Rugged coolers are great choices for outdoor enthusiasts and campers, as they’re built to withstand an assault while offering features such as baskets, dividers and wheels that help make outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.

But not all rugged coolers are created equal; when selecting one for camping or road trip adventures, be mindful of size and weight considerations when making your selection. Lighter coolers tend to perform best!

YETI Hopper Flip

The YETI Hopper Flip soft cooler is part of their line of portable soft coolers designed for portability, versatility, and durability. Ideal for beach days, park picnics, camping trips or anything in between!

Though not boasting quite the insulation power of hard coolers, our tests found that the Hopper Flip still managed to keep temperatures below 40 degrees for two and a half days in our testing. Furthermore, it features various handles, straps, and attachment points for convenient transportation.

BruMate Orca 40

If you’re in search of a high-end roto-molded cooler made in America with some cool accessories (such as rubber stoppers to prevent your fingers from getting crushed, Gorilla Mouth bottle opener and metal kickers that prop up handles to create extra tabletop space), the BruMate should definitely be considered. It provides excellent insulation, is easy to use and comes with a limited lifetime warranty; its only real drawback being its higher than average cost and relative heaviness compared to group average.

If you plan to use the BruMate for tailgating, camping, or any outdoor activity requiring transporting it from place to place, take into consideration how much weight you are comfortable lifting and ensure it fits into your trunk before making a purchase. Please also be aware that it does not meet Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee certification standards and bear-proofness is not guaranteed with this cooler.

YETI Tundra

If you want a cooler that can stand up to any outdoor conditions, the Yeti Tundra may be just what you need. Constructed of heavy-duty rotomolded construction with Coldlock gaskets to seal off heat intrusion and T-Rex rubber latches which make opening easy but hard for bears or raccoons – Plus its lid offers two holes for Yeti cooler locks (sold separately) should any unwanted visitors try their luck at accessing your cooler!

I conducted side-by-side comparison tests of both the YETI Tundra and RTIC 45 QT coolers and found both to perform excellently, even when completely full with cans and ice. Even one person could easily carry each cooler due to user-friendly rope handles built into its body; both feature t-shaped lid latches that shut with an audible “thunk”, leakproof drain plugs, non-slip feet to keep them from getting knocked off decks or the back of trucks; both feature user-friendly rope handles built directly into its bodies for easier carrying by one person than when fully loaded with cans and ice!

Rugged Road 65

Rugged Road 65 cooler is an ultralight high-performance cooler featuring more than a week’s worth of ice retention, rivaling top rotomolded competitors. At just 2 pounds it can easily fit in canoes or hiking backpacks for transport, while floating upright makes it suitable for watersports activities such as kayaking.

Rugged Road’s impressive featherweight, indestructible shell and superior ice retention is due to an unprecedented combination of Rigorite outer shell and Fridgite insulation core materials that work in harmony. When combined, they reduce weight by 1/3 while outperforming competitors in every way possible.

Rugged Road coolers feature thinner walls compared to other rotomolded coolers, saving space inside. Furthermore, its unique detachable/reversible lid includes integrated drink holders and cutting board surface – as well as dual padded rope handles for tandem carry. Furthermore, their anti-skid exterior finish provides outstanding anti-skid performance without needing feet – making this the ultimate cooler for camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing and beyond! To learn more, please visit their website.