The best coolers in 2024, tested by editors

Whether you need to keep a 12-pack cool through a day with a beach cooler or want to make sure your supplies stay fresh through a weekend camping trip, you need a cooler you can count on. The best coolers can keep their contents cool for a full day (or even two); are easy to load, carry and clean; and stand up to the rigors of camping, beach trips and weekend barbeques.

To help you pick the best cooler for your picnic, camping trip or day at the beach, we picked out 23 of the most popular hard, soft and wheeled coolers, filled them full of ice and drinks, and put them through their paces. We judged them on their overall usability and build quality, and installed wireless temperature sensors to assess how long each maintained their internal temperature. We also looked for any additional features users might find valuable.

After comparing our data and results, we’ve found four great options to keep your stuff cool, whatever your needs and budget.

Best hard cooler: Yeti Tundra 45

If you’re looking for a solid, all-purpose cooler that’s easy to use, keeps your food cold for a long time, and is built with long-term durability in mind — and you know you want the best and you’re willing to pay a premium for it — this is the cooler for you.

Yes, it’s expensive — let’s get that out of the way. The Yeti Tundra 45 cooler is an investment, and if you only need a cooler for the occasional BBQ or tailgate, it’s overkill. But — like other rotomolded coolers — the Yeti is a beautifully designed and built object that should last through decades of use. After spending time testing it, we can confidently say that if it fits your lifestyle, you’ll get your money’s worth.

Even examining the smallest design elements, you never feel like Yeti was ever trying to cut corners or use an inferior part to save money: every piece of this cooler feels sturdy and well-made. For example, the non-skid feet on the base of the cooler — a feature I never put much thought into — are extremely “tacky” and made of high-quality rubber, which comes in handy if you plan on using it on a slippery boat deck or truck bed. Other, cheaper coolers also boast about their non-skid feet, but upon close inspection, those were often cheaper, made of basic plastic, and generally of lower quality than those used on the Yeti.

I found this same difference examining other fittings and elements, like the thick rubber latches that were easy to grab onto and stretch into place, and the sturdy, heavy-duty rope handles.

Perhaps most importantly, the Yeti Tundra 45 also retained temperature extremely well. Its rotomolded body, 3 inches of Permafrost insulation and tight lid seal resulted in a 35.4-degree interior after my 2-day temperature test, with plenty of ice still intact. The smooth plastic interior is easy to wipe down when it’s time to clean, and a groove in the floor directs water toward the drain, so you don’t need to stand there and tip one end up while it empties. I do wish the drain plug was attached in some way though, since it could get lost or misplaced if you’re not careful.

The Yeti’s 45-quart size strikes a convenient balance between capacity (it holds 28 cans, or enough food and drink for an outing for several people) and portability (it’s small enough for a single person to lift and carry). If you need a helping hand, the rope handles are perfect, providing a textured and sturdy rubber grip that makes it easy for two people to maneuver. Or, if you prefer more control, another set of handles molded into the side of the cooler is a great alternative.

The included dry goods basket allows you to suspend food items above the ice to keep them from getting soggy, and the padlock holes let you easily keep nosy bears — or campsite neighbors — out of the cooler when you’re not around.

Best soft cooler: RTIC Soft Pack 30

What makes the RTIC Soft Pack 30 the best soft-sided cooler I tested was the fact that even though it had all the benefits of soft-sided coolers — light weight, compactness and ease of carrying — it also provided the durability and heavy-duty components found on hard-sided models. This compact cooler is deceptively spacious too, with enough space for up to 30 cans and ice.

We put this cooler through the wringer during testing, filling it up and tossing it into the trunk of my car, dropping it on the ground and even swinging it around by the strap to stress-test the construction. Not only did the nylon shell, stitching, zippers and straps hold up to the abuse, but the Soft Pack 30 also didn’t spill a drop of water. The “puncture and tear-resistant liner” worked exactly as advertised.

