From long road trips to weekends at the cabin, camping coolers are an easy solution for transporting food and preventing things from spoiling. If you’re not a fan of dehydrated camping food, or you’re traveling with young kids who are picky eaters, having a decent cooler can solve your meal dilemmas.

There’s a lot of variety and literally hundreds of camping coolers to choose from. They range from high-end and expensive coolers capable of keeping things frozen for days, to cheap plastic ones which probably won’t last even 24 hours.

So, how do you select the best camping cooler? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve done the research to come up with this list of excellent camping coolers for a variety of travel needs, as well as a guide about what to look for when purchasing a cooler.

Quick Answer: These are the Best Coolers for Camping of 2024

Product
Description
Overall Best Cooler for Camping
Overall Best Cooler for Camping

Subble & Co The Cooler

  • > $$
  • > Double Insulated
  • > Folds up when not in use
Best Cooler for Camping in Big Groups
Best Cooler for Camping in Big Groups

Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler

  • > $$$
  • > Capable of holding up to 50 cans
  • > High quality locks
Best Backpack Cooler
Best Backpack Cooler

REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

  • > $
  • > External gear pockets
  • > Extra straps on the front
Best High-End Backpack Cooler
Best High-End Backpack Cooler

Yeti Hopper M20 Cooler

  • > $$
  • > Padded shoulder straps
  • > Removable chest and hip belt
Best Budget Camping Cooler
Best Budget Camping Cooler

Coleman 55 Quart Cooler

  • > $
  • > Designed to be able to hold 250 pounds
  • > Cup holders on each corner of the lid
Best Budget Cooler for Road Trips
Best Budget Cooler for Road Trips

REI Co-op Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler

  • > $
  • > Designed to be leak proof
  • > Fairly durable
Best Softshell Camping Cooler
Best Softshell Camping Cooler

Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler

  • > $$
  • > Made from a waterproof and highly durable thermoplastic
  • > Has both a top handle and a padded shoulder strap
Best Backpack Cooler
Best Backpack Cooler

CamelBAK ChillBAK Cube 18”

  • > $$
  • > Cooler Backpack
  • > Very Stylish
Best Wheeled Camping Cooler
Best Wheeled Camping Cooler

RovR Products RollR 60 Cooler

  • > $$$
  • > Weighing almost 50 pounds
  • > Bear-resistant food container
Best Powered Camping Cooler for Groups
Best Powered Camping Cooler for Groups

Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler

  • > $$$$$$$$
  • > Refrigerator-style electric cooler
  • > Two storage compartments
Best Camping Cooler for Fishing
Best Camping Cooler for Fishing

Buffalo Gear Catch Cooler

  • > $
  • > Separate places for storing fish and food items
  • > Made from durable 420-denier ripstop nylon
Best Insulated Tote Cooler
Best Insulated Tote Cooler

Hydro Flask 35L Insulated Tote

  • > $
  • > Lightweight and durable
  • > Waterproof fabric, water resistant zippers

The Best Coolers for Camping 

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#1 – Overall Best Cooler for Camping

The Cooler by Stubble & Co

The Cooler by Stubble & Co

Overall best cooler for camping is the Cooler by Stubble & Co

Specs
  • Cooler Type: Softshell
  • Weight: 23 pounds
  • Gear Capacity: 28.5 litres

The putting the cool into Cooler, Stubble & Co have unleashed their take on the concept upon the appreciate market. While they may not have revolutionized the field of camping coolers, they have certainty aced it with this stylish, light(ish) and package cooler backpack.

The Cooler is big enough to pack a decent amount of provisions and ice, but still small enough that it fits soundly on your back like a backpack should. Best of all its foldable/collapsable so when its empty you can fold it up and put it away nicely. It’s great for everything, from group BBQs to weekends at the cabin, and the 3-inch thick insulation of polyurethane foam is capable of keeping the cooler cold for days. 

Purposefully designed with a large double-insulated compartment for chilled items and additional pockets for cutlery and dry goods, its the perfect picnic cooler that also does well for festivals and days at the beach. It also has a side 1l water bottle pocket and very handy quick access pocket.

Unloaded, the cooler weighs pounds, so it can get heavy once it’s filled up with food and drinks. However it has breathable back mesh and proper straps so is a LOT better to carry than other packs on this list.

