Today, I want to focus on the budget-friendly Coleman Xtreme and see how it holds up to the rest of the competition. Other high-end coolers are becoming more popular as well, such as those from Engel, RTIC, and Grizzly as well as the Igloo Yukon and Coleman Xtreme.
It’s all more than enough for me to recommend the healthiest possible dose of skepticism if you ever find yourself tempted to back a campaign like that with your cold hard cash. I mean, come on — the literal last thing you want from your cooler is to get burned by it. Stick with an old-fashioned cooler like the ones I recommend above. Just scroll down a bit and look at the graphed-out data for yourself. The performance wasn’t close enough for me to pretend like I could name another victor even if I wanted to. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services.
You’ll also be impressed by the multipurpose lid, which is stocked with four cup holders and doubles as an extra seat if needed. This makes it more comfortable to carry but also frequently positions the handle in a way where it inhibits opening the lid. It also lacks a drainage port, and this version doesn’t boast the IGBC certification of larger Yeti hard coolers.
While the plastic is relatively light, expect to have to get at least two people to assist in moving around the 100 or 150-quart models when they are full. People who go picnic or go for business trips need to bring food with them. To ensure they eat fresh food, business and pleasure cooler bags and thermal bags can be considered, and they are available on Alibaba.com. Various coleman cooler like golf bag cooler, lunch box coolers, and beach cooler bag is designed for different occasions.
Even when empty, hard-sided options weigh anywhere from pounds for low-capacity models up to 50+ pounds for premium designs with 75+ quarts of storage. Once loaded coleman instant tent down with ice, food, and beverages, that number skyrockets. And despite including carry handles, they’re simply too hefty to travel with for long distances.
Throw in a premium rotomolded build with excellent ice retention and a variety of fun features like optional cup holders and a side prepping board, and this cooler is as fun and functional as anything on the market. But, impressive cooling properties aside, the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler is a must-have for its durable, portable, and functional design. Equipped with two sturdy back wheels and a tow handle, the cooler is made for easy transporting, whether you’re headed to the campground, the beach, a tailgate, or a backyard party. The 80 can-capacity (which translates to about 50 pounds of ice) cooler also has a leak-proof construction that features a handy tethered drain plug, as well as a stain-resistant liner for easy clean-up.
Its dual drains make cleaning it a breeze, and the flexibility of this model’s rubber latches means it’s easier to open and close with a single hand than other rubber-latched models. 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 irrelevant to bear safety but pertinent to any model’s longevity.
Therefore, the jump to hard-sided coolers was a logical progression. Like the venerable Yeti Roadie above, Pelican’s 20QT Elite here is a lower-capacity option for day trips on the water, strapping to the back of an ATV, and other short outings away from home. Stacked up against the Roadie, the Pelican is $50 cheaper (albeit with slightly less storage) but comes with functional extras like integrated cup holders, easier-to-use latches, and a more robust carry handle.
Electric coolers are expensive and only make sense if you have a generator running full-time during your camping trips. The disadvantages (other than the premium price tags) are that rotomolded coleman instant tent coolers tend to be heavier and bulkier than other coolers. Although the handles are made of a foam that feels cheaper than the Yeti’s rubber, they were actually more comfortable to carry.