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Roll into camp with these expert-approved favorites.
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Thats where wheeled coolers come in.
These ultra-portable options are kitted out with solid, puncture-resistant wheels capable of handling rough terrain.
They come in a full range of sizes, with features ranging from integrated bottle openers to bear-proof locks.
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Our favorites are listed below.
The pressure-injected polyurethane insulation and sealed lid work together to keep ice frozen for days.
We found that despite not being 360-degree spinners, the latter were surprisingly maneuverable.
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They rolled smoothly and quietly over all terrain.
Looking for something a little more compact?
We also loved the smallerYeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler.
The handle is not extendable and may be too short for taller people.
Wed argue that one of the most important parts of a cooler with wheels are … the wheels!
The oversized, puncture-resistant wheels and patented, reinforced suspension were a highlight of this RTIC cooler for us.
Even after three months of rolling it around on crushed rock campsites the cooler’s wheels glide smoothly.
Plus, the cooler can hold up to 78 cans.
Certainly, it didnt sustain any signs of wear and tear during our tests.
Contents stayed cold throughout the test period.
Maneuverability, while sufficient, could be improved with the addition of spinning wheels.
They perform well, albeit a bit slower, over grass, dirt, and gravel, too.
The insulation provided by two inches of polyethylene and a freezer-grade gasket is impressive.
Backed by a lifetime guarantee, the Canyon Coolers Mule 30-quart Cooler is constructed from rotomolded kayak plastic.
Even after 48 hours when the ice had fully melted, the contents were still cold.
The unusual square shape does make it more difficult to view everything inside simultaneously.
The hard-wearing wheels sit flush to the sides, resulting in zero wasted space.
We found the cooler spacious and simple to empty, drain, and wipe down.
Bear in mind that the interior drink tank is not recommended for hot or slushy-style drinks.
Like the idea of having your favorite drink on tap?
The cooler is also deceptively roomy.
This cooler claims more than seven days of ice retention.
We recommend always tilting the cooler back before pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving it to prevent damage.
The fabric exterior is harder to keep clean than smooth plastic.
Its also lightweight, tipping the scales at just under three pounds.
We found the handle sturdy and comfortable.
Nonetheless, the cooler’s lightness makes it easy to maneuver.
We also appreciated the large mesh side pockets and front zippered pocket for storing additional items.
The fixed handle offers just one height, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
Spending less doesnt have to mean settling for a subpar product, either.
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Despite not having a latch or other locking mechanism, the lid seals tightly to the well-insulated body.
The manufacturer claims that the cooler can retain ice for up to six days.
Limited ground clearance makes it relatively difficult to haul over uneven terrain.
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Uneven or soft terrain proved a bit more challenging.
The cooler also features side grab handles, although it takes two people to lift it comfortably.
Its made from premium materials, maneuvers well, and comes in cute seasonal colors.
It was too heavy to lift solo, though.
However, its not leakproof when tipped over and the fixed-height handle may be uncomfortably short for tall people.
Laka 30 Cooler:Ice lasted for around 12 hours in this cooler.
The textured lid also scratched easily.
First, the coolers were carefully inspected and evaluated on the quality of their materials and construction.
You should also consider how you will transport and store the cooler.
Sometimes, two smaller coolers afford better flexibility than one large one.
Durability is also important since coolers are inevitably exposed to more wear and tear than static, indoor objects.
Look for hard-wearing plastics and stainless steel hardware that will last long enough to justify the initial expense.
Choose one with solid, single-piece wheels that wont puncture on rough terrain.
A decent tread is also required for traction on wet and dry surfaces.
Most cooler wheels are fixed and therefore cant offer the same 360-degree maneuverability as aspinner suitcase, for example.
But they should still wheel smoothly and quietly whether you push or pull them.
Pay attention to special features
Many wheeled coolers come with a range of special features.
Its important to consider which are of value to you and therefore worth any extra expense.
Non-skid feet are also handy for secure transportation.
The first step is to pre-chill it so that its already cold when you load your contents.
Next, load your ice at the bottom of the cooler.
Dividers and storage baskets are handy for organizing your cooler for quick access.
A wipe with a damp cloth or rag is usually sufficient to clean the cooler.
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