Outdoor recreation can be as simple or as sophisticated as you wish but having food and beverages available is generally one of the top priorities we usually consider. The best cooler brands have some very useful products that provide what we need and want.
Coolers have other uses besides sodas, beer, and sandwiches, but that’s what we are concerned with most often, isn’t it? And that’s important. It can even be seen as a health and safety issue since we don’t want to put ourselves and our friends and family in jeopardy of dehydration or lack of nourishment.
Top 15 Best Cooler Brands (For Hunting, Camping + Fishing)
1. Yeti
Yeti is consistently at or near the top spot in everyone’s top coolers lists for good reason. They are awesome! Their Tundra 65 is a good example. It is a hard cooler that could be considered on the large side, though they make bigger. It can hold about a week’s worth of nourishment for two people, and it can pretty much keep it edible for about that long, too, if you use it right.
Founded in Texas in 2006, Yeti coolers took the market by storm. The Yeti line of coolers is considered very high end, premium, and the prices reflect that top-level performance. Besides their large hard-side coolers, they also have smaller coolers, bag style personal coolers, and insulated bottles or cups.
Nicely designed, Yeti coolers work amazingly well. They are extremely durable and they fill a market niche of people wanting superior coolers for their outdoors work or adventures. Since they are on the expensive side, Yeti coolers are a good choice for people who need top-end performance because they stay in remote locations or on the water for longer periods of time.
To learn more, you can check my best Yeti coolers buying guide for getting the right cooler for your needs.
2. Otterbox
While Yeti may hold a top position in the world of superior coolers, Otterbox should be in these conversations as well. Their coolers such as the Venture 65 match any of the best cooler brands for heavy-duty use.
Originally formed to make waterproof containers in 1998, Otterbox soon branched out to make other outdoor gear including a variety of coolers. Located in Colorado, Otterbox products are relatively high priced, but you sure do get a lot for the costs.
Otterbox containers are not simply waterproof, they are made to last extremely rough conditions. Otterbox coolers would be a smart consideration for outdoor workers and players needing tough equipment.
3. Orca
Truly a giant cooler, the Orca 140 quart hard sided cooler is very heavy duty, capable of keeping several people’s food and drink for an extended outdoor jaunt. They also make smaller coolers down to personal size coolers and drink containers.
Established in 2012, Orca has its headquarters in Tennessee. Orca also makes backpack style personal coolers. While several of their hard side coolers are labeled as bear proof, I wouldn’t suggest testing that in regards to the soft bag style coolers.
Orca coolers are extremely tough and they really hold in the cool temperatures for a long time. I would also consider Orca as somewhat expensive, but pretty much all of the very high end coolers are going to be costly. Especially compared to what we used to have to put up with. Orca coolers will be a welcome addition to serious outdoors enthusiast’s gear.
4. Orion
You normally first notice an Orion cooler because of the color schemes they come in. Everything from pro and collegiate sports themes to bright primary colors or custom prints. Once you reach into one of their rotomoulded coolers like the Orion 85, you are thankful for everything else about the cooler.
Made in Tennessee, Orion coolers are part of the Jackson Kayak company founded in 2003. Their hard sided coolers are so tough that you can use them as stools and platforms to stand on.
With a history steeped in whitewater sports equipment manufacturing, Orion coolers are very heavy duty. These coolers are also somewhat expensive, but they are definitely worth the price. If you like to stand out with eye catching gear, but quality is your primary consideration, Orion coolers will be on your compare list.
5. RovR
Even though they are missing a lot of Es, RovR coolers such as the RovR RollR 80 wheeled cooler are packed with great features and have a good amount of customization available. Several sizes are made now, all of them wheeled roromoulded coolers.
RovR began as a Kickstarter project in 2018. Made in Colorado, RovR RollR coolers can be customized a great deal. As with all of the rotomoulded coolers from the best cooler brands, RovR coolers are expensive, high quality coolers.
Bear proof and extremely durable, these coolers are some of the best available. If you need to port your food and beverage quite a distance, the wheels are nice to have. They are in somewhat limited supply due to being a relatively new company formed by a Kickstarter.
6. Bison
The Bison 75 qt Gen2 cooler is a full featured heavy duty cooler that comes in at little bit less costly than most of what we’ve reviewed so far. Bison coolers are convenient to use and they clean up quick. The Gen2 line of Bison coolers come in a variety of sizes from 150 qt down to personal size. They also make several soft sided coolers.
In existence since 2014, Bison coolers are made in Texas. Customized lid designs are a fun option. Choose from some preexisting logos or submit your own.
Very well made, Bison Gen2 coolers are easy to compare to other top best cooler brands. Durable and easy to clean, Bison coolers are a good choice for hunters, fishermen, and campers.
7. Engel
The Engel 65 hard side cooler is a very tough and usable cooler. Engel coolers are just a slight bit lower in price from many of the other rotomolded hard sided coolers. Engel also makes portable powered refrigerators and all sorts of accessories.
Made or assembled in Florida since about 1999, Engel coolers are part of the older Japanese company Sawafuji Electric which made the first 12 volt DC powered compressor for portable refrigerators in 1962.