When I received this pack super impressed by how long this thing kept cool, even when left inside a hot car all day in summer. I also find it a lot more stylish than some other entrants on this list. For me, its also a great beach bag for those picnics down on the coast.

Pros
  • Folds up when not in use
  • Keeps things cold for long time
  • Proper backpack straps
Cons
  • Not cheap for a novelty item
  • Not as cool as some on list
Stubble & CO The Cooler

#2 – Best Cooler for Camping in Big Groups

Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler

YETI Tundra 75 Cooler

Our pick for best cooler for camping in big groups is Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler

Specs
  • Cooler Type: Hard-sided
  • Weight: 30 pounds
  • Gear Capacity: 70.75 liters

With the Yeti Tundra 45 taking the spot for overall best camping cooler, it should come as no surprise that the best cooler for groups is simply a larger version. The Tundra 75 is capable of holding up to 50 cans and will stay cold even longer than the Tundra 45 cooler. 

It’s also dry-ice compatible and features the same high quality locks, which are replaceable. 

Measuring 33.25 x 17.9 x 18 inches and weighing 30 pounds when empty, this cooler can be a bit of a beast to haul around. The carrying straps on either side make it easier to carry with two people. You can also purchase separate straps to secure the cooler in a boat or truck using tie down slots. 

Our team love the Yeti Tundra in any size so of course, this hit the mark once again. It got similar praise as its smaller brother with the team loving how long it kept their gear cool. However, the only reason it didn’t take the top spot was due to its size when it came to camping. On the other hand, when it came to car camping our team loved how big this cooler was and just how much they could hold, it was particularly useful for trips through Outback Australia.

Pros
  • Large capacity
  • Good handles and latches
  • Keeps things cold for days
Cons
  • Can be cumbersome to move
  • Expensive

#3 – Best Backpack Cooler

REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

REI Coop Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Meet the best backpack cooler: REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Specs
  • Cooler Type: Soft-sided backpack
  • Weight: 3 pounds 3 ounces
  • Gear Capacity: 38 liters

This convenient backpack-style cooler is easy to bring along camping, thanks to the padded straps and hip belt. Gone are the days of awkwardly toting around bulky coolers, now you can sling it on your back and keep your hands free!

With a 38 liter capacity and measuring 22 x 17 x 9 inches, the backpack is big enough for an overnight trip or a picnic on the beach with friends. There are also external gear pockets and extra straps on the front where a camping chair or beach towels can easily be attached. 

The Trail Cooler Pack can also function as a typical day pack if you remove the cooler insert. Unfortunately, the zippers on the pack aren’t waterproof, so the pack will leak if tipped on its side. 

Our team rated this as their best backpacking cooler for two main reasons. Firstly, it looks dam cool, like a proper backpack rather than an oversized lunchbox! The other is how convenient this design is. They loved how comfortable it was to carry and how much easier it felt than using a conventional cooler.

Pros
  • Good carrying capacity
  • Comfortable straps and can function as a regular backpack
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Won’t keep foods as cold as hard-shell coolers
  • Zippers aren’t waterproof and will leak

#4 – Best High-End Backpack Cooler

Yeti Hopper M20 Cooler

YETI Hopper BackFlip 24 Cooler

Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Cooler is our pick for the best high-end backpack cooler

Specs
  • Cooler Type: Soft-shell backpack
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Gear Capacity: 19 liters

For a backpack cooler that’s a higher quality than the REI Cool Trail Pack, Yeti has the solution. The Hopper is made to the same high standards as other Yeti products, and also comes with the same expensive price tag. 

The pack features both padded shoulder straps and a removable chest and hip belt for carrying extra heavy loads. You won’t have to deal with leaks though, thanks to the signature Hydrolok Zipper which provides a watertight seal. 

You can purchase an additional pouch which can be attached to the front, and there are loops on the pack for securing other gear. Depending on how much ice you have in the pack, it’s good to keep things frozen for at least a day. However, it can be longer, depending on the outside conditions and how much you open and close the pack. 

Our team rated this as a close runner-up when it came to the best backpacking cooler. They loved the compact and simple design that is easy to carry and doesn’t weigh you down. One other feature the team were keen on is the number of gear loops on the outside. This made the backpack pretty versatile, especially for camping.

