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10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,249
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
7514 reviews

Capacity
Perfect for large gatherings, fitting lunches for 21 students and 8 adults along with 6 gallon bags of ice.
Ice Retention
Extra-long ice retention ensures your items stay cool for extended periods.
Durability
Super sturdy construction allows it to double as a bench seat when necessary.
Portability
The wheels and pull handle make it easy to move the cooler wherever needed.
Additional Features
The cooler top fits snugly to the body and is connected by hinges, ensuring secure closure.

The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler is a robust and versatile choice for outdoor activities like tailgating, camping, and beach trips. With a substantial 100-quart capacity, it can hold up to 80 cans and 50 lbs. of ice, making it ideal for large gatherings. The TempLock FX Insulation ensures multi-day ice retention, keeping your items cool for extended periods, which is a significant advantage for longer trips.

The heavy-duty wheels and easy-tow handle enhance portability, allowing you to move the cooler effortlessly even when fully loaded. Constructed with 15% less plastic, it has an eco-conscious design, and the leak-proof tethered drain plug adds to its durability by preventing unwanted spills. The sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid can support up to 250 lbs., providing additional seating when needed. The four cup holders on the lid can accommodate up to 30oz tumblers, adding convenience.

Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stain-resistant liner and easy-to-clean lid. However, at 20.37 pounds, the cooler is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for some users, especially when maneuvering it over long distances or rough terrain. Despite this, the Coleman 316 Series offers a great balance of capacity, ice retention, and durability, making it a reliable choice for various outdoor adventures.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,249
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
7514 reviews

Capacity
Perfect for large gatherings, fitting lunches for 21 students and 8 adults along with 6 gallon bags of ice.
Ice Retention
Extra-long ice retention ensures your items stay cool for extended periods.
Durability
Super sturdy construction allows it to double as a bench seat when necessary.
Portability
The wheels and pull handle make it easy to move the cooler wherever needed.
Additional Features
The cooler top fits snugly to the body and is connected by hinges, ensuring secure closure.
#2

Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Cooler, Leak-Resistant Outdoor Hard Cooler Keeps Ice up to 5 Days, 52/70/120/150 Quart

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
4195 reviews

Capacity
Its large size fits perfectly in a wagon, making transport from car to campsite easier despite the absence of wheels.
Ice Retention
The cooler consistently keeps ice frozen longer than previous models, proving its superior insulation for extended outdoor use.
Durability
The lid seals tightly, ensuring contents stay cold and preventing leaks during camping and picnics.
Portability
Its large size fits perfectly in a wagon, making transport from car to campsite easier despite the absence of wheels.
Insulation
The cooler consistently keeps ice frozen longer than previous models, proving its superior insulation for extended outdoor use.
Additional Features
The cooler doubles as a practical container for sous vide cooking, maintaining temperature with minimal water loss.

The Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Cooler is a solid choice for camping or outdoor adventures, especially if you need a large capacity cooler. With a 150-quart size, it can hold up to 124 cans and a hefty 82 pounds of ice, making it great for group outings. Its TempLock FX insulation helps keep ice frozen for up to five days, which is impressive for extended trips. The cooler is built tough with durable plastic and features a lid that doubles as a seat supporting up to 250 pounds, adding extra convenience on your trip. Portability is balanced here; while it has easy-grip handles designed to be strong, the cooler is fairly large and weighs over 12 kilograms empty, so it might be a bit bulky for solo use or frequent moving.

The leak-resistant tethered drain plug is a smart touch, preventing messes and loss, and the stain-resistant liner with an EZ-Clean lid makes cleanup easier. Additional perks include four cup holders on the lid to help avoid spills. One consideration is that the cooler’s size and weight might limit portability for some users, especially if you need something lightweight or compact. But if you prioritize capacity, ice retention, and durability for outdoor gatherings or camping trips, this Coleman cooler delivers well.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
4195 reviews

Capacity
Its large size fits perfectly in a wagon, making transport from car to campsite easier despite the absence of wheels.
Ice Retention
The cooler consistently keeps ice frozen longer than previous models, proving its superior insulation for extended outdoor use.
Durability
The lid seals tightly, ensuring contents stay cold and preventing leaks during camping and picnics.
Portability
Its large size fits perfectly in a wagon, making transport from car to campsite easier despite the absence of wheels.
Insulation
The cooler consistently keeps ice frozen longer than previous models, proving its superior insulation for extended outdoor use.
Additional Features
The cooler doubles as a practical container for sous vide cooking, maintaining temperature with minimal water loss.
#3

YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Canopy Green

Rating
9.4
Durability
Capacity
Additional Features

Most important from
654 reviews

Durability
Exceptionally well-built and durable, designed to last for many years.
Capacity
Perfect size for carrying a few drinks and snacks without being bulky.
Additional Features
Magnet seal is a standout feature, making the cooler easy to open and close while remaining leak-resistant.
Ice Retention
Keeps ice cold for over 24 hours, maintaining drinks at optimal temperature.
Portability
Backpack design frees up hands and doubles as carry-on luggage for travel convenience.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is a solid choice for people who want a portable, durable cooler that can carry up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice. Its standout feature is the MagShield Access, which uses strong magnets to create a leak-resistant seal that’s easy to open and close, making it handy when you're on the move. The ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam helps keep your drinks cold for hours, making it great for day trips or short outings. The DryHide shell fabric is tough and resists punctures and UV damage, adding to its durability for outdoor use.

Designed as a backpack, it offers good portability by freeing up your hands, but keep in mind it weighs about 3.5 kg on its own, which might feel a bit heavy when fully packed. The HitchPoint Grid allows you to attach extra gear, like bottle openers or dry cases, which adds convenience if you want to customize your setup.

While it’s excellent for moderate capacity and day use, it may not suit those needing to store larger amounts or requiring extended ice retention over multiple days. For those seeking a rugged, easy-to-carry cooler with smart features for casual outdoor adventures, the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is a dependable pick.

Rating
9.4
Durability
Capacity
Additional Features

Most important from
654 reviews

Durability
Exceptionally well-built and durable, designed to last for many years.
Capacity
Perfect size for carrying a few drinks and snacks without being bulky.
Additional Features
Magnet seal is a standout feature, making the cooler easy to open and close while remaining leak-resistant.
Ice Retention
Keeps ice cold for over 24 hours, maintaining drinks at optimal temperature.
Portability
Backpack design frees up hands and doubles as carry-on luggage for travel convenience.

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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