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10 Best Large Coolers 2026 in the United States

#8
YETI Tundr
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler, Big Sky Blue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,357
Ice Retention
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
4654 reviews

Ice Retention
Keeps drinks cold and maintains ice for up to 48 hours, proving its superior ice retention.
Capacity
The perfect size for a long weekend of camping or a road trip, offering ample space without being overly bulky.
Durability
Built with quality materials that handle rough outdoor conditions while keeping contents cold longer than other coolers.
Additional Features
Comes with thoughtful features like a drain plug, although it’s important to verify its presence before use.
Portability
A bit heavier but designed for portability with non-slip feet and easy cleaning options.

The YETI Tundra 45 cooler is designed for people who need a tough, reliable cooler for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, or picnics. It holds up to 26 cans with enough space for ice, thanks to its 3-inch thick PermaFrost insulation and thick FatWall construction, which helps keep ice frozen for a long time. One of its best qualities is its durability; the rotomolded build makes it almost indestructible and bear-resistant, so it can handle rough treatment during trips.

The cooler weighs 23 pounds, which is a bit heavy, but it’s designed to be portable with features like non-slip feet and a drain hole for easy cleaning. The T-Rex Lid Latches are made of strong rubber and use patented keeper technology, so they won’t break easily, avoiding one of the common issues with coolers. It also includes a dry goods basket to keep items separate from ice.

The weight and size might be a challenge if you want something very lightweight or compact. While the cooler is great at ice retention, it’s best to follow the recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio to get the most out of it. The price tends to be higher than many other coolers, reflecting its premium build and features. The YETI Tundra 45 is an excellent choice for those needing a large, rugged cooler that delivers excellent ice retention and durability, especially for serious outdoor use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,357
Ice Retention
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
4654 reviews

Ice Retention
Keeps drinks cold and maintains ice for up to 48 hours, proving its superior ice retention.
Capacity
The perfect size for a long weekend of camping or a road trip, offering ample space without being overly bulky.
Durability
Built with quality materials that handle rough outdoor conditions while keeping contents cold longer than other coolers.
Additional Features
Comes with thoughtful features like a drain plug, although it’s important to verify its presence before use.
Portability
A bit heavier but designed for portability with non-slip feet and easy cleaning options.
#2

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White

Rating
9.4
Durability
Ice Retention
Capacity

Most important from
2732 reviews

Durability
This cooler is exceptionally rugged, built to withstand bumps, drops, and scrapes without showing significant wear, making it a long-term investment for tough outdoor conditions.
Ice Retention
The ice retention is outstanding, keeping ice frozen and contents chilled for days even under hot sun, perfect for extended trips without the need to restock ice.
Capacity
Its 65-quart capacity offers ample space for food and drinks for a sizable group while maintaining manageable portability.
Additional Features
Non-slip feet provide stability on slippery surfaces, which is especially useful on boats and in trucks.
Insulation
Though the thick insulation slightly reduces internal space, the trade-off is worthwhile for superior cooling performance.

The YETI Tundra 65 is a robust large cooler ideal for outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable ice retention and durability. Its 65-quart capacity provides plenty of space to store food, drinks, or even your catch from fishing trips, making it a good fit for camping, hiking, or backyard barbecues. The cooler features thick PermaFrost insulation and a FatWall design that helps keep ice frozen for a long time, which means your perishables stay cold through extended outings.

It is built with rotomolded polyethylene construction, making it tough and virtually indestructible—great if you plan to take it on rugged adventures. The T-Rex Lid Latches are made of heavy-duty rubber, designed to avoid breakage, and the cooler is bear-resistant, adding an extra layer of protection if you’re camping in wildlife areas. While weighing 29 pounds and measuring about 30x17.5x16 inches, it’s portable but may feel a bit heavy when fully loaded, so consider your strength and transport method. The included dry goods basket helps organize contents, which is a handy extra.

Its weight and size might be cumbersome for very long hikes or for one person to carry comfortably over rough terrain. Also, while its ice retention is excellent, it comes at a premium price compared to basic coolers. For those seeking a large, tough cooler that excels at keeping ice and can handle rough conditions, the YETI Tundra 65 is a solid choice that balances performance with durability.

