The Best Portable Coolers You Should Buy This Summer!

The Best Portable Coolers You Should Buy This Summer!

As the hot summer months approach, now is the time to start thinking about how you’re going to keep your food and drinks cold while on-the-go. Whether you’re headed to the beach, going on a picnic, or simply want something to keep your lunch chilled at the office, a good portable cooler is an essential summer accessory.

But with so many different coolers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the best buy. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the top portable coolers you should consider purchasing this summer. We’ll highlight the key features, pros and cons, and our top recommendations across a variety of sizes and price points.

Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Cooler:

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s first go over some of the key factors you’ll want to think about when choosing a portable cooler:

1.Insulation and Ice Retention

One of the most important considerations is how well the cooler is able to retain ice and keep contents cold. Look for coolers with thick, high-quality insulation that can maintain low temperatures for extended periods of time. The ice retention time will vary by model, but a good cooler should be able to keep ice frozen for at least 24-48 hours.

2.Size and Capacity

Portable coolers come in a wide range of sizes, from small personal coolers that can hold just a few cans or bottles, to large wheeled models that can accommodate a whole day’s worth of food and drinks. Think about how much storage space you’ll need based on your intended use.

3.Portability

If you’ll be carrying your cooler for any distance, portability is key. Look for features like sturdy handles, shoulder straps, or wheels that make it easy to transport. The weight when fully loaded is also something to consider.

4.Durability

Portable coolers need to be able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for models made with rugged, high-quality construction that can stand up to drops, bumps, and other abuse.

5.Additional Features

Some coolers come with extra features like built-in bottle openers, dry storage compartments, USB charging ports, and more. Evaluate which added features would be most useful for your needs.

The Best Portable Coolers You Should Buy This Summer: – 1

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at some of the best portable coolers available this summer:

1.Best Overall: Yeti Tundra

When it comes to premium portable coolers, it’s hard to beat the Yeti Tundra. Yeti is known for making some of the highest-quality and most durable coolers on the market, and the Tundra is their flagship model.

This roto-molded cooler is built like a tank, with thick, pressure-injected polyurethane foam insulation that can keep ice frozen for up to 7 days. It has a heavy-duty, bear-resistant design, along with features like rubber T-Rex Lid Gasket, Patented Coldlock Gasket, and a “No Sweat” exterior.

The Tundra comes in a wide range of sizes, from the compact 35-quart model to the massive 125-quart version. Prices start at around $250 for the smallest size. While it’s definitely an investment, the Tundra’s unparalleled insulation and durability make it worth the higher price tag for serious cooler enthusiasts.

2.Best Budget Option: Coleman Xtreme 5-Day Cooler

If you’re looking for a high-performing cooler without the premium price tag, the Coleman Xtreme 5-Day Cooler is an excellent budget-friendly option. Despite its affordable cost (usually under $50), this cooler can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days thanks to its thick insulated walls.

The Xtreme 5-Day comes in 16, 28, 50, and 70-quart sizes, so you can choose the right capacity for your needs. It features molded cup holders on the lid, as well as a leak-resistant drain for easy cleaning. The insulated lid and have a thermal shield to help retain cold air.

While it may not be as durable as a Yeti, the Coleman Xtreme 5-Day is still a high-quality cooler that can stand up to regular outdoor use. It’s a fantastic budget option that delivers excellent value.

The Best Portable Coolers You Should Buy This Summer: – 2

3.Best Soft-Sided Cooler: IceMule Pro

Looking for a more portable, lightweight cooler option? The IceMule Pro is a great choice. As a soft-sided cooler, it’s much more compact and easy to carry than a hard-sided model.

The IceMule Pro is made with a durable, waterproof and puncture-resistant TriFold DriHyde shell. It uses closed-cell foam insulation to keep contents cold for up to 24 hours. While not as long-lasting as a Yeti, that’s still pretty impressive for a soft cooler.

One of the best features of the IceMule Pro is its backpack-style carrying system, with adjustable shoulder straps and a sternum strap. This makes it super comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded. It also floats in water, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet.

Sizes range from 10 to 40 liters, with prices starting around $100. The 20-liter size is probably the most versatile for most people’s needs. If you want a portable, high-performance soft cooler, the IceMule Pro is definitely worth a look.

The Best Portable Coolers You Should Buy This Summer: – 3

4.Best Wheeled Cooler: Igloo Trailmate Journey

For those times when you need to transport a large, heavy cooler over longer distances, a wheeled model like the Igloo Trailmate Journey is incredibly convenient.

This cooler has large 10-inch never-flat wheels and a telescoping tow handle, making it easy to roll over sand, gravel, or uneven terrain. It can hold up to 70 quarts of contents, with 2-inch thick insulated walls to keep everything cold.

The Trailmate Journey is packed with handy features, including molded cup holders, a removable dry storage bin, tie-down loops, and even a built-in bottle opener. There’s also an integrated UV inhibitor in the plastic to prevent fading.

At around $200, it’s not the cheapest option. But if you need a durable, high-capacity cooler that you don’t have to lug around, the Trailmate Journey is a great investment. The oversized wheels and telescoping handle make it amazingly easy to transport, even when fully loaded.

The Best Portable Coolers You Should Buy This Summer: – 4

5.Best Portable Cooler Backpack: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

Cooler backpacks are another great portable option, combining the insulation of a hard-sided cooler with the hands-free convenience of a backpack. One of the best models out there is the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze.

This backpack-style cooler features high-performance insulation that can keep contents cold for up to 48 hours. It has a removable hard plastic liner, multiple storage compartments, and even a padded back panel for comfort.

The Titan Deep Freeze comes in 16, 24, and 30-can sizes, so you can choose the capacity that best fits your needs. Prices range from $50to$80, making it a very affordable portable cooler option.

The only potential downside is that, since it’s a soft-sided backpack, the insulation and ice retention won’t be quite as good as a dedicated hard cooler. But for the convenience and portability it offers, the Titan Deep Freeze is still an excellent choice.

6.Honorable Mentions

While the coolers above are our top recommendations, there are plenty of other great portable options worth considering as well:

• RTIC Soft Pack – A durable, well-insulated soft cooler that’s a more affordable alternative to the Yeti Hopper.
• Bison Outdoors Cooler – A roto-molded hard cooler with impressive 5-7 day ice retention at a lower price point than Yeti.
• Hydro Flask Cooler Tote – A stylish, high-performing soft-sided cooler with comfortable backpack-style straps.
• Coleman Cooler Backpack – A budget-friendly cooler backpack option for those on a tighter budget.

Conclusion:

No matter which portable cooler you choose, having a reliable way to keep your food and drinks cold all summer long is a must. Take the time to evaluate your needs and consider the features that are most important to you. With so many great options out there, you’re sure to find the perfect portable cooler to keep you cool all season long.