Camping involves bringing a considerable amount of outdoor gear and food, especially if you are not the type who can live off the land by hunting or fishing for grub. Even if you are, you would still need something to hold your prize catch so it won’t spoil on you.
Coolers are the next best thing to your refrigerator to keep your food fresh throughout your camping trip. Choose a cooler that not only maintains cool temperatures but one that can also withstand the rigors of your outdoor activities, whatever they may be.
Coolers
In this article...
Read on as we review 5 of the top coolers for camping available on Amazon today.
Top 5 Best Coolers
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Coleman Performance Cooler, 48-Quart - Blue | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 16.34 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
 | YETI Tundra 45 Cooler Desert Tan | Prime | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | Coleman Cooler | Steel-Belted Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 4 Days | 54-Quart Cooler for Camping, BBQs, Tailgating & Outdoor Activities | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler
- Keeps the Ice: 3-day ice retention at temperatures up to 90 °F
- Holds 63 cans; Added height to hold 2-liter bottles upright to help prevent spills
- Leak-resistant drain lets you remove water without turning the cooler upside down
- Hinged lid for easy, one-handed access; 2-way handles for easy lifting and carrying in a space-saving design
- Low CO2 insulation for reduced carbon emissions from foam manufacturing
- Made in the USA
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Coleman 48-Quart Performance Cooler is a perfect camping companion to keep your food and drinks cool for a maximum of 3 days.
It measures 25.59” long, 14.96” wide, 3.39” high, and weighs 7 pounds. It can hold up to 63 12-oz cans, and the added height allows you to store 2-liter bottles upright.
It is constructed from high-quality polyurethane with a 0.75-inch thick Thermozone insulation. It can keep ice for up to 3-day ice retention of up to 90 °F.
It features a hinged lid for easy access with just one hand, and 2-way side handles for easy carrying contained in one space-saving design.
It has a leak-resistant drain that lets excess water out without having to turn the cooler upside down.
Its low CO2 insulation is designed to reduce carbon emissions. It is proudly made in the USA.
Coleman offers a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects for this cooler.
Its polyurethane construction assures you of almost a lifetime of durable and rugged performance from this cooler. One problem is there’s no mention of the addition of UV inhibitors to its exterior so it is wise not to leave it under direct sunlight.
Igloo Polar Cooler Family
- Ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
- Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
- Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
- 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31 L x 17.38 W x 17.75 D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Igloo Polar Cooler Family is a super-sized cooler that provides cooling efficiency for up to 5 days in temperatures of up to 90 degrees Farenheit.
It measures 38.31” long, 17.38” wide, 17.75” high, and 18.7 lbs. Its maximum capacity is 120 quarts or 188 12 oz. cans, equivalent to enough food for the whole gang.
This cooler is made from high-density polyethylene on the outside and FDA-grade polypropylene on the interior. It is insulated with Igloo’s proprietary polyurethane foam blend, Ultratherm.
What sets the Igloo apart are the UV inhibitors that reinforce the lid guard against sun damage, and a liner designed to be stain- and odor-resistant.
It is equipped with reinforced, swing-up handles featuring a tie-down loop for easy carrying, double latches that snap close to secure the lid, and a threaded drain plug for easy removal of excess water. It can also be hooked up to a hose if you like.
Many buyers loved this cooler’s large capacity and very competitive price. It is one of the more affordable options if you are looking for a big one. Some have stated that the minimal features are what you had to pay for the reasonable price.
Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler
- Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
- Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90°F
- UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life. Capacity: 83 12-ounce cans, 52 quarts (49 liters)
- Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
- Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure. Threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap
- MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 5-day ice retention.
- Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
- Swing-up comfort grip handles for easy two-handed carrying.
- Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
- Integrated ruler on lid easily estimates your catch.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Igloo BMX 52-quart Cooler is part of Igloo’s latest line-up of superior performance camping coolers. It also comes in a smaller 25-quart and a bigger 72-quart capacity.
