As we mentioned above, Ozark Trail has both hard-sided and soft-sided coolers. The hard-sided coolers are measured in quarts while the soft-sided coolers are typically measured in how many cans that they can hold. We will break down the size selections available to you in the next section.
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. To achieve these asking prices, some shortcuts in manufacturing and quality were necessary. And Ozark Trail’s diverse selection of coolers means that we are going to have results that are all over the place. 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.
As is expected, the larger hard-sided coolers had a clear advantage over the soft-sided coolers. They are not only larger but utilize thicker insulation, rubber gaskets, and an overall more ice-friendly design. Their low-cost, soft-sided cooler options don’t have a lot of storage volume or insulation to help them out. Having structure is important for protection in soft-sided coolers.
I was so excited to get it home and run a test to see if it really holds ice longer than my Coleman 60 Quart Performance Wheeled Cooler. We purchased four bags of ice – two for each cooler – and got started. The Ozark Trail held ice one day longer than the Coleman and in general, the cooler felt cooler inside than the Coleman. Unfortunately, the deal breaker is that it intermittently leaked water from the drain spout.
We have been receiving a lot of complaints as of late from people who are mentioning that the zippers on their soft-sided coolers are going out after 6 to 12 months. We are looking into this problem in more detail and may adjust this review accordingly once we get to the bottom of it. We like the sharp edges and progressive appearance of the Ozark Trail Coolers.
Senior editor Kalee Thompson, who wrote a previous version of this guide, has been regularly using the Coleman chair she originally tested in 2016. The chair has held up to years of backyard hangs and camping trips, although the cooler pouch has deteriorated, and some parts of the fabric close to the frame have frayed. That’s because it’s among the most durable and comfortable chairs we’ve tested. It’s large enough to accommodate a wide range of body types, and its steel frame supports up to 325 pounds. If you’re looking for highly specialized or ultra-lightweight chairs for backpacking, our recommendations are probably not for you.
We put that to the test during our capacity evaluations, where the entire cooler is filled to ozark trail chair 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.
But it does fall a bit short of the top-tier premium coolers in the industry. And while we are on the subject of the premium soft-sided coolers, there are a few additional features specific to them. They include built-in bottle openers, daisy chain attachment points, compression strap, thicker insulation, and a wash-friendly 600D outer coating. The adjustable shoulder strap is a thoughtful addition, allowing for comfortable transport. However, the highlight that truly shines is the insulation — it keeps my drinks ice-cold for hours on end. The expandable top and the side-mesh pocket add to the convenience and functionality of the product.
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 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.