But they have since been redesigned to be lighter and more in line with other coolers. The 52-Quart version weighs 31.1 lbs when it’s empty and the 73-Quart versions weights even more at 35.3 lbs. The Ozark Trail has really mixed opinions when it comes to ice retention. Ozark Trail don’t have any coolers around the 40-Quart range. For that you would need to look at the RTIC 45-Quart Cooler. This issue seems more prevalent in the larger sizes, but can happen on the smaller sized cooler also.
Lastly, being able to safely and comfortably transport the cooler is extremely important. And when you fill it up with drinks, food, and ice, it can weigh 100 pounds or more! You will find an overhead stainless steel handle with a comfort grip on the 26-quart model and the 52/73-quart ozark trail chair models will come with heavy-duty side handles with comfort grips. However, you can check out other 10-liter backpacks that are similar and cost at least $14 or more to compare prices. I spend a great deal of time on the water every summer boating and fishing in Northern Michigan.
If your budget can stretch a bit they are worth checking out. I really like these coolers as they offer great value but they don’t break the bank. Another issue people have had is that these coolers go in and out of stock frequently.
This Ozark Trail cooler is made for durability and convenience, providing the perfect storage for your best beers. We are impressed with the lineup of features you get to enjoy here. They include things such as non-skid feed, internal wire basket, fish ruler, and comfort-grip handles.
This cooler, when compared to the Pelican 45Q Elite and Yeti Tundra, has the smallest profile while still providing 45Q internal storage. It features rubber latches which I am a huge fan of for boating applications. When you are out on the water, people often sneak over to grab something from the cooler and may not latch it back up. With a hard plastic ozark trail chair latch, you run the risk of brushing by the cooler and hitting your shin, which I have done and is awful. One of my favorite features though is the rubber wheels vs. the hard plastic wheels on the Pelican and Yeti. Not only will the rubber allow for a slightly smoother roll when you are pull this cooler along, but it will also be quieter.
And it makes Ozark Trail Coolers great for any weekend outing. In addition to this, Ozark Trail also has some more mainstream designs for those who are simply on a tight budget and looking for a product to pack their lunch or picnic in. So there you have it, when looking at just the ability to keep ice cold over a period of 6 days the Pelican has just slightly won, but we are talking about decimal points. I have to say that I am very impressed with the performance of the Ozark Trail 45Q cooler. This cooler is not only smaller in its overall size but also a fraction of the price of the competition. This heavy-duty cooler features a stainless steel locking plate with a built-in bottle opener and a super-seal gasket to ensure that the cold stays in and the heat stays out.
We really tried to buy a cheaper cooler but the universe wanted us to buy a YETI. Remember last summer when we spent over $100 on ice for our two week trip to Montana? If you would like to read about how not to pack a cooler click here to read about it.