Picking Up Best Rafting Coolers Of 2024: A Complete Guide

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler

This cooler has a leak-proof liner that holds ice for 24 hours in temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the shoulder strap to clip onto the cooler and carry it around or hang it on a hook in your boat as you travel so it doesn't take up space. Made from durable yet soft canvas, this cooler is both tough and stylish. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 16 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler

The Arctic Zone Titan is a great way to keep your food and drinks cool without having to worry about them fogging up your windows. The Ultra Safe leak-proof liner protects your food from any potential spills. This cooler features an insulated front pocket, Rhino-Tech water and stain resistant exterior - that won't crack over time - and will not rust or corrode. Read Review

3. Best Durable: RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can

RTIC Coolers are designed for the active outdoorsman. Keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours with the durable and leak-proof zipper, which also prevents spills and leaks. The ultra-durable foam liner stays cool to the touch and provides a comfortable grip and sweat-free carrying experience. Read Review

4. Best Durability: Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler

Keep your drinks, food, and gear cool and fresh with the Igloo BMX Cooler. The Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates this cooler away from hot surfaces, helping keep contents cold for longer. With the integrated comfort grip handles, you can easily carry this cooler to your next adventure with two hands. Read Review

The great outdoors without a cold drink? That’s where the idea of bringing your own cooler comes into play. Whether you’re going on an overnight camping trip, or just spending the day at the river, there are few things better than having a refreshing beverage to sip throughout your outdoor adventures.

The only real problem is how to keep your drinks cool throughout the day, and not melt from being left in direct sunlight for too long. And if you want to take some beer with you on your next adventure as well, that’s even more important. Here are the best rafting coolers to keep you hydrated while out on the river.

We think AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 16 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler
Our Score:
9.7
AO Coolers
  • Soft-sided cooler with high-density insulation, a removable shoulder strap, and side pocket
  • Made of durable soft canvas material that stands up to travel; features a high-quality leak-proof TPU liner
  • Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with shoulder pad for convenience and usability; Interior liner dimensions: (L x W x H) 9.8" x 4.75" x 10.25"
  • Features an Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining; Includes insulated front pocket
  • Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it
TOP Choice #3 RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can
Our Score:
9.4
RTIC
  • Handles Any Terrain: Every RTIC Soft Pack Cooler floats in water, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go, whether that’s swimming in Lake Tahoe or hiking in Glacier.
  • Leak-Free: A durable zipper keeps your drinks and snacks protected at all costs, preventing spills and leaks.
  • Make Adventures Portable: This generous cooler will hold up to 30 cans of your favorite beverage plus ice — fitting for a road trip or a week out in the desert.
4 Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler
Our Score:
9.2
Igloo
  • Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure. Threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap
  • Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90°F
  • Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
  • 【Portability & outer pockets】- Four-layer thermal insulation bag keeps food and drinks cool and large enough for a 6-pack. Side handle and shoulder strap makes it easy to carry; features YKK zippers, with an extra corkscrew.
  • 【Leakproof & keep cool/warm】-The exterior is made of Nylon Fabric which is easy to dry for storage. The interior lining is made from eco-friendly PEVA liner and padded with 8mm EPE foam for great thermal resistance. The premium food-grade liner is water-resistant and dirt-proof interior of insulated cooler makes it easy to clean.
  • Features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and high-density fabric that withstands punctures and UV rays
  • Its DryHide Shell is waterproof and resistant to punctures, and abrasions so it will hold its own when faced with the hazards of the wild
  • Crafted from the highest quality material
  • Perfect for outdoor and even indoor use
  • Made in United States
8 Coleman Rolling Cooler
Our Score:
8.6
Coleman
  • Xtreme Technology; Insulated lid and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • Have-a-seat lid: Closed lid supports up to 250 pounds
  • Telescoping handle: For easy pulling and compact storage
  • DURABLE: Made with Ripstop diamond nylon and includes dual-grip grab handles to make KICK ICE coolers simple to carry, load, and unload. Quickly become handsfree with the included adjustable shoulder strap
  • VARIETY: Need something smaller? KICK ICE soft coolers come in an 8L, 6 can 15L, 24 can, or 30L, 36 can capacities
  • COLDER: The coolers utilize high performance thermal retention insulation and a PVC free, PEVA silver leakproof lining, so your drinks stay colder, longer. Plus, there’s room for ICE, keeping things extra frosty
10 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
8.2
Igloo
  • Ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
  • 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31" L x 17.38" W x 17.75" D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches

What Are the Main Ways for Picking best rafting coolers, According to Experts?

