Visiting our favorite destination during vacations with our loved ones is what most of us wonder about. Experiencing thrilling and cherishing moments is what we all planned before leaving our places. No matter, you’re a professional traveler or plan occasionally to take a break from the hectic work schedule, we all require a good array of essentials to make it perfect. We have a long list of essentials to carry along with us during our trip, but today I’m going to emphasize portable ice coolers—one of your companions during your outdoor adventure. Let’s figure out what we have covered for you in our Best Portable Coolers 2020 list. Let’s Get Started! Well, if you have been hunting for a portable cooler lately, our list of best portable coolers will surely help you out in taking the best pick. No matter what your budget, you will be able to score the best deal. Not only this, but we have also tested these coolers to the max, revealing to you everything about their performance, how long these coolers can keep our food, how tough they are.
A portable cooler means you don’t have to stress about carrying your cooler with you whenever you step up. These coolers are designed in a way that helps you make carrying them like a breeze. Check out our list of the best portable ice chest that you can grab right now.
Contents
14 Best Portable Coolers List In 2023
1. YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler Reviews
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is composed of the cold cell insulation technology. Hold up to 12 cans along with the ice with its closed-cell foam that delivers extreme cold-holdings to the normal soft coolers. It comes up with a 100% waterproof HydroLok Zipper and the largemouth opening gives you amazing accessibility and visibility to see your stored stuff inside.
This portable cooler comes with the DryHide Shell that is waterproof and it is mildew, abrasion and punctures resistant and it can be easily held when encountered with the endangerment of wildness.
Specifications
- Dimension – 12.6 x 10 x 11.5 inches.
- Weight – 5 pounds.
YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler Pros & Cons
- Comes with MOLLE bottle opener.
- Waterproof Hyrdolok Zipper.
- FDA approved build quality.
- Zipper quality is not up to the mark.
- Expensive.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler Reviews
Pelican coolers are 100% waterproof, leakproof and have ice retention for up to 3 days. The Pelican Elite Cooler 20 quarts can hold up to 15 cans of beer or 3 bottles of wine.
This portable cooler comes with polyurethane insulation of 2 inches along with a freezer-grade gasket that helps to maximize the ice life for long. You will get the amazing feature such as bottle opener made up of stainless steel material, 3-inch locking latches, reinforced lockable hasp, over-molded carry handle, anti-shear hinge system & molded-in tie-down slots.
It also comes with 4 self-draining cup holders and rubber feet which is non-skid. The best part of this cooler is that it comes with the lifetime guarantee – if you break, get it replaced.
Specifications
- Dimension – 18.8 x 12.6 x 17.7 inches.
- Size – 20 Quart.
- Weight – 12.57 pounds.
Pelican Elite 20 Quart Cooler Pros & Cons
- Spacious.
- Portable & Lightweight.
- It comes with the lifetime guarantee.
- Ice retention up to 3 days.
- Doesn’t have a metal handle.
- Doesn’t have a drain plug.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler on Wheels Reviews
Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler on Wheels is easy to clean and comes with antimicrobials to make your cooler long-lasting, odor-free. It also helps the cooler to retain its shape and prevent forming fungus on detachable/removable liner.
It can hold up to 42 cans and offers a zippered compartment to retain the cooling. Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler on Wheels prevents leaks through its heat-welded seams. It has great mobility – thanks to its telescoping handle and durable wheels. Side handles are amazing to add on for additional control.
This portable cooler on wheels includes – zippered pocket at front, 2 side mesh pockets, dry storage pouch to carry dry storage, and lid bungees for additional storage.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 21.3 x 12.6 x 11.4 inches.
- Weight – 2.2 pounds.
Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler on Wheels Pros & Cons
- Leak-Proof.
- Offers Multiple Pockets.
- Small Wheel Size.
- Plastic material is not.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler Reviews
Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler doesn’t require ice to cool your stuff stored in it. Simply use it without the ice and enjoy the extra space for storing your food and drinks. The efficient design offers a curved back that makes you more comfortable while carrying this electric portable cooler.
