The BMX finished toward the bottom of the pack in our spill and durability testing. While the cooler’s body and latches felt solidly constructed and held up well, some of the plastic components weren’t quite as well-made. In particular, coleman screen tent we felt like the hinges on the lid would be easy to break if the cooler were pushed open too far. It’s also worth considering whether or not your cooler is sturdy enough to sit on, something that comes in handy when you’re out camping.
The juddering of pulling hard-wheeled models over smooth surfaces, like city sidewalks, can quickly leave blisters on your hands from the vibration of the plastic wheels (this really happened to a tester). But pulling the RovR with its air-filled wheels lets you glide over imperfections in the ground and keeps your hands happy. The IGBC specifically states that this does not mean the product in question can’t be opened or destroyed by a bear, nor does it mean the product is leakproof. That said, even the minimum construction standards required to deter a hungry 10 foot long, 900 lb grizzly lend a lot of credibility to the durability of a product. Models we reviewed that are IGBC certified include the Yeti Tundra 65, Orca 58 and 40, Pelican Wheeled 80 and Elite 20, Engel 65, Arctic Zone Titan 55, and RovR RollR 60. These products proved to be very durable, despite the fact our team was unable to find a grizzly bear willing to test each of them rigorously.
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. If anything, the smaller, cheaper models were mostly conservative in their estimates, with ones like the Coleman Xtreme and Igloo Latitude wheeled coolers coming in several quarts more sizable than advertised.
It’s built rugged and tough enough to withstand those questionably-maintained roads you may find yourself driving down. And it is practically bursting at the seams with ridiculously convenient features and well-thought-out usability. Two internal baskets make loading and locating things that much easier, as you can lift out the basket to find what you need. An internal light assists in finding that last beer in the dark, and a tall interior easily accommodates your celebratory champagne. A free app on your phone lets you easily control and monitor your powered cooler without having to get out of your sleeping bag or camping chair.
There are two critical temperature thresholds we made a note of — 40º F, and 50º F. Based on FDA regulations, 40º F is the maximum acceptable temperature recommended to ensure food safety, as it minimizes the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Put simply, keeping refrigerated food items below 40º F greatly reduces the chance of food spoiling and making you sick. The handle and wheels on the Yeti Tundra Haul are the best we’ve come across.
It is similar to their Marine line except this one is intended more for on-land excursions (and it will typically be a bit more affordable as well). It contains Thermozone insulation which promises extra-long ice life compared to other similarly-priced coolers in the industry. Find various chest coolers including options with wheels so that you can continue enjoying the convenience your Coleman gear brings to outdoor recreation. Beach, lake, backyard or tailgate—bring the party in comfort with our Southern Comfort Coleman Cooler. When it’s time for storage, the dry bin folds flat and can be easily and securely stored on top of the lid.
From being thrown into vehicles, dropped from waist height, jumped on by a 200 lb tester, dragged across hot surfaces, yanked on, jerked around, and otherwise abused, these chests have seen it all. The best powered cooler we have tested is the seriously impressive Dometic CFX3 45. It won our Editors’ Choice award in our review of the best powered coolers. It offers some of the coldest achievable temperatures and above-average insulation.
With room to fit up to 223 cans, go ahead, invite more friends and family to barbecues, tailgate parties, and camping trips. As for large, non-wheeled models, we still noticed many differences that lend themselves toward making specific units more portable than others. The Coleman Xtreme is just a few ounces heavier than the personal-sized Igloo BMX, which is astounding for its 68 quart capacity. The Engel and Tundra 65 are both relatively portable — their combined overall shapes and mid-50-quart capacities make finding what you’re looking for easier. They’re big enough to bring everything you need without being so big that they require two people to lift them out of the car.
In terms of wall thickness, it can vary a bit but seems to be around 1″ thick in most places. The lid is also very easy to open and close which helps from a convenience standpoint but also means that it is easier for air to escape. That lack of a latch system that pushes down on the lid is something that would be a great addition to future revisions of this cooler. We believe in offering the very best value, quality, and selection. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store
where some exclusions may apply. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store where some exclusions may apply.
For the ultimate in portability, the IceMule Pro is where we turn to. It won our Top Pick award for backpack-style coolers in our review of the best soft coolers. Though coleman screen tent the number of backpack-style soft coolers has continued to increase, this one is the only one we truly find comfortable to carry for serious and longer distance hikes.