10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

The RTIC Ultra-Light 32 Quart Cooler is a solid choice if you're looking for a portable and durable outdoor cooler that doesn't weigh you down. Its standout feature is being over 30% lighter than traditional rotomolded coolers, making it easier to carry for activities like camping, beach outings, or fishing trips. It holds up to 32 quarts, which fits about 48 cans and 30 pounds of ice—enough for small to medium gatherings. The 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation help keep ice frozen for a long time, so your drinks and food stay cold throughout the day.

Made from polypropylene, it’s tough enough to handle outdoor roughness and even doubles as a bench or tabletop, which adds to its versatility. Portability is enhanced by its manageable 14.7-pound weight, so one person can comfortably carry it. It also includes a drain plug for easy cleaning. On the downside, while it offers good ice retention, it may not keep ice frozen as long as heavier, fully rotomolded coolers designed specifically for extended trips.

The size is moderate—good for day trips but might be small for larger groups or longer adventures. It requires hand washing, which is common but worth noting for cleanup. If you want a cooler that balances portability with solid performance and do not require extreme long-term ice retention, this RTIC Ultra-Light model is a practical and reliable option.

The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler is a robust and versatile choice for outdoor activities like tailgating, camping, and beach trips. With a substantial 100-quart capacity, it can hold up to 80 cans and 50 lbs. of ice, making it ideal for large gatherings. The TempLock FX Insulation ensures multi-day ice retention, keeping your items cool for extended periods, which is a significant advantage for longer trips.

The heavy-duty wheels and easy-tow handle enhance portability, allowing you to move the cooler effortlessly even when fully loaded. Constructed with 15% less plastic, it has an eco-conscious design, and the leak-proof tethered drain plug adds to its durability by preventing unwanted spills. The sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid can support up to 250 lbs., providing additional seating when needed. The four cup holders on the lid can accommodate up to 30oz tumblers, adding convenience.

Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stain-resistant liner and easy-to-clean lid. However, at 20.37 pounds, the cooler is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for some users, especially when maneuvering it over long distances or rough terrain. Despite this, the Coleman 316 Series offers a great balance of capacity, ice retention, and durability, making it a reliable choice for various outdoor adventures.

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler in Olive is a robust option for those who enjoy camping and outdoor activities. With a capacity of 70 quarts, it provides ample space for storing food and drinks, making it suitable for longer outings or larger groups.

One of its standout features is the oversized 10-inch wheels, designed to tackle various terrains like sand with ease, ensuring superior traction and ground clearance. This makes it highly portable despite its weight of 34.7 pounds. The glide handle further enhances portability by allowing users to pull the cooler with 50% less effort, thanks to its telescoping and locking mechanism.

This cooler also boasts a butler tray for serving drinks and snacks conveniently, along with a dry storage box to keep essentials like phones and keys safe from water damage. Additional storage pockets provide extra room for items such as sunglasses and sunscreen. The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler offers excellent features for outdoor enthusiasts, with an emphasis on portability and convenience.