It comes with a high power motor which is not noisy at all. Enjoy your music in the car without any distortion. The 12v cooler regulates the cold air evenly with the help of its fan designed for long-lasting. Don’t worry about the cord length, you will get 8 feet long thick power cord plugs to use into any 12V direct current(DC) electric socket. This 12V portable cooler is simply amazing.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 18.19″ x 13.13″ x 15.5″.
- Current – 3.5 – 4.8 Amp.
- Weight – 1 pound.
Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler Pros and Cons
- Long power cord.
- Not noisy.
- Lightweight.
- The plug is not durable.
- No support for opening the lid fully.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. AO Canvas Cooler Reviews
You can use the AO Canvas Coolers according to your preferred outdoor adventure such as boating, fishing, hunting, parties, sporting events, picnics, and more. If you’re planning to have a short weekend trip or party then packing your essentials in this portable cooler bag would be a great choice.
Don’t get confused with its name. AO canvas cooler can be used to keep your food warm. Carry it in flight, car or anywhere you like to travel with. It comes with a removable shoulder strap, dry item storage with the side pocket & clip-down ends.
The splendid claims have been marked twice the insulation as compared to other soft-sided coolers available on the market. It can hold ice up to 24 hours in extreme weather conditions of about 120-degree.
It is made of long-lasting soft canvas that makes it the best traveling cooler and it is encapsulated with a superior quality TPU liner that is leak-proof. This cooler can hold up to 23 cans along with the 14 lbs of ice.
Specifications
- Dimension – 17 x 10 x 12 inches.
- Weight – 2 pounds.
AO Canvas Cooler Pros & Cons
- Great Ice life in 120-degree heat.
- Multipurpose canvas cooler.
- It comes with leak-proof TPU liner.
- It can also be used for keeping food warm.
- Expensive as compared to other canvas coolers.
- The strap is not durable.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. YETI Roadie 20 Cooler Reviews
Yeti coolers are the best companion of professional outdoor adventurers, if you’re among them then you can’t miss out on what it has all covered for you. The YETI Roadie 20 cooler can hold up to 14 cans and comes with the perfect 2:1 ice to storage item ratio. Keep your food safe from the wilderness of bears and other animals during your outdoor adventure.
This portable cooler comes with a bear-resistant approved extra thick fat wall design and a 2 inches of permafrost insulation build quality. Its rotomolded build-up construction makes it tough to the core. Yeti Roadie cooler will last long till your journey end and beyond that.
It is made to tackle any tough situation from the wilderness of nature to the extreme weather conditions. The Roadie also offers heavy-duty T-Rex Lid Latches made up of rubber so you that you don’t require another busted latch.
Specifications
- Dimension – 19 x 14 x 15 inches.
- Weight – 15.98 pounds.
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler Pros & Cons
- It comes with thick fat wall design.
- It features a vortex drain system.
- Offers Bearfoot non-slip feet.
- Ice retention.
- It comes with a drain.
- Over-priced.
- Too heavy.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler Reviews
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is a heavy-duty that offers high performance due to its built-in Microban Anti-Microbial protection. If you’re looking for a perfect outdoor adventure cooler that restrains the bacterial bad odors and marks then this cooler has got you covered.
With its supreme build up construction having an elite blend of thick polyurethane insulation you will get the ice life to the maximum time. To hold the cooling for a long time it offers corrosion resistance T-latches that provide a tight seal. It also comes with a 360-degree rubber gasket of freezer grade.
This portable cooler includes extra-large drain, an integrated fish rule and a build-up of roto-molding construction for better durability.
Specifications
- Dimension – 21.3 x 14 x 13 inches.
- Weight – 16.6 pounds.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler Pros & Cons
- No odor smell after the number of uses.
- It features a 360-degree rubber gasket.
- Bear resistant certified.
- Handles made up of stainless steel.
- Ice retention up to 2-3 days.
- Easy to clean.
- It’s heavy.
