Hard, rolling and soft coolers, sorted by trip

Find the right cooler for your trip, then keep it cold

Side-by-side picks for YETI, RTIC, Igloo, Coleman, Pelican and more. Start with the brand you're weighing, the size you need or how you'll carry it.

Latest guides

  • YETI Tundra 45
    YETI Cooler Models

    What Makes YETI Coolers So Good?

    What makes YETI coolers so good comes down to rotomolded shells, up to 3 inches of foam and rubber gaskets. Here is how each feature works.

  • Lifetime 115 Quart High Performance
    Buying Help, Ice & Packing

    Are Lifetime Coolers Rotomolded?

    Are Lifetime coolers rotomolded? No, they use high-density polyethylene in a different process. Here's what that means for ice, strength and your pick.

  • YETI Hopper Flip 12
    Rolling, Soft & Backpack Coolers

    What Is a Soft-Sided Cooler?

    What is a soft sided cooler? It's a fabric or foam insulated bag with a leakproof liner that folds down, carries by strap or handle, and keeps ice for a day or more.

  • YETI Tundra 45
    RTIC, Igloo, Coleman & More

    What Is a Roto Molded Cooler?

    What is a roto molded cooler? It's a one-piece plastic ice chest spun in a mold for even walls. See how rotomolding works and when it's worth it.

  • Buying Help, Ice & Packing

    How to Control a Thermoelectric Cooler

    Learn how to control a thermoelectric cooler: set the thermostat, match the power supply, manage the load and airflow, and keep the fan vents clear.

  • Grizzly 45
    RTIC, Igloo, Coleman & More

    What Is a Hard-Sided Cooler?

    What is a hard sided cooler? It's a rigid insulated ice chest with molded walls and a sealing lid. Learn how they work, what sizes and features matter, and who they suit.

  • YETI Tundra 45
    Buying Help, Ice & Packing

    How Do Coolers Keep Things Cold?

    How do coolers keep things cold? They block heat transfer with insulation walls, a tight lid seal, and a cold source like ice or ice packs.

  • Healthy Packers Ice Packs
    RTIC, Igloo, Coleman & More

    Will a Cooler Keep Things From Freezing?

    Will a cooler keep things from freezing? Yes, with the right pack and insulation. Learn how to pack a cooler so food and drinks stay cold without freezing.

  • Cooler Shock Ice Packs
    Buying Help, Ice & Packing

    How to Keep a Cooler Cold Longer

    Learn how to keep a cooler cold longer with cold packs, smart packing, shade and lid habits. Simple steps that stretch ice through hot days.