Whether you’re going camping, having a picnic, or just heading out for a day trip, coolers are an essential part of the adventure. But with so many different types of coolers out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the most popular styles of coolers on the market, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next cooler.
Backpack Coolers
Backpack coolers are perfect for hikers, campers, or anyone who needs to keep their hands free. They provide the convenience of carrying all your favorite food and beverages with you wherever you go. And since they’re designed to fit comfortably on your back, they’re also great for long hikes or walks.
The downside is that their capacity isn't often as much as other types of coolers, which makes sense as they are designed to be carried on your back which does limit things, and they may not be as well insulated as traditional hard-sided or rotomolded coolers.
Insulated Totes
Insulated tote bags are a great way to keep your food and drinks cool without having to lug around a bulky cooler. They look like regular totes but have additional insulation that helps keep the contents cool for longer periods of time, so they can be great for work, going to a party, or general beach or picnicking.
These types of coolers can be convenient when you need something light and easy to carry, plus they are typically cheaper than other types. The downside is that they aren't as well-insulated as some of the other coolers, so your food and drinks may not stay cool for as long. Furthermore, since they are designed to be carried, this does limit their capacity somewhat.
Soft-Sided Coolers
If you aren't looking for something bulky, and something more practical for a beach day is what you're looking for, then a soft-sided cooler might be the best option for you.
Soft-sided coolers are much lighter than their hard-sided counterparts yet are still durable, and don't take up too much space in the car or at home. They usually feature adjustable straps that make them easy to carry around. They often have additional features such as side pockets for stowing things away.
However, many soft-sided coolers aren't as well-insulated as their hard-sided counterparts, meaning that any ice inside won’t last as long and your food and beverages will not stay so cool for as long. Additionally, since these coolers use fabric instead of thick plastic or metal walls some units do tend to leak if ice cubes have been loaded into the cooler without being put into a bag (using ice packs avoids this).
Hard-Sided Coolers
Hard-sided coolers are some of the most popular on the market due to their versatility and great performance. These coolers typically have thick walls and lids made from plastic or metal which can be great for insulation, as well as built-in handles and latches. Hard-sided coolers are great because they don't leak, and they’re more durable than other options, especially rotomolded models which are made to withstand extreme conditions.
The main drawback of hard-sided coolers is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier than others, which makes them less ideal for longer trips or hikes where they need to be carried and you need to conserve energy, and they can be quite expensive too (which depending on what you need and your budget, isn't necessarily a problem as they can be worth it).
Wheeled Coolers
Wheeled coolers are an excellent choice if you anticipate needing to carry heavy loads over long distances. These kinds of coolers have wheels attached at one end and come with handles for rolling them around like suitcases. The majority of wheeled coolers are hard-sided, although not all, as some on the market are soft-sided.
Wheeled models, particularly hard-sided, tend to have larger capacities than other types — making them perfect for large groups — but this added capacity comes at a cost; wheeled models tend to be more expensive than other options due to their size and durability requirements.
To Sum Up
From something to strap to your back, totes for everyday use, lightweight soft-sided types for day trips, to hard-sided and wheeled coolers that can keep food at just the right temperature for up to multiple days (depending on the unit), no matter what your needs are, there is sure to be a cooler that will meet them.
We trust this informational article has provided some insights as to what's on the market, to assist you with thinking about which style will work best for your situation before making your purchasing decision.
Thanks for reading, and check out some of our reviews by different categories below of the best coolers on the market at the moment!