11 Coolers You'll Take on All of Your Summer Adventures, From Picnics to Beach Trips
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These coolers, which include options with wheels and hands-free backpacks, provide top-tier insulation for drinks and snacks.
Courtesy of YETI, REI
If you enjoy spending afternoons at the beach or planning camping trips and picnics, owning a quality cooler is a worthwhile investment. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your favorite brand of adventure. Generally, coolers are split into two categories: hard and soft. Hard coolers are more rigid, while soft coolers offer more portability. While both boast superb thermal performance, the former is often a better option for longer, more remote trips, while the latter are great for day excursions (they tend to weigh less and are easier for on-the-go travel).
Things to consider while shopping for the perfect cooler include carrying preference, group size, and outing duration. If you're hosting a large barbecue or planning a weeklong camping trip, for example, you may want a cooler with more space than you would for a picnic. Additionally, you should consider carrying preference when selecting a cooler. Do you want something you can transport across the beach? A cooler with wheels may be your best bet. If you prefer a hands-free option, a backpack cooler may be a more desirable alternative.
No matter the type of occasion or how many people you're providing foods and beverages for, there is a cooler out there designed for your specific needs.
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Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Courtesy of YETI
While soft coolers are often best when it comes to mobility, Yeti's Roadie cooler is just as easy to maneuver. Ideal for long trips, the cooler has a carrying capacity of 76 cans and can fit up to 54 pounds of ice. The wheels feature single-piece tire construction that is impact and puncture-resistant. With high-quality insulation and pressure-injected polyurethane, this cooler is designed to keep the cold in.
Price at time of publish: $450
RTIC 65 Quart Hard Cooler
Courtesy of Amazon
Perfect if you're going on a camping trip or another excursion where your cooler might take some impact, this hard option is designed for impact resistance, durability, and long-lasting ice retention. It has up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, which will keep your foods and beverages colder for longer.
Price at time of publish: $289.99
Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler
Courtesy of YETI
For shorter trips, like an afternoon at the beach or a picnic in the park, this soft cooler from Yeti is top notch. It's lightweight, which makes it easier to transport without compromising on storage space. Big enough to fit up to 30 cans, the cooler has a leakproof zipper and closed cell rubber foam, which offers superior cold-holding compared to some other soft coolers.
Price at time of publish: $300
Igloo 70 Qt Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler
Courtesy of Amazon
Getting your food and beverages across the sand has never been easier thanks to the all-terrain smooth-ride wheels on this cooler. It improves the cooling process by elevating the body away from hot surfaces. What's more, the lockable, water-resistant storage compartment has an anti-leak gasket to keep pocket-sized essentials handy and dry. Other bells and whistles include a removable butler tray, pole slots for beach umbrellas or fishing rods, and two built-in stainless-steel bottle openers.
Price at time of publish: $339.95
RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag Portable Ice Chest Box
Courtesy of Amazon
If you're an avid beach or lake goer during summer, this is the cooler for you. It floats, so you can bring your food and drinks with your in the water. Although it's lightweight, the material is durable and can be taken on any terrain thanks to its heavy-duty nylon shell. The 100 percent leaf-proof cooler will keep your contents cold for up to 24 hours and can fit up to 40 cans at a time.
Price at time of publish: $159.99
IceMule Pro Cooler
Courtesy of REI
If you're looking for a hands-free option—so you can carry a beach umbrella, trekking poles, or other trip necessities—this is a great choice. It has a 1,000-denier ripstop outer layer for strength and durability. Plus, its waterproof construction means it's ideal for beach and pool days. When you're not using it, the built-in air valve allows you to compress the cooler up for easy storage.
Price at time of publish: $134.95
RTIC Soft Pack Cooler
Courtesy of RTIC
Tough as nails and ultra-lightweight, this leakproof cooler can keep its contents cold for days. Every soft cooler from RTIC is designed to float, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. The durable shell is made of nylon, so it can stand up to impact as you tote it from place to place. It has two carrying mechanisms—a shoulder strap or handles—so you can do what feels best for you.
Price at time of publish: $89.99
Coleman Portable Cooler with Wheels
Courtesy of Amazon
A more affordable option than some other wheeled coolers, this one has a telescoping handle and durable wheels for easy, reliable transport. This cooler can carry up to 84 cans and has an insulated interior that provides five full days of ice retention. A nice touch? Cup holders are molded into the lid for easy access to beverages.
Price at time of publish: $64.99
Hydroflask 20 Liter Day Escape Pack
Courtesy of Hydroflask
This soft-sided backpack cooler keeps things cold for 36 hours and can hold up to 36 cans. The padded back and straps are comfortable, meaning you can easily carry this cooler on your back for hikes and other more labor-intensive adventures.
Price at time of publish: $199.95
Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
Courtesy of YETI
Once of the most popular coolers on the market, this wheeled option has room for up to 82 cans and is wine bottle compatible. The wheels are puncture resistant, while the handle is formulated from welded aluminum, so it can withstand the weight of the contents packed inside. Plus, the cooler creates a form fitting barrier against extreme temperatures and has a freezer-quality gasket that blocks out heat and keeps in cold.
Price at time of publish: $450
