The Best Coolers of 2024 for Camping, BBQ’s, Beaches, and More, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Coolers of 2024 for Camping, BBQ’s, Beaches, and More, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
Keep food and beverages safe and fresh at their ideal temperature in the portable, convenient cooler that suits your lifestyle, travel plans, and budget.
Coolers have come a long way since the clunky, heavy models of previous years, but with such a large array of sizes and styles available these days, choosing the best ones for your needs can be challenging. To help you decide what outdoor gear can keep your food and drink ice cold, we put a host of popular models through their paces, testing them in real-world conditions to see how well they function.
We used the coolers on boats, at campsites, and in the yard. Each cooler was tested in full sun, in the shade, and in changing conditions. Our favorite is the Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler thanks to its smart design, Ice Saver feature, and interior LED light. We were impressed by the utility and performance of several other models as well, and it’s clear the cooler market is loaded with options.
But, as we found in testing, there are a lot of great options. Find out why we consider these models the best coolers around.
- BEST OVERALL: Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Coleman Reunion 54-Quart Steel Belted Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: RTIC 45-Quart Ultra-Tough Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH WHEELS: BrüMate BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR HOT DAYS: IcyBreeze Ultimate Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SLING COOLER: Pelican Dayventure Sling Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WATERPROOF BACKPACK: HydroFlask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HARD SHELL: Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SOFT SHELL: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMALL SIZE: Pelican 20-Quart Elite Cooler
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Time spent testing | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $90 to $500 |
Our Top Picks
The best coolers win high ratings for durability and efficiency. We tested the following popular models—in the Miami and Montana heat—and found them all to be excellent quality. Depending on your needs, you’re likely to find a great option in this roundup of top-rated coolers.
Best Overall
Arctic Zone Titan Pro 55-Quart Cooler
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Portability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 31.95 pounds
- Size: 17.68 inches tall by 29.25 inches wide by 17.28 inches deep
- Capacity: 55 quarts
What We Like
- Extended ice retention from interior cover
- Interior LED light for night use and visibility
- Dual drain plugs
- Ultra-secure latches are easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have a full lip to integrate with raft frames
This rotomolded Titan Pro cooler by Arctic Zone really hit the right notes in terms of size, construction, and features. It’s very thoughtful in the way everything is designed and laid out, making it the perfect camp cooler in our opinion. We loved the security provided by smooth- locking cam latches, and the removable LED light is a game changer while camping.
At 55 quarts, it’s slightly larger than the Yeti Tundra 45 and RTIC 45. However, we found the capacity suitable to meet the needs of a small group for 3 to 4 days of camping. The bungees on the lid are useful for holding down blankets and gear while you’re carrying the cooler, and we also used them to attach a flotation device that worked perfectly as a seat pad.
The surprising differentiator was the Ice Saver, which is a thin, foam-style cover for the ice in the cooler. When laid over the ice, it removes empty space and actually seems to make the ice last longer. When you consider the interior dry bin, stout carry handles, and included bottle opener, this cooler is a serious winner.
Lastly, we liked the drain plug with the tether so it won’t fall out or get lost. The padlock slot makes it bear-proof and lockable as well. The only thing that didn’t work out for us was the lip design, which means the cooler won’t sit on raft frames as a seat. This is a highly specialized use, however, and it won’t impact most cooler owners.
Get the Arctic Zone cooler at Amazon or Arctic Zone.
Runner-Up
Coleman Reunion 54-Quart Steel Belted Cooler
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Portability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 18.38 pounds
- Size: 16.25 inches tall by 24.375 inches wide by 16.25 inches deep
- Capacity: 54 quarts
What We Like
- Keeps ice frozen as long as advertised
- Attractive retro design and detailing
- Have-A-Seat Lid
- Bottle opener attached to the front
What We Don’t Like
- Latch sometimes slips
- Lacks wheels
- Matte black version gets hot in the sun
Don’t be fooled by the classic 1950s vintage vibe! Modern features abound on the Coleman Reunion cooler. The painted steel body houses an insulated interior with a 4-day ice retention capability, even when temperatures soar to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When we put it to our Miami ice challenge, it held up great: We found solid ice inside 4 days later, and after 5 days, the water was still cold.
Measuring 16.25 inches tall by 24.375 inches wide by 16.25 inches deep, this Coleman is roomy enough to hold eighty-five 12-ounce cans, stand 2-liter bottles upright, or hold enough sandwiches for a crowd. A leak-resistant channel drain means the cooler doesn’t need to be tipped over to empty out melted ice. We appreciated that the rugged cooler boasts a Have-A-Seat Lid (helpful when chairs are scarce), comfort-grip handles, and a bottle opener permanently attached to the front. Such features are handy for beach parties and tailgating events.
Our only real issue was finding that the rust-resistant stainless steel lid hatch can be tricky to use unless it’s completely vertical with the tip pointing down at 180 degrees. Plus, while lighter colors are available, the matte black paint on the cooler we tested became quite hot in the sun.
Get the Coleman cooler at Amazon, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Best Bang for the Buck
RTIC 45-Quart Ultra-Tough Cooler
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Portability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 26.6 pounds
- Size: 15.5 inches tall by 26 inches wide by 15.625 inches deep
- Capacity: 45 quarts
What We Like
- Simple, durable design
- Lip sits on raft frame bars for use as boat seat
- Durable rubber latches lock the lid tight
- Retains ice very well
- Drains well with its dual plugs
What We Don’t Like
- A little on the heavy side, but that’s the trade-off for more insulation
RTIC hits a fantastic price point with an ultra-durable rotomolded cooler. The design features mirror those of the Yeti to a large degree, and while it’s not a cheap cooler, the price is significantly lower. We love the overall build, and the rubber handles, latches, and drain plugs are all easy to swap out, making it possible to keep the cooler in use indefinitely.
