There are a few terms that you should be familiar with before launching into this article. The first term is roto-molded, which is short for rotationally molded, which describes how the body of the chest has been constructed. It essentially means that the vault of the cooler is created from one single sheet of plastic to prevent weak points in the ice chest for cold air to escape from the central cavity.
Ice life refers to the length of time that ice will remain in its solid state. Generally, the larger coolers have a longer ice life. However, as we will discuss in this article, be wary of websites claiming phenomenal ice lives, as there is no standard to which all models are tested.
I’ve rounded the prices to the nearest dollar to keep things simple. Prices will fluctuate, but were correct at the time of writing this article. Phew… now that all of the backstory is out of the way, let’s get onto the nitty gritty specs and provide you with all the information you’ll need to know in order to get the most out of your money. We’ll start off with the top of the ice chests.
Hard Ice Chests
RTIC 20, 45 & 65
For a long time, RTIC had a significant weakness: its unsealed gasket. However, this is no longer the case with the new products which are now sealed and airtight. It’s not the prettiest of products. Whenever I look at one of these bad boys, I think it makes a “Yeah, I’m an ice cooler, so what?” statement. The only gripe I have is their decision to reduce their five-year warranty down to a one. But saying that, it wouldn’t stop me from buying this superb, reasonably-priced chest.
- Insulation Factor: 5/5
- Appearance/Design: 4/5
- Durability: 5/5
Pelican Elite
One more point on design is their choice to forego plastic components when they can, and choose stainless steel, it being a more solid material that is less prone to snapping off. The extra-large rubber gasket creates a super tight seal to ensure that all the cold air stays trapped within the cooler. The price is reasonable, especially for the smaller models. It comes with a lifetime warranty, but that refers only to the body of the chest (which, in reality, is never really going to break), but not to the elements such as the gasket and drain plug.
The only issue that seems to be talked about frequently on forums is the quality of this drain plug, and even this is quite sparse. We tested its potential to leak by filling it with water and leaving it for a day, and found no leakage. As I said, if you’re looking for a smaller model that is similar to the Yeti, you won’t go wrong with the Pelican.
- Insulation Factor: 5/5
- Durability: 5/5
Orca Coolers
So why is it my personal favorite? All of the sides and lid are equal thickness – this is important, as having varying thicknesses will negate the effectiveness of the overall insulation. Also, there is a decent gasket seal to prevent hot air from getting into the chest. The chest is a single-piece design made with sturdy, roto-molded polyethylene. Durability is a big plus, as ice chests are prone to getting quite a beating.
Also, its warranty is unparalleled amongst its competitors. The fact that it’s made in Tennessee and not outsourced like most of its competitors makes it great if you’re looking to support the U.S. economy. The models come in many different design styles that have a lot of attention to detail.
- Insulation Factor: 4/5
- Appearance/Design: 5/5
- Durability: 4/5
Grizzly Coolers
The combination of molded and rope handle means that you won’t be awkwardly shifting positions to transport your provisions through the forest. The glide pads also make the Grizzly more transportable. The lifetime warranty shows the confidence that this company has in this range. And they have good reason to be, especially given their clever BearClaw latch system. Both the hinges and latches are in-molded, creating a tight rubber seal that prevents cold air leakage. Each product here has a slightly different way of securing the lid to the body of the cooler. To be honest, I believe this is the best design, not only for how easy it is to secure, but also for its wearability. I don’t see these latches wearing, even over decades of use.
The Grizzly has been certified as bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which gives a lot of credibility to this product. The stainless steel latches are also designed to stand up against water damage. The roto-molded, double-walled design is UV stable, which prevents discoloration over time. Another option, if you’re looking to buy a U.S. made cooler, is the Grizzly that is manufactured in Iowa.
I’d also like to point out the truly massive 400 quart cooler available; an extra-large draining system has been included in all models, but I think it is most necessary in this particular chest. Lifting and tilting this monster would be very difficult, so it shows that they’ve put considerable thought into their design process when including a 2” drain pipe. This is a great option for hunters, as you will find ample room to store and preserve a considerable amount of meat.
There is no denying that this is on the more expensive end of the range, but it still saves you money on buying a Yeti. The lifetime warranty compared to Yeti’s 5-year warranty means that if you are seriously considering a long-term investment, this is a wonderful option.
- Insulation Factor: 4.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 3.5/5
- Durability: 5/5
Siberian Coolers
So what makes Siberian Elite series stand out? First of all, we’ve got the reversible feet. The rubber side is for static mode, while the non-grip reverse is excellent for moving it from A to B. Sometimes it’s the simple features that work the best.
Other innovative features include a wire basket for better sorting of food items, as well as dividers that double up as chopping boards. I think of the Siberian series in the standard high-end category with a few useful and design-led advantages. Another one is the Cam Latch system, which creates a seamless line along the front of the chest, and is made with nylon fiber-thermoplastic blend and military-grade aluminum. This helps save on space and also won’t rust or weather if you’re water bound.
The lifetime warranty is included, but as is usual, it refers only to the chest and not the latches and accessory elements – but these can be cheaply sourced. Although not cheapest on the list, it’s a good-looking contender to the Yeti.
