That said, when you compare all the details—the hardware, the stitching, the material design—the Yeti cooler is likely to last longer with daily use. However, we also have a pick for adventuring, one that rolls, a soft cooler for light work, a backpack cooler, and a disposable cooler. ozark trail canopy For a leak-proof, easily transportable cooler with excellent build quality, the 35-quart Ozark Trail premium is ideal. It also has lots of nifty features for versatility, from a waterproof interior light that can be removed for use as a flashlight to multiple tie-down points. Among backpack models, the Clevermade Pacifica Collapsible Bag 30 and the Engel Roll Top BP25 Backpack reign supreme. The Clevermade pack stayed under 40 degrees for 1.9 days and 2.1 under 50 degrees.
The weather was in low 90s during the test, the coolers were in full sun for most of the morning, and we opened them several times throughout the day. The ice melted in the Coleman in 39 hours and the Ozark Trail in 73 hours. The water turned warm in both coolers fairly quickly after the ice melted. The lower-end can models take a very traditional approach in styling. Also, there aren’t a lot of colors to choose from (3 is the maximum we have found for a particular model). The tote and cooler backpack look much more progressive but are limited to just one color choice.
Plus, considering they are generously cushioned, you may carry this backpack for a prolonged time without feeling uncomfortable. Mostly, people are pretty happy about its ability to retain a cold temperature. Even when the ice melts, the water will still remain cold – which gives you a few extra days. Furthermore, the LipGrip handles makes it very easy to carry around without bumping into the cooler at every step. ozark cooler Many campers and overlanders are looking for coolers like YETI, but perhaps a bit cheaper. Among hard coolers, if you’re using your cooler for something like grocery shopping, small weekend gatherings, or barbecues, 50 to 55 quarts is plenty.
All models are super easy to transport thanks to multiple carrying methods including optional wheels, padded shoulder straps, and more. Outside of the premium models (with their thicker insulated shell), these coolers aren’t designed to keep ice for long periods. Rather, they are a good companion for a lunch outing or small picnic. Specifically, the smaller models will have ice life that starts at just a couple of hours and creeps up to around half a day.
If you’re looking for the best cooler for keeping ice for days on your next camping trip, we’ve also tested and outlined our favorite hard-sided models. We’ve got recommendations for a plethora of other camping accessories. The majority of coolers on the market claim to hold ice for an extended period of time.