Say goodbye to those flimsy single-use Styrofoam coolers of the past and hello to your new favorite travel companion. From daily lunch coolers, to your tailgating hero, there are travel coolers to fit every need. Read this guide to determine the best cooler design for your needs and change the way you manage your food outdoors.

How Do Coolers Work?

Coolers maintain a lower internal temperature than their surroundings with the addition of ice to the box itself and/or with insulation (depending on the cooler type).

The insulation inside the cooler acts as a strong barrier against the outside temperature, while the ice keeps the temperature cold. The insulation also slows down heat convection and conduction within the cooler, which also helps keep the contents cool. Bear in mind this process occurs when the cooler lid is closed. Each time the lid is opened, warm air enters the cooler, causing the temperature to rise at a quicker rate. The best cooler needs to perform all of these functions while still meeting your needs in size, material, and portability.

Types of Travel Coolers

No one wants to buy the wrong cooler and have it be too small, too cumbersome, or poorly designed. There is a cooler design for every occasion, and whatever you plan to use yours for, you will need a cooler that endures your outdoor activities while keeping your perishables cool.

Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided Coolers

Choosing the right cooler type begins with the exterior structure. Though both cooler types work to keep your food cool, a soft-sided cooler provides different advantages in certain situations while a hard-sided cooler functions better in others.

• Hard-Sided: Hard-sided coolers can be made from metal or hard plastic. These coolers are ideal for heavy or extended use, as they can withstand the wear and tear required in more rugged settings. They are also known for their ice retention and tend to keep their contents cooler for longer. Compared to soft-sided coolers, hard-sided coolers are often larger in size and have a bigger storage capacity. Although these coolers typically have a higher price tag than soft-sided coolers, they are likely to have more features that make them useful in outdoor situations such as camping, BBQs, and road trips.

• Soft-Sided: Soft-sided coolers are made from durable fabrics such as vinyl and polyester and come in a broad range of shapes and sizes, all less than 40L in capacity. These collapsible coolers take up minimal space and can fold flat when they are not in use; soft-sided coolers are frequently used for daily lunches, short day trips, and picnics. Their smaller size means they are not suitable for carrying a large amount of items. Soft-sided coolers are budget-friendly, lightweight, and easy to transport, so if you are looking for a quick and easy way to cool down your drinks, this is the best cooler design for you.

Travel Cooler Types

There are different types of coolers that function best for different situations. The cooler type you select should fit your needs, budget, and ideally last you a long time.

• Picnic: Available in both hard-sided and soft-sided options, picnic coolers are small and lightweight. Picnic coolers are also great for outings such as sporting events, beach visits, and park trips. Look for features like picnic coolers with straps to make transporting your cooler easier. Keep in mind that in spite of their insulation, these smaller cooler designs only work for several hours before they stop cooling effectively.

• Ice Chest: Ice chests are hard-sided coolers that are typically made from plastic, though there are metal options available. They are generally larger and more cumbersome than regular coolers and are mostly used as stationary coolers that don't get moved too much. Ice chest coolers are ideal for camping trips, BBQs, and tailgating as their large capacity will keep multiple items cool for longer periods of time.

• Patio: Patio coolers are the largest hard-sided coolers available. They are designed to remain outside on patios, decks, or in backyards for hours on end and usually stand on legs like raised trolleys, making it easy to reach inside. Patio coolers can be made from plastic or metal, many with wheels or casters that allow you to easily move them around. Their primary purpose is to serve as a multifunctional item with features such as shelves, bottle openers, and wine racks so that you have all your entertaining necessities in one place. Patio coolers are designed with aesthetic in mind; not only are they available in a range of colors, but many are designed to look like a sleek piece of patio accent furniture.

• Marine: Marine coolers are hard-sided and extremely durable. These coolers are created to be used in outdoor water settings (such as fishing trips) and are designed to withstand extreme marine environments and elements such as sea water and harsh sun. Their hardy design also makes them suitable for other rough terrain usage such as camping, large get-togethers, and road trips. These coolers usually have good ice retention, which is important, as they are often left in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

• Chair: Chair coolers provide a great two-in-one design. Chair coolers are usually made from hard plastic, though there are some fabric options that have a folding steel frame. These hard-sided coolers are constructed with a tough lid and body that can support the weight of an individual, making them useful additional seating options that keep your drinks cool at the same time. They are easy to move around and work well when camping, picnicking, or visiting the beach.

