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10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

RTIC Ultra-Light 32 Quart Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Drink, Beverage, Beach, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers, Dark Grey & Cool Grey

The RTIC Ultra-Light 32 Quart Cooler is a solid choice if you're looking for a portable and durable outdoor cooler that doesn't weigh you down. Its standout feature is being over 30% lighter than traditional rotomolded coolers, making it easier to carry for activities like camping, beach outings, or fishing trips. It holds up to 32 quarts, which fits about 48 cans and 30 pounds of ice—enough for small to medium gatherings. The 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation help keep ice frozen for a long time, so your drinks and food stay cold throughout the day.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,146
Portability
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
1074 reviews

Portability
Over 30% lighter than traditional rotomolded coolers, making it exceptionally easy to carry during outdoor activities.
Capacity
Holds as much as a 55-quart roto cooler despite being only 32 quarts, demonstrating an efficient and well-thought-out design.
Durability
Sturdy and well-built with tight seals and reliable rubber locking bands that are simple to use.
Additional Features
Two drain plugs with bottom channels effectively manage melt-water without leaking, regardless of cooler orientation.
Ice Retention
Maintains ice for multiple days even without pre-cooling, with ice lasting through three days and some remaining on day four under room temperature conditions.
Insulation
Maintains ice for multiple days even without pre-cooling, with ice lasting through three days and some remaining on day four under room temperature conditions.
#2
8.8 score

YETI Tundra 35 Cooler, Desert Tan

The YETI Tundra 35 cooler is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts needing a balance between capacity and portability. It can comfortably hold about 20 cans with enough ice to keep everything cold, thanks to its thick 3-inch PermaFrost insulation and FatWall design. This means ice stays frozen for a long time, ideal for camping or day trips. Durability is a strong point here—the cooler uses tough rotomolded plastic construction that makes it nearly indestructible and even certified bear-resistant, so it’s great for rugged environments.

Rating
8.8
Ice Retention
Durability
Capacity

Most important from
4277 reviews

Ice Retention
The cooler delivers exceptional ice retention, keeping contents cold for several days—even lasting a full week in harsh desert conditions.
Durability
Its durable construction makes it nearly indestructible and ideal for rugged outdoor use, providing peace of mind on any adventure.
Capacity
The size strikes a perfect balance for road trips, comfortably holding enough supplies without being too bulky to move around.
Portability
While heavy when fully loaded, it remains manageable to carry and is best loaded after placement in a vehicle to ease transport.
Additional Features
The included dry goods basket is a useful feature that helps organize and keep items separate and dry inside the cooler.
#3
8.8 score

YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler with DoubleDuty Shoulder Strap, Charcoal

The YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler is a compact and sturdy option ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a small but reliable cooler. With a capacity that fits about 22 cans or 16 pounds of ice, it's perfect for day trips, picnics, fishing, or short hikes but might be too small for longer outings or larger groups. Its insulation is solid, using high-density polyethylene, which helps keep ice frozen for a good length of time, though it won’t match larger YETI models with bigger ice retention capabilities.

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
904 reviews

Capacity
Keeps contents cold and protected perfectly for day trips or solo outings, balancing capacity and portability.
Ice Retention
Offers outstanding cold retention that outperforms other coolers in its size category.
Durability
Built tough for rugged outdoor use while remaining light enough to carry comfortably for short distances.
Portability
Compact size fits conveniently in tight spaces like truck passenger seats or floorboards, making it easy to store and access.
Additional Features
The cooler's design, including a well-chosen color and functional handles, adds to its user-friendly appeal.

Top 10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

YETI Tundra 35 Cooler, Desert Tan

Capacity: 1400 Cubic Inches
Ice Retention: 3-inch PermaFrost insulation
Durability: rotomolded plastic, bear-resistant, T-Rex latches
Portability: 20 Pounds
Insulation: Polyurethane
Additional Features: dry goods basket

YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler with DoubleDuty Shoulder Strap, Charcoal

Capacity: 2 Liters
Durability: built from tough materials
Portability: DoubleDuty strap and LipGrip handles
Insulation: high-density polyethylene
Additional Features: Double Strap, BearFoot non-slip feet

