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Best Coolers For Camping Of 2022 - Our Top Pick Is Amazing!
If you love spending time outdoors camping, you know how important it is to have a good cooler. Food is one of the major camping-related hassles. You must carry food that won't spoil because you cannot bring your refrigerator with you. This severely restricts your alternatives for meals and snacks. You, therefore, require a cooler, even for short camping trips. You now have a place to store your perishable food if you grab an outside cooler and some ice. Meat, cheese, prepared meals, or even a few cool beers are OK.
With so many different coolers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best camping coolers available so you can make sure your next trip is as enjoyable as possible. We’ve taken into account things like portability, durability, and of course, how well it keeps your food and drinks cold.
How We Choose The Best Camping Coolers Of 2022
When planning a camping trip, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of cooler you will need. There are many different types and sizes of coolers on the market, so it can be tricky to choose the right one. Here are a few tips to help you select the best cooler for your next camping trip.
Volume - When camping for an extended period of time or with a large party, it's advisable to have a cooler with a substantial amount of storage space. Make a camping meal plan to guarantee you have enough food for your family camping trip.
Insulation - Insulate your cooler well to ensure that its contents remain frosty for as long as possible. High-end coolers have a thickness of up to three inches, with a double wall design and solid polyurethane foam in between.
Durability - Having thicker walls also increases its durability. Because there are no stress points, rotomolded coolers tend to last the longest. Check that the model you're interested in has high-quality features like integrated hinges and rubber latches.
Ice Life - Rotomolded structure, elevated feet to prevent heat transmission, and a freezer-style rubber gasket for appropriate lid sealing all contribute to a cooler's cooling effectiveness and, more particularly, the length of time that ice will stay solid inside.
Size and weight - Large rotomolded coolers are typically the roomiest and the most insulated, but they can also be the heaviest and take up the most room.
Ease of use - The majority of models are easy to understand and work with. However, some are far simpler to sift through than others. You should also try to get a portable version. Large coolers should have handles for portability and some are even wheeled coolers.
Features - Function-related elements include tie-down points, drain plugs with leashes, and locking lids are essential, whereas convenience features like built-in beverage containers and bottle openers are merely great to have.
Extras - A wire storage basket is included in many modern camping coolers to protect perishables from thawing ice. Additionally, several manufacturers provide a wide selection of camping cooler add-ons to meet your individual needs.
Keep these considerations in mind as you browse through our reviews of the best camping coolers to help you find the best one for your next outdoor adventure.
Igloo BMX - Best Camping Cooler By Hard Cooler Reviews
Why we love it
This Igloo BMX cooler is perfect for your camping trip! It will keep all your food and drinks cold, and it's big enough to fit everything you need. It's easy to carry and has a strap so you can easily transport it. This quality cooler is durable, keeps your food and drinks cold, and is rated for an impressive five days of ice retention! It's large enough to hold all your food and drinks, but small enough to fit in the trunk of your car without difficulty. The BMX cooler is also durable and can withstand the elements.
This cooler is pretty durable thanks to the skid pads and the leg plate that it comes with. It has the ability to maintain a chilly temperature for as long as five days. This cooler has a capacity of 52 quarts, which means that it has room for 83 cans of beer. You can immediately gauge the size of your catch with the integrated fish ruler. This is a fantastic cooler at a great price for what it offers making it better value than your typical cooler as well as more expensive coolers.
What you should know
The Igloo BMX is extremely effective, with ice retention tests demonstrating that it can hold ice for 4-5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage so that it can be used for a longer period of time when you're camping. It has a capacity of 83 cans of 12 ounces each and 52 quarts in total capacity (49 liters).
The hinge rods and hardware are made of rust-resistant stainless steel for exceptional durability and the lid is held securely in place by rubberized T-grip fasteners. The threaded drain plug is suitable with garden hoses and features a tethered cap made of stainless steel that is simple to hold and does not slip.
Advanced cooling efficacy and ice retention for up to 5 days are provided by the MaxCold body, which features foam that is 20% thicker than standard. The cooler's cooling performance is enhanced by the elevated position of the Cool Riser Technology moulded base, which keeps the cooler away from hot surfaces.
These molded coolers feature comfortable grip handles that swing up to allow for easy carrying with two hands and built-in tie-down loops allow the cooler to be secured while being transported.
Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler - Best Cooler For Camping On A Weekend Camping Trip
Why we love it
The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold on a hot day. It features a durable steel exterior that can withstand the elements and comfort carry handles for easy transport. The cooler also has a spacious interior that can hold up to 85 cans, making it ideal for large gatherings. This is the cooler you need for your next camping trip.
The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler can hold up to 85 cans, so you'll have plenty of space for all your food and drinks. Plus, it has a durable steel construction that will keep everything cold for hours. With its durable construction and ThermOzone insulation, this cooler will keep your food and drinks cold for hours and can keep ice frozen for up to four days. The Steel-Belted Cooler also features rust-resistant stainless steel components, making it the perfect cooler for any outdoor activity.
What you should know
This cooler is much more affordable than many other models, making it an excellent option for people who want to avoid breaking the bank while still managing to preserve their supplies at a cold temperature. This model may be more affordable, but it does not skimp on the amount of storage space it provides. It is available in a wide variety of colors.
You can put this cooler through the wringer as this is a cooler that will last thanks to its sturdy construction that has a wonderful vintage style. The 54-Quart Capacity Allows for Up to 85 Cans, and the Have-a-Seat Lid Can Support Up to 250 Pounds on top of the cooler. Built to provide years of reliable performance with hardware made of rust-resistant stainless steel, this will be your go-to cooler for your next long camping trip.
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler - Best Cooler For Camping Overnight
Why we love it
The YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler is unlike any other cooler on the market. With its innovative design, the Hopper Flip 18 allows you to keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, no matter what the conditions are. Whether you're tailgating, camping, or just spending a day at the beach, this innovative and stylish cooler will keep your beverages icy cold and your food fresh.
The Yeti Hopper Flip 18 is one of the most reliable and durable coolers on the market. It's perfect for tailgating, picnics, or any outdoor activity where you need to keep your food and drinks cold. The Portable Cooler has a leak-proof design that keeps your beverages cold for hours, even in hot weather.
What you should know
The YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Insulated Coolers are the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold on the go. With its Insulated Body and Cold Cell Insulation, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler is built to keep your food and drinks cold for hours.Cold Cell Insulation is a closed-cell foam that provides superior cold-holding to that of regular soft coolers, making this innovative cooler extremely efficient despite its small size. The Hopper Flip 18 has a capacity of up to 16 cans in addition to ice.
The high-density fabric is resistant to punctures and UV radiation, and it also has a HydroLok Zipper that is 100% waterproof and leakproof. Because the DryHide Shell is impervious to water and resistant to punctures, abrasions, and other forms of damage, it is capable of withstanding the challenges posed by the natural environment.
The one and only individual cooler that can handle long days spent in the tree stand, early mornings spent in the duck boat, or afternoons spent on the water. The empty weight of the Hopper Flip 18 is 5.1 pounds, and its measurements are 15 2/3 inches in length, 10 1/5 inches in width, and 12 3/5 inches in height.
The ICEMULE Pro Collapsible Backpack Cooler - Best For Smaller Occasions
Why we love it
The ICEMULE Pro Collapsible Backpack Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold when you're on the go. It's made with durable, water-resistant fabric and has an insulated lining that keeps ice for up to 24 hours. The cooler also features a front zip pocket for storing utensils or other small items and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.
The ICEMULE Pro Collapsible Backpack Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold on the go. It features a durable, water-resistant design and can hold up to 24 cans. The backpack cooler also has an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying. Plus, it collapses down for easy storage when you’re not using it.
What you should know
From our proprietary MuleSkin fabrics and the game-changing IM AirValve to the welded seams and padded straps — these soft-sided cooler bags are built to outlast your next beach day, hike, picnic, and more. The MuleSkin Exterior and Interior PolarLayer Insulation guarantees strength and provides outstanding ice retention for 24 hours or more. 14 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 18 inches in height; one of these coolers is capable of holding either 23 liters or 18 cans in addition to ice.
This ultra-compact and lightweight cooler comes in the form of a backpack, and it features two padded and ventilated straps that release both of your arms, allowing you to easily grab your surfboard, fishing rod, or any other piece of outdoor equipment. A portable cooler that is ideal for both men and women. If your cooler is empty and you need to go somewhere, you can simply roll it up and bring it with you, or it is tough enough to be used as a regular backpack.
The front zipper compartment is not only wonderful for storing accessories and keeping them dry, but it also makes this carry-on the ideal option for parents who are going on vacation. This cooler is completely waterproof and floats thanks to its welded seams and lack of a zippered clasp. Because the insulation layer may have air added to it through the IM AirValve, the ICEMULE can float right next to your kayak or boat, even when it is completely full.
