If you’ve ever tried dragging a sloshy cooler across a rocky trail or pulled out a waterlogged sandwich because your ice melted too fast, you know just how make-or-break a good hard cooler can be. As someone who spends a lot of time outside—fishing, camping, boating—I’ve developed strong opinions about hard-sided coolers over the years. I know what works, what doesn’t, and what features are actually worth paying for. I’ve used them to hold my drinks, sure, but also as casting platforms, fish storage, campfire seating, and even as makeshift prep tables. Hard coolers are cool! If you invest in the right one.
Our top picks
- Best flat cooler: Yeti Tundra 45
- Best wheeled cooler: Rtic 52-Qt. Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
- Best small cooler: Oyster Tempo Cooler
- Best dry storage: Ninja FrostVault 45-Qt. Wheeled Cooler
I put some of the most popular coolers to the test in real-world conditions: hauling them across sandy beaches, leaving them in the sun for days, and enlisting other outdoorsy types to stress-test every latch, wheel, and drain plug. From cult-favorite rotomolded beasts to sleek, minimalist iceboxes, these are the hard coolers that are worth the space in your truck bed or your backyard.
Best flat cooler: Yeti Tundra 45
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy
- Holds ice for days
- Convenient dry storage basket
- Easy to drain and clean
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy and hard to move once filled
- Handles can be annoying to close
Specs
Size: 25.6" x 15.9" x 15.5"
Capacity (standard soda cans): 54 cans
Weight: 24.60 lb.
Special features: Removable dry storage basket
What we love: There’s a reason Yeti’s Tundra 45 is a staple on boat decks and truck beds; it delivers on both premium insulation and durability. And frankly, it’s very nice to look at.
It held ice longer than almost everything else in its size class, even when I left it in direct 95-degree sun for days. After filling it with 25 pounds of ice, it still had about a sixth of ice remaining day six. Most important, the drinks were still frosty, like they had been pulled out of the fridge. It’s built like a tank: A rotomolded construction means it can handle whatever thrown its way, be it jostling around the back of an SUV (which mine has done) or doubling as a seat at a campsite (which mine has also done). The nonslip feet and built-in tie-down slots make it perfect for more rugged adventures, from fishing trips to car camping. Cleaning it is easy too. There was nothing better than the Vortex Drain System—a quick twist drains melted water in seconds.
As for size, I think the 45-liter capacity is the sweet spot for folks looking for a product for backyard parties and tailgates where you don’t want to constantly refill; the 35-liter is a bit tight on space when iced up, and the 65-liter is a tank that is borderline impossible to move once filled (another thing to consider about bigger coolers is that ice will melt faster in them if they aren’t full).
Yes, Yetis are a splurge. But you get what you pay for, and in this case, it’s a high-quality cooler that will legit last you a lifetime.
What we’d leave: I wish it had wheels. When it’s filled, it’s heavy and not easy to carry around, which makes it better for events where you don’t need to move it much (car camping, BBQs.) rather than something like a beach day where you might have to take across a parking lot and over the sand. For that you’ll need one of the larger Yeti Roadies, though those have a more vertical orientation.
The rubber latches are notoriously a pain to pull down, too, but they really do lock in insulation.
Best wheeled cooler: Rtic 52-Qt. Ultra Light Wheeled Cooler
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy
- Holds ice for days
- Smooth all-terrain wheels
- Silicone cargo net
- Built-in bottle opener
- Easy to drain and clean
Cons:
- Bulky
- Handles can be annoying to close
Specs
Size: 28.93" x 18.62" x 18.18"
Capacity (standard soda cans): 78 cans
Weight: 30 lb.
Special features: Silicone interior lid net, built-in bottle opener
What we love: For a premium wheeled cooler at a competitive price, I was so impressed with the Rtic Ultra Light. It feels built to last, but weighs far less than I assumed possible, and, most important, the wheels are a real game changer for anyone who’s ever lost their mind unsuccessfully lugging coolers through deep sand at the beach.
