Additionally, several other aspects add to each one’s overall durability, beyond just a sturdy hinge and a set of bearproof locks. The latches and handles don’t factor into an IGBC rating, as they are entirely irrelevant to bear safety but extremely relevant to any model’s longevity. Rubber T-grip latches are popular as a durable, easy-to-use solution for keeping your ice chest closed.
The most important metric for most of us is how well an ice chest keeps food cold and fresh. This metric is also the source of a lot of really extraordinary claims from manufacturers. From models with “5-Day” in the name to stickers boasting up to 16 days of ice retention, it seems that just about every product out there will knock your socks off. We bought some ice, filled each model about ⅓ full, and put a mixture of cold and room temperature cans in them. Then we simulated a midsummer trip by sealing them in a heated room for over a week while tracking and recording each unit’s internal temperature.
Even after several years of use, the Tundra 65’s latches are virtually the same as the first day we got it. If you prefer thicker, sturdier latches and don’t mind the extra muscling they require to operate, the Orca 58 and Orca 40 both have brawny rubber T-grips (in the shape of orca tails) that practically exude security and confidence. In our testing, the Coleman Xtreme kept ice frozen for a full week (170 hours), 30 hours longer than the Igloo MaxCold (140 hours). It measures 28.4 by 15.8 by 17.5 inches, its design incorporates bevels and angles all over the place, and it has a ruler and cup holders molded into its lid. Insulation obsessives may want to fill those cup holders with Styrofoam, but considering how well this cooler performed in our tests, doing so doesn’t seem to be all that critical.
All returns with a gift receipt will receive a store
credit for the amount of the item at the time of purchase. And, no matter that, you can potentially buy up to 5 replacements before reaching coleman sundome the price of just one Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler. I’d like to run an updated version of this comparison in the future where I keep both coolers in my car trunk for the duration of the experiment.
They’ve successfully disrupted the market and changed the way that consumers view coolers with aggressive marketing and extremely high-quality products. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). The RTIC 65 weighs 36.5 pounds and measures 32 by 17 by 18 inches on the outside.
Proper ID will be required in the form of a valid, state-
issued driver’s license or state ID card. For web orders returned in store, please take the item in original packaging, along with invoice to any
Camping World retail locations for a refund or exchange. Refunds
are issued to the original form of payment; some exclusions may apply. Not only will it keep your food cold for a very long time, but it’s also all but indestructible.
It fits a full 40 quarts of contents as well as whatever you can cram into the large external storage pocket covering the back of the box. Its taller, narrower shape is also more comfortable for a single person to carry from the car to the beach. Knowing your investment will last through years and years of adventures is important for any piece of gear you own, and these products are no exception.
The resulting product is strong and especially rigid feeling, and typically it weighs more than 1.7 pounds per cubic foot with more than 90% of its air cells closed to one another. Closed-cell foam is also water-impermeable—so it’s an ideal material for, say, surfers’ wetsuits. Different types of insulation work in their own ways to minimize heat transfer into a cooler. Open- and closed-cell foams act as insulators to reduce heat conduction, while fabrics and liners, such as coated polyurethane and reflective Mylar, create a radiant barrier that reduces and reflects heat radiation. If you’re wondering what kind of foam your cooler has, a good rule of thumb is to try to squeeze the foam with your fingers. If your fingers can compress the foam more than 75%, you’re probably dealing with open-cell foam.