Unless you’re content to live off dry snacks and warm drinks, you will want to bring fresh, refrigerated food from home on any camping trip. If it’s going to last longer than the journey there, this means packing it in a cooler.
The best examples of this camping essential will keep your meat, veg, dairy and drinks cool for days so you can enjoy barbecues, milk on your granola, and a cold drink when you’ve set up your tent. Any insulated item is going to have some bulk, however, because to keep temperatures stable, coolers need to have thick walls. Portability is important as once fully loaded, they can weigh a significant amount. We also look for them to be able to withstand being hauled around, clinking with bottles and ice packs. Here’s a collection of the camping coolers we’d recommend.
Igloo Polar Cooler
Keep cool for five days
It’s a testament to this Igloo cooler’s Ultratherm insulation that is can keep ice up to five days even in temperatures of 90°F. The 120-quart capacity can hold 188 12oz cans so it’s a good job there are reinforced swing-up handles to carry it with and double latches to snap the lid closed and keep the cold air in there, cooling your steaks.
Coleman Rolling Cooler
The ultimate rolling drinks chest
Holds up to 84 cans with easy-grip wheels and a telescopic handle to help you haul it. Rest upon the Have-a-Seat lid when you get there. The insulated lid and walls will keep ice up to five days in temperatures as high as 90°F. Built-in cup holders on the lid will keep your beverages from spilling.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Premium Ice Chest Roto Cooler
Like a portable freezer
Not just a heavy-duty cooler, this Arctic Zone Ice Chest has Microban protection to prevent bacterial odors and stains from forming. Seamlessly constructed with thick insulation, its freezer-grade rubber gasket and corrosion-resistant latches help create the tightest of seals. It’s so tough it will even keep grizzly bears out while keeping the contents icy for you and has certified bear resistance.
CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag
Foldable and perfect for picnics
If you don’t want a bulky rigid cooler, this collapsible cool bag is a sound option. It will hold 50 cans plus ice in a bag that folds down to less than three inches thick. When filling it, a steel wire frame and SnapHinge on each side help keep the structure. It has three layers of leakproof insulation, making it ideal for camping, picnics, or getting your frozen groceries home from the store.
Bottom line
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Nothing beats being able to pull out an ice-cold drink from your cooler even on day four or five of a camping trip. The best camping coolers not only keep your ice as ice, but they also are durable enough to handle being hauled from car to camp when full and have their lid opened and closed repeatedly every time someone’s thirsty. (Although this does make them defrost more quickly). We think the best cooler at the right price for most people is the Igloo Polar Cooler. Its cooling abilities are right up there with the competition, the capacity is good and it’s robust enough for all but the most extreme adventures. This is from a respected brand at a good price.
