Backpack coolers are generally more compact and made of softer, lighter materials than hard coolers, so they weigh less. They usually have sturdy shoulder straps plus handles that are easy to grab, so the weight feels relatively easy to transport. A pack’s weight is higher when the capacity, durability, and insulation capability increase.
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 ozark trail chair 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.
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.
We will discuss these in greater detail in our reviews below.
This model also contains a wire basket, four cup holders, and easy-open latches. For a high-end roto-molded cooler, the Ozark Trail 52-quart is the way to go. If you’re planning a summer road trip, this premium cooler has the ultimate storage space, along with side handles and anti-skid feet for transportation. 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.
And the shoulder straps stow away in a back pocket with a great top-handle carry option for simplified carrying. Despite its light weight and flexibility, the pack is structurally sound with durable handles and 600-denier polyester waterproof material. The chest strap stabilizes the shoulder straps; otherwise, they annoyingly slide around.
The interior fabric wipes clean easily, and we love the mesh zippered pocket inside the lid for smaller food items. The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler ($70) is reminiscent of your childhood lunchbox. Our tester took this cooler down the Gunnison River on floating trips and for lakeside afternoons in Crested Butte, Colorado. The bottom is textured and rigid enough to stand up on the beach or uneven ground. The inside is shiny, like a whitewater raft, and rinses out clean. We appreciate the minimal seams in this cylindrical design and secure strap attachments.
The ice retention of this cooler makes it top-tier for road trips or camping. Its insulation can keep ice solid for up to 12 days, and can even keep drinks cold without it for up to 9 days in the best conditions. Pelican is a newer entry in to the world of rotomolded coolers and have taken their own spin on design and function.
But they have since been redesigned to be lighter and more in line with other coolers. This issue seems more prevalent in the larger sizes, but can happen on the smaller sized cooler also. Ozark Trail coolers are Walmart’s brand of coolers and they are some of the most affordable roto-molded coolers on the market, offering great value for money. But they aren’t perfect and there are some problems with Ozark Trail coolers that you should be aware of before purchasing. The Ozark Trail cooler is made from polyethylene, which is the most common kind of plastic in use today. REI had a member sale over Memorial Day weekend and we were able to save 20% on our cooler.
My own personal beverage drama every summer has really pushed me to do this review. To me, worrying about the temperature of the drinks I have on my boat is the absolute last thing I want to be thinking about when I am heading out on the water. This can cooler even has a bottle opener in the ozark trail canopy bottom for your friends drinking from a bottle. To achieve the extremely attractive price point that they did, Ozark Trail likely had to sacrifice a few things in the quality department. The result is a cooler that doesn’t have quite the level of fit and finish as, say, a Yeti or an Engel.