The Yeti Tundra Haul takes home top honors, in part because it is easy to lug around, although it also scores major points for being nearly indestructible. It doesn’t hurt that it can keep your favorite beverages cold for days at a time either.
If a Yeti cooler is a bit outside your price range, there are plenty of other great options to choose from. These are our favorite coolers whether you’re a casual outdoor enthusiast, a serious camper, or a dedicated hunter.
Why you should buy this cooler: Yeti’s incredibly durable coolers are more mobile than ever thanks to the addition of rugged wheels.
Who it’s for? Anyone who needs a high performance, ultra-rugged cooler that they can take with them anywhere.
Why we chose the Yeti Tundra Haul cooler:
By now everyone knows that Yeti builds some of the most durable and efficient coolers on the market, allowing campers, anglers, and hunters to keep ice frozen for days on end. Those same characteristics are part of what makes the Tundra Haul so great, but this cooler also holds the distinction of being the first Yeti to come with a set of wheels built right in. This makes it far more portable than its predecessors, which were often too heavy and unwieldy to carry too far off the beaten path.
As you would expect from Yeti, the Tundra Haul’s NeverFlat tires are extremely durable, resisting punctures and impacts with ease. Those wheels are paired nicely with a rugged aluminum handle that can track left or right as needed, making it much easier to maneuver the cooler over difficult terrain. The Tundra Haul is so easy to transport in fact that a single person will have no problem transporting to and from a campsite, park pavilion, or tailgate location. Try that with a fully-loaded Tundra without wheels.
Of course, the Tundra Haul also offers the same level of excellent performance that you’ve come to expect from Yeti. The cooler can keep ice frozen for well over a week and has room for up to 45 cans of your favorite beverage. It can also carry as much as 55 pounds of ice, which ought to be enough to see you through most outdoor activities.
Why you should buy this cooler: You need a lightweight, efficient, and easy to carry cooler.
Who it’s for? The dabbling day-trippers, or run-of-the-mill hipsters.
Why we chose the Hydro Flask 22 L Soft Cooler Pack:
For a casual day trip or a quick picnic, there’s really no need for a colossal cooler. Smaller softpacks are a solid, lightweight option to stow a few drinks and some snacks for a casual outing, and the Hydro Flask Cooler Pack tops our list for this category in no small part because it is so easy to carry around. Designed to function as a backpack, this cooler slips comfortably into place, allowing day hikers and festival goers to carry their favorite beverages with them wherever they go.
Just because this cooler is a soft-sided model that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deliver outstanding performance. The Cooler Pack can keep drinks cold for up to 48 hours and has room for as many as 24 cans. Onboard stash pockets make it easy to carry extra gear items along as well, while comfortable shoulder straps and mesh back panel keep the wearer comfortable even while carrying a full load.
Weighing in at just three pounds, the Cooler Pack is one of the lightest soft-cooler options available. When you add in its great looks, versatility, and performance it is easy to see why it earns a spot on our list.
Why you should buy this cooler: It’s affordable, spacious, and performs well without a hefty price tag.
Who it’s for? Those seeking a reliable, spacious cooler that is also easy on the wallet.
Why we chose the Igloo Marine Ultra:
Let’s face it, the Igloo Marine Ultra 48 isn’t as tough and durable as some of the other coolers on this list, nor does it have a long list of impressive features. That said, it does offer solid performance at an impressive price, which makes it a great choice for those who want a reliable ice chest that won’t cost them an arm and a leg.
With its 48 liter capacity, the Marine Ultra can carry up to 76 12-ounce cans, which is enough storage space for most picnics, backyard barbecues, and overnight camping trips. The cooler’s insulated walls and lid can keep ice frozen for up to three days, while its comfortable handles make it a breeze to transport, even while full. Igloo has even included a fish-ruler mounted on the lid, allowing anglers to quickly know which fish they catch should be put on ice and which one should be tossed back. Best of all, this cooler won’t put a crimp in your budget.
Why you should buy this cooler: It’s a great way to keep foods and beverages stored in your vehicle during games or road trips.
Who it’s for? Anyone looking for an efficient, compact cooler.
Why we chose the Igloo Iceless 28:
Models requiring ice certainly dominate the cooler market, however, there are plenty of electric options to help you save cash in the long run. The Igloo Iceless 28, for example, easily plugs into a cigarette lighter for a continuous chill. Without the need to lug around ice, you can store more perishables in a smaller area, saving you money and precious cargo space.
As the name suggests, the Iceless 28 delivers up to 28-quarts of storage space in a slim design that fits comfortably anywhere in most automobiles. Those looking for something a little smaller can also check out the Iceless 26. This model also incorporates an appreciated ergonomic curve, designed to fit against your side while being carried. With more than eight feet of cord to work with, this cooler can stow and cool virtually anywhere in or around your vehicle. The Iceless 28 is capable of cooling items down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit less than the temperature outside of the unit, making this model ideal for use in your vehicle.
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