10 Best Outdoor Recreation 2025 in the United States

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is a robust option for outdoor enthusiasts. This cooler shines in durability with its Rotomolded Construction, making it almost indestructible and ideal for rugged adventures. The PermaFrost Insulation and thick FatWall design ensure excellent ice retention, keeping your drinks and food cold for extended periods, a critical feature for long camping trips. It boasts a bear-resistant certification, adding an extra layer of security during outdoor activities. Functionality is enhanced by its T-Rex Lid Latches made of heavy-duty rubber, which prevent latch breakage and ensure a secure seal. The cooler also includes a dry goods basket, providing convenience for separating items inside.

The weight of 23 pounds when empty can be a drawback, as it might be cumbersome to carry over long distances, especially when fully loaded. While its exterior dimensions allow for a decent capacity of 26 cans, the bulkiness might pose packing challenges in smaller vehicles or tight spaces. Comfort features are minimal, lacking ergonomic handles which could have made handling easier. If you prioritize durability and insulation performance and don’t mind the weight, the YETI Tundra 45 is an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.

The Thule Pro XTR 2 Hitch Bike Rack offers a robust and user-friendly solution for transporting bikes, particularly e-bikes, thanks to its high load capacity of 60 lbs per bike and compatibility with various bike styles. Its tool-free installation and AutoAttach system make it easy to set up, while the integrated wheels provide convenient maneuverability when the rack is off the vehicle. The HitchSwitch lever allows for seamless trunk access by tilting the rack down, which is a significant advantage for users needing frequent access to the rear of their vehicle.

Additionally, the design ensures zero frame contact, making it safe for carbon frames and other sensitive bike types. Durability is enhanced with a limited lifetime warranty, and the product's strong build quality is evident. However, the bike rack is relatively heavy at approximately 63 lbs, which could be a drawback for those looking for a more lightweight option. Its large dimensions might also pose storage challenges when not in use.

The Thule Pro XTR 2 is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing durability, weather resistance, and functionality in their bike transportation solution. While the product allows for carrying up to four bikes with an additional purchase, the base model supports only two bikes.

The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently transport bikes, especially heavy e-bikes or mountain bikes. Its high load capacity of 130 lbs (65 lbs per bike) makes it suitable for heavier bikes. The integrated folding bike loading ramp is a convenient feature, allowing for easy loading and unloading of bikes without straining your back. The tool-free installation process is straightforward and fast, which is a big plus for users who may not be very handy with tools.

The bike rack also features torque-limiting knobs and ratcheting wheel straps to secure bikes firmly, enhancing safety during transport. The fully foldable design, complete with transport wheels and a carry handle, makes it easy to store and move when not in use. Additionally, the smart foot pedal tilt function provides easy trunk access, even with bikes loaded on the rack. Security is also well thought out, with locks included to secure both the bikes to the rack and the rack to the receiver.

However, the bike rack is relatively heavy, weighing around 22.68 kilograms, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle. The Thule EasyFold XT 2 is also priced on the higher side, which could be a potential drawback for budget-conscious buyers. While it offers great functionality, it may require additional purchases, like the Thule Fat Bike Wheel Strap Kit, to accommodate different bike sizes. Despite these minor downsides, its durability, weather resistance, and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for regular cyclists.