The Best Coolers

Igloo’s 120-quart Polar Cooler is a classic. Odds are you’ve seen this cooler at a party or two. It will hold a lot of drinks or food, and because it’s so sturdily built, it can also serve as a bench.

The dual snap-fit latches keep the lid securely closed, but unlike some other coolers, it’s not too hard to get open or into. Drain melted ice easily thanks to a threaded drain plug that also facilitates hose hookup. The Ultratherm insulated body and UV inhibiting lid holds its temperature really well. In fact, according to Igloo, it will keep ice for up to five days when it’s 90°F outside.

A quick note -- if you don’t have a lot of cold food or drinks to put in the cooler, you will need a lot of ice to keep things cold.

Key Features

• Ultratherm insulated body
• Snap-close lid
• Tie-down loops
• Can keep ice for 5 days in outside temperatures up to 90°F

<strong>Brand</strong>: Igloo | <strong>Size</strong>: 120-Quart | <strong>Can Capacity</strong>: 188

This isn’t really a cooler, it’s an ultra-portable small appliance that can operate as either a freezer or refrigerator.

The removable battery, which holds its charge when it’s not being used, can be charged via a wall socket, the 12-volt DC outlet in your car, or ACOPOWER’s 90-watt solar panel. You can also buy extra batteries and battery chargers.

The cooler is app controlled and actually have USB charging ports that will allow you to keep your other devices powered up, too.

The 32-, 42-, and 52-quart models have large wheels and telescoping handles to make moving them from place to place a breeze, while the 15-quart model has to be carried.

Note that one battery is included, but the solar charger has to be purchased separately.

Key Features

• Adjustable temp to work as either a fridge or freezer
• Rechargeable battery keeps items cold sans ice
• Can charge other devices

<strong>Brand</strong>: ACOPOWER | <strong>Size</strong>: 52 Quart | <strong>Can Capacity</strong>: 62

Of course a Yeti cooler was bound to make our list, and a smaller, ultra-portable option deserves to be featured.

The cooler pack’s design is intended to help distribute the weight of whatever you put inside of it, from a few meals to a bunch of ice and drinks or just-caught fish. A removable chest strap and ergonomic shoulder straps will keep you as comfortable as possible.The high-density shell is waterproof, making it resistant to mildew, while also making it durable enough to resist scratches or tears. The liner is made of FDA-approved food grade material for added peace of mind.

As for it's cold-holding abilities, closed-cell rubber foam and HydroLok zipper ensures fantastic performance, especially compared to other soft-side coolers.

Key Features

• Comfortable backpack-style design
• Durable and reliable DryHyde shell and HydroLok zipper
• Closed-cell insulation

<strong>Brand</strong>: Yeti | <strong>Can Capacity</strong>: 20

This steel-belted Coleman cooler has a decidedly retro look. It’s available in six finishes -- green, matte black, red, silver, stainless steel, and turquoise -- and may have a built-in bottle opener (note that not every cooler color does).

Coleman says this unit will keep ice cold for four days at up to 90°F outside temperatures, and this isn't just smoke and mirrors. We found that ice can last for days, making this a great pick for long adventures.

Unlike our significantly larger top pick, this smaller cooler doesn’t have a lot of plastic components. In fact, its exterior is primarily rust-resistant stainless steel. The stainless handles are plastic or rubber coated, and part of the latching component is metal, too.

Key Features

• Rust-resistant stainless steel hardware
• Can keep ice for 4 days in outside temperatures up to 90°F
• Charming retro design

<strong>Brand</strong>: Coleman | <strong>Size</strong>: 54-Quart | <strong>Can Capacity</strong>: 85