The BMX finished toward the bottom of the pack in our spill and durability testing. While the cooler’s body and latches felt solidly constructed and held up well, some of the plastic components weren’t quite as well-made. In particular, we felt like the hinges on the lid would be easy to break if the cooler were pushed open too far. It’s also worth considering whether or not your cooler is sturdy enough to sit on, something that comes in handy when you’re out camping.
If you need ice for extended periods (we’re thinking of you, rafters and multi-day campers), the cost is worth it. But for those on day trips or shorter overnight outings with access to new ice, an inexpensive cooler like the Coleman 316 Series or Igloo Ecocool is a fine option. 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.
For the ultimate in portability, the IceMule Pro is where we turn to. It won our Top Pick award for backpack-style coolers in our review of the best soft coolers. Though coleman screen tent the number of backpack-style soft coolers has continued to increase, this one is the only one we truly find comfortable to carry for serious and longer distance hikes.
With about two liters of water in each cooler, we flipped, rolled, and shook them to see how watertight they were. We gave them a rating out of 10, where 10 was no water spilling out and 1 was no seal at all. For longer getaways, anything shy of 50 liters is likely to feel cramped, especially when you factor in that at least half of that space should coleman instant tent be reserved for ice. It has a drain on one side, but other than that, the Coleman Steel Belted Cooler doesn’t have much in the way of features. We loved the sleek, retro look of the Coleman Steel Belted Cooler. But while this cooler impressed in some ways, it suffered from a disappointing lack of durability in some of its smaller components.
The thought of a soft-sided cooler might bring to mind your old soggy lunch box, but modern soft-sided coolers have come a long way. Many premium models are fully leak-proof and can hold their own against the insulation of hard-sided coolers. They’re perfect as a supplemental drink cooler or for toting snacks on short camping trips.