This leak-proof feature does come at a cost though, as its tight zipper and rubber seal take a decent amount of effort to open and close. I felt that this was a reasonable trade-off — especially after a cheaper cooler leaked all over my backseat — and RTIC makes it less of an issue with large, t-shaped pulls and an included tube of zipper lubricant.

I also appreciated the variety of carrying options on the RTIC Soft Pack 30. You get a shoulder strap, a top handle, and two side handles that make it especially convenient for moving around while the lid is unzipped. This top carrying handle was especially comfortable and ideal for one-handed use. And since it’s connected to the body of the cooler itself — not just the lid as on the Igloo we tested and some other common soft cooler designs — it should be durable enough to last a long time. A zippered pocket on the front of the cooler was a nice perk too, and could be perfect for keeping your bottle opener, or cash and credit cards when you’re at the beach.

While The RTIC Soft Pack 30 maintained an interior temperature of 32.1 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours, the long-term temperature retention of the RTIC Soft Pack 30 wasn’t the greatest — it started creeping up after 36 hours, reaching 48.9 degrees after 48 hours—so it is best suited for an afternoon trip to the beach, a day hike, or afternoon BBQ. This was in line with the rest of the soft coolers we tested, which all began to lose their cool between 24 and 36 hours.

Best budget cooler: Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

If you need a bare-bones cooler to plop down on the beach or backyard for the day, there’s no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end model. This Coleman may not have the bear-proof ruggedness, space-age insulation or slick appearance of the higher-end options I tested, but you know what it can do? Hold a lot of cans and keep them cold. You can sit on it, too.

It also retains temperature more effectively than I expected. After 48 hours this cooler clocked an interior temperature of 33.4 degrees (which is three degrees colder at that point than the Yeti Tundra 45). The majority of the ice had melted by then, which is less convenient for dry goods or anyone who prefers not to dig around in forearm-deep ice water, but still an impressive temperature reading.

Even though some of the Coleman’s components don’t seem built for the long haul — the plastic hinges are a little flimsy — the handles are sturdier than expected. They were a little thin but still comfortable to use and didn’t take up much space. The lid is also sturdy enough to serve as a seat, something that is not the case with many low-cost coolers. This lid also features 4 cupholders (with drainage channels) and since there’s no latch, it’s easy to open and close quickly.

The only actual issue I had with this cooler was the drain plug. Unlike other coolers that have a threaded drain plug that screws in to form a tight, secure seal, the Coleman 316 has a friction-style plug, which you push into the drain. Although I haven’t had an issue with this plug specifically, I have seen plugs like this get accidentally pulled out, which can cause a big mess if stored in a car trunk or inside the home. That said, if you plan on using it primarily outside, where a leak doesn’t really matter, this isn’t enough of an issue to worry about.

If you don’t have the need or budget for a Yeti or Pelican, the Coleman 316 is a perfectly fine alternative for light-duty use.

Best wheeled cooler: Pelican Elite 45

This wheeled cooler from Pelican is built like a tank, and if your plans include activities or adventures that could damage a lower-quality cooler (or you need to haul loads too heavy for you to carry comfortably), the Pelican Elite 45 might be just what you need.

Every part of the Pelican Elite 45, from the wheels to the drain plug to the handle has a beefy, heavy-duty feel that gives you the confidence this thing can handle whatever you throw at it (according to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, that includes grizzly bears).

Wheeled coolers are notorious for either being a pain to use and steer, or too cheaply made to last very long, so what made this the best of the wheeled coolers is that, despite the rugged appearance, it was extremely easy to maneuver, even when full of ice and drinks. The wheels have a molded tread with a rubber coating that makes them much more stable than the plain plastic versions used by some of the competition.

Even better, the simple design of the trolley handle — it’s made of a single piece of heavy-duty plastic, rather than a telescoping handle with small components and extra moving parts as on some competitors — makes it extremely durable and practically indestructible. It never gets stuck under heavy loads like some telescoping designs can, and even when fully loaded, I never felt that this handle or the hinge connecting it to the cooler was ever in danger of cracking or breaking. When you’re done pulling, fold it down and it’s out of your way.