- A bit expensive.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Stanley Adventure Cooler Reviews
If you’re really looking for a portable cooler for car or for your short trip that perfectly fits in your budget then Stanley is ready to give you all those that you’ve been looking for all over. Due to its small size and portability, we can’t resist ourselves to add this amazing portable cooler in the list.
It comes with durable and double wall foam insulation. It can hold up to 21 cans and keep them cold for 27 hours, almost 40% longer than a typical cooler. Longer the ice life longer you can enjoy your outings, campings, sports and more.
Specification
- Dimension – 18 x 14 x 20 inches.
- Weight – 9.4 pounds.
- Size – 7 Quart.
Stanley Adventure Cooler Pros & Cons
- Strong and long-lasting handles and latches.
- Leakproof gasket.
- 27 hours of ice retention.
- It’s lightweight and portable.
- Handles not firmly pressed against the sides of the cooler.
- Flip over the issue while carrying heavy stuff at the top.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Engel UC19 Ice/Dry Box Reviews
Engel UC19 Ice/Dry Box helps keep food and drinks cold and double as a dry box. It helps prevent dust penetration into your gadgets such as phones, cameras, or any other electronics. This portable cooler comes with a premium quality airtight EVA gasket around the lid for the ice retention up to the max and works as a waterproof seal.
It also offers a handle to carry in the lid & adjustable shoulder strap. Also, it comes with a detachable hanging tray that can be used as storing dry stuff.
All fittings are will assure with the stainless steel screws. Rear hinges can be used for self-stopping. Front latches are stainless steel. It is composed of a non-absorbent surface that restrains the odor and stains to enter the cabinet and it is easy to clean.
Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions – 16.6 x 11 x 13 inches.
- Interior Dimensions – 13.5 x 8 x 10 inches.
- Weight – 6 pounds.
- Can storage – 32 cans.
- Ice storage – 25 pounds.
Engel UC19 Ice/Dry Box Pros & Cons
- Multipurpose use.
- Easy to clean.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Stainless steel marine grade hardware.
- Hinges are made up of plastic.
- Non-durable latches.
- Wear and tear doesn’t come under warranty.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. YETI Tundra 35 Cooler Reviews
The YETI Tundra 35 has great portability that a single person can easily move it without any hassle. It has perfect ice to content ratio 2:1 for the retention of ice for a long time. Thanks to its PermaForst insulation of 3 inches and an add on bear-resistant approved fat wall design. It can hold up to 20 cans.
The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
Specifications
- Dimension – 21 x 16 x 15.5 inches.
- Weight – 20 pounds.
- Can storage – 20 cans.
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler Pros & Cons
- Coldlock Gasket.
- It comes with double haul handles and military-grade rope for extra durability.
- Interlock Lid System.
- Ice retention up to 36 hours.
- Bulky in size.
- Heavyweight.
- Overpriced.
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11. Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler
Yeti has an exotic range of coolers and Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler is simply amazing. This 65 Quarts Cooler from Yeti has all the bells and whistles you can expect. Yeti Tundra 65 cooler comes with a huge dimension which is why it can store and keep your food edible for several days. So, if you are going for a camping trip for several days, this will be just the right pick for you and you won’t run short on space. Thanks to the fat wall design, this cooler is capable to keep your ice frozen for several days.
This cooler is sturdily built and well-designed and it can easily survive any collapse and thanks to the rotomolded construction, this cooler is virtually indestructible and can withstand the attack of the bear. There are heavy-duty latches to keep your food safe while you are exploring your surroundings.
Specifications
- Dimension – 30.5 x 17.5 x 16 inches
- Weight – 29 pounds.
- storage – 65 Quarts.
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler Pros & Cons
- This cooler is sturdily built and durable.
- This cooler is well insulated and can keep ice for a longer time.
- The cooler is bear-resistant to survive the attack of wild creature.
- Ripe handles for portage are uncomfortable.
- This cooler is quite expensive.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12. ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler
Orca has an incredible assortment of ice chests that brags about superior quality and well-insulation. ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler is going to exceed all your expectations and take your camping adventure to another level. This 58 Quarts cooler from Orca keeps ice frozen for a longer period and in fact, it won’t let your ice turn into the liquid for a week as well. This cooler is designed using rotomolded construction and you can be assured of this cooler’s durability and longevity. For the comfortable portage, this cooler comes with flex-grip handles that makes carrying easy.
