We found its performance and overall quality to be less than what we had hoped, though its price is not much less than many of the seriously impressive coolers we tested. Additionally, its telescoping trolley handle provides an ample amount of space between the front of the cooler and the backs of your heels. This added space makes the Igloo the only wheeled cooler we tested that we never hit our heels on – a pretty big deal.
igloo water coolerI quickly learned that this cooler is made to go over far more than than pavement. Given that it has the name Trailmate I knew it had to go on a trail to truly earn it’s name. For a non roto molded cooled, the Igloo provided impressive ice retention ability. On the front of the cooler, Igloo advertises up to 4 days of ice retention. In our testing, the Trailmate crushed these numbers with 8 days of ice retention.
Another brand that offers quality coolers with standards that are as high as we’d like them to be is the Vibe. Their wheeled cooler is pretty basic without a lot details to it which personally speaking reminded us of Yeti’s cooler. However, Vibe’s wheeled cooler is quite something with its roto-molded design, color variety and the fact that it can hold up to 70 qt. Pelican is a name that weighs a lot in the coolers industry; it’s a name that’s directly linked to pride and strength. All of Pelican’s coolers are proven to be extremely durable with some of the best rates ever recorded of ice retention.
Since there is only one size to work with (70 quarts), we decided to vary how much ice we put inside. As you probably would expect, the tests using more ice did better. And to provide additional support, there are a couple of aluminum stands (with equally aggressive grip) on the front of the cooler. These provide additional stability when the cooler is laid flat.
These stands are made of aluminum though they are wrapped in rubber grips for traction when you stand the cooler. They make the Igloo Trailmate Journey Cooler super stable when you want to lay it flat after hauling it around. The grip is no-slip, and the tread on the tires is very aggressive. You can actually place this cooler on a slope without having to worry about it rolling away or falling over. One thing that certainly helps it remain tough, even though it isn’t rotomolded, is the fact that it has a very thick layer of insulation around it.
From holding your phone to accommodating a shade umbrella for the entire family, this cooler has you covered. As for toughness, the cooler is comprised of an aluminum frame and utilizes stainless steel hardware. You don’t have to worry about this ice chest falling apart when you are towing it to your next adventure.
These two round discs are the most redeeming feature of the whole cooler. At just over 35 pounds, the Trailmate is also one of the lightest wheeled models we tested. To experience the Trailmate Journey firsthand, we suggest purchasing it on Igloo’s website now before it sells out. If you’re seeking a feature-packed, large cooler at a competitive price, the Igloo Trailmate Journey is our top recommendation. It’s guaranteed to elevate any outdoor adventure and make you the hero of your next tailgate.
igloo trailmateThis cooler has been out a few years and we finally got our hands on one to put to the Tailgating Challenge. The Trailmate cooler claims to keep ice for 4 days and go anywhere with it’s 10 inch all-terrain wheels. We are on the quest to find the best coolers for whatever adventure life gives you, so now let’s learn more in the Igloo Trailmate Cooler Review.
The large size of this cooler will keep up to 112 cans cold for you and your party’s enjoyment. The fact that it can also be used as a tray is the real stroke of genius, though. The butler tray is modular and can be fitted right onto the handle. It comes with cup holders built into it and has a rough surface to ensure whatever you place on top of it stays on top of it. When you’re done with it, you can store it neatly under the lid of the cooler.
Igloo seemed poised to take on brands like Yeti at an affordable price. Our focus is your convenience – order online from your laptop, desktop, or smartphone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our fast shipping, low prices, and outstanding customer service make WebstaurantStore the best choice to meet all of your professional and food service supply needs. Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work and play.