Give Your Food a Chill with the Best Cooler for Camping

Campfire

Camping is on the rise in the country, and getting yourself the best cooler for camping isn’t an option. From Generation Xers to Millennials and Generation Zers, folks are finding all the reasons to want to stay outdoors. It helps fight stress, keep fit, and stay connected with friends and family.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re looking to camp, fish, or hike, having the best cooler for camping can make or break your outdoor adventures. Who doesn’t like a cold drink or a fresh bite while out in the woods and fields? Of course, a warm drink amid the sun’s threatening heat can be a pain, and spoiled food is even worse.

But first things first.

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HOW TO SELECT THE BEST COOLER FOR CAMPING

chest cooler

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From hard to soft to powered iceboxes, there are different types of coolers. And with several options flooding the market today, it can be a daunting task grabbing yourself the best cooler for camping.

Here’s what you should consider.

Weight and size

If you’re going to be trekking solo, and for just a day, you’ll want a small, lightweight portable icebox.

For group and family campers or those considering a longer trip, large coolers are a good fit.

Capacity

How much are you going to pack in your cooler?  Capacity, guys, capacity. While some coolers boast enough space to pack a week’s worth of food items, others can barely accommodate a day’s worth of supplies.

That’s something you don’t want to overlook when in that store. But running out of food supplies mid-trip can be an unpleasant experience. That is why you should also learn how to pack your cooler.

Features

Not all coolers are the same, despite having standard attributes. These containers are manufactured by different brands, who all put their best forward.

That explains why most modern coolers come with added features. Some boast cup holders, others have folding handles, and some more give you the convenience of strong all-terrain tires.

Ice retention

We’re talking about insulation here: the thicker it is, the longer it’ll retain the ice. Heck, no camper wants to run out of cooling power when there isn’t a store for miles.

HOW WE REVIEWED THE BEST COOLER FOR CAMPING

car with cooler on the ground

image by unsplash

Now, how did we bump into the best coolers on our list? Well, we considered various factors in our review process. Different brands, including the leading ones such as Coleman, YETII, and Igloo, stood out.

Then we noted key features. Think standard features plus additional features, some of which we’ve already discussed in the previous sections.

And thanks to the products’ manufacturers’ websites, no stone was left unturned in helping bring you all of the vital info.

THE TOP 10 BEST COOLERS FOR CAMPING

Now, here is what you’ve been waiting for: the best cooler for camping. We’ve arranged our list in no particular order.

1. COLEMAN COOLER


Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days |…

  • XTREME TECHNOLOGY: Insulated…
  • HIGH CAPACITY: Holds up to 100…
  • HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid…
  • CUP HOLDERS: Molded into the…
  • COMFORT-GRIP HANDLES: No-crush…

The Coleman brand tops our list with their heavy-duty icebox, which keeps contents cold for up to five days. You got that right. Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or RVing, no need to worry about your food items going bad or fresh beverages getting warm.

Access your drinks hassle-free with the built-in cup holders, and experience minimal carbon emissions with the low CO2 insulation. This Coleman cooler couldn’t be more portable, too. The handle grip is designed to reduce strain on your hands so you can carry the thing worry-free.

The 100-can capacity can’t be beaten. It’s sure to hold most of what you need during your trips outdoors. And no, you don’t have to tilt the cooler to drain excess water.

Pros

  • Holds up to 100 cans

  • Has an innovative drain system

  • Five days of ice retention

Cons

  • Handles may not be durable

Where to buy

2. IGLOO POLAR COOLER


Igloo Polar Cooler (120-Quart, White)

  • Ultratherm insulated body and…
  • Reinforced swing-up handles…
  • Dual snap-fit latches secure…
  • Threaded drain plug for hose…
  • 188-can capacity, Exterior…

This Igloo product could well be the end of your search for the best cooler for camping, especially if you’re looking to camp a couple of days.

We aren’t kidding, but the Polar retains ice for a whopping five days. Amazing, right? And, just like with the Coleman cooler above, draining excess water is easy breezy. With the Polar, no need to worry about the thing flinging open when subjected to pressure. The tie-down loops and snap-close lid to take care of the trouble.

