The Best Car Cooler For Road Trips In 2024
By, Hailey AbbottUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler
This cooler features a Deep Freeze performance insulation that locks in cold air and temperature-retaining technology to keep items at an optimal temperature. With its hardbody liner, SmartShelf, adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap and anti-slip shoulder pad. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology
Featuring UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage, rust-resistant stainless steel hardware, rubberized T-grip latches and Cool Riser Technology, this cooler will keep your contents cold while being elevated away from hot surfaces. Read Review
3. Best Reliable: CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag
This versatile and lightweight bag features an integrated bottle opener, a front zippered pouch for extra storage, and side handles to make carrying easy. Plus, when not in use it collapses down to save space. Read Review
4. Best Smart: Coleman Steel-Belted Portable Cooler Silver
With its superior insulation, it offers 4 day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Built to last, this cooler is made with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware for years of reliable performance. Read Review
5. Best Softy: Coleman PowerChill Hot/Cold Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
This versatile cooler allows you to switch between hot and cold modes, so you can keep your items at an optimal temperature. The 8-foot power cord lets you power the cooler with a car or boat outlet. Read Review
Road trips are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but they can be marred by warm drinks and wilted snacks. A car cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold for the duration of your journey. Whether you’re looking for a large ice box or a convenient mini cooler, there’s something for everyone.
From small and lightweight coolers to larger and more rugged models, you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Read on to find out more about the best car coolers for road trips and how to choose the right one for you.
After spending 23 hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best car cooler for road trips is Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler. This hardbody cooler features our Deep Freeze performance insulation to keep ice up to 2 days and has a HardBody liner with SmartShelf, making it easier than ever to organize your food and drinks. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.
RELATED: Friendly, expert advice and help from real experts to find best chest cooler of 2024. We compiled the list of top models in the guide here.
Our Top Picks
Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining; water and stain repellent, wipe clean exterior
Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it
Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with anti-slip shoulder pad centers load weight for easier carrying; interior liner dimensions: (L x W x H) 12.7" x 7.6" x 10.2"
Patented, "flip open" Zipperless lid allows for quick access to food and drinks
Features FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf and insulated front pocket
Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
Comfort grip, 3-point-grab handle for easy one-handed carrying.
Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention.
UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life.
Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
Integrated ruler on lid easily estimates your catch.
Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure.
Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention
ACCESSORIES - Integrated bottle opener means one less thing to pack; the front zippered pouch is great for extra storage of valuables; and side handles as well as padded top handle makes toting a breeze
DIMENSIONS - Measuring 18.25" L x 12.25" W x 12" H and weighing 2.25 lbs. when empty; the cooler has a weight capacity of 55 lbs. and room for 50 cans
VERSATILE - Perfect beach bag for toting snacks and drinks for a day in the sun; great for bringing lunch into work; grocery shopping, or as a travel cooler for a road trip with family
COLLAPSIBLE - Sturdy soft sided cooler pops up with ease so you can fill with your meal and beverage essentials; collapse when not in use for easy storing just about anywhere
STRUCTURED - Opens and closes in a SNAP thanks to the built in patented SnapHinge; the perfect ice chest that will stay open even when empty
Comfort grip steel handles allow for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
Built to deliver years of performance with rust resistant stainless steel hardware
54 quart capacity accommodates up to 85 Cans
Have-A-Seat Lid supports up to 250 lbs. for a place to sit and rest
Keeps the ice; Insulation offers 4 day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90 degrees fahrenheit
High capacity, heavy duty cooler features a charming retro design
Keeps contents up to 40 degrees colder or warmer than the surroundings
Door opens from either the left or right side to offer added placement flexibility
8-foot power cord allows you to the power the cooler with a car or boat outlet
40-quart capacity holds up to 44 cans
Versatile hot/cold thermoelectric cooler keeps food items at an optimal temperature
Uses your car's cigarette lighter to cool without ice, unlocking more room for food and drinks, as well as keeping all contents fresh and dry. Takes cooler temperature down to 36F below surrounding air
8' long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use - good universal fit in 12V outlet
Ergonomic design features a curved back that comfortably hugs your side while carrying
Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting. Capacity-32 12-oz cans; 26 quarts (24 liters)
Quiet brushless motor and convection cooling with a fan to circulate cold air
18 1/4 inches by 12 3/4 inches by 17 1/4 inches
Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying
Cools without ice and leaves you more room for food and drinks
The 8 feet long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (cigarette lighter) for portable use
VERSATILE - Suitable for all outdoor activities as an all-around soft sided cooler for camping or road trips. It’s the perfect size for food delivery services and a great solution to transport groceries from the store or farmer's market to your kitchen at home.
