When you’re heading out on a picnic or a fishing trip, the best cooler and best ice chest make it easy to keep your snacks and drinks cool. These tools are insulated, so they keep cold air inside and enable you to transport food to a remote site. Coolers come in a wide variety of styles, ranging from heavy-duty rolling chests to backpacks that leave your hands free. Whether you need something to carry lunch to work or you’re packing a meal for the whole family, it’s a breeze to find a great option. To help you get started, we’ve gathered 10 coolers to keep your food fresh.
Related review: 10 Best Camp Stoves
1. Igloo MaxCold Roller Cooler
Walking to a campsite or a tailgating party? This rolling cooler from Igloo is a great choice. This sturdy cooler features two rugged wheels that roll smoothly over any type of terrain. Pull the cooler using the large side handle; it lifts one end of the chest and allows you to tow heavy loads with minimal exertion. Constructed with an insulated lid and body, this model keeps the interior cooler for longer. Use the large interior to store up to 56 individual cans.
2. Coleman 28-Quart Cooler
With its classic styling, this Coleman cooler is perfect for camping trips and picnics. It’s manufactured from polyethylene for durability and insulated with Thermozone to retain cool air. The hinged lid flips open easily, so you can reach in and grab a snack or a drink. Tall and narrow, this cooler can fit 2-liter bottles standing up. Flip up the bail handle for easy carrying to your outdoor site, and flip it back down to save space in the car.
3. Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler
If you don’t want to worry about getting ice, this thermoelectric cooler from Igloo is your best bet. This iceless cooler plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter; as you drive, the energy from your car powers the cooler and keeps your food cold. Use this model for road trips and vacations, or plug it in to cool your lunch while you drive to work. Since it doesn’t require ice, you can stuff in more snacks.
4. Igloo Outdoorsman Collapsible 50-Tank
Hit the trail with this lightweight Igloo Outdoorsman cooler bag. Made with soft sides and flexible carrying straps, this model slips over your shoulder as you walk to the waterfront or up the hiking trail. The lid features four recessed cup holders to keep your drinks upright, and the MaxCold foam insulation maintains a cold interior. When you’re done with your picnic, this cooler collapses down and fastens with hook-and-loop straps for easier carrying. Walking with a rolling unit? Slip the side panel over the telescoping handle for a more compact load.
5. YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
The YETI Tundra Haul cooler is the best large ice chest on the market. It’s easy to see why — this well-made cooler features an indestructible rotomolded body that handles everything you can throw at it. Inside, commercial-grade Permafrost insulation is pressure-injected into the walls and lid to ensure that your ice stays frozen. Use the aluminum StrongArm handle to tow this cooler comfortably with one hand, and rely on the NeverFlat wheels to handle any type of ground. Ultra-strong and tough, this cooler is ideal for frequent use and harsh conditions.
You may also like: 10 Best Tactical Pens
6. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Rolling Cooler
Head out into the wilderness with the affordable Arctic Zone Titan cooler in tow. Built with a telescoping handle and durable wheels, this cooler is a breeze to transport up a trail or over rough terrain. The built-in support stand holds the unit upright when you reach your destination, so you can focus on having fun. Inside, four layers of insulation provide plenty of cooling power. The Microban layer prevents leaks, and the Rhino Tech exterior resists water and staining to keep your cooler looking sleek after multiple uses.
7. Outrav Camping Backpack Cooler
Planning a camping trip or a full-day hike? This cheap Outrav backpack cooler can help you carry all of your food and drinks. It’s designed with classic backpack straps that slip over your shoulders for hands-free transportation. Don’t worry about getting wet — the leak-proof design keeps moisture and condensation inside, so you stay dry. Exterior pockets hold your water bottle, and the dry front pocket is a great spot for napkins and utensils. With its large interior, this cooler provides plenty of space for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
8. Klein Tools Work Cooler
Make your job site more functional with this work cooler from Klein Tools. Constructed from heavy-duty materials, this cooler doubles as a seat that supports up to 300 pounds. The interior holds up to 18 cans, so it offers plenty of space to store a full day’s worth of meals, snacks, and beverages. Flip open the lid to allow easy access — it stands at a 90-degree angle, so you don’t have to hold it up while you dig for the item you need. When you’re walking out to a worksite, use the convenient shoulder strap for easy carrying.
9. Igloo Playmate Pal Personal Sized Cooler
Carry lunch or a small supply of drinks with this low-cost Igloo Playmate Pal 7 cooler. Designed with a compact body, this model is the perfect size for one person. Stock it with ice and drinks to keep you cool while you’re on a fishing trip, or bring it to work to keep your noon meal safe without a refrigerator. The tent-shaped top swivels open, and the push-button clasp allows you to release it quickly with one hand. With its molded handle, this cooler is a breeze to hold.
10. IceMule Classic Insulated Backpack Cooler Bag
Keep your food safe on kayaking or beach trips with this cooler bag from IceMule. This waterproof bag is manufactured with welded seams, so it keeps water out — plus, it floats, so you don’t have to worry if you drop it in the water. The soft-sided design adjusts to the contents, and the sling strap wraps across your body to leave your hands free for paddling or hiking. Between uses, this bag collapses for compact storage.
When you’re away from a refrigerator, it can be a struggle to keep your food cool and fresh. That’s where the best cooler and best ice chest models come in — they provide a clean, cold spot to store your meals, so they’re safe to eat whenever you’re ready.
Related review: Top 10 Best Camping Chairs
By BCR Staff
September 2019