It measures 26.57” long, 16.93” wide, 16.93” high, and weighs 16.33 lbs. It can hold up to 83 12-oz. cans. It is proven to provide 4 – 5 days of ice retention at temperatures of up to 90°F.
It boasts of heavy-duty blow-molded construction with stainless-steel, rust-resistant hinge rods for added durability. It is also reinforced with UV inhibitors for protection against sun damage.
The lid is secured with rubberized T-grip latches, and the threaded drain plug is equipped with an easy-grip, non-slip tethered cap. It can also be hooked to a garden hose.
It provides superior cooling performance with the MaxCold body reinforced with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid.
It also features Igloo’s Cool Riser Technology wherein the molded base lifts the cooler up and away from the hot ground to further enhance its cooling performance.
More exceptional features include gripped swing-up comfort handles for easy carrying, built-in tie-down loops to secure the cooler during transport, and an integrated ruler on the lid to measure your prize catch.
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
- -Meet the t-shirt version of a choice cut. It comes in two steak-themed colors: Rare (brick red) or well done (charcoal)
- -Sure to become your new favorite go-to shirt for work, weekends or just kicking back
- -Relaxed for a comfortable roomy fit and made from the finest 100% cotton
- -Taggless collar for comfort and double needle hems for durability
- -Classic YETI logo on the front with the T being replace by a delicious looking T-Bone
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Yeti has been in the cooler industry for years now, and its reputation for providing the best is evident in the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler.
It measures 25.75” long, 16.25” wide, 15.37” high, and weighs 23 lbs. when empty. It can hold up to 26 12-oz. cans, with a recommended ice to content ratio of 2:1 for maximum efficiency.
Its 3-inch thick PermaFrost insulation features commercial-grade, pressure-injected polyurethane foam to ensure that your ice stays ice for up to 66 hours.
It features a rotomolded construction that makes it almost indestructible. It is equipped with the patented T-Rex lid latches made from heavy-duty rubber, 2 hinge pins with an interlocking design, and a ColdLock Gasket fitted around the entire length of the lid to maintain freezer-quality cooling efficiency.
The double haul, lip grip handles are made with military-grade polyester for added strength and make carrying your cooler easier. The molded tie-down slots allow you to securely mount the cooler to your trailer, truck bed, or boat.
The Yeti Tundra is admittedly a bit on the expensive side. But, if you are looking for a cooler that can rough it out with you through your outdoor adventures, the price will surely be no object.
Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler
- High-capacity, heavy-duty cooler features a charming retro design
- 54-Quart Capacity Accommodates Up to 85 Cans; Have-a-Seat Lid Supports Up to 250 Pounds
- Keeps the Ice insulation offers 4-day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Built to deliver years of performance with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware
- Comfort-grip steel handles allow for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Coleman 54-quart Steel Belted Cooler brings you back to the good old days with its classic design first seen in 1954.
It measures 10.04” long, 6.79” wide, 6.94”, and weighs 19.1 lbs. It can hold up to 85 12-oz. cans, and the added height allows you to put 2-liter bottles upright to prevent spills.
It can retain ice for up to 4 days at temperatures up to 90 °F.
It is constructed of stainless steel, rust-resistant hardware with polyethylene insulation that boasts of low CO2 for reduced carbon emissions.
The stainless steel, rust-resistant lid latch secures the cooler, and the leakproof channel drain allows you to remove excess water without tilting the cooler or turning it upside down.
The best part about this cooler? Its patented Have-A-Seat lid can support up to 250 lbs. of weight. You will always have a place to sit when you have this cooler.
It is covered by a 6-year limited warranty and is proudly made in the USA.
Things to Remember When Buying A Cooler
The first rule of thumb is finding out what you need. If you like going on overnight camping trips, a big cooler can be tiresome to bring along.
If you prefer hunting or fishing trips that take days, a small one won’t give you enough leverage.
Quality is one feature that you should never compromise, though. If you expect years of service from your cooler, and you have the means, a top-quality cooler that may be more expensive can be your best option.
The bottom line will be to opt for a cooler that will fit your needs and your budget without sacrificing quality and performance.
