The Best Coolers for Camping

As someone who seeks out every single opportunity for camping, I can tell you a thing or two about coolers – more specifically, coolers that you decidedly don't want. You see, I've had my fair share of soggy, ruined food items, coolers that won't keep items cold, and leaky, less-than-durable coolers that survive maybe one season (if I'm lucky). Over the years, I've learned that a quality cooler makes all the difference in a successful camping trip. So I've saddled up to bring you this list of the highest quality coolers on the market to keep your food and beverages perfectly cold. Here's what I've found.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

Ice, Ice Baby

This understated cooler will keep your beverages seriously cold – and for a surprisingly long amount of time.
Best Overall

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Arctic Zone has created a pretty fantastic cooler with the Titan Deep Freeze. Made with high-performing insulation that has a radiant heat barrier, this cooler literally deflects the sun, keeping contents cooler for far longer. With an easy flip lid (no flimsy zippers, here), this is an unassuming cooler that has unparalleled cooling capabilities. The exterior looks as if it’s a soft cooler, but it’s not. Made with a HardBody inner liner and a Rhino-Tech outer, this is an easy to clean, durable, and incredibly efficient cooler. Handy extras include a padded strap, outer pouches, and an inner removable shelf for keeping delicate food products separate from ice.

Pros:

  • Multiple size options available, from 9-can to 48-can capacity.
  • Four color options available.
  • TPE ripstop fabric for durability.
  • Puncture-resistant exterior.
  • Easy to clean on both the exterior and the interior.

Cons:

  • We wish that there were different notches on the inside so as to customize the shelf level.

Igloo Ice Cube 60-Quart Wheeled Roller Cooler

No Need to Reinvent the Wheel

With easy rolling wheels on this cooler, you'll save your back the trouble by easily transporting this cooler by wheels, instead.
Best Wheeled

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There’s a lot to love about this handy rolling cooler. First, the unique shape. Like a cube, this cooler will take up significantly less floor space in your vehicle, which is ideal for camping prep. Made of durable polyethylene, it’ll withstand hefty weight packed both on top of and around it, too. Featuring a telescopic handle that easily releases with the push of a button, there are also easy-load handles built into the sides. Durable, easy-roll wheels can tackle a variety of surfaces. Combining the maneuverability of the cooler with the easy-pull feature, and you’ve got a cooler that makes trekking food to your campsite a breeze.

Pros:

  • Ultratherm insulation keeps items cold.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Recessed drain plug for keeping water out and ice in.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Four drink holders on top of the lid.

Cons:

  • As tempting as it is, do not sit on this cooler. The lid will likely crack.

Coleman Performance Cooler

No Nonsense

An old classic, the Coleman Performance Cooler has everything you need and nothing of what you don't. It keeps ice intact for up to 3 days under 90-degree temperatures, and it drains well for easy clean-up when you're done.
Best Classic

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The classic cooler, the Coleman Performance Cooler has none of the bells and whistles of a more modern cooler, but it doesn’t need it. It has a straightforward design, a drain plug, and an easy-open (yet totally secure) hinged lid design for one-handed access. For carrying, there are two 2-way handles that lay nearly flat against the side when at rest, and they hold tough even when the contents are heavy. What makes this cooler so special is the fact that it’s a classic, simple design that works. In fact, it keeps ice for 3 days even when temperatures soar to 90F. At a budget-friendly price point, this cooler works well, is durable, and has everything you need in a straightforward, classic cooler.

Pros:

  • Low-CO2 insulation for greener manufacturing.
  • Leak-resistant drain.
  • Lightweight design.
  • Made in the USA.

Cons:

  • There is no latch on the lid.

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

The Crowd Pleaser

It might be a bit pricey, but it's unbeatable in its performance. With an extremely loyal fanbase, YETI coolers last a lifetime.
Most Splurge-Worthy

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YETI has made a name for itself since it first showed up on the scene in 2006. Unparalleled in durability, in construction, and in keeping ice, the YETI is the cooler you want if you’re willing to splurge a bit. Is the hefty price tag worth it? We think so, and so does its loyal fanbase. With 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation in addition to an ultra-thick FatWall design, this cooler is a powerhouse. Simply put: it keeps the ice as ice, and your food and drink items will remain cold. While all YETI coolers receive rave reviews, the Tundra is a favorite because of the included dry goods basket. Additional features include T-Rex Lid Latches, or latches that are made of heavy-duty rubber that resists breaking and has a strong hold. With multiple color options, a Rotomolded Construction rendering it virtually indestructible, and large-capacity storage, we can’t get enough of this beauty from YETI.

Pros:

  • Rotomolded Construction means that this cooler is armored to the core. You can take this cooler anywhere and do anything with it – it’s virtually indestructible.
  • Multiple color choices.
  • Loyal fanbase says a lot about its construction.

Cons:

  • Completely empty, this cooler weighs 29 pounds.

Seehonor Insulated Cooler Backpack

Redefining Cool

With a 25 liter capacity and handy backpack straps, you can take this cooler with you wherever you go.
Best Backpack-Style

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When you already have your arms full, the last thing you need is to have to schlepp an enormous cooler around, too. Ideal for bike rides, hikes, or a day at the beach, this insulated backpack cooler is convenient, comfortable, and will keep your items at your preferred temperature (yes, this means either hot or cold). With a leakproof liner made of PEVA, there is a surprisingly roomy interior. Moreover, this backpack is well insulated, has a nylon outer that won’t scratch, rip, or tear, and handy straps to hold extra items on the outside. Additionally, it’s lightweight enough to load to capacity and still take on a hike. Basically, it’s an all-around handy cooler backpack that makes packing a picnic and heading for a bike ride super easy.

Pros:

  • From the beach to a park concert, you can use this backpack for a variety of occasions.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Four color options.
  • 25-liter capacity.

Cons:

  • The straps are a bit on the thin side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should you store a cooler?

When your cooler is not in use, it’s best to keep it out of the heat. If you must keep your cooler in a hot place, such as the trunk of your vehicle, make sure to bring it inside at least 24 hours in advance of using it. This way, it’ll work more efficiently at keeping your ice as ice.

Are blocks or cubes of ice better for coolers?

There are pros and cons to either one. First, cube ice is much smaller, so it’ll chill a cooler and its contents much more quickly. However, block ice melts much more slowly. If you combine the two, you’ll have a quickly chilled cooler that’ll stay colder for longer – a pro trick, if you will.

Do coolers lose effectiveness? 

Wondering why your cooler doesn’t seem to keep ice as long? Insulation can (and does) deteriorate over time, meaning that your cooler will lose its efficiency. High-quality coolers will last far longer, but regardless, if you find that your cooler is losing its ability to keep ice, it might be time for a new one.