Ice chest for camping?

[look 171]

My old Igloo ice chest has seen better days with many hinge and plug changes. Funny thing is that its isn't used too often. Maybe the plastic just goes south from age. Its about 10-15 years old.

What's a good and decent one to get? I have seen them from 80 bucks all the way up to 400? What's the difference? I like them to keep stuff cool for a few days of camping and like it to be somewhat durable. I don't think I need the ultra survival or medical grade, or do I?

[vmax]

Good comparison videos
First one 20 lbs of ice,second one is full of ice.

[edgemar]

https://www.cordovacoolers.com/

[berettafan]

I have one of the Cabelas rotomolded coolers and to me it’s not so much about ice retention as it is an additional seat. Also on a boat when you plop one of these things down they stay put and can be climbed/sat on with no damage.

Downside is they are heavy before you put anything in them!


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[rfuerst911sc]

If you are not in a rush go to garage sales and estate sales . Look for an older Coleman metal cooler . It won't be the latest technology but if it's not rusted will last forever ! The " modern " plastic junk is............... well junk !

[OK-944]

What ever happened to those "ice chests" (technically refrigerators I guess) which could be plugged into a car's lighter/receptacle and kept stuff cold (without ice) while on the road - and which apparently would not draw that much power while the vehicle was shut off (while at a campsite)?

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by OK-944

What ever happened to those "ice chests" (technically refrigerators I guess) which could be plugged into a car's lighter/receptacle and kept stuff cold (without ice) while on the road - and which apparently would not draw that much power while the vehicle was shut off (while at a campsite)?

I have one of those they are great for long car trips . I also have the 110 volt to 12 volt adapter so it can be used inside a house/camper/cabin that has power . That feature is also good to " pre-cool " the cooler the night before as they take a while to cool down . It also has a reverse polarity switch on it as you can use it as a heated space to keep warm food warm . I think I've had this one for 15 - 20 years like a Timex it's still ticking

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

If you are not in a rush go to garage sales and estate sales . Look for an older Coleman metal cooler . It won't be the latest technology but if it's not rusted will last forever ! The " modern " plastic junk is............... well junk !

We had one of those Coleman's and it had a very high build quality but low insulating quality. In side by side testing at the river in 110F temps, the Coleman looked good but the modern plastic high R value coolers consumed a LOT less ice. They would keep a 10 lb block for 5-6 days while the Coleman needed fresh ice every 2 days. Modern technology does have it's uses.

My cooler of choice these days: Pelican of course!

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by OK-944

What ever happened to those "ice chests" (technically refrigerators I guess) which could be plugged into a car's lighter/receptacle and kept stuff cold (without ice) while on the road - and which apparently would not draw that much power while the vehicle was shut off (while at a campsite)?

I have a small one....Does get very cold at all......

[sand_man]

Some interesting discussion, here. With the Oak tree GP at VIR just around the corner, I keep thinking I want a nicer cooler. Just can't seem to pull the trigger...
Whats up with Yeti brand products?

[masraum]

I'm sure Yeti is great, but ridiculously expensive. For a copy that's 1/3-1/2 the price of Yeti, try RTIC Coolers

https://www.rticcoolers.com/

[URY914]

Coolers must have:

1. A tight latching system that holds the lid TIGHT to the box. The rubber ones (look like hood latches) that provide constant pressure to the seal are the best.
2. A very good seal. O-rings are the best.
3. Insulation, the more the better.

Miss one any one of these and you have cold water not ice.

[island911]

Camp in Alaska. Problem solved.

[CurtEgerer]

I like these better than Yeti

https://www.shticoolers.com/

[CurtEgerer]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

If you are not in a rush go to garage sales and estate sales . Look for an older Coleman metal cooler . It won't be the latest technology but if it's not rusted will last forever ! The " modern " plastic junk is............... well junk !

I picked up this 1960s aluminum Polara for $5 (the other is a 1940s JC Higgins). I need my ice to last hours, not days and am usually within walking distance to an ice maker anyway. I'm going to test this thing anyway, just to see how it does over a couple of days.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by masraum

I'm sure Yeti is great, but ridiculously expensive. For a copy that's 1/3-1/2 the price of Yeti, try RTIC Coolers

https://www.rticcoolers.com/

I second RTIC. And the factory is about 4 miles from here. I also have a large Igloo but I use that for short term (single day) use. That factory is 20 miles from here just outside Katy.

[sand_man]

Originally Posted by masraum

I'm sure Yeti is great, but ridiculously expensive. For a copy that's 1/3-1/2 the price of Yeti, try RTIC Coolers

https://www.rticcoolers.com/

Thank you for that!

[Scott Douglas]

I saved a giant cooler my son was getting rid of, just because I hate tossing good stuff out. It needs a latch or two but is the biggest cooler I've ever seen. Forget the brand.
If you'd like it it's yours, just have to come get it in the OC.
If you're interested, I'll take a picture of it, it's out in the shed.
It's big enough you could fill it half full of ice and it'd be frozen for a week I'm sure.

[sand_man]

Another tip, freeze some gallon milk jugs filled with water. Leave them in your cooler the night before to help pre-chill the cooler before adding the ice!

[Scott Douglas]

^^^^ That's a really good idea.