Today’s coolers are a big upgrade from 2-3 years ago.
At the forefront are two brands – RTIC and YETI — which produce coolers that are colorful and can hold temperatures for up to 10 days.
Here’s my review of the best coolers for summer.
Table of Contents
Best Rated Travel Cooler Review
Large RTIC Cooler (65 qt.)
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The RTIC Large 65 qt. The hard cooler has enormous capacity and high-tech insulation.
It’s been tested to hold temps below 40°F for up to 7 days and keeps ice solid for up to 10 days.
- Size: 32.5″ x 18.5″
- Weight: 36.5 pounds
Designed w/ 3-inch thick walls, they feature heavy-duty latches + freezer grade gasket, which keeps a super tight seal.
YETI coolers also use T-Latches which firmly lock and reinforce the seal.
One downside is the weight — the 65 qt. The hard cooler weighs 36.5 pounds. (more than similar models).
Still, a top-quality cooler designed for multiple-day usage.
It’s a favorite among RVs and multi-day camping.
Small RTIC Coolers (20 qt.)
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The RTIC 20 qt. It is a smaller version but with w/the same size (in terms of scale).
It weighs 20.5 pounds and can store up to 24 cans inside — like the 65 qt. It can maintain internal temp well for 5 to 7 days.
You can also see that it includes a bucket handle for easier portability.
Buyers love how portable it is. Many use it for weekend camping trips.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 20.6″ x 16.1″ x 14.8″
- Weight: 20.6 pounds
- Capacity: 20 quarts
- Best for coolers for 2-4 day trips
- Insulation: 5 days
- Double drain plugs + Heavy-duty latches
- Molded Tie-Down Slots
- Steel handle w/ rubber padded middle
- 2 color options: white, and light blue
Potential Flaws
- Some design flaw complaints
RTIC Soft Pack Cooler
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One of the greatest advantages of the RTIC soft pack is how easy it is to carry – a very portable cooler.
The soft material it’s made from is much more flexible than the hard-covered coolers, allowing you to store it without it taking up too much space.
In fact, the whole design is oriented toward flexibility and maneuverability.
The waterproof zipper prevents any water or warm air from entering, keeping everything inside dry and at a cool temperature.
The outside material and nylon cover are both water-resistant and impact-resistant, so anything you have inside the cooler will be safe from any damage.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 20″ x 17.5″ x 13″
- Weight: 7.65 pounds
- Capacity: 40 quarts
- The best cooler for 2-3 people
- Insulation: 3 days
- Durable nylon shell
- Waterproof zipper
- Flexible puncture-resistant material
- Includes a front pocket
Potential Flaws
- Doesn’t keep ice cooled as well
YETI Tundra Cooler (35 qt.)
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The Yeti Tundra 35 is deservingly rated at the top of the charts of the best coolers.
Built to last and protect, which means you can take it anywhere, on any type of outdoor trip. It will keep everything inside safe and protected.
It has extra thick 2″ insulated walls with a high-grade PermaFrost isolation. The PermaFrost prevents any air from entering the inside of the cooler, keeping your food and drinks fresh and cool.
Thick walls, along with the sturdy cover and rubber latches, also provide resistance to impacts.
Highlights
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Capacity: 35 quarts
- Best for long outdoor trips
- Insulation: 7 days
- T-rex rubber latches
- A dry goods basket
- 5 color options
Potential Flaws
- More expensive than other coolers
YETI Roadie Cooler (20 qt.)
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If you want an efficient cooler that will save you some space when camping and traveling, then the YETI Roadie 20 is perfect for you.
Thick walls and sturdy cover make it more durable than any other mini cooler while still preserving its compact design.
Due to the small size, it’s very light even if it’s filled, so it’s perfect to carry around by anyone. It’s also compatible with dry ice (a rare feature), which allows you to use it anywhere.
And something that I really like – there are 5 different colors available.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 19″ x 14″ x 15″
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Capacity: 20 quarts
- Best coolers for dry ice
- Insulation: 4 days
- BullDog Strap Guides
- Compatible with dry ice
- 5 color options
Potential Flaws
- Expensive for a mini cooler
YETI Portable Cooler – Hopper Cooler
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Equipped with a waterproof DryHid shell, the YETI Hopper Cooler is fully resistant to punctures, mildew, and UV rays.
You can carry it with you on fishing trips, camping trips, or any outdoor activities, and it will keep everything you put inside it cool and fresh.
Because the liner is FDA-approved food-grade material, you can put sandwiches, fruit, or any other food in it without worrying about any bacteria.
Thanks to the stretchy material and soft cover, it’s very easy to load and store anywhere without it taking up too much space. It weighs only 4.6 pounds which is light enough for anyone to carry.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 11″ x 8″ x 10″
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Best coolers for camping and fishing trips
- Insulation: 4 days
- Hydrolock waterproof zipper
- DryHide shell
- Resistant to mildew, punctures, and UV rays
- FDA approved material
- 7 color options
Potential Flaws
- Very expensive for a mini cooler
YETI Tundra Coolers (65 qt.)
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The YETI Tundra 65 is one of the most commercial coolers selling on Amazon.
It’s made of rotomolded polyethylene and filled w/ pressure-injected polyurethane 2″ cooler insulation. These make it super durable enough to withstand any outdoor conditions as well as outside impacts.
It’s larger than other coolers, which makes it ideal for bringing to a longer vacation or camping trip and storing multiple foods and drinks inside. And because of the bigger dimensions and sturdy plastic cover, you can use it as a chair for resting.
The Tundra 65 cooler comes with a 5-year warranty, so you will be able to use it freely for years to come.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 30.5″ x 17.5″ x 16″
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Capacity: 65 quarts
- Best coolers for 5+ day outdoor trips
- Insulation: 5 days
- Never-fail hinge system
- T-rex lid latches
Potential Flaws
- Very expensive
- A few insulation complaints
YETI Hopper Portable Cooler
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With an updated design than its predecessors, it’s easier to take your stuff in and out of the YETI Hopper 2.
It’s made to fit more things, so you can pack it for a 2-4 day trip with everything you will need. The DryHide Shell is made of a durable material that is waterproof, impact-proof, and resistant to UV rays and mildew.
It’s also reinforced with ColdCell insulation, which offers better insulation compared to other soft coolers. This allows you to carry your cooler on hiking or climbing trips without worrying about causing any type of damage to the inside content.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 26″ x 13″ x 19.5″
- Weight: 6.1 pounds
- The best cooler for fishing and camping trips
- Insulation: 4 days
- Hydrolock waterproof zipper
- DryHide Shell
- Coldwell insulation
- Resistant to mildew, punctures, and UV rays
- FDA approved material
Potential Flaws
- Too expensive for most consumers