Pros
  • Padded shoulder straps and waistband
  • Leak proof zipper
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No external pockets

#5 – Best Budget Camping Cooler

Coleman 55 Quart Cooler

Coleman 52 Quart Cooler

Our pick for best budget camping cooler is Coleman 55 Quart Cooler

Specs
  • Cooler Type: Hard shell
  • Weight: 8 pounds 11.2 ounces
  • Gear Capacity: 52 liters

If you’re looking for a camping cooler that’s not going to empty your wallet, then the Coleman 55 quart is a good choice. Although it won’t meet the same quality standards as Yeti coolers or the like, it’s still going to work fine for a picnic or overnight trip. 

The swing-up handles are sturdy, but definitely much easier for two people to carry together. It is lighter than other coolers on this list, but can still get quite heavy once weighted down with food and beverages. 

Another great feature of the Coleman is that the top is designed to be able to hold 250 pounds, making it suitable to use as a chair while you’re out at the campsite. There are also cup holders on each corner of the lid to help prevent your drinks from spilling. 

Our team loved how durable and strong this cooler was. They felt it was pretty much bulletproof when it came to long-term use out in the wilds and the fact that it’s strong enough to use as a chair is both proof of its strength as well as making it even more useful.

Pros
  • Budget friendly
  • Large storage capacity
  • Lid can function as a seat
Cons
  • Lower quality material
  • Awkward handles

#6 – Best Budget Cooler for Road Trips

REI Co-op Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler

REI Coop Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler

REI Co-op Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler is one of the best budget cooler for road trips

Specs
  • Cooler Type: Soft-shell
  • Weight: 1 pound, 3 ounces
  • Gear Capacity: 17 liters

If you’re on a car trip and want the convenience of having a bag of snacks or cold beverages next to you on the front seat, this Pack Away soft-shell cooler is a great choice. It can be carried either as a tote bag or shoulder bag, and folds flat for easy storage. 

Although it’s certainly not going to keep ice frozen for as long as other coolers, it still functions perfectly well for picnics, day trips, or even overnights, if you’re not opening it too much. 

The cooler itself is designed to be leak proof, but the zipper is not waterproof, so it will drip if tipped on its side. For riding in a car this isn’t much of an issue, but it is something to be mindful of while transporting it. 

Weighing only 1 pound, 3 ounces, the Pack-Away 12 is much lighter than other cooler options and still fairly durable, thanks to the polyester shell and abrasion-resistant nylon bottom. 

Our team loved the light and low profile of this soft case cooler. One highlight was how easily it folded down and fit inside their larger bags when not in use. They also found the handles comfortable and felt they made this thing easy to carry on shorter trips.

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Lightweight and easy to store
  • Tote handles and shoulder strap
Cons
  • Won’t keep things cold as long
  • Zipper isn’t leak proof

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    #7 – Best Softshell Camping Cooler

    Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler

    YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler

    Our pick for best softshell camping cooler is Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler

    Specs
    • Cooler Type: Soft-shell
    • Weight: 5.1 pounds
    • Gear Capacity: 17.8 liters

    This soft-shell cooler performs on par with many hard-shell models, but doesn’t have the added weight or clunky design. The shell of the cooler is made from a waterproof and highly durable thermoplastic that can withstand the bumps and abrasions of an adventurous lifestyle. 

    Thanks to the leakproof HydroLok zipper, you won’t need to worry about anything spilling while you’re on the go. The cooler has both a top handle and a padded shoulder strap for easy transportation. 

    The biggest drawback to the Yeti Hopper 18 is the price. Like other Yeti products, you can expect superior quality, but with a high price tag attached. However, if you’re looking for a soft-shell cooler capable of keeping items cold for over a day and that doesn’t sweat, then the Hopper 18 is your best option.  

    Our team loved how cool this cooler looked! Like, when it comes to cool boxes this thing actually makes you look good rather than like a kid heading off to school! Another feature they really loved, which is common on the Yeti coolers, is the addition of gear loops to the outside. With the addition of a carabiner, they could attach their water bottles or a torch.

