First is the fairly middling four-coleman ice chest ice retention , which falls well short of the RovR RollR above . Additionally, the substantial build and sheer number of features add a decent amount of bulk and weight. And not everyone will like the utilitarian looks and styling, which are a far cry from streamlined, sleek models from YETI, RTIC, and other brands above. Finally, a number of users have reported premature durability issues, including stuck glide handles, broken hinges, and subpar components.
With proper preparation, Coleman’s hard coolers can retain cold temperatures anywhere from three to six days, depending on the model. Much to no one’s surprise, personal cool-boxes like the Pelican 20, Yeti Roadie, and Igloo BMX are much more portable than larger models. A combination of low weight, small size, and large carrying handles help make this possible.
Though it’s tempting to assume all sizes of a particular model are the same, we put that to the test. When it comes to mid-sized coolers, our favorite of the bunch is the Orca 40. True to its name, this thin-profile ice chest has a full 40 quarts of internal storage. Additionally, you get bonus storage on the outside of the ice chest with this line’s external, velcro-sealed mesh pocket stretching across the entire back of the box.
The thick, stiff of this Orca provide additional security, as well as require a little extra muscling to maneuver them in and out of place. While more and more competitors now automatically include an internal dry basket, Orca continues to offer it as an extra accessory, subbing in the external mesh pocket instead. Despite these few minor gripes, we love the all-around size, feel, and performance of the Orca 40 as the best mid-sized option on the market today. Many of Coleman’s coolers have helpful little features or accessories built into the coolers to make things as convenient as possible. Examples of this include features such as molded cup holders, easy-access lids, multiple carrying methods, stacking capabilities, and much more. A lot of these unique twists and features you won’t find in many competing brands, and it goes to show that Coleman has a nice understanding of what it takes to make a viable cooler.
Air bubbles that do not share coleman instant tent walls and in effect stay insulated from one another are better at reducing the overall transfer of heat through the foam. Closed-cell foam is also much more expensive to produce than open-cell foam. The resulting product is strong and especially rigid feeling, and typically it weighs more than 1.7 pounds per cubic foot with more than 90% of its air cells closed to one another.