Fan Favorite
- YETI Tundra 50, 47 qts., 26 lbs., $380
With its clean, sturdy design and inches-thick insulation, YETI was the first rotomolded cooler on the market to get a wide following. (Rotomolding construction creates a cooler with very thick, even walls.) The Tundra 50’s extra-deep shape makes it great for camping, as do its freezer-quality gasket and heavy-duty rubber latches. Comes with a dry-goods basket. Certified bear-resistant; 5-year warranty.
The Big Chill
- Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler, 40 qts., 24 lbs., $250
When you’re heading out on a long adventure, the Cabela’s cooler will keep ice frozen up to 12 days. User-friendly features include durable, molded-in handles and hinge; additional rope handles that glow in the dark; and rubberized latches that incorporate bottle openers. The freezer-grade gasket creates an airtight seal. Certified bear-resistant; 1-year warranty.
Cool Wheels
- Pelican Elite 45 wheeled cooler, 45 qts., 26 lbs., $291
We don’t know what’s better on this cooler, the up-to-10-day ice retention, heavy-duty wheels, or the lifetime warranty. Also good: the freezer-grade gasket, press-and-pull latches that are wide enough for glove use, and built-in bottle opener. Certified bear-resistant.
The Trailblazer
- Engel High Performance ENG50 Cooler, 45 qts., 24 lbs., $295
Originally in the fridge-freezer business, Engel introduced the country’s first high-performance rotomolded cooler in 2007. Today’s model holds ice up to 10 days, thanks to 2-inch-thick insulation on the lid, sides, and bottom, and a silicone gasket that helps keep air out. Certified bear-resistant; 10-year warranty.
Rainbow Cool
- Orca 40 cooler, 40 qts., 24 lbs., $350
If you want a cooler in hot pink, Orca may be the company for you—though they also make models in more subdued colors as well. Like all rotomolded construction, you can count on thick insulation and good ice retention. The cooler comes with comfortable flex-grip handles, handsome whale-tail latches, and a lifetime warranty.
The Softer Side of Cool
- YETI Hopper Two 40 soft-sided cooler, 40 qts., 6 lbs., $400
While $400 might seem pricey for a soft-sided cooler, the Yeti Hopper Two promises comfort along with packability, enough insulation to keep your food and ice cold for days, and a leak-proof design. Comes with a 3-year warranty.