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 perfect hunting companion, tailgating buddy, or camping friend. Mid-sized models offer a middle ground between the many large options that can often be overkill for a simple picnic or road trip but offer more storage space than the small personal chests. It fits a full 40 quarts of contents and whatever you can cram into the large external storage pocket covering the back of the box. Its taller, narrower shape is also more comfortable for a single person to carry from the car to the beach.
The latches on the cooler are also a potential weak point, and no replaceable parts are included. Despite these limitations, the Cabela Polar Cap is still a reliable option with a massive internal capacity. I second the suggestion to replace the washer on the one you’re going to use for the mash/lauter tun. The highly acidic wort will corrode that one after just a use or two (don’t ask me how I know that). I used hard plastic because it was what I had on hand at the time, and it was cheaper than buying a stainless washer.
Thanks to these, you can separate your cooler into compartments and keep it cool. Though it’ll still set you back a few hundred dollars, this option is on par with its competitors that go for a significant amount more. Performing well across the board, this is an excellent companion for your next trip. These simple soft-sided coolers are surprisingly resilient and should coleman sundome last for a few years without major issues. The major issues include water easily leaking out and a challenge in storing as many cans as Coleman states that it can. The Rovr Rollr wheeled cooler fared much better, thanks to a rugged design that features heavy-duty wheels, a sturdy steel handlebar and an optional $50 accessory that lets you tow it behind your bike.
Despite this oversized stature, it’s more portable than we expected, with comfortable handles on each end that make carrying it that much easier. After years of regular use, this durably constructed soft-sided model looks and works just about the same as the day we first bought it. If you are looking for maximum cooling power, premium rotomolded coolers from brands like Yeti, RTIC, and Orca are the clear leaders in keeping ice cold for long stretches. If you need ice for extended periods (we’re thinking of you, rafters and multi-day campers), the cost is worth it.
These coolers are solid, bear-proof, and boast of the ability to keep food cold for 5-10 days. In contrast, open-cell foam is permeable to air and water like a sponge (which is why it frequently appears in foam pillows, as it’s squishier and it coleman instant tent breathes). But open-cell foam’s ability to insulate greatly diminishes when it’s wet because water permeates all of the open space and acts as a conductor of heat. In open-cell foam, most bubbles (more than 50%) share walls with one another.