The options include two tall mesh water bottle holders and a large insulated front pocket (for an iPad or tablet) with a side zipper entry. You can find out more about ice retention tests in this Ozark Trail Ice Life Retention Test video – that will give you an idea of how Ozark Trail coolers work. The hard coolers have a thick rubber gasket, which is actually very comparable to more expensive brands. These and the durable latches help to keep your cooler firmly closed, with no gaps for cold air to seep out.
We will break down the specific features for each type of ice chest in the sections below. As is typical of most other cooler brands, the smaller coolers will utilize an overhead ozark trail canopy carrying handle while the larger coolers will stick to traditional side rope handles. We will go into more detail about the specific features later in this review.
Different sizes of insulated coolers cater to different kinds of food and the number of people involved in the trip. For the smaller 26-quart hard cooler, there is an overhead handle. For the larger ones, you have side handles for a more comfortable haul. We still think they would do even better if they put wheels on the very largest cooler.
It also has lots of nifty features for versatility, from a waterproof interior light that can be removed for use as a flashlight to multiple tie-down points. The Yeti has the most streamlined design of the three coolers, staying true to the original Yeti look and feel. The overall product weight of this cooler is 37lbs empty which is inline with the Pelican, but 7lbs heavier than the Ozark Trail cooler. The Tundra Haul features rubber clasps, which I really like, and hard plastic wheels.
If getting a great cooler at a great price means making some sacrifices, like not having it made locally, we know there are people who are willing to pay that price. Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases. A cooler’s construction also plays a significant role in how effectively it keeps food and beverages cold. The style is better, build quality is better, they have better ice retention and more choice. If your budget can stretch a bit they are worth checking out.
Stacking groceries doesn’t go far with this silhouette but a handful of snacks can certainly go atop the ice and cans. With a sturdy base and durable all-around construction, this cooler is easy to drag in and out of the car and through the dirt and sand, and it’s easy to clean. We also loved the bright orange interior which made it easy to see what’s hidden at the bottom. So many pouches are available for you to use on hikes and strolls. The double-side water bottle pockets, four zippered pockets, and additional front mesh pocket with bungee cordage let you carry everything you need for an adventure.
The below test done by Lifetime coolers shows how the Ozark keeps ice a decent period of time, but doesn’t keep up with coolers like Yeti, Lifetime or Orca. 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.