    Pros
    • Very durable
    • Leak proof zipper
    • Comfortable shoulder strap
    Cons
    • Expensive

    #8 – Best Backpack Cooler

    CamelBAK ChillBAK Cube 18”

    ChillBak Cube 18 Soft Cooler with Fusion CamelBAK

    The CamelBAK Cube is our pick for the best backpack cooler

    Specs
    • Cooler Type – Cube Backpack
    • Weight – 3.39 Ibs/1.54 KG
    • Gear Capacity – 920 cu in / 15 L

    The ChillBak Cube 18 Soft Cooler, meticulously designed for camping excursions, picnics, and seaside gatherings, delivers top-tier cooling capabilities in a sleek and manageable design. Its exceptional performance in preserving the coolness of your food and beverages for prolonged durations sets it apart. An innovative feature is the Fusion 3L Group Reservoir, which fulfils hydration needs, enhancing its function beyond a typical cooler. Its cube design simplifies portability, and it comfortably nests in your car boot, on a boat, or even when strapped to a canoe.

    Constructed to endure the rigors of outdoor activities, the ChillBak Cube showcases insulated walls for optimal temperature regulation. Its user-friendly, easy-clean interior simplifies the clean-up process after your excursions. Regardless of whether you’re embarking on a daylong beach visit or a weekend camping journey, the ChillBak Cube 18 Soft Cooler stands out as an exceptional companion.

    Our team loved the versatility of this backpack. They liked that it had a good amount of normal storage above the cooler section which meant for shorter trips they only had to carry one bag with them rather than a backpack AND a cooler. With it being designed as a proper backpack they felt it was probably the most comfortable on the list too.

    Pros
    • Dedicated water reservoir
    • Keeps items very cool



    Cons
    • Cube backpack – not always nice to carry
    • Expensive-ish

    #9 – Best Wheeled Camping Cooler

    RovR Products RollR 60 Cooler

    RovR Products RollR 60 Cooler

    RovR Products RollR 60 Cooler is our pick for the best wheeled camping cooler

    Specs
    • Cooler Type: Hard-shell with wheels
    • Weight: 49 pounds, 7.9 ounces
    • Gear Capacity: 56.78 liters

    Coolers can only get so big before they’re impossible to manage without wheels. Weighing almost 50 pounds, even while empty, the RovR RollR 60 would probably be too much of a beast if it didn’t come with high-quality all-terrain tires. 

    This cooler is practically a mini fridge you can bring with you while camping. The compartmentalized interior helps keep everything organized, and there’s a pop-up wagon bin on top so you can haul other gear to your campsite. 

    RovR says this cooler will keep things cold for up to 10 days. Of course, this depends a lot on the external temperature and how often you’re opening and closing the cooler. You should be able to count on 3 or 4 days of keeping your provisions cool. 

    You can also make the RollR 60 a bear-resistant food container by purchasing two separate padlocks to use on the front corners. Be sure to double-check whether your vehicle can accommodate the full 27 x 22 x 22 inches of this cooler before purchasing it. 

    Our team felt this cooler was a proper beast and just loved it… when they had the space for it! It kept their beer cold for well over 5 days whilst road-tripping across the country without any fuss. They loved the chunky off-road wheels too, they felt they were durable enough to survive being rolled across rough terrain on the daily and made dragging it, even when fully loaded, a breeze.

    Pros
    • Very durable
    • Keeps things cold for 4+ days
    • Wheels are designed for rough ground
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Big and heavy

    #10 Best Cooler Backpack For Travel

    Isle Gateway Cooler Backpack

    isle-gateway-cooler-backpack

    A lovely and extendable cooler backpack.

    Specs
    • Cooler Type:
    • Weight: 61 pounds
    • Gear Capacity: 75 liters

    The Isle Gateway Cooler Backpack emerges as a versatile and innovative solution for those seeking both a high-performance cooler and a practical backpack for various activities. Its 25-liter capacity is thoughtfully designed to cater to day trips, efficiently storing food and drinks for 2-4 people, making it an ideal choice for picnics, hikes, beach outings, or even grocery runs. The robust waterproof shell combined with premium EVA foam insulation ensures that contents stay cool and protected, regardless of the external conditions. This cooler backpack stands out for its adaptability, seamlessly transitioning from adventure gear to a daily-use item without compromising on functionality or style.

    The design and features of the Isle Gateway Cooler Backpack prioritize convenience and comfort. The G-Hook webbing straps and seamless compatibility with the ISLE-LINK system highlight its user-friendly nature, designed to enhance the outdoor experience. Whether it’s for watersports enthusiasts or casual adventurers, the backpack’s rugged construction promises durability and resilience in the face of outdoor challenges.