The Pelican Elite 45 had the best drain plug of all the coolers we tested. Not only is the cap nice and bulky, making it convenient to grab and twist, but a wire tether keeps it connected to the cooler at all times. A recess inside the cooler directs the water towards the drain too, so there’s no need to tip the entire unit when emptying it.

Most importantly, it does a great job of keeping things cool, holding its temperature well, and topping out at just 32.7 degrees after two days.

We understand that the high price tag may be a turn-off for some, but after testing several lower-cost wheeled coolers and finding that cheaper materials and worse design made them more frustrating to use, we think the investment could be worth it if you think you’ll use a wheeled cooler regularly

How we tested

Since most cooler brands use the same vague terms like “long-lasting ice retention”, “superior insulation” and “high performance,” we put each of our 23 coolers through a comprehensive series of tests to help you get a clear understanding of what makes them different from one another.

Performance

Design

Everything to know about coolers

Coolers are simple products that use ice to keep any food or beverage stored inside cool. But there are a few things to consider when shopping for one, such as the type of cooler you want, how to effectively pack it and why some, like the Yeti Tundra, cost hundreds of dollars.

Should I get a hard-sided or soft cooler?

We found two big differences between the hard and soft coolers we tested. First is their weight. Since they’re typically made of fabric or vinyl, soft coolers are practically weightless compared to hard coolers. This makes soft coolers ideal for smaller tasks — carrying a 12-pack to a picnic versus schlepping a weekend’s worth of food and drinks for a camping trip — since their shoulder straps and handles allow you to use them one or no-handed.

The other main distinction is that the thinner fabric construction of soft coolers makes them less effective at retaining temperature. While the hard coolers we tested kept food at safe temperatures for two days or more, every soft cooler — including the highest-quality models — could only maintain refrigerator temperatures for around 24 hours. We don’t think this is a dealbreaker since their capacity makes them best suited to smaller loads and thus shorter outings, but if you’re looking for maximum versatility a soft cooler may not be optimal.

Accessibility is another factor to consider. Hard coolers have lids that are relatively simple to open when you need to get inside, while soft coolers almost always have a zipper to keep them closed. This might not be a big deal if you’re using a soft cooler for its portability, but if you’re at a tailgate or BBQ, popping the lid on a hard cooler is easier and more convenient. Also, since soft coolers don’t have drains, they are less convenient to clean up once the ice melts.

I will say that if you plan on getting dirty, like on a fishing or hunting trip, hard-sided coolers are much easier to clean. When cleaning fish or game, it’s much easier to quickly scrub or hose down a hard plastic cooler than one with a fabric shell and flexible inner liner. Plus you can use most of them as a seat while working or relaxing.

How do you pack a cooler effectively?

First, chill the cooler before you pack it if possible. Tossing a bag or two of ice inside for an hour to two will cool the interior and add some extra time to its overall cooling time. If you can’t pre-chill, try to avoid packing a hot cooler — don’t leave it in the garage or the sun beforehand.

When filling your cooler, keep a 2:1 ratio of ice to food/drinks. Since cold air and water will sink, you don’t want to add ice first. Shoot for a layer of food or drink, then a layer of ice, and so on until your cooler is full. Do your best to not leave air pockets as you go, so feel free to shake and shift your cooler to help the ice cubes settle into any dead space.

Frozen ice packs will stay colder longer than ice cubes, but their shape and size can sometimes result in air pockets if you don’t arrange them carefully. If you have both options, use the ice packs as well as loose ice cubes to cover all your bases. Finally, try not to drain any melted ice water if you don’t have to. It’s most likely going to be colder than the air it will be replaced by and will continue keeping the temperature as low as possible.