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Extra-large size yet weighs only 1.65 lbs. The Maelstrom Icy Hollow Soft sided cooler will hold up to 75 cans of your favorite drinks plus 2-4 ice packs; or with 60 cans you can add 15 lbs. of ice for long lasting coldness. Whether it's camping, hiking, picnicking, or a BBQ party, the cooler bag easily packs a lot of food, fruits, beer, meat, or even seafood together. It’s large enough to carry all picnic essentials for the whole family!
UNIQUE DESIGN - Top pull tab with Velcro opening design, easy to access your food without having to open the zipper around the whole top cover, keeping contents cool/warm longer. Ergonomic design with two different ways to carry - adjustable straps and a carrying handle. An integrated bottle opener gives you a quick access to pop open a bottle of beer.
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Extra-large size yet weighs only 1.65 lbs. The Maelstrom Icy Hollow Soft sided cooler will hold up to 75 cans of your favorite drinks plus 2-4 ice packs; or with 60 cans you can add 15 lbs. of ice for long lasting coldness. Whether it's camping, hiking, picnicking, or a BBQ party, the cooler bag easily packs a lot of food, fruits, beer, meat, or even seafood together. It’s large enough to carry all picnic essentials for the whole family!
DURABLE - Maelstrom Ice Hollow Soft Sided Cooler Bags have double-stitched carry options. All pick-up points, the shoulder straps and carry handles are reinforced. This cooler bag can handle more weight than you’d prefer to carry. Capacity: 18x12x13.8 inches, 13 Gallons of ice and drinks.
DOUBLE HANDLES AND WHEELED: Two handles and wheels make it easy to carry or pull. A dual functioning handle allows you to carry your cooler in hand or pull it on the ground using the wheels.
PORTABLE TRAVEL FRIDGE & HEATER: Whether you're travelling on the road or camping in an RV, camper or minivan, this large capacity storage container to heat & warm or cool & chill food & drink.
CHILLS WITHOUT ICE: Forget ice packs that need constant refilling, take up precious space, and leave you with a watery mess when they melt. This cooler maintains a cool 40°F temp without any ice.
VAST STORAGE SPACE: This 48 quart cooler stores about 60 cans of soda or 6 two liter bottles and 15 cans of soda or beer. A removable divider creates 2 compartments for easier organizing and storing.
PLUGS IN ANYWHERE: The cooler/warmer combo has 2 6 FT. Extra Long built in cords - one for standard wall outlets, and one for car power adapters. Both have storage compartments to be hidden when not in use.
Advanced Cooling Performance: High quality insulation in 3 unique layers work together to keep your food and drinks cool up to 3 days. Outer layer has a water-proof surface which ensured no sweat, middle layer is high density foam and the interior is fully lined with leak-proof material
BPA Free: The liner of soft-sided coolers made from BPA free material, superior quality, competitive price. Perfect companion gear for lunches, beach picnics, park, tail-gating, hiking, camping or backyard use
3 Ways to Carry: With a detachable shoulder strap with pad, top handles and 2 reinforced side grab-n-go handles, you can carry this soft cooler bag hands-free on the shoulder for light loads, or use the top/side handles for heavy carry
100% Leakproof and Impact Resistant: TOURIT soft cooler features a waterproof and tough shell to resistant to punctures and UV rays. The Airtight Zipper with easy pull tab keeps the bag with cooler leak-proof.
