Top Best Camper Cooler Of 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide

Jane Brown By, Jane Brown
Updated
Best camper cooler
Best camper cooler

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to outdoors with family and friends. For those of you who love nature as much as we do, there is no better day than to spend your holidays in the great outdoors. If you love camping as much as we do, then getting the best camper cooler is a must for any camper. Not only does it keep food cool for longer, but it also keeps other essentials at a constant temperature.

No more reaching into the ice chest every 30 minutes in an effortless attempt to keep your drinks cool throughout the night. With so many different brands and models on offer today, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out which one is right for your needs. Fortunately, we’ve done all of the research for you so that you know exactly what features to look for in a new cooler before making your purchase.

We think the best camper cooler available now is Coleman Rolling Cooler. If you were wanting another option, you can check the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Coleman Rolling Cooler
Our Score:
9.9
Coleman

The Coleman is a simple to use, no-frills cooler with adequate insulation. The money you save on it can be utilized to stock it with the tastiest picnic foods and delectable beverages.

TOP Choice #2 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.8
Igloo

People who are tired of lugging hefty coolers in their hands will appreciate the Ice Cube cooler. It comes with two strong wheels and a retractable wheel handle, so you can use it like checked luggage.

TOP Choice #3 Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler
Our Score:
9.6
Knox.Lifestyle by Focus

The Knox is a reliable powered cooler that adds a little something more to your cooler collection. Its cord storage is quite convenient, the wheels are excellent, and the price may be just right. The Knox is calling your name if you're cool with using some ice but want to take it up a level.

4 Lifetime 90820 55 Quart Cooler
Our Score:
9.4
Lifetime

With the addition of ice, this cooler can accommodate up to 60 cans. This makes it ideal for camping and tailgate outings where you don't want to worry about running out of drinks. If you're searching for a long-lasting cooler at a reasonable price, the Lifetime 90820 Cooler is a great option.

5 YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
Our Score:
9.3
YETI

The Yeti Roadie 24 is our top recommendation for the best personal-sized cooler on the market. It's tough, simple to use, easy to transport, and the perfect size for one or two people lounging at the beach or going on a road trip.

The sides of this Igloo cooler include swing-up handles. They are made of stainless steel and include rubber handles to make carrying the BMX more comfortable and easy. The BMX Family cooler is a great option if you're searching for a simple hardshell cooler.

The Yeti Hopper cooler is made of high-performance closed-cell foam insulation. Furthermore, the zipper is completely leak proof and waterproof, allowing you to utilize this cooler regardless of the weather.

8 CAMP-ZERO 10 | 10.6 Qt. Premium Cooler
Our Score:
9.0
CAMP-ZERO

Holds up to 12 cans | 10 Liters | 2.64 Gallons | 10.6 Quarts

Grizzly certified to be bear resistant when used with the appropriate locks. Locks not included

Enhanced wall thickness with freezer grade gasket for superior ice retention and dry ice compatible

Folding aluminum comfort grip handle with stainless steel hardware and non-marring feet

Virtually Indestructible rotomolded premium cooler with secure locking system, textured lid and two molded-in cup holders

Built Ruggedly Cool with 5 Year Warranty

Cooler Includes molded-in tie down channels to secure your cooler for all your Ruggedly Cool adventures

Powered by 12V DC auto plug adapter

Convection cooling - fan circulates cold air, allows plastic bottles to cool as much and as quickly as cans

Can be used upright like a refrigerator or horizontal like an ice chest

Adjustable food shelf or divider

Cools to 38 DegreeF below ambient temperature

10 RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can
Our Score:
8.6
RTIC

LEAK-PROOF WITH ZIPPER – This outdoor cooler is a 100% leak-proof cooler thanks to a durable zipper that prevents spills and leaks. Comes in a 12 can cooler bag, 20 can cooler, 30 can cooler, and 40 can cooler size.

UP TO 24 HOURS OF COOLING – The RTIC soft insulated cooler is the perfect insulated cooler bag to keep your food and drinks cool wherever needed for up to 24 hours.

MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, lunch cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler. Features ​​2 inches of closed-cell foam.

IT’S A FLOATING COOLER – Not to mention it’s a floating cooler, it floats, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. Ideal for a day at the pool or lake, no matter where the adventure takes.

LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE – The soft cooler is lightweight yet tough to take on any terrain with its heavy-duty nylon shell. The portable cooler measures 13.5 x 9.5 x 13.75 inches.

What Factors Should You Consider While Choosing best camper cooler?

Getting to the best decision for a product purchase may take a bit of time. In a nutshell, we're available to serve you with your product problems at all hours of the day and night!

You can rest assured if you consider the following points before selecting best camper cooler:

Weight And Portability

Weighing your cooler is an important factor for those who will be carrying it or moving it around regularly. For models with less capacity, they can weigh as little as 10-15 pounds and up to 50+ for those that have 75+ quarts storage. This number goes up dramatically when you load it down with food and drinks. Even though the handles are made of rope, some are plastic and others are nylon. They are too heavy to be carried for extended distances. We recommend wheels if portability is important. They are easier to carry for longer periods of time and more convenient for one person, so they're less burdensome.