Regardless of how well you pack your cooler, the temperature will eventually fall below safe levels for food safety. If you’re storing perishable foods, the USDA recommends keeping an appliance thermometer inside the cooler and ensuring it reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. They also advise that if the outside temperature is over 90 degrees — think beach trip or summertime barbeque — you should, “put perishable food back in the cooler within 1 hour after eating. Otherwise, cool it within 2 hours”.

Do I need a wheeled cooler?

That depends on how far you’re transporting your cooler and the amount of weight you’re comfortable carrying yourself. A full cooler can be heavy — the 45-quart coolers we tested weigh from 23 to 29 pounds empty, and can hold 40 pounds or more of ice and food — and even if you’re strong enough to carry it yourself, it’s no fun to huff and puff your way across a parking lot or down a trail if you don’t have to.

If you’re pulling your car up to a tailgate and setting up for the day, or camping at a drive-up site, even a big cooler can be manageable without wheels. But if you’re traversing a parking lot at the beach, or even a long driveway on the way to a friend’s barbeque, a wheeled cooler can come in handy. Plus, wheeled coolers usually have carrying handles as well, so you won’t have to choose one over the other.

If you do choose a wheeled cooler, try and go with a durable, high-quality option. While basic, non-wheeled coolers can get away with using thinner, flimsier components, that kind of light-duty construction won’t fly when it comes to wheeled models.

Why are rotomolded coolers so expensive and heavy?

You probably see the term “rotomolded” tossed around in high-end cooler descriptions, but aside from it indicating the heavy, high-quality plastic used in Yeti, RTIC and similar coolers, you may not have seen a clear explanation of what that means.

Rotomolding (short for rotational molding) is a manufacturing process in which molten plastic is poured into a mold, and then rotating the mold as it cools to allow for an even coating, especially around the corners and edges. This results in a thick, consistent layer of plastic without seams or stress points. This is why rotomolded coolers are so durable and the manufacturing process creates a smoother, more premium-looking surface. But all that extra plastic makes rotomolded products (like high-end coolers) significantly heavier.

As for the expense, while rotomolding is slower and more expensive per part, it isn’t the sole reason that makes Yeti, Orca, RTIC and other rotomolded coolers so expensive. Typically these coolers are much more heavily insulated than everyday models and have fancier fittings, hinges, handles and so forth, all of which add manufacturing costs, plus the companies that make them back them with long warranties.

But like many high-end products, rotomolded coolers are expensive to some extent mostly because they’re made in smaller numbers and marketed as premium items — and people are willing to pay more to get the best, highest-performing products, even if they’re not going to use them in the backcountry.

Injection molding — the process by which many less expensive coolers are made — involves injecting plastic under pressure into a mold. This uses less plastic overall, and results in a lighter product, but at the expense of strength and durability.

That’s not to say that injection-molded coolers are inferior, they just won’t have the durability of a rotomolded option (Though when done cheaply, injection molding can also result in inconsistent coverage, and thinner corners and edges). Injection molded coolers can be made to perform extremely well (and indeed our budget pick kept things cold for the weekend just as well as the most expensive options we tested).

Non-rotomolded coolers are still a fine — and much lighter — option. Especially if you don’t need an indestructible cooler that can survive being strapped to the outside of an off-road vehicle on a multiday gravel road expedition.

Other coolers we tested

Hard coolers

A close runner-up to the Yeti Tundra 45, this 45-quart rotomolded cooler looks nearly identical, though it costs about $100 less. Although it kept the temperature at 35.4 degrees (the same as the Yeti), it is 6 pounds heavier, which could add up if you plan on carrying it frequently. The foam handles also seemed less durable than the Yeti’s rubber versions, and the non-slip feet were less “tacky” and thus less effective. These aren’t dealbreakers, and if you’re set on a rotomolded cooler I’d consider the RTIC 45 a great lower-cost alternative to our top pick.

