It’s a nigloo water cooler option for simple, everyday use and a bit of an outlier in its sustainability. It’s refreshing to see a cooler bag made from 90% post-consumer recycled material. A nice mid-sized option, this packable puffer can hold around 20 cans. It’s made from recycled plastic and breaks down into a small and convenient front zip pocket. It can retain ice for approximately eight hours and has the look of a nice bag you’d bring to the market. This bag features an impressive volume of 8 gallons, which equates to about 50 cans.
Less igloo water cooler materials and construction don’t necessarily mean it’s not the right cooler for what YOU need. Handles and straps are constructed with a variety of materials. Some are more ergonomic, comfortable, and durable than others. The quality of materials influences the waterproofness, durability, insulation value, and whether or not the face fabric produces condensation. The materials also determine the comfort, breathability, support, and overall cost.
It breaks down when you’re not using it, meaning it won’t eat up any precious igloo trailmate and can be packed out effortlessly. Also, it’s nicely padded throughout and there’s even a built-in bottle opener. Currently we offer FREE FedEx/UPS small package Ground shipping and FREE ABF/YRC freight ground shipping on most orders of $199 or more within the 48 contiguous states.
We then placed a thermocouple in one soda can in each cooler and connected it to a data logger that recorded the temperature every 15 minutes over a total of 36 hours. We assessed the cooler’s ability to maintain temperature at 12 hours and 36 hours. We also used this test to determine how easy each cooler was to pack. It felt comfortable on our backs, likely thanks to the extra padding that helped keep everything in place. After filling with the appropriate amount of ice and cans, anything within and surrounded by the ice was able to stay at a temperature of around 32˚F. The air on top of the ice was around 55˚F, so it doesn’t keep the interior at the top as cold as a traditional cooler would, but with enough ice it would keep any items cold.
We hope that the information presented here helps you find the right cooler to fit your lifestyle. Among the many tote and messenger style options we tested, we have our favorites. Models with flexible shapes, adjustable straps, and extra padding go a long way toward making these something you don’t mind carrying. The REI Cool Haul is also a favorite, with its soft, malleable body and long padded shoulder strap that makes it far more pleasant across your body when weighed down.
We were surprised at how well the cooler retained ice despite being out in the elements, due to the premium thermal insulation. The heavy-duty base also increased the chill factor while stabilizing the cooler during transport and beneath items. The staunch base also allowed us to set the cooler on variable surfaces and was easy to clean. The flat backside wall alleviates bounce when we were using the shoulder strap. We also appreciated the water-resistant exterior pocket, which is easy to open and close.
I have peace of mind knowing I won’t have to worry about getting it in the water. They have a wide array of products and, though the vast majority of their ice chests are not rotomolded, and they’re still not Yeti, we really admire how well they meet customer needs. The handle and wheels on the Yeti Tundra Haul are the best we’ve come across. This cooler feels like you can roll it across anything without the handle straining or bending, or the wheels breaking. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support our work. Learn how we create the world’s most carefully tested and objective gear reviews on our About page.
Maggie has spent over 15 years as an outdoor and backcountry guide, from backpacking the Sierras and Andes to rafting South Africa and Utah. She spent a summer living out of her teardrop trailer and isn’t one to give up on the comforts of a fresh meal while she’s out. Her background in scientific research helps bring structure and scrutiny to our intensive cooler testing process. The low price tag does come at the cost of some durability, though. This is not the model we would expect to last the longest, as its materials and craftsmanship are not top-tier. The additional features also ride the line between being handy and superfluous.
With the MaxCold® insulation, you can rest assured that your food and drinks will be cooler longer and the deep front pocket allows for your dry goods to stay dry. For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise credit at the lowest price within the last 90 days. Proper ID will be required in the form of a valid, state- issued driver’s license or state ID card. We reserve the right to limit, or refuse returns without a receipt. We believe in offering the very best value, quality, and selection.