Coleman Xtreme Portable Cooler - Best Budget Cooler For Best Value
Why we love it
The Coleman Xtreme Portable Cooler is the ideal solution for preserving the cold temperature of your food and beverages for up to 5 days. This cooler is ideal for taking to the beach, picnics, or tailgating due to its sturdy construction and design that makes it easy to carry because of its handle.
Whether you're tailgating at a football game or spending the day at the beach, this sturdy cooler was designed to endure any type of punishment you can throw at it. In addition to this, it has a capacity of up to 84 cans with 5 days of ice retention, which means that you will never have to worry about running out of cold beverages again!
Any person who enjoys spending time outside absolutely needs to have the Coleman Xtreme Portable Cooler. Because it can store ice for up to five days, it is ideal for outdoor activities like picnics, tailgating, and camping vacations. The cooler is not only strong but also long-lasting, so you do not need to be concerned that it will crack if it is dropped.
What you should know
The Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme 5 Marine Hard Ice Chest Cooler is the cheapest cooler on our list and has tremendous value if you’re looking for a spacious, reliable cooler. In addition, it is proportioned so that it can still be moved and carried with a fair amount of ease. It can accommodate up to 250 pounds of weight and easily fits in the trunk of most cars. Additionally, it functions very well as additional seating. Even when filling the cooler with as much ice as possible, our testers found that the Coleman Xtreme was still manageable to carry the cooler around for a short distance.
The Coleman Xtreme weighs 13.4 pounds when it is empty. Coleman produces a functionally equivalent model but comes with wheels in case the stated weight or dimensions appear intimidating. In contrast to some of the company's less expensive models, the Coleman Xtreme is equipped with gear that can be replaced. This is a significant element since the first thing that will wear out on a cooler is either a hinge or a handle. Affordable replacements mean a cheap repair can be made rather than needing to purchase a brand-new cooler.
Best Camping Coolers FAQS
You might have some questions about the best camping coolers. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the best camping coolers so that you can make the best choice for your needs. If the beach is more your style, make sure to check out the Best Beach Cooler article from our good friends at Resilient Reviews!
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF COOLERS?
There are four distinct categories that camping coolers fall into. There are styrofoam coolers, soft coolers, hard coolers, and electric coolers.
Soft Coolers: Soft coolers are essentially rigid bags that have insulation added to them. They are often on the lighter end of the spectrum and can be slung over one shoulder, held in one hand, or even worn as a backpack in some cases. These are more of a one-day choice rather than a multi-day one due to their smaller size and shorter duration of temperature retention compared to hard coolers.
They are ideal for a variety of daytime activities, including day hikes, picnics, and fishing trips, to mention a few. The contents of the cooler bag are typically kept cold with the use of ice packs or small ice blocks because of the cooler bag's relatively modest size.
Hard Coolers: A cooler with a sturdy shell is the sort of cooler that is used the most frequently for camping. The vast majority of the time, they are constructed out of fiberglass and steel, or plastic. Although coolers made of fiberglass and steel are more durable than plastic ones, the former is also significantly heavier and more expensive.
In contrast to soft coolers, hard-sided coolers are bulkier, heavier, and more difficult to move around, but they have superior insulating capabilities. If you keep them in the shade as much as possible and don't open them too frequently, you should be able to keep food cold for approximately four or five days with the vast majority of them.
Electric cooler: A portable mini-fridge is essentially what you get with a cooler of this type. They need to be connected to a power supply, which could be the DC port in your vehicle, a portable power station, or a generator. They are more expensive than hard and soft coolers, but as long as the electricity is on, they can maintain the temperature of the food inside and keep it fresh for an indefinite amount of time.
Because they do not rely on ice for cooling, you are free to make use of all of their capabilities. It is highly recommended that you purchase an electric cooler if you have access to a power source because they are quite convenient. You won't have to worry about the ice melting or the food going bad while you're relaxing at the campsite because we've taken care of those details for you. If you would like to know about the best electric coolers on the market, you should check out our article on the Best RV Refrigerators.
Styrofoam Coolers: The most fundamental type of cooler is this one. They insulate with styrofoam, which results in the product having a relatively low weight. If you need a cooler that is large but can still be moved about easily, this is a perfect option for you. On the other hand, this means that they are unable to maintain temperatures for as long as conventional coolers are able to and are significantly less durable. Therefore, if you need a cooler that will be effective for more than a day, a styrofoam cooler is probably not the best option for you to go with.