Another hard-sided model similar to the Yeti Tundra 45 and RTIC 45, this ORCA cooler boasted a heavy-duty rotomolded construction, thick rubber latches, and rubber and strap handles that I found to be comfortable to use. Unfortunately, it was heavier and significantly bulkier than the Yeti and RTIC, and also performed slightly worse in my temperature test, reaching 37.7 degrees at the end of the 48 hours. Plus, it costs as much as the better-performing Yeti Tundra 45 (and $100 more than the RTIC 45). It did offer an accessory that neither of its competitors did, a removable mesh cargo pocket, screwed into the exterior of the cooler, which can be handy for non-refrigerated items.

I’m a big fan of the quality construction and user-friendly design of Ninja appliances, so it was no surprise that its FrostVault cooler ranked high in my testing pool. The two oversized side handles are comfortable to grab and carry — no pinched fingers here — and a just-as-beefy latch is simple to operate one-handed. In addition to its cooler compartment, the FrostVault includes a separate “Dry Zone” drawer for dry goods. I made sure to include a separate thermometer inside this drawer during my 48-hour temperature test, which recorded an impressive 38.8 degrees (the cooler itself reached just 34 degrees, beating out many higher-end options).

The $200 price tag is on the higher end of the spectrum for a cooler this size, so it’s probably not the best choice for those who want more space for the price, but if having a separate area to keep your deli meats and produce separate and dry from melting ice, the Ninja is a tempting option.

The smallest hard-sided cooler in our test, this 20-quart ORCA model features a rugged rotomolded body and enough room to carry 18 cans with plenty of ice. The wide, top-mounted handle and cushioned foam grip were comfortable to use and swung conveniently out of the way when it was time to open the lid. It’s important to note that without any side handles, this design might not be ideal for everyone — especially considering that it already weighs 18 pounds before being filled — and could be too heavy for a single person to carry one-handed.

A lot of mid-sized, hard-sided coolers have the same frustrating carrying options and this RTIC model is no different. Although its 11.5-pound weight is lighter than similar-sized coolers (Orca 20 Quart weighs 18 pounds for comparison) the lack of side handles made it less than convenient to carry. Instead, it opts for an adjustable shoulder strap that also shortens to act as a carrying handle. This design isn’t especially terrible, but neither feels very comfortable due to the size and weight of the cooler when filled.

This cooler also ranked below average in my temperature retention, reaching 38 degrees after 48 hours. This isn’t a huge deal, but makes it a less-than-ideal choice for those whose priority is keeping its contents as cold as possible. I did appreciate the silicone cargo net underneath the lid, which is convenient for keeping dry goods and snacks from getting wet.

I love the old-school look of this budget-friendly cooler, and its 7.3-pound weight makes it the lightest of the hard-sided models in our tests. Unfortunately, this lightweight design translates to a flimsy product that won’t be durable enough for heavy-duty use — the lid even flexed and bent when I sat on it.

That said, it fared much better than expected in our temperature retention test, rising to just 38.3 degrees after 48 hours outside. It likely won’t last forever, but if you need a basic cooler for an outing and don’t want to spend a ton of money, it’s a great choice.

This Pelican model delivers the durability and functionality you expect from a high-end cooler, making it great for hauling along to any outdoor adventure. As with the wheeled 45-quart version, little details make for easy use and cleaning — the drainage channels molded into the cupholders prevent standing water from accumulating (something I experienced during my outdoor testing). We think you’d be better off with a 45-quart model if you want to go with a rotomolded cooler, however — the 30-quart capacity seems just a little too small to justify its bulky size and weight.

This 52-quart model is one of RTIC’s new “Ultra-Light” models, and I certainly appreciated its relatively low 20-pound weight when transporting it during my testing. It’s similar in design to the current crop of popular full-size coolers like the RTIC 45, Orca Classic 40, and Yeti Tundra 45, adopting the same rubber t-latches, rope handles, rubber feet, and padlock holes. Unlike these coolers, however, the RTIC opts to use an injection molded design instead of rotomolded, no doubt to achieve its lighter weight. Although this gave the RTIC 52 a slightly less robust feel, it didn’t affect its temperature retention capability and performed just as well as the rotomolded models in my 48-hour test.