Even during the shopping process, many things need to be considered. There are many different ways to access research material. Understand this. Our entire team is ready to lend you a hand, offer advice, and provide answers to your problems.

You should be able to access the best rafting coolers more easily with the tremendous rise of information sources. For you, our research ensures precision and objectivity thanks to AI techniques and Big Data.

Remember to think about factors like brand and product while purchasing the best rafting coolers. All of this will influence how well your product fits your requirements.

Cooler Drain Systems

Many of our hard-sided coolers have drainage systems that allow you to drain the water out once the ice is melted. This is usually a pop-off or screw-on cap located at the bottom of cooler. Simply remove it and let the water flow out.

Weight And Portability

Weighing your cooler is an important factor for those who will be carrying it or moving it around regularly. For models with less capacity, they can weigh as little as 10-15 pounds and up to 50+ for those that have 75+ quarts storage. This number goes up dramatically when you load it down with food and drinks. Even though the handles are made of rope, some are plastic and others are nylon. They are too heavy to be carried for extended distances. We recommend wheels if portability is important. They are easier to carry for longer periods of time and more convenient for one person, so they're less burdensome.

Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers

We mentioned above that if you have cooler needs such as mobility and large capacity or maximum ice retention it is a good idea to look into a hard-sided rolling model. These wheeled monsters can still be difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, and will need assistance if there is no clear path. A rolling cooler is a good choice for camping, tailgating or days at the beach.

Cooler Latch And Closure Systems

The cooler's closure or latch is a key feature of premium models and will play a major role in cooling performance. Two rubber T-handles are a common feature on high-end, hard-sided coolers. They keep the lid in place and prevent it from opening. They are extremely sturdy and user-friendly.

Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities

Ice retention is one of the most difficult things to determine when researching coolers. This is largely due to external factors. The temperature of the air and direct sunlight have a significant impact. Ice quantity is also important. Most brands suggest a ratio of 2:1. You should also open the lid as often as possible to let warm and cold air into your cooler. Pre-chilling your cooler before loading it is a good idea to ensure maximum efficiency. To reduce the cooler's interior temperature, you should fill it with ice at least for a couple of hours. Once you are ready to go, add fresh ice in the right ratio. You can also expect your cooler to become pre-warmed if it is left out in the sunlight before you load it up.

Cooler Sizes (Capacities)

A few things to consider before we get started: Size. Importantly, coolers do not measure the interior capacity of all models. Some coolers use cans to measure interior capacity, others use liters or quarts. However, most manufacturers use quarts as a unit of measure. We've used that measurement in this article when it was possible. A final point: Don't let the product name fool you.

Bear-Resistant Ratings

Many top-rated hard-sided coolers can be listed as being bear-resistant. This is an important consideration if you are camping in bear territory. You should specifically look out for IGBC ratings. This indicates that a cooler has been tested and is in compliance with their regulations. You should ensure your cooler is included if you plan to travel in bear-proof gear or frequent backcountry areas.

Cooler Construction

There are two main types of construction techniques used to make premium hard-sided coolers: injection molding and rotational molding. Yeti popularized rotomolding (even though they weren't technically the first company to do so) and is the dominant market at the top end. This type of cooler is made from a single, continuous piece of plastic which is then rotated to form the desired shape. These coolers have fewer stress points, so they are more likely to break under pressure. They also feature a thicker outer shell that ensures exceptional durability. Cost and weight are the main drawbacks.

FAQs

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.

What Is The Best Hard Cooler?

There are many coolers. It really doesn't matter which cooler you choose. A cooler that is more resistant to damage will be the most suitable if you intend on using it every week.

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.

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 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.

How Much Do Coolers Cost?

Consider what your cooler will be used for. If you need it to store food or drinks for several days or at extreme temperatures then more money is an investment in food safety. A cooler that is cheap and cheerful may suffice if you just need to chill a handful of drinks for an afternoon barbecue.

In general, it's difficult to say who creates the best rafting coolers since each firm has unique qualities, features, and pricing points that set them apart from the competition. We only suggest products from the most outstanding manufacturers on our site, so you can rest assured about their quality.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your problems. Wish you a happy shopping!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio