Performance is important, but design matters, too — and sometimes, it’s a deal-breaker. Coolers with removable lids tend to be cheaper coolers that aren’t going to perform in the top percentile — with one exception I’ve found so far. Magellan Outdoors has a double-latching, double-hinged removable lid and happens to have won our picks for best small and large cooler.
Putting them side by side, the Yeti and Ozark Trails tumblers look exactly alike. They’re the same size and shape, are made of stainless steel, and have similar sip tops. The only real physical differences are that Yeti has a slider on the lid and they have different logos adorning the cups (obviously). It shouldn’t be cleaned with bleach or put it in the microwave or freezer. You do get a few color options with the Ozark Trail and ozark trail canopy it comes with a lifetime warranty to boot. On the other hand, the Ozark Trail tumbler is made of high-grade, double-walled stainless steel and is vacuum-sealed—so pretty much the same as the Yeti.
While it’s not perfect, the Ozark Kanga Pouch Cooler is a reliable companion for tailgates, barbecues, and golf outings. It’s affordable, making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly cooler without compromising on ozark trail canopy quality. However, I did find that the zipper can be a bit tricky to use, especially when compared to other high-end coolers like Yeti. And let’s not forget the removable shoulder strap, which allowed me to go hands-free while enjoying my favorite outdoor activities.
All in all, both mugs do an incredible job at insulating both hot and cold drinks for hours on end. Additionally, when holding each tumbler, I couldn’t feel any heat or chill through the material, which makes either ideal for drinking exceptionally hot or cold drinks. Yeti has clearly set themselves apart as the biggest player in the cooler space. Since they launched, they have carved out an incredible market share delivering products across the board from coolers to dog bowls. Pelican is a newer entry in to the world of rotomolded coolers and have taken their own spin on design and function.
We put that to the test during our capacity evaluations, where the entire cooler is filled to the top with water, and then closed. In its closed state, full of water, I sloshed it around without spilling a drop, so it’s safe to assume that leaks won’t be an issue. Our recent Magellan Outdoors soft-sided cooler (title holder for Best Soft-Sided Cooler) has the same zipper setup. On the topic of wheeled coolers, the Igloo Journey Trailmate 70-qt.
I do think the Pelicans pull handle is the lowest on my list of the three. As far as color options go, you can purchase this in one of two colors, Greystone which is the one featured in this article and a lighter grey. The constant color feature among the two are the orange rimmed wheels which I don’t love but, it is not a deal breaker. The coolers in competition were the Ozark Trail 45QT Rolling Thermocooler, The Pelican 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler, and the Yeti Tundra Haul.
The Kanga 12-Pack Kase Mate Cooler from Ozark is a game changer for those who love to entertain with ease. Between the hinges, the lid, the drain plug and the lid latch, the Bison cooler felt the most like a premium product to the touch. It didn’t hold cold air as well or as long as other roto-molded models and it costs about $150 more than our most affordable roto-molded pick, the Xspec 60qt High Performance cooler. The best cooler for your summer camping trips will make it easy to carry drinks and keep them cool.
It’s a convenient feature that I’ve grown to appreciate, especially during outdoor events. And lastly, I’m happy that it doesn’t sweat, making it easy to keep elsewhere in my living space without creating a mess. I’ve been using the Ozark Trail 12 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Can Cooler for a while now, and I have to say it’s a handy little gadget.
Temperature, how many times the cooler is opened, whether or not the cooler was pre-cooled, the type of ice being used, the type of insulation in the cooler, ect. If you’re on the fence about spending the money, consider how long you will be gone and what it would cost to add ice to your cooler everyday. For us, while a YETI required a larger initial investment, we will save money (and use less water) over time. Many companies and sporting stores make or sell rotomolded coolers. If you are interested in purchasing one, considering waiting for a sale, like the REI 20% off member sale.
For those who need something simple and cheap, the 12-can and 24-can models are great. And for those who want a bit more ice life and toughness, the premium backpack and tote are going to be worth checking out. Our favorite feature of the Ozark Trail Soft Coolers is their additional storage options.