After using it for years now, this rolling icebox is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before and is the only one that our friends request to cart around. We are a bit disappointed to have measured this large model with “65” in the name at just 56 quarts, but our testers ended up appreciating this surprisingly useful size more than the models that are actually 65 quarts. The Tundra line also includes a plethora of other sizes, many of which we’ve tested — from small, personal boxes to giant behemoths.
GOAT does sell a larger 62-quart HUB 70, but it’s even pricier at $600 and noticeably hefty at over 42 pounds (the HUB 50 is pretty manageable at 25 lbs.). That said, the built-in storage does help offset the drop in capacity, and overall build quality is top-notch. From overlanding and hunting to casual days at the lake or beach, the HUB is a real standout and makes organization a breeze. The Rovr’s dry storage goes above and beyond since it has a large dry bin that extends to the bottom of the interior. It also attaches to the side of the interior with a simple hand screw, which means it won’t move during transit like all the other baskets are wont to do.
If you’re interested in a smaller capacity option, we’re big fans of the exceptionally useful 40-quart volume and compact shape of the Orca 40. Additionally, several other aspects add to each one’s overall durability, beyond just a sturdy hinge and a set of bearproof locks. The latches and handles don’t factor into an IGBC rating, as they are entirely irrelevant to bear safety but extremely relevant to any model’s longevity. Rubber T-grip latches are popular as a durable, easy-to-use solution for keeping your ice chest closed. Even after several years of use, the Tundra 65’s latches are virtually the same as the first day we got it.
And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The OtterBox wins points for being one of the easiest latches to use among models we tested. We also tested Yeti’s bear locks on the Tundra in Yosemite National Park. This is necessary to actually make IGBC certified coolers bear-resistant. However, many parks still require the use of bear lockers, regardless of what kind of gear you’re using. The Yeti Tundra 45 is one of many models we tested bearing an IGBC certification.
Made of thick, waterproof material, this backpack cooler proved itself more than capable of holding its integrity through all our backcountry rough handling. The new, expensive options all hang their hat on this test, with roto-molded coolers specifically designed to ace it . To that end, I carefully filled each cooler with water to the point that closing the lid would cause some water overflow. Then I measured out the exact number of quarts each cooler could hold — important information to have when you’re dealing with large quantities of melted ice.
We also only ranked contenders based on the features they come with and not on all the accessories you could choose to purchase for an additional charge. That said, many manufacturers offer some exceptionally handy add-ons that, should you choose to purchase them, can easily turn a product into your coleman sundome perfect hunting companion, tailgating buddy, or camping friend. We ran and re-ran insulation tests under controlled but harsh laboratory conditions. We dragged our test subjects through the gravel, sand, mud, and grass while road tripping, tailgating, camping, and hanging out on the beach.
The 45-quart model here should work for most , but larger groups will need to look elsewhere. And for day trips, OtterBox also makes the Venture in a 25-quart version, which shares the same overall design and features—including compatibility with all of OtterBox’s coleman sundome cooler accessories—for $70 less. However, despite its competitive feature set, the YETI Roadie is decidedly undersized for most. For reference, RTIC’s 52 Ultra-Light above offers around double the capacity for $50 less, giving it the clear edge in value.
Also, many of the weak hinge issues they suffered from in the past have been corrected. Outside of the somewhat weak handles, these are solid-performing ocean-friendly ice chests that can be had at a reasonable price. Simply put, if you want a low-cost, relatively effective ice chest for most typical outdoor excursions then Coleman has just the product for you. Quite frankly, most people don’t need a cooler that can hold ice for 6 days and be able to survive a bear attack. Beverage Jugs feature hard plastic construction and are insulated to help you store and transport cold beverages such as water and sports drinks. They include top-dispensing, pourable models, as well as models with a spigot at the base for easy access.
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 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. Oh, and if you’ll be spending lots of time camping in a place where bears are a concern, then you’ll probably want to invest in a bear-resistant cooler. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee keeps a running list of certified options, which includes a number of coolers from this rundown. Several models I’ve tested from Cabela’s, Orca, Rovr, Magellan Outdoors and Yeti all make the cut.