    In comparison to other cooler backpacks on the market, the Isle Gateway Cooler Backpack holds a unique position. It not only meets the practical needs of keeping items cool and dry but also excels in ergonomic design and versatility. This dual-purpose functionality, combined with its durable build and thoughtful design, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking for a reliable cooler backpack.

    Pros
    • Built with a robust waterproof shell
    • G-Hook webbing straps for easy carrying
    Cons
    • Rough material
    • Limited Capacity
    • Heavy

    #11 – Best Powered Camping Cooler for Groups

    Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler

    Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler

    Meet the best powered camping cooler for groups: Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler

    Specs
    • Cooler Type: Electric hard-sided
    • Weight: 61 pounds
    • Gear Capacity: 75 liters

    Although the Dometic is way out of the price range of most campers, it’s still worth mentioning as a totally kick-ass product that hands-down takes the prize for fanciest camping cooler. 

    If you’re planning on traveling long-term in your vehicle, then it might be worth considering investing in this refrigerator-style electric cooler. 

    The 3-stage dynamic battery is designed to prevent your car battery from dying, while still keeping everything inside nice and cold. You can monitor the cooler’s activity and current settings by downloading the convenient app which allows you to adjust it on your phone. 

    There are two storage compartments within the cooler, each with an independent temperature setting for frozen or cool items. 

    If there’s one thing that would be helpful to include on the Dometic CFX3 75, it would be wheels. However, there’s a good chance the cooler will probably just remain in your vehicle, so you won’t have to haul it back and forth too much. 

    Our team were taken aback a little by the price of this cooler but once they gave it a go they could see it was worth every penny. They just loved the length of time they could keep their food and drinks cold using this state-of-the-art cooler, in fact, they thought it was like bringing along a mini fridge that was portable and worked seamlessly with their cars.

    Pros
    • Electric control of interior temperature
    • Two separate zones for cooling and freezing
    • Controlled from mobile app
    Cons
    • Very expensive
    • Heavy and takes a lot of power to run
    • No wheels

    #11 – Best Camping Cooler for Fishing

    Buffalo Gear Catch Cooler

    buffalo gear catch cooler

    Our pick for best camping cooler for fishing is Buffalo Gear Catch Cooler

    Specs
    • Cooler Type: Soft-sided backpack style
    • Weight: 5 pounds, 4.1 ounces
    • Gear Capacity: 27.6 liters

    This camping cooler was designed specifically for fishing. Inside the cooler there are separate places for storing fish and food items, and separate access points to keep everything neat and organized. 

    You also won’t need to worry about sharp fish fins puncturing the inside of the cooler, since it’s made from durable 420-denier ripstop nylon. The shoulder straps of the pack could honestly do with a bit more padding, but chances are the cooler will just be in your boat most of the time anyway.

    The insulation is good for keeping things cold for about a day, which is usually plenty for a short fishing trip. Some people have reported an issue with the zippers snagging, but that it didn’t affect the durability or performance of the cooler. 

    Our team were really impressed by how well-suited this cooler was for fishing. They loved the unique shape that fits on top of their kayaks well and was still streamlined so it didn’t cause any drag. They also felt the material used was great for preventing damage from fishing gear and the fish themselves!

    Pros
    • Separate compartments for fish and food
    • Designed for carrying fresh fish
    • Mesh nets on top for extra gear
    Cons
    • Shoulder straps could use more padding
    • Zippers sometimes snag

    #12 – Best Insulated Tote Cooler

    Hydro Flask 35L Insulated Tote

    Hydro Flask 35L Insulated Tote

    Hydro Flask 35L Insulated Tote is our pick for the best insulated tote cooler

    Specs
    • Cooler Type: Soft-sided tote bag
    • Weight: 1 pound, 4.8 ounces
    • Gear Capacity: 35 liters

    This casual camping cooler certainly won’t last for days like one of the hard shell Yeti ones, but if you’re looking for something inexpensive to carry some picnic items, then the HydroFlask Tote is the perfect choice. 

