Thermal coolers can make life simpler during camping trips by cutting back on trips to the store for more ice and keeping you hydrated. Be sure to look for features such as high-performing insulation and durable latches designed to withstand outdoor usage.

Yeti Tundra offers premium ice-retention capabilities and its durable, rotomolded construction makes it easy to transport. Furthermore, its certified bear resistance provides extra security against wildlife.

High-Performing Insulation

Coolers that want to keep food and drinks cold require thick insulation. Some models we tested had up to three inches of foam insulation, keeping ice and contents colder for longer. Unfortunately, even the best insulation may fail when its contents are improperly packed – we advise using reusable ice packs and tightly packing your cooler to minimize dead spaces where cold air could warm up over time.

Cooler brands often list an estimated ice retention spec on their products, though we recommend taking this number with a grain of salt. Based on our tests, hard-sided options like RovR Products RollR 60 and Orca 40 typically can hold onto ice for 10 days or more – these may also make good options when traveling abroad!

RTIC stands out as an option that utilizes injection molding instead of the more commonly-used rotomolding process, meaning that its thick insulation – up to three inches with closed cell foam insulation – remains light enough for one person to easily carry. This makes transport easier when packing in both food and ice for travel purposes.

Roto-Molded Construction

Roto-molded construction has become popularized by Yeti’s Tundra line and provides an alternative to injection molding that results in premium coolers with minimal seams and stress points, yet heavy and more costly than soft-sided models. Roto molding usually provides better ice retention.

Some brands, like RTIC’s Ultra-Light line, use injection molding in combination with insulation of up to three inches of closed cell foam to cut weight and enhance performance, creating coolers that still manage to keep food and drinks cold for over five days.

Keep bear-proof certification top of mind if camping near wildlife. To find this feature, search the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee list. The Hub model from Texas-based Goat stands out with built-in storage slots along its sides that fit its Cans container-like storage solutions – perfect for keeping smaller camping essentials close at hand!

Durability

Coolers don’t need to be extravagant, but they must last. The most reliable camping coolers use durable materials like high-density polyethylene and rotomolded construction; with reinforced corners, latches, hinges, and features that ensure longevity. Some even come equipped with bear-proof certification for use when camping in areas with resident bears roaming around freely.

Carefully consider your camping style when selecting the appropriate cooler. Consider factors such as average length of trips, whether camping solo or with others and how much food and drinks are typically brought on these outings. Also take into account how much storage capacity your desired cooler offers as well as features like indentations or dividers to increase organization. Finally, weigh and size considerations are key if hauling from car to campsite are involved; some coolers even feature telescopic handles to make this easier!

Storage Capacity

Once you purchase a high-quality cooler, be sure that it holds enough provisions for your trip. Keep in mind the number of people and length of trip when selecting a suitable model; pick one which can meet those demands.

Insulation of coolers can also depend on how tightly they’re packed; an optimally packed cooler reduces dead air space where cold temperatures may begin to warm. Some models come equipped with internal baskets and dividers to help efficiently pack food and drinks inside.

Insulated coolers are an essential piece of equipment when camping during winter weather conditions, keeping meals and drinks at an ideal temperature all day long. Simply replenish ice as necessary, fill your refillable water bottles with hot water for refilling throughout your adventure, seal off the lid using rubber gaskets similar to refrigerator seals to seal in cold air and seal off its lid to keep cool air in. Ultimately, thicker walls mean longer-term cooler use!