- Insulation Factor: 3.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4/5
K2 Coolers Summit Team Color Edition Cooler
Two noteworthy features are the ICEVAULT™ lid gasket, as well as the latches. The gasket provides an effective seal to prevent air passing between the vault and the external environment. It achieves this using flexible rubber, which is run along the lid. POSITRAC latches are also used to give a positive seal between the lid and the body, and are much sturdier than most designs.
So it’s got all of these fantastic features. Why then does it not attain top 5 status? The price. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Yeti, the likelihood is due to the hefty prices. But I still had to include this option because it’s a stunning piece of engineering.
- Insulation Factor: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 5/5
Igloo Ice Cube Cooler – Best Alternative to the Yeti Roadie
Many boat enthusiasts love this model for its square design, which fits nicely into many cockpits. The wheels are a great addition because, let’s face it, most of us get sick of dragging coolers around the place. However, the locking, telescopic handle is slightly too flimsy for our liking. But the molded feet provide a nice, solid base to prevent the chest from tipping over, and it also has cup holders and an easy-access dry compartment. This is for storing utensils, bread, even keys and wallets, which saves you having to bring an extra bag. All in all, bagging a 60-quart cooler for $25 is a solid deal for an intermediate range ice chest.
- Insulation Factor: 3/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 5/5
Coleman Series Cooler
The company claims that it will keep ice for 6 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but since there are no industry standard testing conditions, then this is open to a lot of interpretation. In our tests, we found it to be a little underwhelming in its ice life, and another reason it may not be for you is the unimaginative design.
But there are two aspects where Colemans perform extremely well, and that’s on the price point and sizes. For proof of this statement, let’s discuss the Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler, 120 Quart. One thing that almost every buyer of this model will be surprised by is the size of this Coleman. It is able to hold 204 cans, and will certainly have ample space for your prized fish. The second reason you should be tempted to buy this chest is the price. You’re getting a sturdy intermediate cooler for phenomenal value at around $63.
- Insulation Factor: 3/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 3/5
Soft Coolers
Many people turn their noses up to soft coolers. They disregard them as being for children to keep their sandwiches from becoming slightly less soggy for the few hours between morning and lunch. However, there are big players on the market, and people are beginning to see this. The truth is that the vast majority of us do not need ice chests, nor is it the optimum product for our needs. For instance, those who use coolers to bring beer to a beach party (unless you’re taking an army of beer bottles along with you) are probably going to find the soft coolers much more useful.
Now, before you continue, I’m just going to say that although none of these soft coolers would be considered “ugly” per se, they lack the gleaming, polished finesse of the Yeti Hopper. So consider Hopper as setting the 5/5 bar in the “Appearance/Design” category, and accept that the products reviewed below are beautiful on the inside (if we stretch the definition of beauty). These coolers keep provisions beautifully and refreshingly cool. On a side note, soft coolers give you the choice of using ice or ice packs, and I would recommend the latter to prevent moisture from making your lunch or picnic a cool, but soggy mess.
The top brands here will keep your beer cold for at least two days, which is more than enough for most people. By swapping an unnecessary ice life, you get a compact and transportable cooler in return. These stellar coolers are perfect for picnics, parties, and your pennies, as it will mean not forking out $300 for the Yeti Hopper.
Polar Bear 24-Pack Soft Cooler
The 1000D tear-proof nylon as well as the tough zips mean that you will have to go out of your own way to ruin this bag. Soft coolers, since they’re made of a material that needs to be flexible, are obviously more likely to have to work harder to survive a rough handling. However, this is as good as it gets on the market at the moment. In terms of it being compact, you can stash this comfortably in the trunk of the car when not in use, as it collapses to half its maximum capacity when folded. Pretty neat!
So that about sums up the exterior of the product, but unzipping this cooler is the big reveal. As I’ve mentioned, the high density open-cell foam insulation provides really impressive 1” insulation. The Polar Bear also includes a can opener keychain – how’s that for thinking about its customers’ needs? And yes, I would purchase this over the Yeti Hopper.
- Insulation Factor: 5/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Appearance/Design: 3/5
Techniice High Performance Cooler Bag (14 quart)
On paper, this contender doesn’t look like much. It uses 600D polyester, PVC lining, and high-density PE insulation. It also has a double stitched, durable base. And although I rated it quite high in the design category, this refers to its ease of transport rather than its bland black and white finish. What makes it stand out is the ice life of this product. It’s insane given its price. It just loses out slightly to the Polar Bear, but at half its price, this is very impressive.
As I said, the design of this cooler is basic, but at the same time well thought out. There’s an easy lift handle on top of the cooler. There are also plenty of pockets for storing keys, wallets, and other necessities, so this is the only bag you’ll need for a day out. The fact that it’s machine washable is also handy. This is what makes it very enticing for women who are breast feeding and having to store bottles. This is probably the market that will use a cooler the most intensely. This means that for them, it needs to be a product that can be spruced up once a week without it being a hassle or end in the ice life of the cooler weakening considerably each time it gets a clean.
You’re going to get a minimum of 24 hours of insulation, and that is under very hot temperatures. We’re talking a maximum of four days, and you really can’t complain about that for a soft cooler.