    With a capacity of 35 liters, it’s big enough to transport a decent amount of camping provisions or just keep groceries cool while you’re out running errands. The durable, waterproof material will hold up against some bumps and scratches and the zippers are water resistant to help prevent leaks. 

    The tote is only designed to keep contents cold for about 4 hours, sometimes a bit longer depending on the external conditions and how much ice you have. Although it’s not meant for days out in the woods, it’s perfectly suitable for family car trips or bringing a picnic lunch to the beach. 

    Our team liked that this bag provided a cooler with a more feminine look and feel to it which doesn’t scream “cooler” to the rest of the world. They felt it was pretty versatile as a result and that it could work perfectly not only at a picnic or short walk but on the commute too for keeping your lunch cool at work or university.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and durable
    • Waterproof fabric, water resistant zippers
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Will only keep things cold for about 4 hours
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    How to Choose the Best Camping Cooler

    Now that you’ve had a chance to look at some of the best camping coolers on the market, how do you go about picking the right one? Depending on what model and brand you go for, camping coolers can be a bit expensive, so it’s worth doing some research before making a purchase.

    In this section, we’ll go over all the basics about what to look for in the best camping coolers, and what style of cooler is most appropriate for your own lifestyle and planned use. 

    Material Used and Type of Insulation 

    There are a lot of options when it comes to the type of material and insulation in a camping cooler. Typically the better the material and insulation are, the more expensive the cooler will be. 

    High grade coolers, like Yeti, use polyethylene, a food grade material that is capable of holding dry ice. Other camping coolers, like Coleman, use polyurethane, which has similar insulation properties but isn’t compatible with dry ice. 

    best backpacking cooler
    But can your cooler withstand bear attacks?

    Soft-shell coolers will usually have a nylon exterior, then layers of insulation on the inside. Depending on the style of soft-shell, some coolers are a bit more rigid than others. The Yeti soft-shell coolers for example are almost as durable as many hard shell coolers, while other products like REI cooler backpacks won’t be able to withstand quite as much abrasion. 

    When considering different types of camping coolers, think about how long you’ll generally need to keep things cold. If you regularly go out in the woods for a week at a time, it’s worth investing in a higher quality cooler. For picnics or transporting groceries, a cheaper soft-shell will probably work just fine. 

    Weight 

    You may have noticed when looking through our list of camping coolers, that hard-shell varieties are certainly not lightweight. Even before food or ice is added, these coolers can weigh 30 or more pounds. 

    If you’re planning on doing any sort of hiking with your cooler, a heavy hard-shell cooler is definitely not for you. Backpack style coolers are the best option if you plan on carrying the cooler for any considerable distance, although totes or shoulder bags could also work. 

    Usually heavier coolers are designed for groups where you’ll always have two people on hand to help haul it around. Long-term solo car travelers, who plan on leaving the cooler in their vehicle, could also benefit from a larger and heavier cooler.

    Before going and purchasing a cooler, test out the weight with items around the house to get an idea of how heavy it will be. It’s also a good idea to take measurements of your backseat or car, if you’re planning on getting a larger cooler, to make sure it will fit. 

    Price 

    There’s a wide range in price for camping coolers based on the factors we just discussed; like material, size, and durability. Although it may be tempting to get a cheaper cooler, remember that these usually don’t last as long or work as efficiently. It might actually be more budget-wise in the long run to get a more expensive variety. 

    top roof top tents
    Every good rooftop tent set up needs a good cooler to go with it. Those beers don’t chill themselves.

    With a higher price comes higher quality. If you know that you’ll be using your camping cooler on a very regular basis, or planning on using it for long trips when you’ll need things kept cold for days, then a more expensive cooler is probably worth the price. 

    However, there are plenty of more reasonably priced options that will still perform well, but not take such a big chunk out of your wallet. 

    Best Use 

    How you’re planning to use your cooler will affect which variety will be best for you to purchase. For group camping trips, getting a larger cooler, or possibly one with wheels, is probably your best option. 

    If you do most of your traveling in your car, your only restriction on size will be whether or not the cooler fits in the trunk or backseat. However, if you want to haul a cooler along to a campsite or transport it, you’re much better off with a smaller backpack or shoulder tote cooler. 

    best camping coolers
    Having a badass cooler while camping changes the game of what you can pack.