Perfect Dimensions: Exterior size: 15" x 10" x 13 1/5" (L x W x H), Interior size: 12 4/5" x 7 9/10" x 9 9/10"(L x W x H), Empty weight: 1.70kg, can hold 20 cans plus ice, could perfectly be placed in the trunk of the car and the wide-mouth opening of the soft coolers insulated ensure easy access and visibility to your contents
LARGE CAPACITY: ROCK BROS leak proof soft cooler size: 16.53 * 11.02 * 13.38 inches( L * W * H ), Inner size: 14.25 * 8.78 * 9.25 inches, 30 Can could be held. The 30 can insulated soft pack cooler can be placed in the trunk of the car easily. You can take it for camping, fishing, road beach Trip, Golf, Picnics, outdoor hiking, boating, rafting
EXCELLENT COOLING PERFORMANCE: Soft sided cooler has more than 48 hours extra long cooling insulation time under a 107 degree indoor environment, will keep the food fresh and drinks cool.The inner material of the soft cooler is high density insulation foam and the interior surface is waterproof TPU & airtight zipper which can ensure the cool air stays in
DURABLE & WATERPROOF: The exterior of the cooler bag is reinforced with 840D nylon and the top & bottom material is 420D polyester, keeping the insulated leak proof soft pack cooler not pierced by sharp objects easily. It would be durable and strong enough after being filled with fruit & drinks. 100% waterproof material and the leakproof airtight zipper ensure ROCK BROS soft sided cooler excellent waterproof performance
CONVENIENT & PORTABLE: Humanized designs provide more convenient. a: Bottle Opener design, drink beer everywhere only need to take the ROCK BROS soft cooler bag. b: External Suspension design,hang some outdoor necessities to make it convenient for us. c: Anchor shape zipper auxiliary tool helps you open & close the leak proof soft coolers easily
MULTIPLE CARRYING WAYS: A detachable shoulder strap with soft pad, when holds light goods, the waterproof 30 can insulated cooler can be carry on your shoulder. One reinforced top strap and two reinforced side handle straps design, it would be necessary while hold more heavy drinks
What to Look For in a best car cooler for road trips?
Actually, when you decide to invest in best car cooler for road trips for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item.
We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best car cooler for road trips below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:
Cooler Construction
Cooler Drain Systems
Bear-Resistant Ratings
Weight And Portability
Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities
Cooler Sizes (Capacities)
Cooler Latch And Closure Systems
Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers
RELATED: If you've got to be a lover of best hard shell coolers, you've come to the perfect spot for valuable tips and accurate information.
FAQs
How Long Does A Cooler Stay Cold?
It all depends on how efficient the cooler is at insulation. This includes the temperature outside, initial temperature of food and its stacking. Food can be kept cold for up to 4 days with ice (the best), in ideal conditions. A high-end cooler may even keep it chilled for as long as 10 days.
Which Size Cooler Do I Need?
Although you might feel compelled to buy a large cooler, make sure it fits in the car. Smaller coolers can be lifted without the need for assistance. However, coolers with larger capacities can hold more ice and so tend to stay cool longer than smaller models.
Higher coolers can store bottles more upright. Models with recessed lids are better for loading items higher, but they may become warmer.
Can I Use Dry Ice In A Cooler?
Most times, the answer is yes. Some coolers can be damaged by dry ice, but the majority should work fine. However, you will need to cover dry ice with blankets or other insulators. A cooler designed for dry ice is best if you plan to use it every day. You won't have to do any special tasks because the cooler has compartments to store dry ice.
Does Food Stay Cool In A Portable Cooler Without Ice?
But it will take longer than if you put ice inside the cooler. Insulation in the cooler stops food from heating up faster than if left out. The temperature of the cooler and how chilled the food were at the beginning will determine the time it takes to cool down. Even frozen foods will heat up faster if they are kept cool in a trunk compartment of a vehicle.
How Does A Portable Cooler Work?
Combining the insulation of the cooler with the ice you put inside, either ice cubes, ice packs, or foam, slows down warm air circulation and helps keep things cool.
How Do I Clean My Cooler?
Warm water and dish soap will generally clean your cooler. You can also use warm water and bleach to remove stubborn stains or odors.
After knowing the suitable kinds of best car cooler for road trips and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy.
Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best car cooler for road trips perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!
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About Hailey Abbott
