Top Best Rated Camping Coolers: Best Picks 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Rated Camping Coolers
Best Rated Camping Coolers

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart

Keep ice frozen for up to 5 days with the Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler. With an insulated lid and walls, it provides ice retention up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The cup holders molded into the lid make it easy to access beverages while you're on the go. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler

Igloo BMX coolers are designed with a built-in Cool Riser Technology that keeps food cold and ice frozen for up to 4-5 days. Constructed with heavy duty blow-molded construction, the Igloo BMX cooler is extremely durable yet lightweight. The reinforced base provides increased strength and protection from drops and falls. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: Coleman Rolling Cooler | 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels

Take your picnics, tailgates, or sporting events to the next level with Coleman’s 50-quart Xtreme 5-day cooler. With its high capacity, easily rolling wheels and insulated lid that keeps ice up to five days in the hottest temperatures, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the event without worrying about food spoiling. Read Review

4. Best Compatible: Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler

Igloo's 52 Quart Cooler is made from a heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection. With the proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90°F, you can pack it full of all your favorite beverages and supplies. It features a lid that fits tightly to prevent leaks, a top lid with drain holes and an easy grip carrying handle. Read Review

Camping is a great way to spend time with your friends, family, or even pets. When you go camping, you need to bring the essentials along with you in order to have a comfortable and safe experience. A camping cooler is one of those essentials that can help make your experience more comfortable and fun.

These coolers are available in different sizes, shapes, and prices so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. There are also many manufacturers of camping coolers today which means that you can get one that suits your style as well.

Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart, which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and a number of different options are available to help you find the most suitable.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler, 50 Quart
Our Score:
9.7
Coleman
  • Cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to beverages
  • Insulated lid and walls provide 5 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 50-quart capacity holds up to 84 cans
  • Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention
  • UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life.
  • Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure.
  • Heavy-duty wheels: Effortless rolling over any terrain
  • Telescoping handle: For easy pulling and compact storage
  • High capacity: Holds up to 84 cans
  • Swing-up comfort grip handles for easy two-handed carrying.
  • Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
  • Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
  • HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lb.
  • High Capacity: Holds Up to 100 Cans
  • Cup Holders: Molded Into the Lid to Keep Drinks Close and Prevent Spilling
6 YETI Tundra 35 Cooler, White
Our Score:
8.8
YETI
  • Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
  • The Tundra 35 dimensions are 20 in long x 16 1/8 in wide x 15 1/4 in high with an empty weight of 20 lbs NOTE: All Tundra models come standard with one dry goods basket
  • All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
  • The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
  • The YETI Tundra 35 is portable enough for one person to haul while still having an impressive carrying capacity of up to 20 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
  • Built to deliver years of performance with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware
  • Premium insulation offers 4-day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • High-capacity, heavy-duty cooler features a charming retro design
8 YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, Navy
Our Score:
8.4
YETI
  • The Tundra 65 dimensions are 30 1/2 in long x 17 1/2 in wide x 16 in high with an empty weight of 29 lbs NOTE: All Tundra models come standard with one dry goods basket.
  • The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
  • The YETI Tundra 65 is just as adept at keeping your catches cold in the field as it is storing the drinks and food for your backyard barbecue, this ice chest is plenty roomy, holding a limit of redfish or your prized brisket
  • All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
  • Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
  • CUP HOLDERS WITH DRAIN: Molded into the lid to keep drinks from spilling; fit up to a 30-oz. tumbler
  • LEAKPROOF: Channel drain plug
  • FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body Keeps the Ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F; logo color on cooler may vary
  • Mobile And Multifaceted: Use the heavy-duty rope handles to take the 65 anywhere and when you need an extra hand—this cooler doubles as a step stool, tabletop, or cutting board.
  • Heavy-Duty Protection: The combination of durable rubber T-latches and molded tie-down slots will keep your food and beverages secure.
  • Temperature Retentive: The 3-inch foam insulated walls plus the cool-lift design feature will make worrying about your ice melting a thing of the past.
  • Unlimited Potential: This cooler has a 65 can capacity so you can embrace the outdoor life while still channeling the comfort of your own home.
  • A Sidekick For Every Adventure: Rotomolded construction makes this cooler tough enough to handle every excursion—from off-roading in Moab to the peak of any mountain.

What to Look For in a best rated camping coolers?

The best rated camping coolers is influenced by a multitude of factors, including all those stated below. Depending on the sort of product, the learning process differs. We'll be ready to aid you and propose solutions since we're here to support you.

It's necessary to remember the following ones before selecting best rated camping coolers:

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overall, we will research and update new info for the list of best rated camping coolers regularly. On a frequent basis, please check our websites for the latest changes and updates.

Aside from best rated camping coolers, we can bail you up. If you want further support, please do not hesitate to contact us.


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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