The dual drain plugs are a nice feature on this cooler. They dump water quickly or slowly, depending on your preference while attempting to manage ice. The interior basket works well for dry goods, and the cooler can double as a seat. As with many rotomolded coolers, the thick insulated walls and hard shell make for a heavy design. This shouldn’t deter buyers, however, because these elements are the primary reason ice lasts longer.
In fact, it took 3 days of full sun to melt the ice in the cooler (loaded to half capacity). It performed at the same levels as the Yeti and was barely behind the Arctic Zone Titan. We can see this outdoor cooler being a regular partner for personal rafting trips, as it fits snugly in a raft frame and doubles as a seat.
Get the RTIC 45-quart cooler at RTIC.
Best With Wheels
BrüMate BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler
Photo: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Portability 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 44.5 pounds
- Size: 19.5 inches tall by 32.5 inches wide by 19.5 inches deep
- Capacity: 55 quarts (48 cans)
What We Like
- Rugged wheels and handle make it easy to maneuver
- Drink tank is fun and easy to use
- Large interior space holds plenty of ice and drinks
- Beefy rubber latches
What We Don’t Like
- Drink tank requires extra cleaning and maintenance
The BrüMate BrüTank is the most unique cooler in the rotomolded space. It’s heavy-duty, holds ice for days, and is loaded with features. Because of its weight, this model would be best suited for gatherings, grilling, beach trips, and campsites, or where it will be largely stationary.
It has a fun drink-mix chamber and tap for ice-cold drinks all day. For our tests, we added some ice and juice, and it was fun to have cold beverages on demand at camp. The tank uses a vent cap on the cooler lid to control pressure while allowing the tap to function perfectly. Even with the drink tank, the cooler still has plenty of interior space. You will need to take extra steps to clean the tank, but it’s not a big effort.
While this cooler might not be ideal for campers who are moving coolers between boats and vehicles several times a day, it’s a good cooler for those who want a rugged rolling design. We thoroughly enjoyed testing this cooler, and it’s excellent for families and groups.
Get the BrüMate cooler Dick’s Sporting Goods or BrüMate.
Best For Hot Days
IcyBreeze Ultimate Cooler
Photo: Icy Breeze
Our Ratings: Performance 3.5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Size: 21.5 inches tall by 24.5 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep
- Capacity: 38 quarts
What We Like
- Included air conditioning works great
- Ideal for short trips on very hot days
- Handle and wheels make it easy to move around
- Battery runs for several hours
What We Don’t Like
- Lower ice retention times
The IcyBreeze is the first cooler we’ve encountered that uses a battery-powered system to generate air conditioning. As such, it lives in a distinct category for those who want to cool drinks and food while simultaneously cooling the air. At first, we weren’t sure what to think about the concept, but it came in handy on hot days. In fact, we pulled the unit into our office to cool things down during a heat wave.
Powering the air conditioning function requires adding water and ice to the cooler. The interior cooler area operates as usual, but a battery plugs into the lid where a control panel allows for air conditioning controls. The Ultimate model even has a mister to add cold water to the air. We were impressed with the battery longevity and fan power; it pumped out cold air for hours and certainly made our space more comfortable.
This cooler is ideal for shorter trips outside. Whether you are heading to a ball game or spending a few hours in the heat, it can keep both drinks and the air cooler. It’s important to note that it uses ice quickly, and with the air conditioner running, you’ll run through your ice in only a half day. For that reason, it wouldn’t be our first choice for extended camping trips.
As a stand-alone cooler, it’s well designed and fairly lightweight. We appreciated the quality handle, and being a cooler with wheels, it was easy to move around. In the absence of the thick-walled insulation of some of the other coolers we tested, this cooler has shorter ice-melt times.
Get the IcyBreeze cooler at IcyBreeze.
Best Sling Cooler
Pelican Dayventure Sling Cooler
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 7.9 pounds
- Size: 8.5 liters
- Capacity: 9 quarts (6 cans and a few food items)
What We Like
- Shoulder sling makes it portable and easy to carry
- Room for drinks and a lunch
- Heavy-duty zippers and solid construction
What We Don’t Like
- Small size limits uses
- Will heat up in direct sunlight
In the world of soft-sided coolers, Pelican has several attractive options. This sling model is excellent for stashing a six-pack of cans and a few food items for short trips. Although it works best with ice packs, it can work with cubes as well. The sling strap makes it easy to carry, and the heavy zipper keeps everything inside. It also has an exterior pocket for extra items such as a corkscrew or a few utensils.
We took this cooler on a few day hikes to swim in mountain streams. It’s perfect for short trips, a day on the golf course, and other daily outings where only a few drinks and a lunch are needed. It’s also ideal for just drinks; it would work great as a bottle cooler for wine, or to cool a few beers and sodas. We noticed the outer material heats up a bit when left in direct sunlight. However, we set the cooler in a cold creek and it held a steady temperature all day. We loved the Pelican’s convenience, portability, and functionality, and we envision it getting plenty of use on boat and beach days.