I do wish that RTIC offered an ultra-light model closer in size to these 40 and 45-quart models since the convenience of the lighter weight is somewhat negated by the bulky size of this 52-quart model.

Although its nearly $500 price tag makes it the most expensive cooler we tested, the Oyster Tempo’s efficiency, versatility, and user-friendly design could make it worth the investment if you’re willing to shell out for it and really want a unique luxury cooler. Advertised as an “ice-free” cooler, the Oyster Tempo includes two slim freezer packs that line the floor of the cooler and combines a double-wall design and a patented vacuum insulation technology to retain its internal temperature. This lack of ice allows you to utilize practically all the internal storage space and significantly reduces the overall weight when filled up. This method does sacrifice some effectiveness, and the Oyster ranked lower than every other cooler in my temperature retention test, climbing to 44.4 degrees after 48 hours. That being said, when we ran the same test with ice instead of freezer packs, the Oyster only hit 33.3 degrees, which is right up there with our top performers.

The Oyster Tempo claims to be the result of six years of development, and I found each component to have an intentional, well-thought-out feel. The versatile lid can be opened on either side, or removed altogether if you like, and the two carrying options–a heavy-duty strap or full-length aluminum handle–are simple to swap out without any tools. I did my best to stress test both during my testing and even when fully stocked with 36 cans, I never felt like the strap or handle connections were in danger of failure. Sticker shock aside, if you’re looking for a lightweight cooler that won’t take up a lot of space, and multi-day temperature retention isn’t a priority, the Oyster Tempo won’t disappoint.

We loved this cooler’s insulation and capacity but had some worries about durability. It was previously our pick for the best budget cooler, but it’s since been discontinued and almost impossible to find.

Soft coolers

Essentially a big, waterproof duffel bag, this soft-sided cooler from AO would be a great choice for those who want something lightweight, but with lots of room for food and drinks (it advertises a 36-can capacity). Its massive 30-inch zippered opening makes it easy to dump in bags of ice without spilling everywhere, which is sometimes the case with more compact soft-sided options. It didn’t perform particularly well in our temperature test though, reaching 49 degrees after 48 hours, so like all of the soft coolers we tested it’s better suited to single-day adventures.

Similar in design to the AO Cooler, this duffel-bag-style cooler provides a wide zippered opening, perfect for quickly dumping ice bags. Heavy-duty side clasps secure the corners while you carry it around, considerably shrinking the length to a more manageable size. The flexible, fabric-like liner on the inside isn’t the easiest to wipe down in the event of a spill though, although its leak-proof design is a fair trade-off. Its 1-inch insulation was a 1/4-inch thicker than the AO Cooler, and seemed to make a difference, holding the temperature to just 42.7 degrees after 48 hours.

If maximum portability is your goal, you won’t find a higher-quality option than this backpack cooler from Yeti. Just like nearly all the Yeti products I’ve tested, this cooler does a great job of combining usability and durability. It uses a powerful magnetic closure to form an airtight seal — that’s still really easy to open and close — as well as two compression straps to provide even more security for the ice and items inside. A wide, flat bottom makes it easy to plop it down when you’re finished carrying it and stays upright when rooting through it.

I was most impressed by the tapered design of the backpack straps, combined with their strong and heavy-duty construction, which distributes the weight of the cooler evenly and comfortably across your back. Despite the relatively thin insulation and light weight, this cooler kept its contents at a cool 34.8 degrees after 48 hours, even cooler than our top pick, the Yeti Tundra 45. It’s very expensive considering the limited capacity, but if you want a backpack cooler that will keep your items cold for a long time, it could be worth the investment.