Cooler Sizes (Capacities)

A few things to consider before we get started: Size. Importantly, coolers do not measure the interior capacity of all models. Some coolers use cans to measure interior capacity, others use liters or quarts. However, most manufacturers use quarts as a unit of measure. We've used that measurement in this article when it was possible. A final point: Don't let the product name fool you.

Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers

We mentioned above that if you have cooler needs such as mobility and large capacity or maximum ice retention it is a good idea to look into a hard-sided rolling model. These wheeled monsters can still be difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, and will need assistance if there is no clear path. A rolling cooler is a good choice for camping, tailgating or days at the beach.

Cooler Latch And Closure Systems

The cooler's closure or latch is a key feature of premium models and will play a major role in cooling performance. Two rubber T-handles are a common feature on high-end, hard-sided coolers. They keep the lid in place and prevent it from opening. They are extremely sturdy and user-friendly.

Cooler Drain Systems

Many of our hard-sided coolers have drainage systems that allow you to drain the water out once the ice is melted. This is usually a pop-off or screw-on cap located at the bottom of cooler. Simply remove it and let the water flow out.

Bear-Resistant Ratings

Many top-rated hard-sided coolers can be listed as being bear-resistant. This is an important consideration if you are camping in bear territory. You should specifically look out for IGBC ratings. This indicates that a cooler has been tested and is in compliance with their regulations. You should ensure your cooler is included if you plan to travel in bear-proof gear or frequent backcountry areas.

Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities

Ice retention is one of the most difficult things to determine when researching coolers. This is largely due to external factors. The temperature of the air and direct sunlight have a significant impact. Ice quantity is also important. Most brands suggest a ratio of 2:1. You should also open the lid as often as possible to let warm and cold air into your cooler. Pre-chilling your cooler before loading it is a good idea to ensure maximum efficiency. To reduce the cooler's interior temperature, you should fill it with ice at least for a couple of hours. Once you are ready to go, add fresh ice in the right ratio. You can also expect your cooler to become pre-warmed if it is left out in the sunlight before you load it up.

Cooler Construction

There are two main types of construction techniques used to make premium hard-sided coolers: injection molding and rotational molding. Yeti popularized rotomolding (even though they weren't technically the first company to do so) and is the dominant market at the top end. This type of cooler is made from a single, continuous piece of plastic which is then rotated to form the desired shape. These coolers have fewer stress points, so they are more likely to break under pressure. They also feature a thicker outer shell that ensures exceptional durability. Cost and weight are the main drawbacks.

FAQs

Can I Use Dry Ice In A Cooler?

Most times, the answer is yes. Some coolers can be damaged by dry ice, but the majority should work fine. However, you will need to cover dry ice with blankets or other insulators. A cooler designed for dry ice is best if you plan to use it every day. You won't have to do any special tasks because the cooler has compartments to store dry ice.

How Long Does A Cooler Stay Cold?

It all depends on how efficient the cooler is at insulation. This includes the temperature outside, initial temperature of food and its stacking. Food can be kept cold for up to 4 days with ice (the best), in ideal conditions. A high-end cooler may even keep it chilled for as long as 10 days.

Which Size Cooler Do I Need?

Although you might feel compelled to buy a large cooler, make sure it fits in the car. Smaller coolers can be lifted without the need for assistance. However, coolers with larger capacities can hold more ice and so tend to stay cool longer than smaller models.
Higher coolers can store bottles more upright. Models with recessed lids are better for loading items higher, but they may become warmer.

Does Food Stay Cool In A Portable Cooler Without Ice?

But it will take longer than if you put ice inside the cooler. Insulation in the cooler stops food from heating up faster than if left out. The temperature of the cooler and how chilled the food were at the beginning will determine the time it takes to cool down. Even frozen foods will heat up faster if they are kept cool in a trunk compartment of a vehicle.

How Do I Clean My Cooler?

Warm water and dish soap will generally clean your cooler. You can also use warm water and bleach to remove stubborn stains or odors.

How Much Do Coolers Cost?

Consider what your cooler will be used for. If you need it to store food or drinks for several days or at extreme temperatures then more money is an investment in food safety. A cooler that is cheap and cheerful may suffice if you just need to chill a handful of drinks for an afternoon barbecue.

What Is The Best Hard Cooler?

There are many coolers. It really doesn't matter which cooler you choose. A cooler that is more resistant to damage will be the most suitable if you intend on using it every week.

How Does A Portable Cooler Work?

Combining the insulation of the cooler with the ice you put inside, either ice cubes, ice packs, or foam, slows down warm air circulation and helps keep things cool.

In general, product information and news are now available to users. In addition, as previously said, the Internet is constantly updated with new technology. Thus, customers will need to be informed so please subscribe to our newsletter or visit our website frequently to check the latest information.

Do you have any product-related questions or concerns you'd like to share? As a result of your efforts, we will attempt to ensure even greater standards of excellence!


2 ratings