Another exciting thing is that it comes with Cargo Net Attachment where you can store your stuff and that really saves space inside the cooler. There is an easy flow drainage system to exude the excess water from the interior of the cooler. This cooler has ice retention of 10 days and that’s incredibly amazing. This cooler comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Dimension -28 x 21 x 20 inches
- Weight – 34 pounds.
- storage – 58 Quarts.
ORCA TP0580RCORCA Cooler Pros & Cons
- Amazing Insulation capacity and can keep ice for 10 days.
- Easy to handle and comfortable to carry.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- High Price.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13. Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler
For anyone who is looking to buy a rugged and sturdy cooler, Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler is just the right pick. Designed using stainless-steel which is rust-resistant, this camping cooler is indestructible. Since this is made in the USA, you don’t have to worry about this cooler’s durability. This camping cooler features Ultratherm insulation which keeps ice frozen for several days no matter how fiercely the rays of the sun are burning. The cooler comes with a liner that resists the build-up of stain and odor inside the ice chest. For the comfortable portage, this cooler comes with a grip handles so that you can easily drag it from one place to another. Adding more to that, there is a built-in fish measuring ruler on the lid.
Igloo Marine Ulta cooler offers plenty of space to store your food and there is a drain plug to drain water without having to open the cooler.
Specifications
- Dimension -22.25 x 11.5 x 11.25 inches
- Weight – 9.2 pounds
- storage – 54 Quarts.
Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler Pros & Cons
- Itmes inside the cooler stay cold for days.
- Incredible space for a medium family.
- Well built and sturdily designed.
- Lid is quite difficult to open.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
14. Coleman Steel-Belted Portable Cooler
With a high insulation ability and superior construction, Coleman Steel-Belted Portable Cooler, without a doubt, is one of the best portable coolers up for grabs. This is a feature-loaded cooler with a bunch of exceptional characteristics that are designed to offer you every bit of comfort. This cooler is incorporated with stainless steel handles for easy carrying. A rubber grip offers a comfortable grip to hands to drag this cooler from one place to another.
This cooler has plenty of space to offer and it fits 85 cans of drink with ease. This cooler is designed sturdily and can be used as a stepping stool or seat and you will see how durable this cooler is. Talking about the isolation, this cooler can keep ice frozen for 4 days.
Specifications
- Dimension -26 x 17 x 17 inches
- Weight – 19.7 pounds
- storage – 85 cans
Coleman Steel-Belted Portable Cooler Pros & Cons
- Great Ice Retention to keep ice chilled for 4 days.
- Solid and comfortable handle for easy portage.
- Easy to clean.
- Latch system is weak and could be better.
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Portable Coolers – Buying Guide
You will get myriads of buying options from various elite brands available on the market. Don’t run in haste to grab one before knowing what to consider while investing in a good portable cooler. Portable coolers come with different size, design, quality and many other factors that you must heed to before taking it home. Let’s have an overview of what to look around before getting the most out of it.
- Ice-retention – Smaller coolers could be the best companion for your outdoor activity. Small coolers come with thinner and softer walls and available at the lowest price, due to the thickness of walls you won’t get the best if you’re looking for the longer ice-retention. The ice will last up to 2 to 3 days depending on their construction. But having a small size they are portable enough to carry along with ease or you may carry some of them on your shoulders too.
- Durability – Most portable coolers are designed for outdoor adventures. So concerning about their durability if kept in the rain or intense sunlight will not daunt you much. Apparently, durability relies on the construction material, so if you invest in expensive coolers you would probably get better durability as compared to the low-cost coolers. Plastic handles and bars are more fragile as compared to stainless steel handles.