In general, they are suitable for a single-day excursion, which makes them an excellent choice for occasions such as birthday parties, family barbecues, and athletic activities.
WHAT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN TRYING TO CHOOSE THE BEST COOLER?
The selection of the ideal cooler is somewhat more involved than it would initially appear to be. When selecting a unit for your next camping trip, you need to make sure that you take into account a variety of aspects, including drains, drain seals, and insulation, among other things.
When making a choice between different coolers, insulation should be the first factor that you consider. There are several different kinds of insulation utilized across the various units. Each one is successful in its own unique way in maintaining the necessary temperature for everything contained within it.
In spite of the fact that the coolers can be insulated with a variety of materials, the thickness of the foam should really be your first concern, this is due to the fact that the thickness has a significantly greater impact on performance than the material itself does, which only plays a minor role.
If the seal of your cooler isn't up to par, then it won't matter how well insulated your cooler is; it won't keep the cold in. If the cooler is unable to keep the warmer air outside from making its way inside, then the cooler is effectively rendered worthless due to the inadequate sealing. There is simply no room for error in this regard, and as a result, every cooler that is worth its cost should have an effective seal. If you find that a device has poor seals or malfunctioning mechanics, you should swipe left on it and look for a better alternative. Even though lid gaskets are the most effective sort of seal you can find in a camping cooler, other seals are acceptable as long as they are well-made.
If you want to check if your cooler's seal is effective, you can attach an air compressor hose to the drain port, coat the area where the seal meets the opening with soapy water, turn on the air compressor on its lowest setting, and look for bubbles. If a cooler's seal is completely useless you can usually tell just by looking at it.
If you want to choose a good unit, another feature of the cooler that you should focus on is its drain. Paying attention to this feature is essential. This is due to the fact that there is virtually no way to avoid getting water inside your cooler. Even if you go camping in sub-zero conditions, the ice won't stay solid forever; however, if you did that, you probably wouldn't need a cooler in the first place. When the ice in your cooler ultimately melts and fills your unit with water, you will need a trustworthy drain to remove all of that surplus liquid from the cooler without emptying the contents onto the ground.
If you drain your cooler when it gets too full, you will be able to save more of the ice that is still inside. You should look for a cooler that has its drain permanently attached to the inside of the device so that it won't become dislodged even if it is bumped or shaken. In addition to this, you need to check that the drain is dependable and strong. The very last thing you need is a drain that is dripping and flooding the backseat of your vehicle.
You might believe that the handle on a cooler is nothing more than a standard feature, but you'd be amazed at how helpful it can actually be in a variety of situations, and how many variations there are. You'll be pleased that your coolers have ergonomic handles to hang onto when loaded with ice, food, and water bottles.
Comfort is really important, but you also need to make sure that the handle on your cooler is strong enough to last. You don't want it to fall off when you're out on the trail making your way to your campground. The loss of all of your perishable supplies would be a terrible tragedy if they rolled down the hill.
Last but not least, you should look for a handle that can be tucked in flush when it is not in use so that packing is more efficient and you can conveniently store your cooler.
HOW DO CAMPING COOLERS WORK AND HOW ARE THEY TESTED?
Most people don’t think about how their camping coolers work. They just throw in some ice and hope for the best. But there’s actually a lot of science that goes into making sure these coolers keep your food cold.
Camping coolers work by using insulation to keep the cold air in and the hot air out. The most common type of insulation is polyurethane foam, which is made up of tiny cells that trap air and prevent heat transfer.
To test how well a cooler works, manufacturers use something called a thermal conductivity test. This involves measuring how much heat is transferred through the walls of the cooler when it’s placed in a controlled environment. The less heat that’s transferred, the better the cooler will be at keeping things cold.
ARE CAMPING COOLERS WORTH THE MONEY?
In our opinion, yes. If you're going to be spending time in the wilderness, having a cooler is a huge benefit. And since you can use them at home on the weekend, they actually pay for themselves pretty quickly. In the event that you want to bring your own cooler, we recommend purchasing hard-sided coolers. They're more expensive than soft coolers, but they're also much more durable and can hold up to a lot of wear and tear.
HOW TO GET THE MOST BENEFIT WHEN YOU USE YOUR COOLER?