Rating
9.4
Durability
Ice Retention
Capacity

Most important from
2732 reviews

Durability
This cooler is exceptionally rugged, built to withstand bumps, drops, and scrapes without showing significant wear, making it a long-term investment for tough outdoor conditions.
Ice Retention
The ice retention is outstanding, keeping ice frozen and contents chilled for days even under hot sun, perfect for extended trips without the need to restock ice.
Capacity
Its 65-quart capacity offers ample space for food and drinks for a sizable group while maintaining manageable portability.
Additional Features
Non-slip feet provide stability on slippery surfaces, which is especially useful on boats and in trucks.
Insulation
Though the thick insulation slightly reduces internal space, the trade-off is worthwhile for superior cooling performance.
#3

Igloo 150 QT White Marine Polar Contour Insulated Cooler

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
11443 reviews

Capacity
Large capacity perfectly suits needs for extended food storage or group use.
Ice Retention
Keeps items frozen or cold for multiple days, proving its excellent ice retention capabilities.
Durability
Sturdy and well-made construction that handles heavy-duty use with ease.

The Igloo 150 QT Marine Polar Contour Cooler is a solid choice if you need a large cooler for camping or extended outdoor trips. It offers a big capacity of 141 liters, which means it can hold a lot of food and drinks for a group. Thanks to its Ultratherm insulation in both the body and lid, it can keep ice frozen for up to 7 days, making it excellent for long trips where keeping things cold is crucial.

The cooler is designed to handle tough environments with marine-grade hinges and UV protection to resist sun damage, enhancing durability. It also has convenient, non-slip comfort grip handles that make carrying easier, although at 24.2 pounds it’s somewhat heavy, so portability might be a challenge if you need to move it frequently. The threaded drain plug is a practical feature that lets you quickly drain melted ice without tipping the cooler, which adds to ease of use.

Being water resistant and made from sturdy plastic, it holds up well in outdoor conditions. Due to its size and weight, it’s less ideal if you’re looking for a lightweight cooler to carry over long distances or hikes. If you prioritize ice retention, durability, and large capacity for group camping or fishing trips, this Igloo cooler offers a dependable and user-friendly option.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
11443 reviews

Capacity
Large capacity perfectly suits needs for extended food storage or group use.
Ice Retention
Keeps items frozen or cold for multiple days, proving its excellent ice retention capabilities.
Durability
Sturdy and well-made construction that handles heavy-duty use with ease.

Buying Guide for the Best Large Coolers

When it comes to picking a large cooler, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Whether you're going on a camping trip, hosting a backyard barbecue, or embarking on a long road trip, the right cooler can make a big difference in keeping your food and drinks fresh and cold. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a large cooler, along with explanations to help you make the best choice 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 40 quarts) are suitable for day trips or small gatherings. Medium coolers (40-70 quarts) are ideal for weekend trips or larger groups. Large coolers (70+ quarts) are best for extended trips or events with many people. Choose a capacity based on the duration of your trip and the number of people you need to cater to.
InsulationInsulation quality affects how long the cooler can keep its contents cold. This is crucial for maintaining food safety and beverage enjoyment. Basic insulation may keep items cold for a day, while high-end insulation can maintain low temperatures for up to a week. If you need a cooler for short outings, standard insulation will suffice. For longer trips or hot climates, invest in a cooler with premium insulation to ensure your items stay cold for the duration.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions. This is important if you plan to use the cooler in rugged environments or for heavy-duty purposes. Coolers made from high-density polyethylene or other tough materials are more durable and can handle more wear and tear. If you need a cooler for casual use, a standard model will do. For outdoor adventures or frequent use, opt for a more durable option.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to transport the cooler. This includes features like handles, wheels, and weight. It's important because a heavy, cumbersome cooler can be difficult to move, especially when fully loaded. Lightweight coolers with comfortable handles or wheels are easier to transport. If you need to move the cooler over long distances or rough terrain, look for models with sturdy wheels and ergonomic handles. For stationary use, portability may be less of a concern.
Ice RetentionIce retention measures how long a cooler can keep ice frozen. This is crucial for keeping your items cold over extended periods. Basic coolers may retain ice for a day or two, while high-performance models can keep ice for up to a week. If you need a cooler for short trips, standard ice retention will be adequate. For longer trips or extreme heat, choose a cooler with superior ice retention to ensure your items stay cold.
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 cooler more versatile and user-friendly. Consider which additional features would be beneficial for your specific needs. For example, a drain plug can make it easier to empty melted ice, while dry storage compartments can keep certain items from getting wet.

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