It has anti-microbial properties and it’s strong enough that a bear can’t break into it. The top entry is zipper-sealed so there’s no risk of anything falling out. It has 2 cup holders on the lid and a large, easy-carry handle. You know that Ozark Trail has a lot of cooler models in the market. And the ice retention capability of these particular models varies from one to another.
Some users claim that there are few other brands that can compete with a YETI cooler in terms of quality and features. But, as the top of the YETI coolers is flat, you still can use that as a table. However, it will not be as reliable as drink holders for safely keeping the water and the drinks. On the other hand, the Ozark Trail brand is a cost-effective option.
Still, if you happen to get an ice chest that has these kinks ironed out, you will enjoy a solid competitor. These are IGBC certified and that certification isn’t possible without a tough product. 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. This old-school cooler has everything you’ll need for a good picnic, straps gear onto itself, and keeps food away from wet ice.
You will find both low-cost models as well as a “premium” lineup. The low-cost model won’t wow you with features, build quality, or long ice life but instead tries to find a happy medium while still being extremely cost-effective. The premium lineup will cost more but will also utilize features that help it to hang with other premium soft-sided coolers.
This model’s interior bin features a handle, along with a locking plate on the outside. They have harnessed this into their small but potent lineup of hard-sided coolers. These coolers are available in 26-quart, 52-quart, and 73-quart and fall somewhere in the intermediate to lower premium price tier.
In the event that you go on a camping weekend, this is the perfect tool for you. YETI is good for those that don’t mind spending a couple of extra bucks on a good product – as long as they have the assurance that it will work properly. The Igloo Recool 16 Qt Cooler is a disposable alternative to the ubiquitous Styrofoam cooler you see on grocery shelves in the summer.
This cooler feels like you can roll it across anything without the handle straining or bending or the wheels breaking. We’ve covered coolers for more than seven years now, building on hundreds of hours of research and watching the category change and evolve in a myriad of ways. As the weather heats up, many of us head to nature to cool off in the shelter of trees and coolness of rivers. Whether your go-to exclusion involves fishing, camping, or road-tripping to the next town over, you’d better be stocked with snacks and drinks. Coolers are one of the most vital outdoor equipment to have on hand for the summer, providing a solution to warm beers and melted cheese.
I do think the Pelicans pull handle is the lowest on my list of the three. Cooler’s have become somewhat of a status symbol in the outdoors and many equate the bigger brands with better quality. A higher price tag should mean a higher quality product, right? No, that is not always the case and any outdoorsmen, gear junkie, or general abuser of products will tell you the same thing. Every so often a brand will fly under the radar producing products that are not only a great value but also great quality as well.
It’s also easy to wipe clean and fold flat when you’re done with it. We found that this cooler can float in water, and there’s an exterior pocket for your phone or other small items. Overall, this is not the model we would expect ozark trail canopy to last the longest, as its materials and craftsmanship are not top-tier.
At one time, the presence of an airtight zipper and waterproof exterior indicated solid insulation. Now, various closure solutions continue to impress us with their ability to keep things chilled. Models with the now old-school approach of having a water/airproof zipper include the Engel HD30, RTIC SoftPak, and Yeti Hopper ozark trail canopy Flip. Before we started timing how long our drinks stayed cold, this review began with market research into which soft coolers are even worth testing. Every year, the number of impressive-looking soft coolers grows, and we’ve been expanding our selection of test-worthy models since 2017. Testing consists of a quantitative ice melt test and extensive field use.