Heavy-Duty Camping Coolers

Injection-molded coolers feature plastic shells bonded with insulated foam, making them lighter than their roto-molded counterparts but with thinner walls limiting multiday ice retention potential compared to more costly models.

The YETI Tundra Haul and RovR RollR coolers provide the ideal combination of durability and portability in a large cooler, perfect for camping trips and day expeditions. Their wheels and handles are built for rough terrain terrain, making these models suitable for use on camping excursions and day expeditions alike.

Capacity

Coolers are designed to store food and beverages over an extended period, so their capacity is crucial. Larger hard-sided designs provide greater storage.

Rotomolded coolers like the YETI Tundra and Orca keep ice cool for days, serve as seats or footstools, and have even been tested to withstand attempts by grizzly bears at forcing entry (although RTIC also claims this feature). However, these designs tend to be heavier and bulkier than injection-molded plastic coolers using separate shells fused together with foam insulation; yet boast superior cold retention properties.

Wheeled coolers in the 60- to 80-quart range are an ideal way to accommodate weekend camping trips with family or friends, although many models can become unwieldy when filled and are difficult to lift into or out of trunks or truck beds. Although these models may be costly, their high quality models should last you many years of camping trips. If you prefer easier transportability then look for smaller and lighter soft-sided designs such as Arctic Zone or Coleman coolers.

Insulation

With so much to consider when embarking on an outdoor excursion or extended camping journey, having the appropriate cooler can make all the difference. Our experts conducted rigorous tests on multiple cooler models to find out which ones offer maximum refrigeration capability while being easy to transport.

Rotomolded coolers like the YETI Tundra and Orca XR coolers are our go-to picks due to their superior insulation properties, versatility as a seat or foot stool, large capacity ice storage capacity, rugged latches that withstand attempted forced entry by bears (though a padlock would still be advised) and rugged latches which resist attempted forced entry by predators like bears (though padlocks should always be secured when leaving them unattended.)

More cost-conscious options include injection-molded coolers that feature two plastic shells joined together by insulation foam – they may be easier to carry around but don’t insulate as effectively.

Portability

ORCA Xtreme Wheeled Coolers provide the optimal space-to-weight ratio in our test, but also come at a premium. Less expensive hard coolers like the RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler and Igloo Max Cold/BMX 25 strike a balance between durability and portability while offering better insulation than many of their counterparts at more accessible price points.

Most individuals prefer a lightweight cooler that’s easily transportable on camping trips. These coolers typically feature injection-molded plastic shells with thick foam insulation to keep food and beverages cool for several days at a time.

These models feature immobile handles for one-person lugging and mobile handles extending above the chest for two-person carrying, as well as tie-down slots and integrated rulers to aid anglers – they may not, however, have the capacity to lock or protect food from wildlife like Roadie and Xspec coolers do.

Value

ORCA 65-quart Elite coolers stand out among premium rotomolded coolers on our tests as being among the leading brands, particularly Yeti and Polar Bear. However, ORCA stands out with their rugged build and attention to detail that make their coolers so notable from other offerings in this segment.

Though not the cheapest cooler available, ORCA provides good value for its price point. With enough capacity for most weekend trips with three to four people and offering cold retention characteristics like integrated fish scale and garden hose compatibility. It makes an ideal companion.

Coleman Xtreme 5 Day Cooler stands out as another value pick, providing plenty of storage at a competitive price. While not as durable or insulated as our top picks, it still survived Outdoor Gear Lab’s 225-pound tester jumping on it and comes equipped with multiple accessories such as dual cup holders and wagon bins to help transporting it easily.