And to maximize how much squeeze the gasket produces, having strong latches that provide a lot of clamping force is necessary. You will find the popular “T-latch” design on Ozark Trail coolers. While some brands will have the base of the “T” be what catches the pin, Ozark Trail has instead decided to have a hole in the middle of the latch that catches onto the pin.
The hard-sided coolers are designed to try to compete with the top-tier of the premium cooler world. Depending on which model you go with, you will find the appearance of these ice chests to differ quite a bit. The most affordable models, the non-premium soft-sided coolers, come in a very safe, solid color. There may be some subtle grays or white pieces of fabric but, for the most part, the primary color will dominate.
Arguing over a few hours difference of ice melt between high-end coolers after several days of testing is just not that interesting or informative. Canyon Coolers makes a similar model to our pick called the Pro 65 Quart Cooler. These upgrades would seem to exceed the needs of most people, but you may prefer the extra performance. Consider this one an updated ozark trail chair version of the cooler everyone’s parents had in their attic. The Coleman steel-belted cooler is sleek, stylish, and effective, and the company claims this model can keep ice cold for more than four days. It won’t go for days, but this backpack cooler is more than capable of keeping your picnic cool until it’s time to roll out the picnic blanket.
Air bubbles that do not share cell walls and in effect stay insulated from one another are better at reducing the overall transfer of heat through the foam. In contrast, open-cell foam is permeable to air and water like a sponge (which is why it frequently appears in foam pillows, as it’s squishier and it breathes). The handle and wheels on the Tundra Haul are the best we’ve come across. This cooler feels like you can roll it across anything without the handle straining or bending or the wheels breaking. After spending many years evaluating more than 50 cooler models, we’ve chosen six that are well made, well insulated, and well suited for a range of outings. The Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler might not look like much, but it can keep ice cold for a respectable 3.5 days.
Not only will the rubber allow for a slightly smoother roll when you are pull this cooler along, but it will also be quieter. You won’t wake the neighbors up when you are pulling this down your dock. Rounding out the exterior is a lid that features 4 cup holders and inch notches for measuring your catch of the day. While these aren’t “budget” coolers, compared to their competition, Ozark Trail ice chests are a bargain.
What I found most fascinating about this test is that the water in the YETI stayed cold for three additional days after the ice melted. The water was cold enough that had the gallon jugs been milk, we would have been able to drink out of them for three days after the ice melted. All-in-all, the YETI lasted for five days and the Coleman for one day. So there you have it, when looking at just the ability to keep ice cold over a period of 6 days the Pelican has just slightly won, but we are talking about decimal points. I have to say that I am very impressed with the performance of the Ozark Trail 45Q cooler.
Here, individuals are not merely observers but active participants in the legacy of adventure, crafting their own memories in the natural world. This old-school cooler has everything you’ll need for a good picnic, straps gear onto itself, and keeps food away from wet ice. This cooler brings the Coleman reputation for ruggedness to the modern era, with tip-top insulation to boot. Equipped with large all-terrain wheels, the Brümate BruTank is built to handle just about any outdoor adventure, from potholes to scree. Its cushioned top doubles as a comfortable seat, making it a versatile addition to your campsite.
Once loaded with ice, drinks, and food, a 37-pound cooler can more than double in weight. When someone then tilts the cooler up, all that weight goes into the wheelbase or leans into the handle hinge. The arm of the Tundra Haul is made from a thick-gauge welded aluminum, the quality of which you can feel immediately when you lift it. The weather was in low 90s during the test, the coolers were in full sun for most of the morning, and we opened them several times throughout the day.