The fact that how a cooler is utilized has such a significant impact on its performance makes it one of the most challenging aspects of determining which is the finest cooler for camping.
For instance, even the most well-insulated cooler will fail to keep its contents cool in excessively hot weather, particularly if it is left out in the sun for an extended period of time. And then there are other aspects that influence the ice's life, such as the ratio of the amount of ice used to the amount of food and beverages.
Having said that, there are a few essential things to keep in mind in order to make the most out of any camping cooler. Here is how to get the most out of your insulation to extend the life of your ice:
Pre-chill Your Cooler Because a cold cooler is more effective than a warm cooler, you should pre-chill your cooler the night before your trip by adding an additional bag of ice to it.
Do your best to complete your shopping and planning at least a day in advance, if at all possible. This gives you the opportunity to chill the contents of the cooler in the refrigerator before transferring them to the cooler that has already been chilled.
Put the bags in your freezer at home for a little while before using them in the cooler. This ensures that the ice is as cold as possible. The lower the temperature, the longer the ice will remain solid.
Using twice as much ice as the rest of the contents in your cooler is an excellent ratio to use. It is important to note that the performance of your cooler will improve proportionately with the amount of ice that you use in it.
Combine ice blocks and ice cubes. Ice blocks have a longer shelf life than ice cubes, but ice cubes provide more instant cooling power. Utilizing both at the same time will allow you to get the most out of both options.
If at all feasible, store your cooler in an area that is shaded and keep it out of direct sunlight. Simply doing this can dramatically increase the amount of time the ice will last.
You should try to open your cooler as seldom as possible. Also, try to keep it open for the shortest amount of time feasible. When you open it, the cooler air on the inside is replaced with air that is warmer.
If you want your ice to last as long as possible when camping, combine the techniques in this article with a high-quality cooler. Be aware, however, that if you load the cooler correctly, add the appropriate amount of ice, and exercise a modicum of caution when using it, you may still get a lot out of a low-cost cooler.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY CAMPING COOLER EVEN MORE EFFICIENT?
In order to make your electric cooler more efficient, you need to know how much energy it uses. The easiest way to measure this is by using a kilowatt meter. These are readily available online and are very inexpensive. Simply plug the cooler into the meter and see how much energy is used. Then, to make your cooler more efficient, try one of these things:
1. Use a thermoelectric cooler instead of a standard cooler.
2. Use a solar panel to help power the cooler.
3. Drive your car with the cooler in the trunk.
4. Use insulation inside of the cooler to make it more efficient.
5. Use a cooler with an ice-making machine.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A CAMPING COOLER AS OPPOSED TO PACKING A COOLER FULL OF ICE?
There are many benefits to using a camping cooler. The first is that you do not have to deal with an ice chest and all of the mess it can make. Also, if you use insulation in your cooler, you will not need as much ice. That means that you will spend less money on ice as well. If you are using a cooler with an ice-making machine, you will not have to add any ice at all.
HOW SHOULD I PACK MY COOLER FOR CAMPING?
The best thing to do is to plan ahead. Be sure to place the items that you need most on top so that you do not have to dig through your cooler for them. Make sure that you put the items in the proper order, too. For example, place the items that will be used late in the trip on the bottom. That way they will not be moved around and opened too much.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO KEEP COOLERS CLEAN?
It is important to keep your coolers clean. If they are not clean, the food items will spoil much faster or may even get contaminated by fungal or bacterial growth. Keep your coolers dry as well. If they get wet, you will need to let them air out and dry before using them again. It is also important to take the lids off your coolers when they are not in use so that they can air out effectively. If you have to leave your cooler out for a bit, make sure that it is in a dry place.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN CAMPING COOLERS?
The best way to clean your coolers is to wipe them down with soap and water. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before packing everything back up. You can also use a bleach solution to disinfect them, though you will need to make sure that you rinse this off thoroughly. It is best to dry your coolers by leaving them out in the sun. If you have a hard time getting them completely dry, you can use a hair dryer on low heat to do this. Having a clean cooler is the best way to ensure that your food will stay fresh and tasty.
Conclusion
The best coolers for camping provide excellent insulation to keep your food and drinks cold for extended periods of time. They are also durable, so you can use them for many years to come. When choosing a cooler for camping, consider its size, weight, and features. Make sure it has enough space for all of your food and drinks, and that it is easy to carry. Most importantly, choose a cooler that will keep your food and drinks cold for the entire trip. See you out there!
