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. The ice melted in the Coleman in 39 hours and the Ozark Trail in 73 hours. The water turned warm in both coolers fairly quickly after the ice melted. The lower-end can models take a very traditional approach in styling. Also, there aren’t a lot of colors to choose from (3 is the maximum we have found for a particular model). The tote and cooler backpack look much more progressive but are limited to just one color choice.
If you’re in the market for a comfortable cooler that you can sling over your shoulders like a backpack, the Jaunt is a great option. It’s lightweight enough to lug around and small enough to stash with your gear. Just note that because it’s not the biggest pack, we only recommend it for day trips—and certainly not for the whole family. Overall, this pack is well insulated, portable, and comfortable, with a padded back and adjustable straps.
The models that scored lower in our durability tests use light to mid-weight nylon or canvas with middle-of-the-road zippers and regular seam construction. The higher-end models ozark trail canopy feature heavy rubber or treated nylon, have heavy-duty zippers and components, reinforced and welded seams, and more robust designs and construction. All of these aspects affect the overall durability and lasting power. The Trail Split, Pack Away, AO 24 Pack, and the Maelstrom Backpack 35 all have traditional, user-friendly zippers and just the right amount of handy design elements and features.
Here we break down those metrics individually and discuss the best performers across individual tests and full metric scores. For its size, this cooler offers a lot of capacity, with 18.5 liters of space. Plus, this cooler is very easy to open and close with two zippers that open the entire top (which stays open). The side walls snap into place, too, to keep the cooler standing upright and sturdy when you’re loading up all those cans or bottles—which you can crack open with the built-in bottle opener. There’s also an open front pouch to fit a smartphone, keys, or a slim wallet. You open the pack at the top with two buckles and a hard magnetic strip below a lip that folds over it.
Plus, considering they are generously cushioned, you may carry this backpack for a prolonged time without feeling uncomfortable. Mostly, people are pretty happy about its ability to retain a cold temperature. Even when the ice melts, the water will still remain cold – which gives you a few extra days. Furthermore, the LipGrip handles makes it very easy to carry around without bumping into the cooler at every step. Many campers and overlanders are looking for coolers like YETI, but perhaps a bit cheaper. Among hard coolers, if you’re using your cooler for something like grocery shopping, small weekend gatherings, or barbecues, 50 to 55 quarts is plenty.
However, still, from our experience, we can tell you that the Yeti is the best option when it comes to the built quality. Technically, the Ozark Trail backpack cooler can fit 20 cans of drinks or food; however, this also depends on how much ice you plan on adding. If you’re a boater, as Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley wrote, a “65- or 70-quart cooler is about the minimum size needed to have enough ice and space for food” for a weeklong trip for two.
There is a united dedication to quality, innovation, and the wild spaces treasured by many. As a collective of enthusiasts, experiences are shared, and the technology and sustainability efforts that allow for responsible enjoyment of nature are celebrated. Here, individuals are not merely observers but active participants in the legacy of adventure, crafting their own memories in the natural world. Its versatile design allows it to be divided into three separate rooms or used as one large area. Easy setup is ensured with color-coded poles and pin & ring frame attachment.
The zipperless design for the main compartment makes it completely painless to use, and the hard plastic interior makes it simple to pack. A removable plastic shelf adds functionality, keeping sensitive items out of melted ice, and numerous pockets adorn the outside for wine corkscrews, napkins, and silverware. If you’re looking for a cooler for a day or weekend trip—and insulation and durability are your priorities—this is a cool and comfortable option. After many years, its durable construction has proven worth the investment, with consistent performance, unchanged over time, and even looking like we bought it last week. Depending on which model you go with, you should see between 2 days and 5 days of ice life. That is still plenty impressive and should meet most people’s needs.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that there are some drawbacks to this cooler and the material from which it’s made. Temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit only lasted 1.9 days, and below 50 degrees lasted 2.1 days. When dunked in water, this cooler got completely saturated and soaked.
It features two sturdy nylon handles at the top of either side of the pack and a handle between the top of the backpack straps on the back area. Meanwhile, the IceMule Jaunt 15 was our favorite adventure pack of the ones we tested. While the straps are not as comfortable as other coolers, they are adjustable, and you can carry the shoulder straps or dry bag rollover top, too. The RTIC Backpack 30 is another favorite for sheer carrying comfort. It features padded carry handles and a comfy over-the-shoulder sling. The bag felt surprisingly secure, with no contents jostling around.