Best Cooler For Camping: Buying Guide 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler

Keep your cool in the kitchen, or on the go with this Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler. Features FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf and insulated front pocket. Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining; water and stain repellent, wipe clean exterior. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Igloo Coolers are made of high-quality materials and have innovative features such as a durable, double-walled body with a lid that is made of thick insulation. The swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature make it easy to carry and the dual snap-fit latches secure the lid closure. With Igloo, you can count on superior performance for an unbeatable price. Read Review

3. Best Design: Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler | 70 Quart Day Cooler | Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up

Coleman's Xtreme 5 Cooler is a 70 Quart Day Cooler that holds up to 40 cans of your favorite chilled beverage. The easy-carry, no-crush design is perfect for any adventure and the cooler includes two mesh drink holders so you can enjoy your beverage without a mess. The soft-handles are easy to grip and the cool blue exterior will brighten up your day. Read Review

4. Best Comfortable: Igloo Heavy-Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler with Cool Riser Technology

The Igloo Heavy-Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler with Cool Riser Technology is compact, well-built and easy to use. It's a great option for road trips, sporting events or the beach. The cooler features rust-resistant stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware that provide extended performance and rubberized T-grip latches that keep lid secure. Read Review

If you are planning to go on a camping trip, then it’s time to get some accessories as well. One of the first accessories that you need to have is a cooler. While there are several types of coolers available in the market, but they all serve different purposes.

Some coolers are meant for daily use while others can be used only when going on a camping trip. There are some coolers that can serve both the purposes equally. Here we have listed top 10 best camp coolers in 2024 which you can use for your camping trips with family and friends. These coolers will help you keep your food and other drinks fresh for longer period of time so that no one gets disappointed by looking at less satisfactory food or drinks.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler as our top product. Or you can check the Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • Patented, "flip open" Zipperless lid allows for quick access to food and drinks
  • Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining; water and stain repellent, wipe clean exterior
  • Features FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf and insulated front pocket
TOP Choice #2 Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler
Our Score:
9.7
Igloo
  • Ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31" L x 17.38" W x 17.75" D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches
  • Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
  • COMFORT-GRIP HANDLES: No-crush design with positive stop for pinch-free carrying
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Smoother surface wipes clean easily; leak-resistant channel drain for easy draining without tilting
  • High Capacity: Holds Up to 100 Cans
  • UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life.
  • Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure.
  • Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention
  • Premium insulation offers 4-day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90°F
  • Comfort-grip steel handles allow for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
  • 54-quart capacity accommodates up to 85 cans. Plastic parts of the cooler include the drain plugs, hinges and handles
  • NeverFlat Wheels – A solid, single-piece tire construction that is impact- and puncture-resistant. Note: Tundra Haul is not compatible with the dry goods basket or divider
  • Rotomolded Construction makes it armored to the core and vitually indestructible
  • StrongArm Handle – A durable welded aluminum arm with comfortable grips. The curved design tracks left or right for heel-friendly towing
  • ABOUT IGLOO: Born from a modest metalworking shop back in 1947, Igloo has been instrumental in redefining how we live, work, and play.
  • STURDY LATCHES & ERGONOMIC HANDLE: The BMX cooler comes with a unique t-grip latch system.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & KEEPS ICE FROZEN: Externally, the cooler measures 32. 2 x 17. 3 x 16. 8 inches. On its own, the BMX 72 QT Cooler weighs about 18. 70 lbs. , which is about half the weight of other brands.
  • LARGE CAPACITY: Holds up to 160 cans
  • STAIN-RESISTANT LINER: For easy cleanup; leakproof channel drain plug
  • CUP HOLDERS WITH DRAIN: Molded into the lid to keep drinks from spilling; fit up to a 30-oz. tumbler
  • dimensions: exterior: 28.4 in. l x 18.1 in. w x 17.5 in. h, interior: 21-23 in. l x 12-13.7 in. w x 13 in. h, weight: 25.5 lbs
  • materials: hard cooler made of heavy-duty polyethylene, urethane, polypropylene, rope handles
  • performance: up to 8-day ice retention - exceeds most premium priced coolers
  • đŸș【SIZE&WEIGHT】35 qt ice cooler can hold up to 40 aluminum cans (12 FL oz). It will be a perfect tool to cool your drinks, such as beer, beverage and juice etc. Weights 19.84lbs. The internal size is 18” x 10” x 11”. The external size is 23” x 14” x 15”. The cooler can withstand more than 310 lbs. You can sit or stand on the lid without worrying that it will be broken.
  • đŸș 【ALL DETAILS】Our ice cooler, equipped with 2 Cup holders, heavy duty rubberized T-lock, 2 beer bottle openers, fish ruler, drain plug, 2 Lockable Corners, and non-slip rubber feet design for easy carrying, is perfect for any outdoor and indoor activities like barbecue, golf game, camping, picnic, sea fishing and backyard party etc.
  • đŸș 【FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE】We offer a 2-year warranty for this cooler. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us. If we can't solve your problem or you are not satisfied with the result, we will provide you a full refund.

What to Look For in a best cooler for camping?

Some consumers are concerned about ordering best cooler for camping. Various aspects should always be explored before making big product choices. Our expertise on best cooler for camping will help determine the best possible decision.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best cooler for camping:

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

FAQs

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Our developers make it reliable for the info by their rich experience. best cooler for camping data is also kept up to date on any occasion. You might relax knowing that the information is updated and accurate.

Try reporting any best cooler for camping problems or inconsistencies so that we can make your life better. Thanks to your feedback, we'll push for even greater quality levels!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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