This 60-quart container is built from recycled resin made from discarded plastic, while the insulation is a special foam that lowers emissions from CO2 and volatile organic compounds. And this cooler works too—it keeps your drinks cold for five days, comes with all-terrain igloo ice chest wheels, and a telescoping handle for convenience. The lid sports four self-draining cup holders, and the triple-snap drain plug is effectively leak resistant. With seven days of ice retention, the Lifetime Hard Sided Cooler is a step away from being a rolling mini-fridge.
Among all 12 of them — including four of those expensive, rotomolded coolers — the MaxCold finished in third place, managing to tie the $329 Bison Gen 2 and beating the $400 Rovr Rollr 60. It’s nothing fancy, and it won’t hold cold temperatures as long as Yeti or Orca will, but it’ll get you awfully close for just a fraction of the price. That makes it my top value pick in the cooler category, and an excellent choice if you just want something dependable that won’t break the bank.
If you have a big trip planned or often go out into the wilderness with friends, this Igloo cooler is one we suggest you think about buying. Firstly, this thing is big and with 7-quarts it will hold up to 112 cans of your favorite beer. Most of you will be thinking about cold beers but this cooler will also be able to store food. Yes, we know that stuff that is not quite as important as beer but certainly something you’ll need to consume at least sometimes – but we understand the need to limit the amount of solids you want to put into your hydraulics on your trips!
The split lid provides easy access while the removable basket-shelves encourage organization. The brand claims that the lid’s sliding lock is strong enough to prohibit accidental openings, but the latch, hinges, and wheels on this cooler may not withstand the wear and tear of the great outdoors when compared with other models. A 12-volt adapter is included, while a compatible AC adapter is sold separately to allow for indoor use. Igloo has the best selection of coolers with wheels and handles, making it easy to bring your snacks, drinks, and other refreshments wherever the party is headed. Scroll through our collection of ice chests with wheels and find the one that suits your lifestyle. It has taken us a few years to recommend a wheeled cooler simply because none have seemed built to last longer than a season or two—especially in the handle.
The company also sells a handy bicycle attachment (not included) for towing the cooler on cycling trips. While you probably won’t choose this cooler for a long road trip or week-long camping or rafting excursion, it’s great for a picnic with friends (and it’s certified grizzly bear-resistant, so no worries about Yogi and pals). Look no further than the trusty Pelican 45QT Elite Wheeled Cooler to haul up to a week’s worth of provisions from home to car to trailhead—and keep it all chilled in the process. Although the wheeled igloo cooler with wheels version of the cooler is rotomolded and not injection molded (the latter provides superior durability and lightness, while the former is more affordable), Pelican guarantees its coolers with a lifetime warranty. The wheeled version still boasts a 2-inch wall of insulation, molded locking closure, and freezer-grade gasket, ensuring that a fully loaded, iced cooler will stay frosty for at least seven days. This high-end, rugged cooler’s large-diameter wheels and smooth pulling mean you can tackle all terrains with confidence.
If portability is a priority, we recommend looking at options with wheels, such as RovR’s RollR 45 or Igloo’s Trailmate Journey. Although these units still are decidedly hefty (the RovR is around 37 lbs. while the Igloo is just under 35), the wheels make them much easier and less cumbersome to transport for extended periods, even just for one person. If you are looking for maximum cooling power, premium rotomolded coolers from brands like YETI, RTIC, and ORCA are the clear leaders in keeping ice cold for long stretches. If you need ice for extended periods (we’re thinking of you, rafters and multi-day campers), the cost is worth it. But for those on day trips or shorter overnight outings with access to new ice, an inexpensive cooler like the Coleman Xtreme or Igloo ECOCOOL is a fine option. Grab your favorite outdoor snacks and hit the beach with this wheeled cooler from Igloo.
For those who don’t know, Pelican is an industry leader in tough, dependable cases for storing and protecting everything from camera equipment and laptops to guns and drones. Like the venerable YETI Roadie above, Pelican’s 20QT Elite here is a lower-capacity option for day trips on the water, igloo electric cooler strapping to the back of an ATV, and other short outings away from home. Stacked up against the Roadie, the Pelican is $50 cheaper (albeit with slightly less storage) but comes with functional extras like integrated cup holders, easier-to-use latches, and a more robust carry handle.