An insulated cooler can keep food and drinks cold for camping trips or day hikes. Additionally, it could bring some much-needed nourishment directly to someone who may be sick.

Starting your outdoor adventure right means understanding your needs when selecting a cooler for camping. By doing so, you can narrow down your options and find the ideal cooler.

Weight

When investing in an expensive cooler, you want it to last as long as possible. Roto-molded models with thick outer shells and sturdy latches tend to outlive their injection molded counterparts which may crack over time or separate altogether. When camping in bear country, consider coolers approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) that can withstand being attacked by an animal!

Heavy-duty coolers are built for ruggedness and weighty when filled. A roto-molded model like the Yeti Tundra 65 may weigh over 50 pounds when filled, while injection molded coolers like Igloo ECOCOOL or Coleman 316 series models may be lighter but contain more plastic that cracks or breaks easily – they may work for day trips but should not be relied upon as multi-day expedition coolers.

Capacity

Camping coolers in this category are typically designed to hold enough food and drinks for an extended trip, including keeping six packs cold for days on end. Others, like Pelican 20QT Elite models, provide enough storage space for drinks, snacks, fish filets etc. during shorter excursions away from home.

YETI’s wheeled model may resemble more of an 80s picnic basket with its vivid neon colors, but its insulation performance was proven in testing; during an impressive 24+ hour stretch at 33 degrees Fahrenheit for holding bag of ice and 11 cans!

Some premium coolers come equipped with features to make carrying it around easier, like the telescoping handle on the YETI Roadie or fold-out handles on the RovR RollR 45. For extended distance hauling needs such as from car to campsite or back again, investing in wheeled models may be wiser.

Insulation

No matter how rugged or expensive your cooler, insulation should always be top priority. Rotomolded coolers tend to provide the best insulation thanks to continuous molding process’s consistent thickness that promotes better ice retention. Some rotomolded models such as the YETI Tundra and ORCA 40 even carry certification from Bear Resistant Alliance that prevent attempted entry by bears.

Thick gaskets strengthen a cooler’s insulating capabilities by keeping cold air inside and warm air outside, which is especially important if camping in hot environments.

Drain plugs make it easy to empty and scrub down the interior of your cooler, eliminating hard-to-reach spots that might harbor mold or mildew growth. In addition, look for coolers with padlock holes so that nosy campsite neighbors won’t access your food and beverages.

Portability

An easily transportable and maneuverable cooler is key for beachgoing or tailgating trips as well as boat use. Many heavy-duty camping coolers such as the Blue 110 and Pelican 65 come equipped with wheels that facilitate transport; furthermore, having features like those found on BruTank (with temperature-control capability) could prove especially handy.

However, these coolers can be pricey; especially Yeti which is the most costly brand in this category. As Hellenga points out though, paying extra for an exceptional cooler that offers features other models don’t possess such as pressure release valve and 2.8 gallon reservoir with direct pour for water, tea, sangria or lemonade as well as mounting rod holders or plastic prep boards is well worth paying extra for.