8 Best Ice Cooler For Camping of 2023 Reviews

Best Overall: Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels is a top-notch choice for campers looking for a reliable and spacious ice cooler. With its impressive features and durable construction, it offers exceptional performance for outdoor adventures.

One of the standout features of this cooler is its TempLock FX Insulation, which ensures multi-day ice retention, keeping your items cold for up to 5 days. This is ideal for extended camping trips where access to fresh ice may be limited.

The heavy-duty wheels and easy-tow handle make transporting the cooler a breeze, even over rough terrain. You can easily maneuver it to your camping spot without any hassle. The 316 Series cooler is also designed with 15% less plastic than comparable Coleman coolers, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Leakages can be a nuisance, but with the tethered drainplug, you won't have to worry about spills or lost drainplugs. The four cup holders are a convenient addition, allowing you to enjoy your beverages without the risk of spills.

Cleaning up after your camping trip is made easy with the stain-resistant liner and EZ-Clean lid. Simply wipe away any mess and get ready for your next adventure. Moreover, the sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid can support up to 250 lbs, providing you with a comfortable seating option in the great outdoors.

With a whopping 100-quart capacity, this cooler can hold up to 80 cans and 50 lbs. of ice. You'll have plenty of space to store all your food and drinks, catering to larger groups or longer camping trips.

In conclusion, the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels is a reliable and high-performing ice cooler that delivers on its promises. Its durability, excellent insulation, and convenient features make it an excellent investment for camping enthusiasts. With this cooler by your side, you can enjoy fresh and cold food and beverages throughout your camping adventures.

Best Budget: Goplus 16 Quart Cooler, 24-Can Capacity Ice Chest

The Goplus 16 Quart Cooler is a compact and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable ice chest for their camping, fishing, or other outdoor activities. With its excellent ice retention performance, durable materials, and thoughtful design, it offers convenience and functionality.

The advanced sealing technology of this cooler allows for impressive ice retention, keeping your contents cold for up to 3 days with a recommended 1:1 ice-to-contents ratio. When fully packed with ice, it can even last up to 4-5 days. Additionally, this cooler has the added benefit of being dual-use, capable of both refrigerating and keeping items warm.

Constructed with premium PE and PU insulating materials, the Goplus cooler ensures durability and longevity. It is also environmentally friendly, being non-toxic and odorless. The rot-molded bear-resistant construction further enhances its durability, capable of withstanding up to 1102 pounds.

Despite its compact size of 18" x 13.5" x 13", this cooler boasts a 16-quart capacity, allowing it to hold 24 cans of cola without ice. Whether you're going fishing, camping, or embarking on a long-distance self-drive trip, this cooler is a versatile companion. It can also serve as a convenient medical cooler box.

The portable design of the Goplus cooler makes it easy to transport and enjoy fresh food during your outdoor adventures. The stainless steel rotating handle with a soft pad provides sturdiness and comfort while carrying or lifting the cooler. It also features securing latches, a lock slot, and a seal gasket to prevent water leakage and heat transfer, ensuring safety and maintaining temperature.

Furthermore, the cooler is equipped with 4 anti-slip foot pads to prevent sudden sliding in a moving truck. The drain plug facilitates easy water release, and the two bottle holders eliminate the worry of finding a place to keep your drinks.

In conclusion, the Goplus 16 Quart Cooler is a reliable and versatile ice chest for outdoor activities. Its excellent ice retention, durable construction, and innovative details make it a valuable companion for camping, fishing, and other adventures. With its compact and portable design, you can enjoy fresh and chilled food and beverages wherever your outdoor endeavors take you.

Best Value: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach

The RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler is a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a durable and highly portable ice chest. With its all-terrain wheels, premium ice retention, lightweight design, and versatile features, it stands out as an exceptional cooler for various outdoor activities.

Designed for adventurers who venture into the great outdoors, this RTIC cooler comes equipped with puncture-resistant, all-terrain wheels. You can confidently traverse rough terrains, ensuring easy transportation of your food and beverages.

