Ideal coolers should keep food cold and frozen long enough for multiday outings or overnight journeys, while being easy to transport and maneuver.

Yeti’s Tundra cooler is an outstanding example of high-quality cooling solutions, boasting great insulation, ice retention and ease of use (rope handles and rubber latches). Unfortunately, its price tag can be expensive.

Rotomolding

Rotational molding (or “rotomolding”) is an efficient manufacturing process for producing hollow plastic parts. This bi-axial process heats powdered resin while slowly rotating it around a mold.

Rotomolding-produced products tend to be light and strong, making them suitable for outdoor environments where heavy impacts and extreme weather conditions exist.

Polyethylene resin is one of the most sought-after resins for rotomolding due to its affordability, availability and ease of working with. Furthermore, rotomolded products made from this resin offer UV stability that keeps their color looking great over time in sunlight – perfect for multiple applications!

Injection Molding

Injection Molding is a highly efficient production method that can produce hundreds of parts per hour at low costs. It is suitable for producing parts made of various plastic materials and finishes.

Molding processes allow complex shapes to be created using intricate mold cavities filled with molten plastic that is then injected. Once set, the product is then taken out from its mold, trimmed and visually inspected for defects before removal from its source.

Injection molding is an efficient process with cycle times as short as 10 seconds and high productivity, yet upfront costs remain high due to CAD design, prototyping and tool fabrication costs. Changes to designs often necessitate creating new molds – which add weeks and thousands of dollars of production time.

Latch/Closure System

Latch/Closure Systems offer an ideal solution for many applications, from commercial walk-in refrigerators to car doors. Available in an assortment of materials and finishes to meet any need and can even be personalized with ergonomic or accessibility considerations.

Door latches are used in manufacturing to securely fasten parts and components together, such as the camshaft of an engine. Rated NEMA or IP (International Protection), these door latches offer different degrees of water and dust protection.

Latch provides apartment and building tenants with an easy way to open their doors with smartphones, while property managers can grant digital access through Mission Control or ePMS automation systems. Tenant turnover can also be simplified quickly thanks to Latch’s capability of revoking and assigning access instantly.

Insulation

Insulation plays an integral part in keeping contents cold, especially on long trips. Most hard-sided coolers use plastic sandwiching a layer of insulating foam; yeti and RTIC coolers feature rotomolded designs which fuse their insulated foam into one thick piece of plastic for an improved aesthetic and greater insulation capabilities.

Rotomolded coolers tend to be more costly than other models, as their production is more time and cost intensive and they come with longer warranties. Many rotomolded models also include fancier hinges, drain plugs, handles that add further to their price point.

Rotomolded components used in the RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler give it a sturdy yet high quality feel, including its non-skid feet that I often overlook when inspecting coolers.

Accessories

Designed for frequent use, this tough, durable cooler keeps food and beverages cool for days on end. Featuring T-grip latches that exude confidence and security, it is an investment worthy of consideration for those who often transport coolers. Although costly, its purchase could prove worthwhile.

It is also easy to load and carry solo, fits into many vehicles easily and rolls without wobbling, and comes equipped with thoughtful accessories (such as dual cup holders, bamboo prep boards and bear-proof locks) that distinguish it among competitors. Finally, all elements seem designed with quality and durability in mind–even its nonskid feet which have proven weak on many other models; adding the optional LandR bin topper provides even further security for your gear.