Of course, you can expect to pay more for those that keep your ice for longer but this extra is certainly worth it if you’re planning extended trips. Seeing as this is the primary purpose of a cooler, this is something you’ll want to learn about any particular model you’re considering buying beforehand. Some will be able to keep your beers cold for a good day or two while some of the better performing coolers will be able to keep you in a good supply of cold beer for longer than a week in hot weather. These things will be able to store your food, be used to be able to carry other items via being pulled along on wheels, and most importantly, keep your precious beers sitting at just the right temperature for days on end. All of that is well and good, but what really sets the Igloo MaxCold apart is its outstanding level of performance. In my tests, I filled each cooler with 3 pounds of ice, then tracked their internal ambient temperatures on a minute-by-minute basis over 48 hours in a climate-controlled room set to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hard coolers have thicker walls that provide superior insulation to prevent ice from melting for days. Soft coolers are typically lighter and win more points in the category of portability, but they don’t keep drinks and ice cold for as long as hard-sided models. We’ve reviewed a number of Coleman coolers in this list and while this one is not technically a wheeled-cooler, it is extremely portable and should definitely be considered if you’re looking for a portable 70-quart cooler that is affordable.
Design features that make this a popular choice include a bottle opener on each side, a snap-on holder for fishing poles or umbrellas, and a removable butler tray with two cup holders that works as a small table for food and drinks. Plus, you can use the lockable storage section or storage pocket to keep necessities, like keys or a phone, safe and dry. During our tests, we appreciated the rugged wheels and the easy-to-maneuver handlebar but noted that the cooler came igloo ice chest open during a drop test because it’s lacking a latch. Before rolling, make sure you don’t have melted ice inside to avoid spills or leakage. In the world of coolers, YETI pioneered the high-end concept, and the Tundra is its best-selling and most versatile model. This popular line features premium cooling and ice-retention capabilities with a thick, rotomolded build that’s more durable and less prone to cracking than injection-molded options like the RTIC above.
You also have four cup holders on the top for when you want to crack open a few of those beers with your friends. All in all this Igloo cooler with wheels is a decent option to have and great value for money. Coolers with the better reputations are the ones to go for as they will state how long their coolers will retain ice and will generally be very accurate with what they’re saying. Some will openly admit if their cooler is designed to keep your stuff cool for a day, a few days, or for up to a week.
YETI’s Roadie 24 and Pelican’s 20QT Elite are two notable exceptions that don’t come with drain plugs, which can make dumping out extra water a bit of a hassle. However, given these coolers’ smaller capacities, most users will be restocking the contents frequently anyway. Many of the top hard-sided coolers are listed as bear-resistant, which is a worthwhile consideration should you be camping in bear country. Specifically, you should look for an igloo electric cooler IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee) rating, which designates that a certain cooler has gone through the appropriate testing and been deemed compliant with the organization’s regulations. However, not all coolers listed as bear-resistant carry this certification—you can see a full list of certified coolers here. If you frequent the backcountry or will be traveling where bear-proof gear is required, make sure your cooler is on the list.
You also have the choice of three different colors and a multitude of accessories that can be used with it which are sold separately. It might not be the cheapest cooler with wheels on our list but in terms of build quality, performance, and mobility, we feel it is certainly worth the cost. If you were looking for an igloo ice chest that offers up ample storage and plenty of features but do not quite have the budget for the excellent Trailmate Liddup above, you might just be interested in their Latitude 60 Roller instead. Ideal for weekends away fishing, hiking, or partying, you will be able to keep food and drinks for days on end.