Of course, the internal dimensions and capacity also make a big difference in what you can bring with you in your icebox and how many extra bags and boxes you’ll need to bring along. And the proportion of these dimensions to one another also makes a big difference. A low and long model is easy to find things in but harder for one person to carry.
Downsides are even more weight (the RovR and Igloo weigh around 35 lbs.), bulk, and cost. Additionally, these wheeled beasts still struggle over rough terrain and may require carrying if you don’t have a defined path to follow. But for camping, days at the beach, or even tailgating, a rolling cooler can be a solid choice.
From being thrown into vehicles, dropped from waist height, jumped on by a 200 lb tester, dragged across hot surfaces, yanked on, jerked around, and otherwise abused, these chests have seen it all. Over seventy years of quality and innovation have set Igloo apart from its competitors in the cooling space. From the first Igloo beverage coolers that helped keep workers hydrated on the jobsite to family friendly ice chests enabling millions of people to enjoy camping, road trips and the outdoors, Igloo works hard to get you out and keep you cool. And we always focus on providing you with long-lasting cold retention, the whole point of a cooler! Our affordable ice chest designs are thoughtful, intuitive and reliable because we think of YOU and the adventures you’re planning to take our coolers on. We’ve been making coolers since 1947, so we know all about what you need from an ice chest.
Whether you’re headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, there’s a good chance you’ll want to keep your food and drinks cold. Thankfully, the market is packed with high-quality coolers that excel at everything from short day trips to week-long adventures. Below we break down our favorite hard-sided designs of 2023, including budget-friendly Coleman models, ultra-premium YETIs, and popular offerings from brands like RTIC, ORCA, Pelican, and more. For more background information, see our cooler comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
The Polar Cap cooler is constructed with a rugged rotomolded body and a freezer-grade gasket lid, ensuring maximum durability and ice retention. This cooler has been rigorously tested and has shown an impressive ability to stay below 40 degrees for eight days. Not once did this impressive cooler leak, and it gave an impressive performance when rolled around and jumped on. Whether you’re heading out on a multi-day adventure or just want to keep your snacks cold during a day trip, the Cabela’s Polar Cap cooler is an excellent choice for all your cooling needs.
You can mark iconic trends in American style simply by looking at vintage Igloo coolers. From incarnations of gleaming stainless steel to primary-color plastics to vaporwave jade, pink, and yellow, this brand has quietly been the family cooler for decades. Igloo has even launched “legacy coolers” and retro reproductions that top out at $240 but go as low as $20.
Coolers are undoubtedly expensive, but having a generous warranty can help ease some of the buying anxiety. And a look at the market reveals a surprisingly wide range of available manufacturer guarantees. At the top end are ORCA and ROAM, which offer lifetime warranties that cover defects, while most igloo ice chest others range from one to 10 years. It’s also important to point out that some companies provide different warranties for their hard-sided versus soft-sided offerings. For example, YETI covers its Tundra series with a five-year warranty, while their soft-sided Hopper is only covered for three.
Thanks to these, you can separate your cooler into compartments and keep it cool. Though it’ll still set you back a few hundred dollars, this option is on par with its competitors that go for a significant amount more. Performing well across the board, this is an excellent companion for your next trip. Right now at Walmart, you can get an Igloo Overland 52-Quart Ice Chest Cooler for less than $100. This ice chest is built for the adventurous folks among us with its durable construction and 6.25-inch soft ride wheels that go over just about any terrain.