    Some coolers are designed with more specific purposes in mind, such as transporting fresh-caught fish, or fitting on a certain type of kayak for day tours. If you’re getting a cooler for a specialized purpose, make sure it’s compatible with your other gear. 

    Most of the best camping coolers work well in a variety of situations, whether you’re bringing along some beer for a weekend camping trip with friends, or planning a family road trip and need a cooler to pack provisions for the ride. 

    Best Coolers for Camping
    NameGear Capacity (L)Weight (KG)Dimensions (CM)Price (USD)
    The Cooler by Stubble & Co28.510.4330.9 x 39.9 x 22.9155
    Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler70.7513.684.5 x 45.5 x 45.7599.95
    REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler30.51.555.9 x 40.6 x 21.999.95
    Yeti Hopper M20 Cooler192.337.1 x 35.3 x 25.4325
    Coleman 55 Quart Cooler523.967.3 x 45.7 x 38.7180
    REI Co-op Pack Away 12 Soft Cooler170.530.5 x 24.1 x 22.934.95
    Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler17.82.339.6 x 32 x 25.9300
    CamelBAK ChillBAK Cube 18”151.5434 x 33 x 23
    RovR Products RollR 60 Cooler56.7822.468.6 x 55.9 x 55.9494.95
    Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler7527.789.2 x 49.5 x 47.21400
    Buffalo Gear Catch Cooler27.62.435.8 x 28.6 x 18.969.99
    Hydro Flask 35L Insulated Tote350.650.8 x 38.1 x 19.374.95

    How and Where We Tested To Find The Best Coolers for Camping

    To test these coolers we got our hands on each of them out for a test spin over a few weeks, different members of our team took each pack on various trips to put them well and truly through their paces.

    Packability

    A cooler needs to be able to fit inside it a decent amount of gear for your trip or picnic. So we tested out how well each one maximised its available space, for example, does the cooler fit beer cans in well so we could pack in the max possible or is it an awkward size!?

    Another area we looked at was how well each cooler facilitated getting at the items inside once packed. no one wants to be rooting around for a drink when their mouth is as dry as a bone!

    Weight and Comfort of Carrying

    The best backpacking cooler is going to be the one that’s easiest to carry and the lightest possible for what you need to carry.

    A cooler can get heavy pretty quickly and no one wants to be carrying that around over the hills and beyond!

    As such, we awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum carry comfort.

    Functionality

    In order to test out how well a cooler fulfilled the primary purpose we used it for this purpose!

    So when it came to coolers we packed our picnics, filled them with beers and other goodness and took them out for a walk! We were sure to see how well they kept our stuff cool as well as how long for and how easy they were to transport too.

    Aesthetics

    Coolers aren’t exactly cool… if you know what I mean. But at the same time, if someone can make what is essentially a plastic box look cool, well, hats off to them! So we awarded extra points for looks but it wasn’t the end of the world for us either.

    Durability and Weatherproofing

    Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a cooler is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it with said plane. Realistically though we didn’t have the budget for that, so instead, we subjected each cooler to a good bit of rough treatment and assessed how each one fared at the end. A bit like Survivor but ya know, with coolers!

    We tested out the strength of the materials, how well it locked together, and how comfortable and hard wearing the handles were too. On those with them, we looked at the traction of the zippers as well as the pressure points most likely to break.

    When it came to waterproofing we were interested in how each cooler kept water in as much as how it kept it out! So as such we both poured water over the coolers as well as filling them and seeing how much came out. Scientific we know!

    FAQ about the Best Coolers for Camping

    Still have some questions about the best hiking and backpacking cooler? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

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      Final Thoughts on the Best Camping Coolers 

      Stubble & Co - Cooler

      There’s no doubt that camping coolers are a great way to make transporting food and beverages easier. The wide variety of cooler sizes, styles, and materials means that you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when purchasing a camping cooler. 

      From days on the lake fishing to summer road trips to a week-long music festival with mates, coolers can serve you well in a variety of travel and adventure settings. 

      If in doubt, by far our favorite camping cooler option is the Yeti Tundra 45.

      Hopefully you’ve found something on our list of the best camping coolers to fit your needs and specifications. While you’re on the road, you can count on having a cold drink or fresh meal on hand wherever you go now you’ve got your hands on the best backpacking cooler out there!

      Want hydration on the go, check out the awesome lineup from CamelBak instead.


      And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!