The 24 best camping cooler brands
Coleman, Yeti and Arctic Zone lead our ranking of 24 camping cooler brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Camping Cooler brands, ranked
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1
Coleman
Steel-belted 316 Series hard chests sit alongside soft backpack coolers and cheaper plastic hard coolers.
Top products: 316 Series 150QT Hard Chest Cooler· Coleman Pro Cooler 17qt
Website: colemancanada.ca |Brands like Coleman
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
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3
Arctic Zone
Zipperless soft and hardbody coolers that open wide, with Titan and Deep Freeze lines for ice-free trips.
Top products: Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
Website: arcticzone.com |Brands like Arctic Zone
Popularity 3.4/10
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4
Thermos
Thermos makes vacuum flasks, food jars, mugs and stainless steel water bottles that keep drinks hot or cold for hours. The company is credited with bringing vacuum insulation to consumer products, starting with its flask design in 1904. Its stainless steel bottles and insulated containers suit commuters, hikers and anyone packing lunch.
Website: thermos.com |Brands like Thermos
Popularity 2.7/10
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5
Rtic
Price-conscious soft packs and hard coolers that undercut Yeti on price, plus camo finishes for hunting.
Top products: Soft Pack 40· Day Cooler Lunch Box Soft Pack
Website: rticoutdoors.com |Brands like Rtic
Popularity 2.7/10
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6
TOURIT
Lightweight insulated soft backpack coolers suited to hiking, beach days and camping trips.
Top products: 25L Insulated Cooler Backpack
Popularity 1.9/10
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7
Pelican
Pelican's Elite hard coolers share the gasketed, watertight seal of its protector cases.
Website: pelican.com |Brands like Pelican
Popularity 1.6/10
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8
Dometic
Powered CFX electric coolers and insulated boxes built for vehicles, boats and campsites.
Website: dometic.com |Brands like Dometic
Popularity 1.6/10
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9
Stanley
Adventure line hard coolers with bungee lids, aimed at tailgating and camping trips.
Top products: Adventure Easy-Carry Outdoor Cooler 7 QT· Adventure Cooler Ice Chest 16 qt· Cooler Backpack
Website: stanleytools.com |Brands like Stanley
Popularity 1.5/10
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10
Carhartt
Carhartt WIP store has a large selection of apparel and accessories for men and women that value ultimate durability and comfort. Their official store has the most extensive selection of everything - apparel for men and women, accessories, and more....
Website: us.carhartt-wip.com |Brands like Carhartt
Popularity 1.3/10
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11
Picnic Time
Experts created Picnic Time to make your life easier. Because they realize that picnics are about more than just packing a suitcase and going on an adventure, it's all about spending quality time with the people that mean most to...
Website: picnictime.com |Brands like Picnic Time
Popularity 1.2/10
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12
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask, a company based in the US, with its headquarters nestled in Oregon among mountains, sees mother nature as an inspiration to manufacture its products, including flasks, tumblers, bottles, and accessories such as bags, lunch boxes, etc. They do...
Website: hydroflask.com |Brands like Hydro Flask
Popularity 1.1/10
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13
California Innovations
California Innovations makes insulated lunch boxes, totes and lunch bags, and the company began in Toronto in 1985. Its history starts with a detachable cooler that paired with a car sun shield. Its insulated bags are designed to keep food...
Website: californiainnovations.com |Brands like California Innovations
Popularity 1.1/10
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14
Grizzly Coolers
Heavy rotomolded hard coolers in bright orange, sized from 20 to 60 quarts.
Top products: 20-Quart Cooler· 60-Quart Cooler
Website: grizzlycoolers.com |Brands like Grizzly Coolers
Popularity 1.0/10
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15
Mountainsmith
Mountainsmith was born out of the ruggedness of Colorado and since then has grasped the world of backpacks. Since 1979, it has been the sole pioneer of distinctive backpacks that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Its legacy has consistently risen all...
Website: mountainsmith.com |Brands like Mountainsmith
Popularity 0.9/10
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16
Koolatron
Koolatron is the major producer of 12-volt coolers and warmers globally, with radical solutions for various applications. Kooltron sells multiple products, including food storage, warming coolers and heaters, and accessories like cup holders and lids. Their products enhance your outdoor...
Website: koolatron.com |Brands like Koolatron
Popularity 0.8/10
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17
Kelty
At Kelty, they develop and produce elevated outdoor gear that withstands the elements. They recognize that no two adventures are identical, so their gear is designed to handle anything from an afternoon trip with friends to a month-long excursion into...
Website: kelty.com |Brands like Kelty
Popularity 0.7/10
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18
Columbia
Hard-body portable coolers in Columbia's PFG fishing styling, white with black trim.
Top products: PFG Portable Hard Body Cooler
Popularity 0.7/10
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19
ORCA
ORCA builds triathlon and open-water swimming gear, including aero trisuits with compression panels, wetsuits for men, women and children, and swim accessories like goggles. Its trisuits use aerodynamic fabric, and its wetsuits are made for buoyancy in open water.
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
Rothco
Camo pants, military jackets and camo shirts anchor the line from Rothco, a supplier of military, tactical and outdoor gear. Headwear, bags and footwear for field and outdoor use are offered as well. Its gear serves military, tactical and outdoor...
Website: rothco.com |Brands like Rothco
Popularity 0.7/10
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21
Mossy Oak
Mossy Oak sells a complete selection of camo clothes, accessories, and hunting gear. Their camo designs have become the most well-known in the outdoor business, and they are now approved for usage on a wide range of items. Mossy Oak...
Website: store.mossyoak.com |Brands like Mossy Oak
Popularity 0.7/10
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22
Yukon Outfitters
Exploring the outdoors is for enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The thrill of exploring the wilderness to yourself and going down a path that is not accustomed to the invitation of a being is thrilling. With the help of Yukon Outfitters,...
Website: yukon-outfitters.com |Brands like Yukon Outfitters
Popularity 0.6/10
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23
CamelBak
CamelBak is the world's largest manufacturer of hydration solutions. They produce bottles for cyclists with daring, conviction, and imagination. The best-selling BPA-free plastic bottles are composed of revolutionary plastic that uses 50 per cent recycled material instead of fossil-based resources....
Website: camelbak.com |Brands like CamelBak
Popularity 0.5/10
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24
DAKINE
A history of innovation is a great history. Dakine opened its doors to the public in 1979. The foundation was in Hawaii. The brand is interested in designing and manufacturing backpacks, travel bags, and other accessories. They also make a...
Website: dakine.com |Brands like DAKINE
Popularity 0.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman | colemancanada.ca | /ColemanCanada | – | @colemancanada | Colemancampfire |
| Yeti | yeti.com | /Yeti | yeti | @Yeticoolers | YetiVideos |
| Arctic Zone | arcticzone.com | /arcticzoneproducts | arcticzone | – | Arctic Zone |
| Thermos | thermos.com | /Thermos | thermosbrand | @Thermos | – |
| Rtic | rticoutdoors.com | /rticoutdoors | rticoutdoors | @rticcoolers | RTIC Outdoors |
| Pelican | pelican.com | /Pelican | pelican | @Pelican_Life | pelicanproducts |
| Dometic | dometic.com | /dometic | dometic | – | – |
| Stanley | stanleytools.com | /STANLEYTools | stanleytools | @stanleytools | stanleytools |
| Carhartt | us.carhartt-wip.com | /carharttwip | carharttwip | @carharttwip_usa | Carhartt WIP |
Camping Coolers Buying Guide
Camping is one of the most popular summertime activities, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing, ice-cold drink? That's where a camping cooler comes in handy. A camping cooler is an essential tool for keeping food and drinks chilled during your stay in the great outdoors. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
Cooler Size
The first factor to consider when choosing a camping cooler is size. How much food and drink do you need to store? How many days will you be camping? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before deciding on the right size cooler.
For a weekend camping trip with a small group, a 40-quart cooler should suffice. If you're planning a longer trip or camping with a larger group, you'll want to go with a larger cooler, such as a 60-quart or 80-quart model.
Insulation Quality
The insulation quality of a camping cooler is also an important factor to consider. The better the insulation, the longer your food and drinks will stay cold. The most common types of insulation used in camping coolers are foam and vacuum insulation.
Foam insulation is the most common type of insulation in coolers. It's affordable, lightweight, and does a decent job at keeping food and drinks chilled. However, it's not as effective as vacuum insulation when it comes to keeping things cold for long periods of time.