The $300 price tag probably isn’t practical for most, but like other Yeti coolers, I still don’t consider this tote-style cooler overpriced. It has that same super-rugged, heavy-duty feel of its backpack-style sibling — seriously, this thing is built like a tank — as well as a user-friendly magnetic closure system. The wide-mouth opening was convenient to fill and empty, and quick-release buckles ensure it stays closed while transporting. Even when filled with ice and cans, the double-stitched straps and handles were comfortable to use (I was particularly impressed with the top-mounted carrying handle) and the removable shoulder strap is designed to keep the bag flat against your body instead of bouncing around.

Although it performed fine during my 48-hour temperature test, the 42.7-degree ending temperature ranked well below other high-end cooler results. That said, if you’re using it for an afternoon or overnight, that’s probably not a dealbreaker.

This backpack cooler from Yeti is extremely well-made, and the straps, exterior shell, clasps, and rubber bottom stood up well to the abuse I dished out in my testing. (That said, Yeti recalled this cooler and its larger sibling in 2023 given that the magnetic clasp has detached, posing a health and safety hazard — if you’ve purchased an M20 or M30 from Yeti, you’ll want to check the clasp and check with the company about a return.)

The side handles were useful for moving it around, and a useful alternative to the backpack straps. Its vertical shape makes it a challenge to access the interior, and if you wanted an item at the bottom you might find yourself digging around for a bit. The extremely high price relative to other soft models is likely a drawback, but if your priority is hands-free portability and you want a premium cooler, it could be a good fit.

Wheeled coolers

On the surface, this RTIC cooler looked like it could be a great full-sized wheeled option for those who don’t have the budget for a Pelican Elite 45 but want something more durable than the Igloo Maxcold 50 Quart. Despite its numerous higher-end features like a bottle opener, padlock holes, heavy-duty rubber wheels, a large aluminum handle that made it a breeze to maneuver, and surprisingly lightweight, the unit we received had a leaky drain plug, which shouldn’t be the case on a cooler this expensive. No matter how tight I twisted the drain cap, a tiny gap between the plug and the cooler allowed water to leak out as ice melted inside.

RTIC customer service helped remedy the issue though, instructing me to unscrew the drain and flip the rubber gasket around. After another test, the cooler appeared to work just fine. Considering the sturdy build quality of the rest of the unit, we imagine this is a production or quality assurance glitch, but makes us hesitant to recommend this over less expensive alternatives. That said, this cooler could be a decent option once RTIC fixes the issue, or for users who don’t mind a little extra DIY fix if the drain issue remains.

I wanted to like this cooler, but its design and construction don’t justify the high price. While the rubber latches were easy enough to use, and the wheels and carrying handles appeared to be of decent quality, the large trolley handle wasn’t up to par with the Pelican. The plastic connection to the cooler was just too flimsy, and the weight of the full cooler caused the hinge to flex and bend as if it was going to pull itself off, making it more difficult to maneuver while loaded than our top pick. That said, it retained temperature exceptionally well, rising to 32.1 degrees after 48 hours.

This wheeled cooler is everything you’d expect from a Yeti product: a heavy-duty rotomolded body, sturdy latches and impressive 48-hour temperature retention (32.7 degrees). It also includes a ton of useful accessories, like a divider for separating food items, three reusable ice packs, and a dry goods basket. Its vertical design also gives it a relatively small footprint and allows you to store taller items like wine bottles or 2-liters. Although its telescoping handle was by far the sturdiest and well-made of all of the models we tested (as you’d expect from the premium price), I felt that the single-piece design of the Pelican Elite 45 handle was better suited for wheeling around.

The low price of this cooler is certainly appealing, but we think you should spend a bit more (or stick with a cooler without wheels if you’re looking for something very inexpensive). The flimsy telescoping handle, hollow, thin wheels, and limited sealing (there’s no seal on the lid, so water pours out when you tip it over to wheel it around). It does provide a ton of storage space inside, however, and only reached 37.1 degrees inside after 48 hours, which is pretty good at this price.