How does this compare to some of the premium coolers on the market such as Yeti? We think it’s right up there with Yeti and at just a fraction of the cost. We like the sharp edges and progressive appearance of the ozark trail coolers. Also, the stainless steel hardware and orange accents on the latches and handles look very sharp. We hope that in the future, Ozark Trail decides to expand on the color choices and perhaps have some customization options as well. Yeti Coolers, on the other hand, has a rock-solid reputation.
That being said, backpack coolers don’t all come in a range of sizes like more technical backpacks typically do. Straps won’t fit all torso lengths and body shapes the same. Melting ice is the last thing you want to worry about when you’re out in the woods, on the boat or kicking ozark trail canopy back at the beach. Protection against the growth of bacterial odors and stains that is guaranteed to last the lifetime of the product. The product also features a wire basket, 4 drink holders, a built-in fish ruler and heavy-duty handles with comfort grip for easy rolling.
We give a thumbs-up for how comfortable the pack was to carry — the size-to-capacity is spot on. We also liked the durable exterior, a mix of 600-denier polyester and flexible plastic. Otherwise, the pack includes a pocket in front that stretches about half the height. There’s no zipper or Velcro on the pocket, but the envelope is stiff and tacos around whatever you slide in whether that’s your phone, wallet, or keys.
Next, we have the anti-skid feet, which protect your tabletop from your super-heavy cooler. Even so, try not to drag it around if you don’t want to ruin the paint job on your truck bed or the excellent finish on your floor. It’s threaded too, which means you can screw it on tight and it’s also attached to a chain, which means you don’t have to worry about losing it. It might seem a little disappointing that there are only 3 sizes to go on, but at least they went for the most common sizes used by people.
The most affordable models, the non-premium soft-sided coolers, come in a very safe, solid color. There may be some subtle grays or white pieces of fabric but, for the most part, the primary color will dominate. And while we are on the subject of the premium soft-sided coolers, there are a few additional features specific to them. They include built-in bottle openers, daisy chain attachment points, compression strap, thicker insulation, and a wash-friendly 600D outer coating. Mid-range coolers are a step below the high-cost cooler backpacks. These designs offer waterproof options, great features, and good ice retention below $300.
I used the word “think” intentionally, because what I thought I knew about Ozark Trail was not correct. Ozark Trail is proving to be a really solid competitor for outdoor products. This cooler has a number of features that you would find on more expensive coolers and a few that you won’t find. 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.