Vacuum insulation, on the other hand, is more expensive and heavier than foam insulation but offers superior performance. This type of insulation uses a vacuum-sealed inner chamber to keep hot or cold air from escaping, providing longer-lasting cold retention. If you're investing in a camping cooler that you plan to use repeatedly for extended trips, vacuum insulation is the way to go.
Ice Retention
Another important consideration when choosing a camping cooler is ice retention. How long will your ice last in the cooler? The longer your ice lasts, the less often you'll need to replenish it, saving you money and hassle.
The quality of insulation and the thickness of the walls are the two biggest factors affecting ice retention. A well-insulated cooler with thick walls will keep ice frozen for longer periods of time. Additionally, some camping coolers come with features like leak-proof lids and gaskets that further prevent warm air entry and ice melt.
Portability
Portability is another factor to consider when choosing a camping cooler. How easy is it to transport? Some camping coolers can weigh up to 50 pounds when fully loaded, making them difficult to maneuver. Look for models that come with wheels or sturdy, comfortable handles for easy transport. Additionally, think about where you'll be using the cooler. If you'll be hiking or backpacking into your campsite, a lighter, more compact cooler might be a better option.
Durability
A camping cooler is an investment, so you want to choose a model that's built to last. Look for coolers made with high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of camping trips, such as roto-molded plastic or stainless steel. These materials are more durable and can withstand impacts, scratches, and other outdoor hazards.
Brand Reputation
The brand reputation is another factor to consider when deciding on a camping cooler. Choose a brand that has a good reputation for durability, customer service, and reliability. Some well-known camping cooler brands include Yeti, Coleman, and Igloo.
Additional Features
Lastly, consider any additional features that might be important to you. Some camping coolers come with built-in cup holders, fish rulers, and even bottle openers. Others have removable dividers to keep food and drinks organized or are designed to double as a seat or table.
Conclusion
A camping cooler is an essential tool for any outdoor adventure, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Keep in mind important factors such as size, insulation quality, ice retention, portability, durability, brand reputation, and any additional features you may need. By considering these factors, you'll be able to find the perfect camping cooler to keep your food and drinks ice cold during your next outdoor excursion.
Price
Camping coolers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. When choosing a cooler, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Higher-end models typically have better insulation, longer ice retention times, and more durable materials. However, if you're only planning on using the cooler infrequently or for short trips, a budget-friendly option may suffice.
Environmental Impact
Camping coolers can have a significant environmental impact, particularly if you're disposing of old coolers that aren't biodegradable. When choosing a cooler, look for models made with environmentally-friendly materials, such as recycled plastic. Additionally, consider investing in a high-quality, durable cooler that will last for many years, rather than buying a new cooler every season.
Usage Tips
To get the most out of your camping cooler, there are a few usage tips to keep in mind. First, pre-chill the cooler before adding food and drinks. This helps the cooler maintain its temperature for longer periods. Additionally, try to keep the cooler out of direct sunlight or high temperatures, which can speed up ice melting. Finally, try to minimize the frequency of opening and closing the cooler, as this can also cause ice to melt more quickly.
Types of Camping Coolers
There are a few different types of camping coolers to choose from, including hard-sided coolers, soft-sided coolers, and electric coolers.
Hard-sided coolers are the most common type of camping cooler. They're made with durable materials like plastic or steel and usually have thick foam insulation. Hard-sided coolers are ideal for extended camping trips, as they can keep food and drinks cold for up to a week.
Soft-sided coolers are lighter weight and more portable than hard-sided coolers. They're made with materials like canvas or nylon and usually have thin foam insulation. Soft-sided coolers are best for day trips or weekend camping trips where you only need to keep food and drinks cold for a short time.
Electric coolers use electricity to keep food and drinks cold. They're more expensive than traditional camping coolers, but they offer the convenience of not needing to replenish ice. Electric coolers can be powered by your car's cigarette lighter or a portable battery pack.
Conclusion
Choosing the right camping cooler can make or break your outdoor adventure. Keep in mind important factors like size, insulation quality, ice retention, portability, durability, brand reputation, environmental impact, and price when shopping for a cooler. Additionally, consider which type of cooler best fits your needs – hard-sided, soft-sided, or electric. With these factors in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect camping cooler to keep your food and drinks cool and refreshing during your next outdoor excursion.
