I look into the best Cooler you can get your hands on this summer !
Your needing a Cooler?, maybe it’s your first or maybe you’re looking to upgrade ? Let’s have a look at the top coolers you can buy for the best value.
Now, coolers aren’t cheap… Well some are but we have all used one of those and it’s not going to perform anything like the coolers mentioned below. You will ask yourself, how can one cooler be better than another? Unfortunately in most cases the better the cooler the higher the price tag… Don’t let this put you off though because i’ve personally tried many brands of cooler and I can tell you the price gap can be greater then the value gap. So let me show you what I have found.

(commissioning links are used in article)

The main items I look into is:

  • Use?
  • Design and usability
  • Durability
  • Price point
  • The most important. How long can it hold ice ?

-1. Use?
What are you going to need the cooler for? What are you storing inside of it ?
There are many uses for a cooler and they are mostly all interchangeable to each use but, there are some that will perform and fair more practical depending on how you will use it. Firstly, how big will you need it ? This is probably my main deciding factor that will narrow down the choice. Some people will go “well as big as possible” and this is all fine and dandy but if your suddenly looking at a $1500 cooler that your going to need two strong people to move anywhere even when empty then it’s not always the best option…
My rough volume recommendations are:
Camping: 19 gl (75l)
Day tripping: 7.6 gl (29l)
Picnics 9 gl (34l)
Fishing/Hunting 50gl (188l) (or greater)

The sizes above are guides and in some cases going smaller or larger will be needed… Lucky modern brands have such a range in sizes these days so you can fine pick your size depending on your storage room in your car or boat.

-2. Design and usability
After thinking about the use and size you need, you can narrow down to your design and styles.
Everyone knows of the HARD cooler style, usually rotational molded plastic and foam insulation core… These are Perfect for everything and will always be the most durable option which we will talk about next. But keep in mind that there are many new styles of cooler now and can be just are effective.

Current styles:

  • Hard -Durable, effective and easy to clean
  • Hard (wheeled) – Durable, effective and easy to move solo
  • Soft – Smaller, lighter and less bulky, ultra efficient
  • Backpack – Great for transporting goods and the casual mission
  • Lunch bag – The worker best friend you can rely on
  • Bags – Quick, easy, cheap but dont expect the cold ham at the end of the day.
  • Chairs – Odd but strangely necessary for any beach day

-3. Durability
Once you have chosen a style you can ensure the product will be durable and last the expected lifetime that it should.
When looking into the durability, if you just taking it to the beach or BBQ then maybe it’s not the biggest factor but, when you rely on this cooler to store food and drinks for a greater period of time overlanding, fishing/hunting then you want this thing to be the last thing to die out there.
Things I personally look into is build material.
-HARD coolers need heavy duty roto-molded plastics with strong rubber latches and rope handle are my top choice. With anything, the less things to break, the less things will break. If you go for a wheeled version then ensure the “axel” and wheel is ready to race the off road trails and endure the salty sand manytimes. Avoid perishable coatings and brittle rubbers.
-SOFT coolers should consist of easy plastic zippers and or clips to seal everything together also ensure the straps and clips are not going to perish or rust before your next long mission. The lining should be thick and ensure enough padding is there to keep the ice cold for multiple days. Any extra pockets or zippers should also be ruggeded enough to rely on for holding any other valuables.

-4. Price Point
Now this is where your first choice from all my recommendations put you to tears…
A cooler is NOT cheap !! Thinking that all it does will keep some food/drinks cold for a few days is heartbreaking and referring to one of my first comments “Unfortunately in most cases the better the cooler the higher the price tag… ” it’s just the way it is..
Although! I also mentioned “the price gap can be greater then the value gap” and this is why I write this article to help you find this difference.
Let’s Start, top dog of the industry and base line has to be the large company YETI , they are the workhorse that even thieves target as they know the value of these coolers (sad i know). I have experienced this products quality first hand in soft and hard coolers big and small… Yeti hard coolers can hold ice for upto 2 weeks in the right conditions and that is a massive feat.


If Money is not a worry to you and can spend the $500 plus (large hard cooler) then TOTALLY do it! The quality is a buy and never stress again senario.
You will never regret your decision.

Now we are talking value here and this is where the gap closes fast.
The up and coming but also well known brand RTIC have put yeti on a run for its money literally. The Rtic cooler are and almost identical piece of equipment. Especially the hard cooler with is durability and range of products. I have used most of the Rtic range and their drinkware equipment and have not had a worry or problem at any stage. I think for the price point it’s a hard brand to pass by.

I cant go on without mentioning a few brands that fill the gap after the top mainstream brands. Firstly, KENAI/GRIZZLY coolers are a great solid yet simple design that ticks the durability box with the rotomolded hard coolers and durable soft coolers. From Alaska you know why it’s got a lifetime warranty.
WYLD GEAR coolers are also a great design and simple option. It promotes a tough case style design with loads of features. My only concern knowing I haven’t tested one myself is the hard clip/latches that they use on all hard coolers. Yet the design is clean and perfect for any adventure!

ENGLE have been around for a while and they know what there doing. The range is massive and can perform where needed. The brand is partnered with the big boat manufacture Maverick Boat Group proving their confidence in the quality of the product. Engle have a customizable range with many add ons that work with a range of other brands. The price is up on the high side but these coolers can hold ice as long as you will need with the latest technologies.

Now this one you will know as a different product but as you would assume its design and product durability is world renowned as amazing! PELICAN, the Hard case master has a whole range of coolers that scream built tough… They are exactly what you imagine and will out last you in any environment. Yet they reason im not hugely recommending it is its price. They coolers are on the higher end of the spectrum with similar prices to yeti. They are also some of the few cooler manufacturers still using plastic latches. Still a great option for the person that needs a confidence in their equipment.

If we go further down the line of best cooler brands with great value we come to a stop at IGLOO coolers. This brand you may have seen in a local shopping market or in some of the larger named shopping centers but they have hit the market with a crazy new look and design for nearly every special discipline. Their customised genres can be great for your lifestyle and the price is cut in half. Now quality and durability is greatly reduced but for some people thats not a worry for what they will be using if for. In most cases these products will still last for years to come just be gentle with the hard handles and extra lids and accessories they have to offer . If we compare the Rtic and Igloo then I have seen a massive difference in ice retention with Rtic performing far better then the Igloo products.

If you are looking for the most basic weekend BBQ cooler then there really is no need to disregard the cheaper coolers. Below is the next brands ild be first to stop in at:
– Parkit (chair)
– Camp Zero
– lifetime
– Iris USA
– Playmate
– Coleman

-5. Will It hold Ice?
As I mentioned above, some brands and models of coolers will definitely hold Ice longer. It comes down to how and what manufacturers are doing to build these mini fridges and this can translate to their prices. Sometimes it’s just magic and I don’t know how its possible.
But for the everyday cooler you can extend your life of the Ice by helping it along the way, especially with the cheaper coolers. I recommend keeping the cooler in shade and out of direct sunlight. This will greatly help maintain a cooler temperature. Unlike your fridge, once you open the lid the cool air that escapes will never return. So reduce the time you have it open and you will see a difference hopefully extending your Ice multiple days. If your wanting the maximum out of your cooler than think about getting some reusable ice blocks to pre cool your cooler before a long trip.
If you want to got to the extremes you can use dry ice for some models of cooler (check manufacture). If your only using it for fish or seafood then I highly recommend SALTED Ice, this will take a much greater time to melt and will keep your cooler cool easily on a long hot day on the water.


We will follow up on the BUDGET COOLER GUIDE soon and get in depth with some of the cooler brands up close. Thank you for all the support.