even when empty, the best coolers on the market are heavy. Add 20 pounds of ice and a few 12 packs, and the back can break completely when transporting. The RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Cooler is as cold as its more expensive competitors with 10-day ice retention. But what sets it apart is the unique injection-molded design that reduces weight by 30% over traditional roto-molded coolers. The 52-liter capacity is very roomy while weighing just over 20 pounds empty.

Hydro Flask 20L Day Escape Cooler

Cheap backpack coolers do two things well: (a) they allow the ice to melt and (b) they seep, usually in that order. Hydro Flask’s Day Escape Backpack Cooler is the kind of camp cooler we make ourselves: It’s made of heavy-duty nylon and TPU-coated, is 100% waterproof and leak-proof (it even has weatherproof zippers), and it’s surprisingly supportive and comfortable to carry. . It’s properly insulated (keeps cold for up to 36 hours) and features a pressure-molded base, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out when you apply it.

Coleman 150 Liter Marine Icebox Cooler

For hardcore car camping, you need a serious icebox. Coleman delivers with a massive marine hard ice box cooler. The 150-liter capacity is designed for all-day fishing trips, but works just as well as an icebox for the weekend. camping. It’s roomy enough for 223 cans of beer, soda, or Snapple—whatever you want. Plus, ThermoZone’s chubby insulation helps keep ice cold for about a week.

Nixon Wizard Stick Beverage Slingshot

For the single camper and those who demand the ultimate in portability, there’s Nixon’s Wizard Stick. It’s a compact “drink holder” with just enough space for six cans. The unique design allows the cans to be stacked end-to-end, so everything stays airtight without slipping while out on the road. This is best for quick outings where packing is paramount.

Otterbox Trooper 20 Cooler

For day outings and a quick overnight, Otterbox’s Trooper 20 Cooler is an ideal solution. The compact design measures approximately 14 x 17 x 10 inches with a padded shoulder strap that makes it easy to transport, even in the backcountry. Premium thermal insulation and a TPU-coated nylon ensure up to three days of ice retention, and the built-in bottle opener makes serving your favorite beer quick after you’ve gone camping.

REI Co-op Cool Haul Project 24

Not every weekend camping trip requires $200 worth of groceries and drinks. The Cool Haul 24 from REI Co-op is an excellent alternative to the soft-sided cooler for short trips and overnight stays where a small amount of chilled food and drinks will work. With a capacity of 28 liters, it’s large enough to keep 24 cans and ice cold at minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit for about three full days.

Herschel Little America Pro Insulated Backpack Cooler

Coolers don’t always need to look like coolers. Herschel brings a touch of flair to traditional outdoor gear design with the Little America Backpack Pro. Described as a “picnic in a bag,” it’s roomy enough for your basic foods and drinks. Fully packed, it can hold up to 32 standard cans. In addition, we appreciate the wide range of modern colors and patterns available.

Hydro Flask Insulated Coolant Carrying

For the shortest of trips – say, beach camping – Hydro Flask’s Collapsible Insulated Cooler Tote is designed to cool everything you need and nothing you don’t. 20 liter capacity is as large as needed. Welded seams and a fully lined interior ensure this soft cooler keeps contents hot or cold for up to four hours.

Tourit Cooler Backpack 30

Of course, buying a decent cooler does not mean paying more than $ 400. At under $30, Tourit’s Cooler Backpack 30 is the most affordable on this list, but it doesn’t skimp on key features. The insulated, leak-proof lining keeps food hot or cold for up to 16 hours – more than enough for an overnight camping in the countryside. Multiple pockets also make it easy to organize bottle openers, utensils, and other kitchen essentials.

If your outdoor adventures are more about the water, check out our top picks for the best floating coolers for kayaking, beach trips, and more.

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