We tested several coolers for what works best for regular Birminghamian’s summer activities- going to the beach, the lake, an outdoor party, or camping trip. We looked at not only ice-retention, but what was most convenient. Here’s what we liked.
Best All Around
Hydro Flask 26 L Escape Tote
$180
This was our favorite and most practical and most versatile. First, its ice retention was comparable to the soft Yeti’s, but much less bulky, and much easier to throw on your shoulder for transport. It’s also super light. Our reviewer loved the TRU®Zip zipper compared to the soft Yeti’s, which occasionally needs a lubricant. It was also great when you needed to fit wine bottles. And coming in at a modest $180 was nice.
Best for Being Active
Icemule Classic Collapsible Sling Strap
$65-$140
We found this cooler to be best suited for an active day on the water like kayaking, paddle boarding, etc. And it floats. Its unique design works like a stuff sack for camping. It’s super light and flexible, but won’t hold ice nearly as well as a traditionally built cooler when exposed to continuous heat.
Best for the Boat
Yeti Tundra 65
$375
Nothing holds ice and is as durable as the Yeti. Our’s spent all day in the hot summer sun in Perdido and it stayed super cold all day, and was plenty durable to act as a bench to sit on. We found the 65, which easily holds 50 cans plus ice, the perfect size for 6-8 people.
Best for the Beach
Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler
$325
Like all Yetis, it holds ice well and is super durable. But our favorite feature was the magnetic opening which makes it super easy to quickly grab a beer. Being a backpack, it was great for the times when there was a moderate walk to the beach.
Best Bang for the Buck
RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
$240
The RTIC comes in less expensive and lighter than the comparable Yeti version, and holds ice comparably well. We almost always prefer a cooler with wheels, than one without them. While the wheels may take up more storage space, it just makes even the smallest transports easier.
Best for Being on Trend
Oyster Tempo Cooler
$445
The Oyster cooler has an eye-catching look that’s sleek and simple in its aluminum exterior. And it has a patented technology called DLTA. This technology means you don’t use ice. You use thermal ice-packs (sold separately). And its insulation is legit. It costs $445 without the ice-packs, and $545 with the ice-packs and strap. This cooler makes sense when you need a cooler that’s completely stationary (ex. back of a car). But weighing in at around 12lbs, for only a medium sized cooler, its bulk made it too difficult when in transport, compared to a soft cooler.
