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
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.