- Portability – Most of the young wanderers full of enthusiasm don’t worry about the coolers’ portability. You can easily manage to carry your cooler having around 40 drinks and a few pounds of meats or food. But if you’re not that young to drag the heavy loads or have a back pain issue, this will come out as a boon during your outdoor activity. You have to pick the portable coolers according to your destination from your car so that you don’t hassle to drag it. You can find many manufacturers on the market offering you coolers on wheels.
- Capacity – The capacity of your portable cooler matters a lot. What is going to hold on your adventure trip? If you’re planning big and carrying huge amounts of food and beverages for many people,e then YETI Tundra 65 cooler would be the perfect buying option. Moreover, if you are in a plan to have some short time stress buster party or chilling out with friends in the woods then the AO Canvas cooler would not let you done. Good planning about what you’re going to pick on your trip is a must. Carrying big size portable coolers with less food will put a strain on your back, and pick up small coolers having a good amount of food will not work well.
- Price – In the end, everything revolves around the price. You need to think about how much you want to invest and get the best in that price range. If money is your first priority then you should consider buying small coolers that come at affordable prices. If you plan outdoor activities very rare then spending $400 – $500 is not a great deal.
Get The Maximum From Your Portable Cooler
For better utilizing your cooler, you need to focus on the number of ways to get the most out of it. Be a smart user by following some of the tricks mention below to retain your ice for a longer time. You can also use your coolers as a thermos. Just try them and get the maximum from your coolers.
Pre-Chilling – Yes, it may sound strange but it really works. Just like adding up some ice in your beer mug helps retain its coolness, it implies your cooler. Before storing your meat, beverages, sandwiches and anything you prefer pre-chill them to store in your cooler. You will get the perfect cold meal whenever you feel to grab them and it will also make your ice to stay for long.
Mass X Melting – This trick will surely help to get the perfect cold sip of your beverages. Fill your cooler half with the ice to enjoy the max. The thing about the situation of putting an ice-cube vs putting a bunch of ice in your glass of cold drink. The more the ice, the more it will stay for long.
Ratio – An appropriate ratio of food vs ice is another thing to get the best result. If you’ve fully filled the cooler with foods and other stuff then you won’t get the best cooling for long. Ice should be in triple amount than your food so that you can perfectly utilize the purpose of your cooler. No one wants their beer to be warm-up soon because of over jamming the cooler.
Locking your cooler – Safety is the priority. Wild animals such as bears, antelopes and more who usually ruin the camping can be provided by locking your portable cooler. And it’s not just animals, your friend might be a beer lover who can’t wait to finish it all. Also, you don’t want to run out of beer because of losing keys, so it is better to give the other key to the person you trust.
Using as a thermos – This might sound strange to most of you but yes just applying some tricks you’ll get the best of out it. Just pre-heat the cooler by putting the boiled water into the cooler to make its walls hot. Wrap your food with tinfoil or aluminum foil in a way that heat doesn’t leak from it. Further, you can cover it with a thick cloth and put another cloth to hold the warm.
FAQ’s for portable coolers
Many factors impact the life of ice you have stored in the cooler. If you take care of these things, the ice in the cooler will stay for more longer. Follow these steps that will make sure that your ice stays as ice:
1. Avoid keeping your cooler under the sun.
2. Avoid opening the cooler frequently.
3. Use dry ice instead of normal ice.
These are some of the tips that you can follow to maximize the ice retention capacity of coolers.
Well, this depends upon the specifications that you are looking for. Portability in cooler is featured to add more to your convenience. Well, there are plenty of coolers that come with handles so that you can carry them around easily. On the other hand, you’ll coolers with wheels that can walk on rugged terrain as well. Most of the tent features a shoulder strap, making carrying the cooler easy. Depending upon what specifications you are exactly looking for, it is hard to judge the best portable cooler.
It totally depends upon your needs and the purpose of buying a cooler. Ask yourself whether you are going on a camping trip alone or with a bunch of people. You’ll need a large sized cooler if you are going with a bunch of people. On the other hand, a small-sized cooler will be enough to meet your needs if you are going alone. Well, going with that size depends on various considerations. It is always a good idea to invest in something bigger and we recommend you to go with a larger cooler that will tend to all your needs.
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