The ice retention capability of this cooler is impressive, thanks to its 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation. It keeps your food and drinks cold for multiple days, allowing you to enjoy refreshing beverages and chilled snacks throughout your outdoor escapades. With a capacity to hold up to 78 cans, it provides ample space for your camping or picnic essentials.

What sets the RTIC Ultra-Light cooler apart is its weight. It is expertly crafted to be over 30% lighter than other coolers with the same capacity. This lightweight feature makes it highly portable and convenient to carry, making it an ideal companion for your outdoor explorations. The cooler's dimensions are Length: 29 inches, Width: 18 1/4 inches, and Height: 18 3/4 inches.

The versatility of this cooler is truly remarkable. Whether you need an ice chest for camping, a drink cooler for a beach outing, a beer cooler for a barbecue, or a travel cooler for your adventures, the RTIC Ultra-Light cooler fits the bill perfectly. It adapts to various occasions and provides reliable cooling performance.

The ergonomic silicone-gripped, no-slam aluminum handle adds to the convenience of towing the cooler, even by just one person. Additionally, the handle can double up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or extra cutting board, enhancing its practicality in outdoor settings. The built-in durable silicone cargo net in the lid provides easy storage for smaller items, ensuring they stay secure during transportation.

In conclusion, the RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler offers outstanding performance and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its all-terrain wheels, excellent ice retention, lightweight design, and versatile features, it is a reliable companion for camping, fishing, picnics, beach trips, barbecues, and more. Choose this cooler for its durability, portability, and impressive cooling capabilities, and enjoy chilled refreshments on your outdoor adventures.

Editor's Choise: CAMP-ZERO 40 | 42.26 Quart Cooler/Ice Chest

The CAMP-ZERO 40 Cooler is a reliable and durable ice chest designed for outdoor enthusiasts. With its virtually indestructible construction, enhanced cooling capabilities, convenient cup holders, and generous capacity, it proves to be a valuable companion for camping and other outdoor adventures.

Constructed using rotomolded technology, the CAMP-ZERO cooler boasts a hard shell exterior that is sleek yet rugged. Its secure locking system ensures the safety of your contents, and it is even grizzly certified, making it bear-resistant when used with appropriate locks (locks not included). This cooler is built to last, enduring the demands of outdoor activities.

When it comes to keeping your beverages, food, and ice cold, the CAMP-ZERO 40 excels. Its enhanced thick-walled design enhances insulation and prolongs cooling performance, allowing you to enjoy chilled refreshments for longer durations. The freezer-grade gasket in the interior ensures superior ice retention, and the cooler is also compatible with dry ice for added convenience.

The cooler lid of the CAMP-ZERO 40 is equipped with four molded-in cup holders that come with drain channels. This feature eliminates concerns about condensation, providing a convenient and secure place to keep your drinks.

With a capacity to accommodate up to 48 cans, the CAMP-ZERO 40 offers ample space for your beverages and food. It translates to 40 liters, 10.5 gallons, or 42.2 quarts. The cooler also features molded-in tie-down channels for secure transportation. Additionally, it includes reversible anti-skid rubber or hard nylon feet and a no-lose screw-in drain plug for added functionality.

CAMP-ZERO stands behind the quality of their coolers and ensures customer satisfaction. That's why every cooler comes with a 5-year warranty, demonstrating their commitment to delivering a reliable and durable product.

In conclusion, the CAMP-ZERO 40 Cooler is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts in need of a dependable and long-lasting ice chest. Its virtually indestructible construction, enhanced cooling capabilities, convenient cup holders, and generous capacity make it a reliable companion for camping and other outdoor activities. Choose the CAMP-ZERO 40 Cooler to stay cool and enjoy refreshing beverages and chilled food on your outdoor adventures.

