What we’d leave: I wish it came in some prettier colors. As of now, FrostVault comes in standard neutrals (white, gray, beige) a maroon Canyon Red or Navy Blue.
How we tested these hard coolers
To try and keep things standardized without a formal lab, I tested coolers that were similarly sized (between 45-60L), with the exception of the Oyster Tempo. Each cooler was filled with 25 pounds of ice and left outside for a full week, exposed to a mix of sun and shade depending on the weather. Every day I checked on them to track ice melt, monitor how cold the contents stayed, and note how easy (or annoying) they were to open, close, and move around. I also looked at how well the seals held up, whether the latches felt solid, and if the interiors stayed organized and usable as the ice started to go. The goal was to simulate how someone would actually use a cooler—whether at the beach, at a campsite, or hanging in the backyard—figure out which models could really keep up. Wheeled coolers were pulled over a variety of surfaces, including grass, concrete, and sand. For the flat coolers specifically, I also enlisted the help of my most outdoorsy friends (who regularly camp, fish, and live out of their trucks on weekends) to put the coolers through their paces in real-world environments.
What to consider when shopping for hard coolers
Insulation and ice retention
Coolers should stay cool (duh). Look for thick walls, tight fitting gaskets, and multi-day ice retention. Premium models often promise up to 5-7 days of cold, but for most people 2-3 days is plenty. That will get you through a weekend of camping and certainly through an afternoon bbq.
Hard coolers are notoriously bulky, so be realistic about the space you have and how much room you need to transport one. Most brands list capacities by volume (liter or quart) and will also list how many standard cans models can hold, with and without ice. Generally, go smaller if your typical use is daily barbecues and weekend jaunts, and bigger for longer, off-grid excursions.
Flat coolers (i.e. without wheels) are significantly less bulky, but harder to move with one person. Wheeled coolers are more convenient, if the wheels are actually durable and can handle all types of terrains. Consider wheels, handles, tie-down points, and weight.
Is your cooler going to live casually on your back deck for pool days and dinner parties? Or is it going to be an ~extreme~ cooler that lives on the bow of your boat and jostled around through Class 4 rapids? If you camp, fish, hunt, paddle, you’ll want a more durable cooler with features made for the elements (non-slip feet, tie-down points, sealed gaskets, etc.).
Today’s coolers have come a long way since your grandfather’s vintage ice box. From built-in drink tanks and bottle openers, to dry storage, even interior lighting and cargo straps.
Other hard coolers we liked:
In my testing nothing really disappointed. Even the budget-friendly Igloo, which doesn’t perform at the same level as a rotomolded cooler, did quite well considering its price point.
The Roadie 60 is peak Yeti—a serious cooler that offers serious cold retention. I love this thing, but it’s a lot for the everyday cooler owner. The space is insane—it’s like having a mini ice chest freezer on wheels. Despite its gargantuan size, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around. The wheels are burly and the telescoping handle allows for a smooth pull. The insulation is top-notch (there was still a bit of ice left after six days), and the latch-and-hinge system is so much easier to open and shut than the brand’s signature rubber T-latches. This is a great cooler, but the size is just going to be overkill for most folks. It’s also expensive, and I’m skeptical of the longevity of telescoping handles. If you’re deadset on a wheeled cooler from Yeti, consider the smaller Yeti Roadie 48, which Senior Editor Noah Kaufman loves, saying “I’ve used Yeti coolers for years and find them pretty unbeatable in terms of insulation. They are, however, a bit of a pain to move in and out of storage or through a park. The Roadie 48 effectively solves that problem, sliding around as easy as a rollerbag.”
Outdoorsy folks take note: Pelican’s model is a grizzly bear of a cooler. It looks like something that should be carrying military ammunition, not a 30 rack of Bud Light. In addition to leaving it out in the sun for days packed with ice, I had a friend take it on a camping trip and bang it around in the back of his truck to check its durability. Can confirm: It’s durable! The thing barely has a scratch on it. It’s loaded with outdoor-friendly features that make it a standout for adventuring, like non-slip, massive molded handles that double as tie-down points, and a fish ruler on the lid. Less rugged are the molded-in cup holders and a built-in bottle opener, which are small but appreciated touches. The downside? This thing is huge—it makes the Yeti Tundra 45 look miniature in comparison. There are definitely sleeker options out there, but if you’re going for tough, the Pelican Elite delivers.
The BrüTank is a lot. It’s got a built-in tap for batched drinks, a bottle opener, a cushy, foam top for comfy seating, even a rack to keep snacks high and dry. The 2.8 gallon removable drink tank is really the star of the show; fill it with zesty lemonade, fruit punch, a boozy mixed drink, and it’ll stay cool while you pour it directly from the spout.
It’s not all flash though. The BrüTank held ice for a full five days before it all melted. And while it’s quite heavy when full, the smooth wheels and pull handle make it surprisingly easy to roll across sand, gravel, or grass.
Ultimately though all the extras make this a very specific sort of cooler. The drink tank takes up space, which doesn’t make as practical for something like camping. It’s also very bulky and hard to clean. All the extras make for a lot of nooks and crannies for any leaky food or spilled beer to get into. It’s a party on wheels, but probably not for everyone.
Now, if you’re outdoorsy and are a sucker for cool features, the Titan Pro delivers more bells and whistles than most. It’s rotomolded for durability and temperature regulation, but what sets it apart is the attention to detail in almost every corner of the cooler: a removable LED light that makes grabbing drinks at night a breeze, a Microban treated liner to help prevent odors and bacteria, bungee cords on the lid keep gear in place. There’s even a separate Ice Saver Performance Booster, which is a foldable panel you lay over the ice to keep warm air out and dry goods separated. It kept ice solid for four full days during testing, and the non-slip feet kept it stable in the back of another friend’s truck and at a campsite. Just note it’s definitely on the heavier side and it’s pricey.
This budget cooler won’t beat out the high-end beasts, but performed admirably against more technologically advanced competitors. The Igloo Latitude 52 is lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for short-term cooling at picnics, beach days, or backyard barbecues. Its swing-up handles and molded-in cup holders on the lid are nice touches, too. Ice retention is where it falls short—it struggled to keep things cold for more than a day or two, especially in direct sun. But for the price, it’ll be great for lots of people. Just don’t expect it to replace your high-performance cooler for remote camping trips.
The hard cooler questions you should be asking
What’s the difference between rotomolded and regular coolers?
Rotomolded coolers (like the Yeti and Rtic models) are made from a single-piece plastic mold, which results in a seamless, stronger design. They tend to be better at insulating for longer periods of time, but are significantly heavier and more expensive. Classic hard plastic coolers (like your Igloos and Colemans) are way lighter and more affordable, but typically aren’t going to retain ice like a rotomolded cooler.
How do I make my cooler stay colder for longer?
There’s no shortcut here. The secret is to pre-chill your cooler before you pack it with ice. I like to do this indoors with a bag or block of ice for a few hours (sometimes even overnight) so it’s nice and cool when I pack it. Also, pack it strategically. Most brands will give you tips on how to fill it properly but, in essence, pre-chill your provisions and fill in any leftover space—air pockets will cause ice to melt quicker.