Cooler Sizes

Size is important to take into consideration when you are purchasing a cooler. Whether you plan to use your cooler on a daily basis for small items or if you regularly host or attend outdoor gatherings, an appropriately sized cooler will ensure you keep everything you need at hand.

Small Travel Coolers

A small cooler can hold between five and 10 items or between one and 12 cans. Their storage capacity ranges from 0 qt. to 25 qt. or around 24L, which is great for personal use, a quick day out, or holding small items such as drinks that need to be kept cool for a short period of time. These affordable coolers are also the easiest on your pocket.

Medium Travel Coolers

A medium cooler holds around 15 cans which also converts to 25 – 50 qt. or around 47 L. This is the most common size for a cooler and serves well in most outdoor settings. These coolers also come in at a decent price for what they can hold.

Large Travel Coolers

Large coolers hold between 20 - 40 cans which equals 50 - 75 qt. or around 71 L. These coolers are ideal for bigger get togethers, fishing, and long camping trips.

Extra-Large Travel Coolers

Coolers that hold 96 cans or more are great for large events and concerts where you need to cool many items for long periods of time. These range around 95L and upwards.

Travel Cooler Features

Once you know exactly what you plan to use your cooler for, you should consider the additional features that will not only come in handy, but also make your investment last longer and more worthwhile.

• UV-Treated: Your cooler is likely going to spend a large amount of time in the sun, so it makes sense that it should be protected against harsh UV rays. The UV rays from the sun are a large contributor to the degradation and even disintegration of plastic. When plastic degrades, it tends to yellow and crack, becoming brittle and losing its strength. UV-treated coolers are able to withstand sun exposure without weathering too quickly, making them a long-lasting investment.

• Rolling: Whether they're on a steel patio cooler or plastic cooler, wheels make for easy rolling and movement. The bigger the cooler, the more useful the wheels are, particularly if it is heavily laden. Heavy-duty wheels come in handy when moving your cooler from the car to your picnic venue, beach spot, or even across the deck or yard for your summer BBQ. Many rolling coolers also come with a handle or handles so you can easily pull them along on your next outdoor adventure.

• Electric: If you plan to go on a long trip where ice might not be readily accessible (or just not a viable option), then an electric cooler might be the right option for you. Electric coolers typically don't need ice and can work more like efficient, portable fridges. These coolers power their cooling systems with either a chargeable battery or electricity provided by an outlet or a car adaptor. As the electric cooler is functioning, you will be able to keep the inside cool for as long as you need.

• Shoulder Strap: Coolers with shoulder straps are small, soft-sided, and made of fabric. The straps make these coolers easier to carry, whether it's just a single strap for carrying the cooler as a tote or dual straps to be worn like a backpack. A cooler with straps is convenient to take with you when hiking, commuting to work, or anytime you may want your hands free.

• Drain Included: While most hard-sided coolers can simply be tipped out when the ice has melted, this isn't always possible with larger coolers, nor is it convenient when the cooler is still full of items. A drain-included cooler allows you to remove the drain plug and release any excess water without having to dump the contents.

Choosing a Cooler for Your Budget

Cooler costs vary depending on size, material, and added features. Shop by price range to find a cooler that fits your needs and your budget.

Budget Friendly Coolers

There are many budget-friendly coolers available, whether you’re not ready to invest in a premium model or simply want something to tote your lunch around on a daily basis. Most lunch, picnic, and small fabric coolers fall within the range of $15 – $100.

Mid-Range Coolers

The mid-range budget for coolers ranges anywhere from $100 – $300 travel coolers. Most of your hard-sided and larger models fall under this category. These are great for casual beach trips and outdoor entertaining at home. Coolers in this price range typically have larger storage capacity and improved insulation, so they can keep your beverages and snacks cold for several hours without having to refresh ice.

Premium Coolers

A premium cooler is an investment, costing anywhere from $300 – $500 or more. The difference here is that these coolers are engineered to stay cold all day and they’re built to last. These coolers are hard-sided and often large enough to store enough beverages for a camping trip or small outdoor event. While these coolers are pricier, a premium model might just be the last cooler you ever need to buy.

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