Its ice life is among the best in the industry and its products are designed to last a lifetime. But you can anticipate the walls to be between 2.5” and 3” thick. This is about average among premium coolers that we have tested in the past. And these thick walls are coated in a UV-resistant layer that helps to protect the cooler from sun damage over time.
Going for an Ozark Trail product could save you a bit of money – we’d recommend checking out their coolers and drinkware in general. You can find out more about keeping food safe in a cooler on the USDA’s guide on How to Pack a Cooler to Prevent Food Poisoning – it will tell you everything you need to know. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.
A. Ozark Trail hard-sided coolers are the best option if you go camping regularly. They offer greater capacity than soft-sided models, so there’s plenty of room for the food and beverages you need for a two- to three-day camping trip. Ozark Trail’s hard-sided models are also extremely rugged and durable for holding up to the rigors of a camping trip. In fact, they’re certified by the USDA’s Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee to be bear-resistant. ozark trail coolers are often equipped with accessories that make them even more functional.
There are no seams or joins, preventing cold air from escaping through small cracks. The walls are between 2.5-3″ (6.35 – 7.62cm) in thickness, they’re nice and solid. The walls are also coated with UV-resistant material, protecting the cooler from sun damage.
It can keep drinks cold for several days and the wheels on the bottom are great for hauling it from place to place. It has anti-microbial properties and it’s strong enough that a bear can’t break into it. It has 2 cup holders on the lid and a large, easy-carry handle. This cooler is perfect for weekend camping thanks to its excellent ice retention. Lifetime coolers are made in the USA and are extremely similar to ozark trail canopys in most aspects, including their low price. This isn’t a huge issue as the prices are always cheap, but it’s sad when you buy your cooler only to have it go on sale the next day.
However, cost does not necessarily reflect a pack’s overall comfort, which is influenced by the back panel and shoulder straps. Generally, the higher the price tag, the better the ice retention. However, this is not always the case, as the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler held ice for 80 hours at the lower price of $70. A pack’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, shoulder straps and pads, back panel, zippers, buckles, and attachment points. The quality of materials influences the waterproofness, durability, insulation value, and whether or not the face fabric produces condensation.
Yeti has clearly set themselves apart as the biggest player in the cooler space. Since they launched, they have carved out an incredible market share delivering products across the board from coolers to dog bowls. The latches are very secure so you don’t have to worry about the lid opening and spilling. This cooler is definitely comparable to other really expensive ones. It’s made of heavy-duty polyethylene that is virtually unbreakable.
The construction rivals that of the Yeti cooler and yet it’s a fraction of the price. We’ve put ours through the ringer the last several months and it’s stood up to daily use from van life. An example of the color choices for the popular 24-can soft cooler is shown in the image below. No matter which model you go with, you will get to enjoy multiple storage options. This comes thanks to both the large, insulated area as well as storage pockets on the front and/or sides.