Various Ice Coolers
There are numerous varieties of ice refrigerators on the market. Traditional coolers, soft-sided coolers, and electric coolers are common varieties. Traditional coolers, comprised of rigid plastic or metal, provide excellent insulation but are typically heavier. In contrast, soft-sided coolers are lighter and simpler to transport. Electric coolers are propelled by electricity or batteries and are able to maintain a constant temperature without ice.

Dimensions & Capacity
Consider the cooler's size and capacity in light of your camping requirements. If you are traveling alone or have limited vehicle space, a compact cooler may suffice. For larger groups or extended camping trips, you will need a cooler with a larger capacity to store all of your food and beverages.

Insulation
Insulation is essential for preserving the coldness of your items for an extended period of time. Look for coolers with thick insulation, preferable made from premium materials such as polyurethane foam or rotomolded construction. These materials have superior insulating properties and aid in ice retention for several days.

Durability
Camping can be harsh on gear, so durability is an essential consideration. Choose containers made from durable materials that can withstand rough handling, extreme temperatures, and impact. Rotomolded refrigerators are renowned for their resilience and ability to withstand extreme outdoor conditions.

Portability
Frequently, camping involves moving around and investigating new areas. Consequently, portability is necessary for an ice refrigerator. Look for features, such as sturdy handles, wheels, and shoulder straps, that make it simpler to transport the cooler.

Additional Attributes
Some ice chests include additional features that can improve your camping experience. Cup holders, cutting surfaces, bottle openers, and Bluetooth speakers may be included. Consider which features would be advantageous to you and select a cooler that meets your needs.

Cost range
Depending on their size, brand, and additional features, ice refrigerators come in a variety of price points. Determine a budget that meets your needs, then investigate your options within that range. Remember that investing in a high-quality cooler may result in long-term cost reductions due to its superior insulation and durability.

Maintenance and Attention
The longevity of your ice refrigerator can be increased through maintenance and care. Look for coolers with leak-proof drains for effortless cleaning, antimicrobial interiors to prevent mold and odor, and UV-resistant exteriors to prevent solar damage. Follow the manufacturer's cleansing and storage instructions for optimal performance.

User Evaluations and Suggestions
Read user reviews and seek recommendations from fellow campers or outdoor enthusiasts before making a final decision. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights and assist you in selecting a dependable ice cooler that meets your specific requirements.

Best Manufacturers of Ice Coolers
Several manufacturers are well-known for the quality of their ice coolers. Yeti, Coleman, Igloo, Pelican, and ORCA are a few well-liked options. These firms have established themselves as industry leaders by delivering consistently superior products.

Where to Shop
Ice refrigerators are readily accessible in both physical stores and online marketplaces. To ensure authenticity and customer support, consider purchasing from reputable retailers or the manufacturer's website. Amazon and other online marketplaces provide a variety of options and user reviews to help you make an informed choice.

How long can ice keep objects cold in a cooler?

A: The duration depends on a number of variables, including insulation, outside temperature, and the quantity of ice utilized. Coolers of superior quality can keep products cold for several days.

Can dried ice be used in an ice chest?

A: Dry ice can be utilized in ice freezers. Carbon dioxide gas is emitted, however, necessitating cautious handling and ventilation.

Can I utilize my ice chest as a seat?

A: Some ice chests have lids that are robust enough to support seating, but it is essential to consult the manufacturer's instructions. The cooler can be damaged by excessive weight and harsh handling.

How do I properly sanitize my ice chest?

A: Clean the interior and exterior of the cooler with mild detergent, warm water, and a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleansers, as they may cause material damage.

Can I use my ice chest to store heated foods and drinks?

A: Ice coolers are designed primarily to keep objects cold. Although they may provide some insulation, they are not designed for the storage of heated food or beverages.

Choosing the best ice cooler for camping is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your camping experience. By considering factors like insulation, durability, portability, and additional features, you can find the perfect cooler to keep your food and drinks fresh throughout your outdoor adventures. Remember to read user reviews, explore reputable brands, and make an informed decision based on your specific needs.