Its cold retention was genuinely impressive, with a little bit of ice and refreshing cold drinks left over even after six full days in the heat. I especially appreciated how easy it was to maneuver on my own thanks to the long aluminum handle and comfortable silicone grip.
Rtic also sneaks in smart features you don’t always get at this price: a silicone cargo net on the inside of the lid for stashing small dry items, a drain plug for fast cleanup, and a built-in bottle opener that came in handy more than once. The gasket seal is tight and effective, and the interior space hits that just-right size—big enough to pack in food and drinks for a small group, but not so massive that you need a second person to help move it. For the price, the performance and usability are honestly hard to beat.
What we’d leave: This Rtic cooler is on the bulkier side, but all wheeled coolers are fairly cumbersome, and it’s impressively lightweight given its rugged silhouette. Like the Yeti, rubber T-latches can take some muscle to pull down and latch.
Best small cooler: Oyster Tempo Cooler
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Impressive cold retention
- Convenient size
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Expensive
- The outside gets hot when left in the sun—be careful
Specs
Size: 20.1" x 12.6" x 11.8"
Capacity (standard soda cans): 36 cans
Weight: 12.3 lb.
Special features: Iceless design
What we love: I was very skeptical that Oyster’s “iceless” gimmick would work as well as a traditional hard cooler, but I was quickly proved wrong. Oyster’s whole schtick is that you can pop cold cans in it as is and it will keep them ice-cold. Or, if you’re really trying to maintain chill, you can use its proprietary freezer packs that fit flush at the bottom of the cooler.
Out of the box, I noticed immediately how lightweight and futuristic the Tempo Cooler felt. It swaps rotomolding for a sleek aluminum design that looks modern and upscale. As soon as the two included ice packs were frozen, I popped them in along with 18 cans of soda straight from the fridge, shut the lid, and left the cooler to its own devices on my back patio (a combination of shade and direct sunlight depending on sun angle). Two hours later I went out to get an initial temperature reading, using a thermometer that I laid on top of the cans. I recorded 38 degrees. Pretty crispy!
A full 24 hours later, I went out again to repeat the same test and got 43 degrees. At 48 hours, my thermometer read 50 degrees. On the third day—which coincided with a scorching heat wave that I was sure would tank the cooler’s ability to chill—I got 53 degrees. The ice packs had long melted, but the cans of soda were pretty dang refreshing. Had I filled it with the 36 cans of soda that can fit in it when fully stuffed, I believe they would have stayed even colder for longer.
The Oyster’s no-frills, minimalist design and retro aluminum build makes it portable and compact. For a small cooler that’s both efficient and elegant, it’s hard to beat. Even my dad, who refuses to ditch his ’90s-era Igloo cooler, gave it an enthusiastic, “It’s cool.”
What we’d leave: The price is downright hard to stomach. You can buy the stand-alone Tempo Cooler, which includes a carry strap and canvas tote, for $445. Or, you can buy the Premium Bundle, which includes an aluminum handle and two ice packs, for $545. No matter which way you skin it, it’s pricey. But, damn, does it work. Also, since it’s shiny aluminum, it gets hot if you leave it in direct sunlight. The brand recommends using it under shade, which will also help insulation. I recommend this, too, as the day I left it in direct sunlight and tried to open it I scorched my fingers.
Best cooler for dry storage: Ninja FrostVault 45-Qt. Wheeled Cooler
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Smooth all-terrain tires
- Impressive cold retention
- Convenient refrigerated drawer for dry storage
- Easy to drain and clean
Cons:
- Lackluster colors
Specs
Size: 28.6" x 18.9 " x 17.4"
Capacity (standard soda cans): 68 cans
Weight: 30.2 lb.
Special features: Dry-storage drawer
What we love: I didn’t expect much from a brand better known for blenders than outdoor gear, but the Ninja FrostVault surprised me in all the right ways. Its standout feature is the built-in DryZone drawer, which keeps food and snacks completely separate from the ice below. Dry good containers, like the ones that come with Yeti coolers, serve a similar purpose, but the drawer puts an actual wall between your perishables and the sometimes-wet environment of a cooler. It’s awesome. You can use it to store meat, produce, candy, snacks—everything stays cool and dry for days.
