Whether you’re planning a multi-day camping trip, a long-distance road trip, or just need to keep food and drinks cool for an extended period, having a high-performance cooler is essential. High-performance coolers can keep your food and drinks cold for days, even in hot weather, making them ideal for long trips. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a high-performance cooler, and recommend some of the best options on the market.
What is a High-Performance Cooler?
A high-performance cooler is a heavy-duty cooler that is designed to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period. These coolers are built with thick walls and high-quality insulation to trap cold air inside, preventing it from escaping. They also typically have airtight seals and sturdy latches to keep the lid securely closed, further reducing the amount of cold air that escapes.
High-performance coolers are also designed to be extremely durable, with tough exteriors that can withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. Many high-performance coolers are rotomolded, which means they are made by heating plastic in a mold and rotating it to evenly distribute the material. This manufacturing process results in a cooler that is extremely rugged and resistant to damage from impacts, drops, and exposure to the sun.
When choosing a high-performance cooler, it’s important to consider factors such as size, weight, and insulation. A larger cooler will be able to hold more food and drinks, but it will also be heavier and more difficult to transport. A well-insulated cooler will be able to keep your items cold for longer, but it may also be more expensive.
Top High-Performance Coolers on the Market
- Yeti Tundra 65
The Yeti Tundra 65 is a popular choice for anyone looking for a high-performance cooler. It has a 65-liter capacity, which is large enough to hold 39 cans or 14 wine bottles, and can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days. The rotomolded construction makes it extremely durable, and the bearfoot non-slip feet keep it in place on any surface. The Tundra 65 also features a freezer-grade gasket, which creates an airtight seal to keep the cold air inside.
- Engel DeepBlue 35
The Engel DeepBlue 35 is a slightly smaller cooler with a 35-liter capacity, making it more portable than some of the larger options on the market. It can hold up to 48 cans and can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days. The cooler features a seamless, one-piece construction, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to damage from impacts and rough handling. The marine-grade latches and hinges are also corrosion-resistant, making this cooler ideal for use near saltwater.
- Pelican Elite 30 Quart
The Pelican Elite 30 Quart cooler is a great option for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that is easy to transport. It has a 30-liter capacity and can hold up to 23 cans. The cooler features a polyurethane insulation that can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days, and the freezer-grade gasket ensures an airtight seal to prevent cold air from escaping. The Pelican Elite 30 Quart also features a built-in bottle opener and a fish ruler, making it ideal for fishing trips.
- Coleman Steel Belted Cooler
The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler is a classic option that has been around for decades. It has a 54-liter capacity and can hold up to 85 cans, making it ideal for large groups. The cooler features a rust-resistant steel exterior and a hinged lid with four cup holders. It also has a channel drain that allows you to easily empty any melted ice.