Why we didn’t quite reach the 4-day mark that Igloo suggested, it wasn’t far off. Most people aren’t going to use this much ice as it would take up way too much valuable storage volume. The wheels, which are essential to the operation of these coolers, are made of tough plastic so you don’t have to worry about them popping.
These coolers are not designed to heat or cool an object, but with their foam insulation, your Igloo keeps the temperature at the same level for an extended period of time. Typically you
can expect the ice in your Igloo cooler to last 2-3 days while keeping your food and beverages safe. Though at first glance the Trailmate looks like a great deal, we’re not so sure.
If you are simply after an ice chest with the longest ice life and most impressive build quality (and have a very large budget), then stick to Yeti. But if you need something more mobile and plan on doing a lot of entertaining, the Trailmate should be on your list. A few factors are holding these coolers back from significantly longer ice life. They include a lack of rotomolded insulation, a lack of thick rubber gasket, and lack of a more advanced latch system that creates a tighter seal. If you want to see more of the best wheeled coolers then check out my article on coolers like Yeti with wheels. Another brand that offers quality coolers with standards that are as high as we’d like them to be is the Vibe.
This is a pretty bold statement considering we have reviewed a ton of wheeled coolers in the past. However, this claim is easily defended considering the superior ice retention and the included features/accessories. As for its cooling purpose, the
Journey 70 Qt Cooler uses Thermocool foam insulation on the body and lid for superior ice retention. Cool Riser Technology also helps improve cooling performance by elevating the cooler’s body away from hot surfaces. The interior also comes with a suspended food basket to segregate food items and keep them dry.
Easily the most recognizable feature has to be the massive wheels. And they come with some aggressive tread that allows for great traction through dirt, sand, and grass. And combine with the fact that they are never-flats, you have a great mobility solution that is designed to last. One area that the
Cooler excels at is its features.
That’s where you really feel the pinch in the fact that this cooler is not rotomolded. However, just like we said before, we think the features and the price make it worth it. Igloo states that their Trailmate Line has up to 4 days of ice retention. Compared to premium rotomolded coolers with huge gaskets and aggressive latches, 4 days would not be anything amazing. For most people, having enough ice to last for a long weekend is more than enough. The next most notable feature is the glide handle that also doubles as a butler tray.
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler ($279.99) uses Cool Riser Technology® which enhances the cooling performance by elevating the cooler body away from hot surfaces. The big things missing from making this cooler excel in ice retention are not being rotomolded and not utilizing a large rubber gasket. This allows a bit more cold air to escape than we would have hoped. That being said, the inclusion of thick walls, Cool Riser Technology, and Ultratherm insulation do help make up for some of this. Ice life will vary depending on how much (and what type) of ice you use, but you can typically expect from 40 to 85 hours of ice life.
We tell you what is the difference between Allround SUPs, Touring SUPs,… All in all, it remains a purely personal choice how you’re willing to use the Trailmate and where. Not only that, fishing is also a very valid option that you’d like to experience with the Trailmate given the featured accessories that’ll make that possible.