Aesthetically, it’s a good looking cooler, complete with all-terrain wheels and a padded pull handle that allows for easy maneuverability. It swaps the T-latches of the Yeti and the Rtic with a single plastic latch that makes it super simple to open and closes. And as for insulation, it held ice for six days, as long as the Yetis, which is what really won me over.
It doesn’t have the street cred of some of the legacy cooler brands, but the function is there, and in some ways, it’s smarter than most. If you’re sick of soggy sandwiches, this thing is the real deal. The relatively affordable price point is the cherry on top.
What we’d leave: I wish it came in some prettier colors. As of now, FrostVault comes in standard neutrals (white, gray, beige), a maroon-ish canyon red, or navy blue.
How we tested these hard coolers
To try and keep things standardized without a formal lab, I tested coolers that were similarly sized (between 45 liters to 60 liters), with the exception of the Oyster Tempo. Each cooler was filled with 25 pounds of ice and left outside for a full week, exposed to a mix of sun and shade depending on the weather. Every day I checked on them to track ice melt, monitor how cold the contents stayed, and note how easy (or annoying) they were to open, close, and move around. I also looked at how well the seals held up, whether the latches felt solid, and if the interiors stayed organized and usable as the ice started to go. The goal was to simulate how someone would actually use a cooler—whether at the beach, at a campsite, or hanging in the backyard—to figure out which models could really keep up. Wheeled coolers were pulled over a variety of surfaces, including grass, concrete, and sand. For the flat coolers specifically, I also enlisted the help of my most outdoorsy friends (who regularly camp, fish, and live out of their trucks on weekends) to put the coolers through their paces in real-world environments.
What to consider when shopping for hard coolers
Insulation and ice retention
Coolers should stay cool (duh). Look for thick walls, tight fitting gaskets, and multiday ice retention. Premium models often promise up to 5–7 days of cold, but for most people 2–3 days is plenty. That will get you through a weekend of camping and certainly through an afternoon BBQ.
Size and capacity
Hard coolers are notoriously bulky, so be realistic about the space you have and how much room you need to transport one. Most brands list capacities by volume (liter or quart) and will also list how many standard cans models can hold, with and without ice. Generally, go smaller if your typical use is daily barbecues and weekend jaunts, and bigger for longer, off-grid excursions.
Portability
Flat coolers (i.e., without wheels) are significantly less bulky, but harder to move with one person. Wheeled coolers are more convenient, if the wheels are actually durable and can handle all types of terrains. Consider wheels, handles, tie-down points, and weight.
Durability
Is your cooler going to live casually on your back deck for pool days and dinner parties? Or is it going to be an ~extreme~ cooler that lives on the bow of your boat and jostled around through Class 4 rapids? If you camp, fish, hunt, paddle, you’ll want a more durable cooler with features made for the elements (nonslip feet, tie-down points, sealed gaskets, etc.).
Extra features
Today’s coolers have come a long way since your grandfather’s vintage ice box. From built-in drink tanks and bottle openers to dry storage and even interior lighting and cargo straps.
Other hard coolers we liked:
In my testing nothing really disappointed. Even the budget-friendly Igloo, which doesn’t perform at the same level as a rotomolded cooler, did quite well considering its price point.
The Roadie 60 is peak Yeti—a serious cooler that offers serious cold retention. I love this thing, but it’s a lot for the everyday cooler owner. The space is insane—it’s like having a mini ice chest freezer on wheels. Despite its gargantuan size, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around. The wheels are burly and the telescoping handle allows for a smooth pull. The insulation is top-notch (there was still a bit of ice left after six days), and the latch-and-hinge system is so much easier to open and shut than the brand’s signature rubber T-latches. This is a great cooler, but the size is just going to be overkill for most folks. It’s also expensive, and I’m skeptical of the longevity of telescoping handles. If you’re dead set on a wheeled cooler from Yeti, consider the smaller Yeti Roadie 48, which senior editor Noah Kaufman loves, saying “I’ve used Yeti coolers for years and find them pretty unbeatable in terms of insulation. They are, however, a bit of a pain to move in and out of storage or through a park. The Roadie 48 effectively solves that problem, sliding around as easy as a roller bag.”
