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. As always, ice life is one of the most important metrics of a good cooler.
We were initially pumped about this array of features, though our excitement lessened throughout testing. The plug leash – a great feature for any cooler – is attached in a way that we had a pretty hard time unscrewing the actual plug, and typically had to use two hands to accomplish. The extra boxes and fishing rod holders on the outside kept popping off when we lifted the cooler or pushed it up against something in a certain way. The butler tray isn’t quite the right size to fit snugly in the trolley handle, and so slides a lot when in place. We did find the internal dry basket and two bottle openers on the outside to be fairly useful though. The Trailmate wheeled cooler from Igloo is designed to withstand rough terrain and take the party wherever you go.
For what it’s worth, this was one of our “fan favorites” among friends and family while we were conducting an ice retention test which included 25 different coolers. A quick look at the igloo trailmate will reveal its’ unique stance. This is not a run of the mill budget cooler yet not a roto molded cooler, it falls somewhere in between. Though at first glance the Trailmate looks like a great deal, we’re not so sure. But if wheels and features are what you’re after and a budget is what you’re on, the Igloo might be the right fit for your life.
The huge wheels have excellent grips and, combined with the glide handle, allow you to easily tow the ice chest over rough terrain. In addition to the mobility aspect, there are tons of other awesome features that very few other coolers can say that they have. This includes things such as a butler try, storage pocket, built-in bottle openers, food basket, optional LED light, and more.
While we sort of wish that they would have gone with Rotomolded construction, this process would have likely greatly increased the size, weight, and cost of the cooler. You will find plenty of storage space inside the insulated area but that is only the beginning. The igloo trailmate Cooler also comes with additional storage for your non-chilled items. You will find a special dry storage bin that is perfect for your electronics, wallets, or other items that you want to stay secure and not get wet. For less sensitive items, there is also a large storage pocket directly below the dry storage bin.