Pros

  • Holds up to 188 cans

  • Has tough latches for security

  • Retains ice for up to five days

Cons

  • The hinges may break after a few months

Where to buy

3. CASCADE MOUNTAIN TECH HEAVY-DUTY COOLER


Cascade Mountain Tech Heavy- Duty Cooler Built-in Bottle…

  • Tough roto-molded…
  • Ice retention for days: with 3…
  • Perfect for every occasion:…
  • Dimensions: 45-quart internal…
  • Want accessories? Purchase at…

And now look at this! This beast from Cascade Mountain Tech is going to keep your contents cold for days. But three inches of foam-insulated walls is no joke. The heavy-duty icebox boasts durable rope handles so you don’t have to worry about these breaking accidentally. That only means enhanced portability, just the way you like it.

Keep your food chilled longer with the freezer-quality lid gasket and sturdy rubber latches. And because it’s bear-proof, the icebox stays intact in a bear country. But it can be a pain sharing your food with the animals when you’re least expecting it.

Definitely, the best cooler for camping you can’t wait to grab with both hands. It’s ideal for most of your outdoor trips, be it fishing, barbecuing, or kayaking.

Pros

  • Holds ice for up to three days

  • Lightweight and compact

  • Can work as a seat

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with baskets and dividers

Where to buy

4. REYLEO COOLER


REYLEO Cooler, Rotomolded Cooler 21-Quart, 30-Can, 3-Day Ice…

  • 【Professional Cooler】 :…
  • 【Sealed Latch & Built Sturdy…
  • 【Uv Protection &…
  • 【4-in-1 Function】 : With…
  • 【Mobile Flexible】: With it…

The REYLEO brand helped make our list, too. Their heavy-duty cooler is sure to fit the bill if you’re looking to stay outdoors for up to three days — thumbs up to the polyurethane-foam insulation that retains ice for three good days.

This cooler is designed to withstand over 700 pounds of whatever is thrown its way, making it an ideal choice for the best cooler for camping. Hey, we all know what the atmosphere outdoors can be like. This container is sure to withstand just that.

And yes, both the inside and outside of the icebox are protected against the sun’s harmful rays. Which only helps enhance durability. As if that’s not enough, this cooler comes with non-skid feet, cup holders, and rubber latches, just to mention but a few features.

Pros

  • Can work as a seat

  • Has a bottle opener and cup holders for convenience

  • Has an ergonomic handle for portability

Cons

  • Latches may need improvement

Where to buy

5. LANDWORKS ROTOMOLDED ENHANCED ICE COOLER


Landworks Rotomolded ENHANCED Ice Cooler 45QT Up to 10 Day…

  • ICE CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – Our…
  • SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION -…
  • INGENUITIVE DESIGN FEATURES -…
  • THE SUPERHANDY ADVANTAGE -…
  • COMMITMENT – SuperHandy is the…

Believe it or not, this wonder from Landworks gives you a gigantic 10 days of ice retention. How cool is that? You could go camping with all of your foodstuff intact, right? And if you’re looking for a sturdy build to sustain the unpleasant outdoor ambiance, then this is the product to embrace. Drain excess water with the zero-leak drain plug, and enjoy the convenience of the non-skid feet.

Among other things, you get detachable rope handles and integrated bottle openers. The shock-absorbing grips on either side of the container are also a nice touch. Look no further than this Landworks cooler if you’re going to be camping for days.

Pros

  • Has a UV protective shell

  • Sturdy and durable

  • Incorporates a pressure relief valve system

Cons

  • May not hold ice for more than three days

Where to buy

6. SEAVILIS COOLER MILEE ICE CHEST


Seavilis Cooler 60qt (Tan)(Including $50.0 Free Accessories)…

  • Always use high density ice…
  • (Including $50.0 Free…
  • Key features : Rotomolded…

The best cooler for camping should come with free accessories, and Seavilis knows it only too well. With their icebox, you get a bucket, divider, and integrated cup holders, all for free so you don’t have to purchase these separately. That helps save your hard-earned cash.

It couldn’t be more effortless opening and closing the lid, too, thanks to the convenient can latch. And here’s the killer: The heavy-duty lid can withstand up to 330 pounds. You know what you can do with that? Sit and stand on it as you please, worry-free! Camping couldn’t be more fun!

Pros

  • Has a compass for navigation

  • Comes with a basket and divider

  • Tough and durable

Cons

  • May not retain ice for long

Where to buy

7. SUPERHANDY ROTOMOLDED ENHANCED ICE COOLER


SuperHandy Rotomolded Cooler Ice Chest Enhanced 45QT Keeps…

  • ICE CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – Our…
  • SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION -…
  • INGENUITIVE DESIGN FEATURES -…
  • THE SUPERHANDY ADVANTAGE -…
  • COMMITMENT – SuperHandy is the…

If you’re looking to camp for extended periods, then this product from SuperHandy could fit the bill. Like its counterpart from Landworks above, it keeps your items cold for up to 10 days. Which couldn’t be more convenient!