Outdoorsy folks take note: Pelican’s model is a grizzly bear of a cooler. It looks like something that should be carrying military ammunition, not a 30-rack of Bud Light. In addition to leaving it out in the sun for days packed with ice, I had a friend take it on a camping trip and bang it around in the back of his truck to check its durability. Can confirm: It’s durable! The thing barely has a scratch on it. This model is loaded with outdoor-friendly features that make it a standout for adventuring, like nonslip, massive molded handles that double as tie-down points and a fish ruler on the lid. Less rugged are the molded-in cup holders and a built-in bottle opener, which are small but appreciated touches. The downside? This thing is huge—it makes the Yeti Tundra 45 look miniature in comparison. There are definitely sleeker options out there, but if you’re going for tough, the Pelican Elite delivers.
The BrüTank is a lot. It’s got a built-in tap for batched drinks, a bottle opener, a cushy, foam top for comfy seating, even a rack to keep snacks high and dry. The 2.8-gallon removable drink tank is really the star of the show; fill it with zesty lemonade, fruit punch, a boozy mixed drink, and it’ll stay cool while you pour it directly from the spout.
It’s not all flash though. The BrüTank held ice for a full five days before it all melted. And while it’s quite heavy when full, the smooth wheels and pull handle make it surprisingly easy to roll across sand, gravel, or grass.
Ultimately though all the extras make this a very specific sort of cooler. The drink tank takes up space, which doesn’t make as practical for something like camping. It’s also very bulky and hard to clean. All the extras make for a lot of nooks and crannies for any leaky food or spilled beer to get into. It’s a party on wheels, but probably not for everyone.
Now, if you’re outdoorsy and are a sucker for cool features, the Titan Pro delivers more bells and whistles than most. It’s rotomolded for durability and temperature regulation, but what sets it apart is the attention to detail in almost every corner of the cooler: a removable LED light that makes grabbing drinks at night a breeze, a Microban treated liner to help prevent odors and bacteria, bungee cords on the lid to keep gear in place. There’s even a separate Ice Saver Performance Booster, which is a foldable panel you lay over the ice to keep warm air out and dry goods separated. It kept ice solid for four full days during testing, and the nonslip feet kept it stable in the back of another friend’s truck and at a campsite. Just note it’s definitely on the heavier side and it’s pricey.
This budget cooler won’t beat out the high-end beasts, but performed admirably against more technologically advanced competitors. The Igloo Latitude 52 is lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for short-term cooling at picnics, beach days, or backyard barbecues. Its swing-up handles and molded-in cup holders on the lid are nice touches too. Ice retention is where it falls short—it struggled to keep things cold for more than a day or two, especially in direct sun. But for the price, it’ll be great for lots of people. Just don’t expect it to replace your high-performance cooler for remote camping trips.
The hard cooler questions you should be asking
What’s the difference between rotomolded and regular coolers?
Rotomolded coolers (like the Yeti and Rtic models) are made from a single-piece plastic mold, which results in a seamless, stronger design. They tend to be better at insulating for longer periods of time, but are significantly heavier and more expensive. Classic hard plastic coolers (like your Igloos and Colemans) are way lighter and more affordable, but typically aren’t going to retain ice like a rotomolded cooler.
How do I make my cooler stay colder for longer?
There’s no shortcut here. The secret is to pre-chill your cooler before you pack it with ice. I like to do this indoors with a bag or block of ice for a few hours (sometimes even overnight) so it’s nice and cool when I pack it. Also, pack it strategically. Most brands will give you tips on how to fill it properly but, in essence, prechill your provisions and fill in any leftover space—air pockets will cause ice to melt quicker.
What other outdoor gear do you need?
- The best pellet smokers for set-it-and-forget-it wood-fired taste
- The best gas grills for quick and easy sears
- The best grill brushes for keeping everything nice and clean