Overall, this is a premium, top-end product at the very low end of the price range. Before this option came along, I was seriously doubtful that a cooler that had any chance of lasting more than a few trips to the beach could be bought for $35, but there you have it.
- Insulation Factor: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 4.5/5
AO Carbon Soft Cooler with High-Density Insulation, 24-Can
Anyway, let’s get onto the product at hand, and like the Polar Bear, it has decided to opt for the sturdy 1000D nylon for its exterior material. It’s one of the more sleeker models on the list and is waterproof to boot. The insulation thickness is ¼” thinner than our number one, but still very acceptable at ¾”. The high density open-cell insulation foam means that you’ll be looking at an ice life of at least 24 hours.
I like the addition of a side pocket to store dry goods. The reason it misses the top spot is its price point which, other than being waterproof, provides no extra features than the Polar Bear. Also, even though it has thinner insulation, it doesn’t fold down too neatly. However, it’s still a strong contender, does its job, and provides a limited lifetime warranty on the liners and top zipper.
- Insulation Factor: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Appearance/Design: 4/5
Arctic Zone Pro 30
So onto the fabric. It has 840D polyester, which isn’t quite as insulating as our top choices but still does a good job. Arctic Zone emphasizes their Superfoam™ Insulation, which is comprised of this durable exterior polyester as well as the interior Therma-Flect® Radiant barrier. They have a very impressive premise behind this technology, and that is that it was used by astronauts first. It claims that unlike their competitors who focus on using materials that will simply slow the heating process, the Pro 30 lining actually reflects heat, thus creating a barrier between the inside and outside atmospheres. In between these two layers is the patented (again) Superfoam™ insulation.
So does it actually make a difference? It will hold for a solid 24-48 hours, so it’s not super impressive, but it does the job. Although it’s in the top five, I think Arctic Zone uses a lot of jargon and comes up with decent, but not spectacular, results. Still, it’s a solid purchase, excellent value, and an appealing design.
- Insulation Factor: 3.5/5
- Durability: 3/5
- Appearance/Design: 4/5
Magna Cool Magnetic Bottom Soft Cooler Ice Chest
The 1” high density polyurethane foam makes it welcome among the top brands in this field. The heavy-duty liner is really impressive, and at 6mm thick with welded seams, you are sure not to have a sticky melted mess in your car with this nifty cooler. I say nifty because it is an excellent shape. The high sided design makes it really handy for fitting into the crevices of a trunk. Another handy feature for outdoor use is its waterproof finish.
Ringing in at just under $100, it’s not super cheap, but if you’re looking for a cooler that’s got a few cool extra features, then this is most likely the option for you. Just be aware that it weighs in at six pounds due to the magnets.
- Insulation Factor: 4/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Appearance/Design: 4/5
Mojecto™ Cooler Bag Dual Insulated Compartment with Handles
This is a sensible option; it’s easy-clean, has 840D premium polyester, and has ample space for cutlery and any other accessories you want. The interior is innovative, in that it uses two heat-sealed, anti-tear PEVA liners. PEVA is a nontoxic vinyl that resists mildew and wrinkles, so it’s an excellent choice of material for a long-lasting product. It’s also great for office use, and even flight attendants enjoy its cabin-friendly size and of course its price. For the quality, this is good to go.
- Insulation Factor: 4/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Appearance/Design: 3.5/5
Coleman 30-Can Soft Cooler with Hard Liner
Well, like the Mojecto, this cooler uses PEVA, except just a single layer to line the inside cavity. This makes it wipeable, and as I’ve discussed, it prevents mold from forming, which is important, as you can imagine, given the moisture inside a cooler. It also has all of the aspects that I haven’t bothered mentioning in the higher-ranking coolers like an adjustable strap, antimicrobial properties, multiple pockets, and zips. It does have bungee ropes for extra storage, so there’s that. The hardliner that comes with it is detachable, but I would keep it on unless you’re really strapped for space. It definitely improves the ice life.
In short, the Coleman soft cooler doesn’t really add anything new to the market, but you know what? It’s a solid buy for the price. If you’re looking for an intermediate range product that you’ll use only a few times a year and it needs to keep food cool for at most 24 hours, then the Coleman is waiting for you. But don’t expect it to last or to provide an ice life anywhere near as impressive as our top three.
- Insulation Factor: 3/5
- Durability: 3/5
- Appearance/Design: 3.5/5
We hope you’ve gotten inspiration for your next cooler. There is a product on this list for most buyers’ needs. I would recommend writing down what’s important for you. Of course, there are coolers that provide days upon days of ice life, but these are colossal hard chests. For these to work at their most efficient, they need to be filled almost completely; otherwise, there’s too much air and not enough ice to stop the hot air from seeping in. If it’s the occasional picnic you’re going to, these giant ice chests just aren’t going to be worth the price.
Next, you need to consider transport. Does this need to fold up nicely (soft cooler)? Or is there space in the attic? There are options to fit neatly in the corner of a trunk, nestle on top of your luggage, and one cooler that can even be placed on top of moving vehicles! Again, you have to think about what you’d like mobility wise.