Very high quality, Engel products are able to be sold for a little less in part due to their overall company’s volume of manufacturing. Engel coolers are great for fishermen and boaters, but are also a favorite of many hunters and campers.
8. Pelican
This is the same Pelican brand that makes waterproof camera cases and storage solutions for all sorts of electronics. The Pelican 250 qt Elite rotomolded cooler is one of the largest of these types of coolers sold as a regular item. It is absolutely giant! I think I could use it as an extra room in the RV.
Established in 1975 in California, Pelican is a favorite of photographers as a way to protect and carry gear. The company formed to make waterproof cases for electronic diving and boating equipment.
The latches are one of the most envied things in favor of Pelican cases, the coolers use the same style of latches. Pelican is very heavy duty and is slightly lower in price than some other rotomolded coolers. With their wide variety of sizes and accessories, Pelican coolers are a good choice for outdoors enthusiasts needing a cooler slightly out of the ordinary.
9. Coleman
Coleman makes almost everything necessary or desired for camping and other outdoor activities. Priced moderately high compared to other rotomolded coolers, Coleman coolers are very full featured and durable. The Coleman 55-Quart Heavy-Duty Super Cooler is just one of many examples of the great products Coleman makes.
Founded in Chicago in 1900, Coleman has made tents, portable stoves, battery powered camping gear, and even survival gear.
Extremely well made, Coleman has products that range from budget to high end. So regardless of what level of outdoor enthusiasm you possess, Coleman likely has you want and need.
10. Igloo
As some point, probably everyone reading this has owned and Igloo Playmate cooler. Igloo also makes a couple of high end lines of coolers in the moderate to high price range. Their Trailmate Journey 70 qt rolling cooler is a nice example of how good modern Igloo coolers can be. By the way, I still use my last Playmate cooler.
A Texas company since 1947, Igloo products are made in a variety of places. You can probably find Igloo coolers anywhere you’re likely to go in the great outdoors.
Igloo coolers run the gamut from inexpensive to fairly high end. The quality of their coolers stays pretty good all the way down from the top lines to the cheapest. A good choice for outdoors enthusiasts desiring a good cooler for budget friendly prices.
11. Canyon
Canyon makes a great line of premium coolers, the Outfitter line. Coming in several sizes, you can pick up their largest cooler, the huge 125 qt Canyon Outfitter for about the price of a medium cooler from the other brands in this list.
Canyon is headquartered in Arizona since 2008. Many of their coolers are assembled overseas from materials manufactured in the USA. One of the biggest plusses about Canyon coolers is that nothing sticks out past the side walls of the coolers, meaning they can be shoved anywhere without catching on anything.
Canyon products are high quality and will be useful for anyone needing long term cooling of food and drink when in the great outdoors.
13. Ice Mule
Switching gears a little bit, we come to several soft sided cooler bags that are very usable for shorter periods of times, like a day trip, overnighter, or an outing on a boat. The Ice Mule Boss is one of the best backpack style coolers I’ve seen. With 30 liters capacity, this can chill for several days in a row.
Located in Florida, Ice Mule makes a range of back pack coolers, from the top-of-the-line Boss to more budget friendly coolers for day hikers.
They don’t leak, they keep things cool. Both are important considerations for back pack coolers. If you go places reachable only on foot, and Ice Mule could be what you’re looking for.
14. BuiltNY
If you are looking for coolers that have a fashion edge, Built New York is probably something you would like. The Built NY Welded Cooler Bag is small but is a full featured cooler.
Made in New York, Built NY branded items have a special look. They are a cross between good looks and good function.
Very well made, Built NY is one of the best cooler brands for carrying food around without looking like you’re carrying food around.
15. RTIC
RTIC, pronounced artic not arctic, makes some fine coolers. Notable is their Soft Pac 40 bag. It’s not 40 qts, the 40 refers to 40 cans which is still a pretty god size. You can put whatever you want in the cooler bag.
Based in Houston, Texas, RTIC makes rotomolded coolers, cooler bags, and other items usable on short or long outdoor excursions.
Pricing is very budget friendly, but still higher than no name generic coolers at a discount store. RTIC coolers are very well made and hold in the chill for quite a long time.
What makes a good cooler?
Ice chests and coolers have come a long way in recent years. Those Styrofoam chests we bought for a dollar at the bait shop and dumped a bag of ice in are as far away from modern coolers as stylus and papyrus documents are from Google Docs.
Mostly, we use a cooler to keep things at lower temperatures so that foods don’t spoil and beverages are refreshingly cold. Insulation is one main factor in maintaining the chill. Some newer materials insulate extremely well even with very thin walls.
A better way of making polycarbonate resin forms was invented called rotomoulding. Without getting too deep into the science of manufacturing, rotomoulded coolers are much more able to insulate for long periods of time.
Interior space and arrangement is another factor. If you can arrange your refreshments in a way that is easy to access while still leaving room for a good amount of ice, your cooler is going to work well for you.
Some coolers have gel packs that function as part of the walls, lid, or dividers that extend the time for being able to keep things cool. Chilling the food or drinks first is obviously a good idea, you may also be able to chill the cooler down before loading it, perhaps with some ice water.
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