You also have the choice of three different colors and a multitude of accessories that can be used with it which are sold separately. It might not be the cheapest cooler with wheels on our list but in terms of build quality, performance, and mobility, we feel it is certainly worth the cost. If you were looking for an Igloo cooler with wheels that offers up ample storage and plenty of features but do not quite have the budget for the excellent Trailmate Liddup above, you might just be interested in their Latitude 60 Roller instead. Ideal for weekends away fishing, hiking, or partying, you will be able to keep food and drinks for days on end.
When you need a simple, portable cooler, a soft-sided model is a worthwhile alternative, especially for picnics, tailgating, and other one-day uses. The Coleman 42-can Soft Cooler with Wheels may not offer the same ice retention as its hard-sided siblings, but it is crafted with extra foam insulation that keeps snacks and refreshments cold for at least 12 hours. The durable two-wheel design and a telescoping handle offer easy transportation, while side handles let you carry it as well. Other practical features include a top hatch that allows for easy grab-and-go drinks, multiple pockets for dry packaged snacks, extra ice packs, and more accessories, including an integrated bottle opener.
YETI’s Roadie 24 and Pelican’s 20QT Elite are two notable exceptions that don’t come with drain plugs, which can make dumping out extra water a bit of a hassle. However, given these coolers’ smaller capacities, most users will be restocking the contents frequently anyway. Many of the top hard-sided coolers are listed as bear-resistant, which is a worthwhile consideration should you be camping in bear country. Specifically, you should look for an IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee) rating, which designates that a certain cooler has gone through the appropriate testing and been deemed compliant with the organization’s regulations. However, not all coolers listed as bear-resistant carry this certification—you can see a full list of certified coolers here. If you frequent the backcountry or will be traveling where bear-proof gear is required, make sure your cooler is on the list.
This cooler feels like you can roll it across anything without the handle straining or bending, or the wheels breaking. If you really take your hiking, camping, or any other activity that will require you to bring a cooler along seriously, then you’re going to want a seriously good cooler. The Trailmate Liddup from Igloo is certainly that but it will set you back some serious cash compared to the others in our reviews so far.
It will actually retain the ice that you put inside for as long as five days in hot conditions which means some ice cold beer for almost a week. A cooler’s latch or closure system is one of the defining characteristics of a premium model and plays a significant role in overall cooling performance. Among high-end hard-sided coolers, you’ll commonly find two rubber T-handles along the front that keep the lid locked securely in place. These handles are fairly user-friendly, extremely strong, and minimize any openings for cold air to escape. At the other end of the spectrum, budget-oriented models like the Coleman Xtreme and Igloo ECOCOOL forgo latches completely and rely on a good fit between the lid and cooler body.
Shop around for a cooler and you’ll find a flurry of new, expensive, “rotomolded” designs from names like Yeti and Orca. With higher-quality materials and extra-thick insulation, each of them promises superior performance, but they cost hundreds of dollars. Beyond choosing a cooler with wheels, there are a variety of additional products that can improve its usability and aesthetic, as well as help to maximize the rolling ice chest’s overall capabilities. Cooler enthusiasts have realized that using them in lieu of regular ice can have several benefits, including the fact that they are reusable, less messy, and easy to tuck away to help maximize storage volume. Road trips and camping adventures are great, as is maxing and relaxing in your own yard. The thermoelectric Koolatron is an intriguing alternative to all the typical one-trick-pony coolers on the market.
Another option for any short breaks is that of the Columbia Crater Peak 50, a cooler on wheels that will allow you store up to 50 cans of beer and keep it cold for at least 24 hours. This cooler comes with detachable wheels which means if you have igloo cooler with wheels a lighter weight, you can simply carry the cooler around on your shoulders. You’ll then have to consider how much storage space a cooler has, how light and portable it is, whether it is leak-proof, and any of the other features that it might have.
Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). A telescopic handle that is attached to the wheels can be used to pull this cooler around when full and when not in use, those wheels can be folded neatly away. All said and done, we have no problems with recommending this cooler as we feel it represents great value for money and good performance.