Seal the cooler tight with the Pressure Relief Valve system, and carry it worry-free with the sturdy rope handles. You get a superior construction, too, helping protect your container against the harsh environment out there.

Other features you might like include the impact-absorbing grips, drain plug, and integrated bottle openers. No doubt, this SuperHandy product could make for the best cooler for camping.

Pros

  • Can work as a seat

  • Lightweight and compact

  • Features convenient rope handles

Cons

  • May not retain ice for more than three days

Where to buy

8. ROVR WHEELED CAMPING ROLLING COOLER


RovR Wheeled Camping Rolling Cooler with Wheels (60 qt.)…

  • HIGH PERFORMANCE,…
  • UP TO 10 DAYS OF ICE! That’s…
  • LARGE CAPACITY: Without…
  • DRY STORAGE BIN INCLUDED: Deep…
  • Winner of the MEN’S JOURNAL…

No, our list of the best cooler for camping would be incomplete without this feature-packed icebox from RovR. Tow the container by a bike, or convert it into a wagon with the quick-release attachments. Simply put, go anywhere you want with your cooler. How convenient is that?

What’s more, you get bear-proof construction, puncture-resistant tires, and five different colors so you can have your pick. Plus, whether you want to keep your foods cold for up to 10 days or enjoy deep-freeze storage conditions (for your meats), this RovR cooler has got you covered.

See why this magic couldn’t miss our list?

Pros

  • Has wheels for convenience

  • Comes with a dry storage bin

  • Has ab elevated design to keep it clean

Cons

  • It’s a bit on the heavy side

Where to buy

9. TAHOE TRAILS 26-QUART HIGH-PERFORMANCE COOLER


Tahoe Trails 26-Quart High-Performance Cooler for River…

  • Premium insulation keeps ice…
  • Rotomolded, seamless one piece…
  • Carry handles fold away for…
  • No-sweat design eliminates…
  • Carry handles fold away for…

Here’s another option that could make for the best cooler for camping: the Tahoe Trails icebox is made for your river trips in addition to your general camping needs. With more than four days of ice retention, you have no excuse to stay hungry/thirsty while kayaking.

Fold the carry handles so the thing can fit snugly in the canoe, and keep the lid up while unloading the icebox. Also, this Tahoe Trails product won’t crack that easily thanks to the durable build.

The no-sweat design is a cool touch: it lets you experience reduced condensation on the container’s exterior mid-trip.

Pros

  • Has carry handles that fold away for easy packing

  • Its sturdy and durable

  • Interlock no-fall lid stays up when unloading cooler

Cons

  • Holds ice for less than two days

Where to buy

2 man holding can drink

image by pexels

10. YETI TUNDRA 45 COOLER


YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

  • One piece roto-molded UV…
  • Constructed of food-grade…
  • Two inches of polyurethane…
  • T-latch keepers are molded…
  • Recessed drain plug and rubber…

The YETI Tundra icebox ticks most of the boxes when it comes to the best cooler for camping. The permafrost-insulation and fatwall-design combo are going to keep your ice, well, ice. Obviously, you don’t want your ice melting when you need it the most.

Throw whatever you might want to at this beast of an icebox, and it won’t leave even a scratch on it. And the robust construction is a bonus.

Do you know what else you get with this YETI Tundra cooler? Military-grade rope handles. Just so you can swing the thing around hassle-free.

Pros

  • It is bear-resistant

  • Can work as a seat

  • Lightweight and compact for portability

Cons

  • May not retain ice for more than a day

Where to buy

NOW YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR BEST COOLER FOR CAMPING

people-gathering-during-sunset

image by pexels

What are you waiting for? Grab one or more of these options, and you’re sure to keep your food items and beverages cold while doing what you do best — camping.

Yep, the best cooler for camping can mean a difference between a memorable camping experience and a mediocre one. With that said, be sure you’re grabbing something that best meets your needs: a smaller icebox for solo camps, and a larger cooler for family to group camps. Also, you should be using a container with higher ice-retention for longer trip duration.

What’s your favorite cooler for camping? Share with us in the comment section below.

Featured image by: Amazon

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