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. s 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.
The more capable premium models should keep ice for up to a day and a half. As is expected, the larger hard-sided coolers had a clear advantage ozark trail cooler over the soft-sided coolers. They are not only larger but utilize thicker insulation, rubber gaskets, and an overall more ice-friendly design.
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.
They also have a fish ruler on the lid, which is great for fishermen. The 110-Quart (104 Liter) is very large, ideal if you’re traveling in a large group or have a lot of stuff to carry. The 45-Quart (43 Liters) version is a nice medium-sized cooler, and the soft-sided cooler works well for picnics and day trips. The Ozark Trail Soft Cooler lineup is a solid contribution to this ever-growing company. There are enough size options and configurations to make most people happy. For those who need something simple and cheap, the 12-can and 24-can models are great.
They utilize strong T-style latches to keep the lid securely closed, too. Ozark Trail hard-sided coolers are constructed of hard, sturdy plastic that locks in cold to protect your food and drinks. The brand’s hard-sided coolers are sized according to how many quarts they hold. Hard-sided coolers are the largest Ozark Trail coolers and the most durable, so you’ll pay more for a hard-sided model. The ice life, well not bad, was not near what Ozark Trail stated in their specifications.
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.