Coolers may go unnoticed, but having one in your camping or beach outing trip can make or break its success. From keeping drinks cold to keeping food fresh, an insulated cooler should always be worth its weight in gold!

Some premium coolers feature additional features, like the BruMate’s built-in 2.8 gallon reservoir for directly tapping water from, or external integrations like cutting boards.

Durability

Rotomolded coolers may be more costly, but their incredible durability and cold-retention abilities make them worth every cent. Rotomolded coolers also make an excellent companion if you enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle – their heavy-duty feel makes them suitable for carrying with ease.

Igloo Trailmate coolers offer good size and performance for two people. Unfortunately, however, they cannot compare with Yeti or RTIC models that feature rotomolded technology in terms of durability or price; plus Igloo is significantly more expensive.

Ice retention should be one of the top priorities when looking for a cooler. While companies may advertise an ice retention of two to 16 days, these numbers don’t always reflect optimal conditions. Most high-end rotomolded coolers tend to outshone lower priced competitors like the RTIC Ultralight 52 which features powerful magnetic closure, drain plug for melting ice drainage, extra strong handle that doubles as makeshift seating as well as magnetic closure to retain cold temperatures for up to 16 days of ice retention.

Cooling Capacity

An effective cooler should be able to hold onto its ice for days at a time; during testing, the top performing model managed this feat for two full days without melting or losing cold and solid ice.

An integral factor of how well a cooler performs is its latching system. Many high-quality models feature cam-style rubber latches that are both user friendly and long-term durable, making this key element an integral component.

One feature that sets certain coolers apart is their built-in water reservoir, making beverage dispensation much simpler for camping or road trips, while also eliminating the need to pack extra bottles. Carrying options, ice retention capabilities, portability are also worthy considerations; wheeled coolers such as Roam RollR offer sturdy construction with plenty of useful features like storage baskets and internal dividers that double as cutting boards as well as multiple carry options and tie-down points to help make life simpler on rough terrain.

Functionality

Coolers are designed to keep items at an ideal temperature over extended periods, so ice retention and durability are critical design features. However, high-quality coolers also include many additional functional elements that make camping trips more enjoyable.

Rotomolded models such as Yeti’s Tundra typically include drain systems for melting ice water that allows you to avoid opening and closing the lid repeatedly – this reduces ice retention significantly each time the lid is opened or closed, and increases overall storage efficiency.

Other manufacturers like Xspec take functionality a step further with extras that take functionality beyond what its competition can provide, including bottle openers, compasses and dry storage bins for non-perishable food and accessories. They even offer foldable LandR bins on top for additional storage space – features which can significantly add value compared to competitors and ease buyer anxiety about making such a hefty investment. Many rotomolded brands also provide 10-year or lifetime warranties to reassure buyers who may feel uneasy investing in such an expensive product.

Portability

People seeking coolers frequently place the highest importance on its ability to keep ice frozen for extended periods – this test distinguishes new, expensive models like those featuring roto-molded designs as the ones most capable of keeping full loads frozen for as long as possible.

Considerations should also include whether the cooler is bear-proof; this is particularly crucial if you live in an area teeming with bears and other potentially dangerous wildlife, or wish to transport the cooler without fear of opening its lid by an animal like raccoons. Furthermore, its wheels could make or break its use on uneven surfaces such as beaches, boat decks or uneven decks.

Add-ons like food baskets that double as dividers, external cup holders and side tables can significantly expand storage and prep space, while unique integrations such as retractable fishing rod attachments on Yetis or RovR models add yet another level of functionality to these already robust coolers.