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler, Key Lime

Capacity: 16 cans plus ice
Ice Retention: ColdCell keeps ice frozen longer
Durability: DryHide shell resists water and abrasion
Portability: 5 pounds; 12.6 x 10.2 x 12.6 in
Insulation: ColdCell closed-cell foam
Additional Features: HydroLok zipper, leakproof

Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Rolling Cooler with Wheels, Leak-Resistant Outdoor Hard Cooler Keeps Ice up to 5 Days, 100-Quart

Capacity: 100 Quarts
Ice Retention: multi-day
Durability: leak-proof drain plug, supports 250 lbs
Portability: heavy-duty wheels, easy-tow handle
Insulation: TempLock FX Insulation
Additional Features: four cup holders, stain-resistant liner

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, Black

Capacity: 4.2 Gallons
Ice Retention: Keeps ice frozen longer than usual
Durability: Waterproof DryHide shell, resists damage
Portability: 3.1 lbs, 11.5 x 12.6 x 10"
Insulation: Closed-cell polyurethane foam
Additional Features: Waterproof zipper, top-flip design

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler, White

Capacity: 45 Quarts
Ice Retention: 3 inches PermaFrost Insulation
Durability: Rotomolded, bear-resistant
Portability: 23 Pounds
Insulation: Polyurethane Foam
Additional Features: T-Rex Lid Latches, basket

YETI Roadie Wheel Cooler, Navy, 60

Capacity: 68 Kilograms
Ice Retention: Thick foam keeps ice cold long
Durability: Made from tough polyurethane material
Portability: Periscope handle and neverflat wheels
Insulation: Polyurethane
Additional Features: Dry goods basket, non-slip feet

Igloo 125 qt Gray Party Bar Wheeled Cooler

Capacity: 125 Quarts
Ice Retention: Ultratherm insulation keeps ice longer
Durability: Durable plastic construction
Portability: Heavy-duty casters; weight 34.3 lbs
Insulation: Ultratherm body; stainless steel
Additional Features: Removable lid, drink dividers, opener

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, Big Sky Blue

Capacity: 65 Quarts
Ice Retention: 3-inch PermaFrost insulation
Durability: Rotomolded, bear-resistant, T-Rex latches
Portability: 29 pounds empty
Insulation: 3-inch polyurethane foam
Additional Features: Drain hole, dry basket, non-slip feet
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Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor Coolers

Choosing the right outdoor cooler can make a significant difference in your outdoor adventures, whether you're camping, tailgating, or just enjoying a day at the beach. The right cooler will keep your food and drinks cold for extended periods, be easy to transport, and durable enough to withstand the elements. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an outdoor cooler and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler, usually measured in quarts or liters. This spec is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Small coolers (up to 20 quarts) are great for day trips or personal use, medium coolers (20-50 quarts) are suitable for small groups or weekend trips, and large coolers (50+ quarts) are ideal for extended trips or larger groups. Consider how many people you need to cater to and the duration of your trips when choosing the capacity.
Ice RetentionIce retention indicates how long a cooler can keep ice frozen, which directly affects how long your items stay cold. This is crucial for longer trips where access to ice may be limited. Basic coolers may retain ice for a day or two, while high-performance coolers can keep ice for up to a week or more. If you plan on longer outings or need to keep items cold for extended periods, opt for a cooler with higher ice retention capabilities.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh outdoor conditions. This is important because a durable cooler will last longer and protect your contents better. Coolers made from rotomolded plastic are generally the most durable, while those made from thinner plastic or fabric are less so. If you expect your cooler to endure a lot of wear and tear, choose one with a robust construction.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to transport the cooler. This includes the weight of the cooler when empty, the presence of wheels, and the design of the handles. Lightweight coolers or those with wheels are easier to move, especially when fully loaded. If you need to carry your cooler over long distances or rough terrain, look for one with sturdy wheels and comfortable handles.
InsulationInsulation quality affects how well the cooler maintains its internal temperature. This is important for keeping your items cold for as long as possible. Coolers with thicker walls and lids generally have better insulation. If you need to keep items cold for extended periods, choose a cooler with high-quality insulation.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a cooler. These may include built-in bottle openers, cup holders, dry storage compartments, and drain plugs. While not essential, these features can make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. Consider which additional features would be beneficial for your specific needs and choose a cooler that offers them.

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