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Rotomolded coolers have become the standard for many outdoor enthusiasts. This is thanks to their rugged construction and extreme ice retention. Because they can stay cold for days in very hot temperatures, they make for some of the best coolers for camping, especially if you’re going far off the grid or plan on bringing along a lot of food and drinks.
The challenging part is selecting the ideal cooler for your outdoor adventures, whether you’re hunting, fishing, camping, or simply heading to the beach. That’s why we took it upon ourselves to run six of the most popular options through a gamut of ice retention and durability tests. These are the best rotomolded coolers available from reputable brands like RTIC, Yeti, and Orca.
Best Overall: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
Best Lightweight: Yeti Tundra 45
Best Value: Canyon Pro 45
Best Insulated: Bison 50 QT
Best Budget: Engel 45
Most Portable: Orca 26 QT
Smartest Design: Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Icebox
Best No-Frills: Blue Coolers Companion Cooler
Best Overall: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
Specs
Capacity: 78 cans (no ice)
Dimensions: 18” x 29”
Weight: 30 lbs
Extras: Bottle opener, wheels, aluminum pull handle
Pros
Surprisingly light
Easy to pull over rugged terrain
Convenient latches
Cons
Only a few color options
This 52-quart, ultra-light wheeled cooler impressed me at every turn. Large rotomolded coolers can get quite heavy, but the RTIC ultra-light comes in at a trim 30 pounds. I'll never know how they managed to do that while outfitting the cooler with large wheels and a large handle to pull it.
Although it had the largest capacity of the tested coolers, it was somehow not the heaviest. RTIC advertises this cooler as having a “no sweat exterior” that is supposed to remain dry with no mess. I found it did that as advertised. However, I also noticed that the cooler’s exterior stayed significantly cooler than the others I tested when exposed to direct sunlight. It was a slight difference that was only noticeable when I put my hand on the cooler, but it was there. Some of that was probably due to the white color of my test model, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that feature was also a contributing factor.
In terms of ice retention, this cooler was probably third best. Where it really won me over with the ease of its latches and the ergonomics of the pull handle. RTIC also offers this wheeled cooler at a very competitive price when compared to other wheeled options and they certainly didn’t skimp on the components. The wheels are extremely rugged and rolled nicely over every terrain I toted the cooler across, including rocks and landscaping ledges in the yard. Ultimately, the mobility, durability, and price point stood out among the rest of the competitors.
Best Lightweight: Yeti Tundra 45
Specs
Capacity: 54 cans
Dimensions: 25.6” x 15.9” x 15.5”
Weight: 24 lbs
Extras: Wire tray
Pros
Lightweight
Looks great
Excellent ice retention
Cons
Price
Can scratch easily
The Yeti name needs no introduction in the world of coolers. While I was familiar with the brand, this was my first real experience with Yeti coolers. I wasn’t disappointed to find that they do, in fact, live up to the hype. This was the second-best cooler in terms of ice retention. It still had a little bit of ice on day six. It wasn’t a tremendous amount, but it was enough to show these things are very well designed. This cooler weighs a trim 24.6 pounds, which made a big difference every time I moved these things around. That light weight makes this my top pick for a fishing cooler because I think it’ll be easier to throw this in a boat or kayak than any of the other options here.
The Yeti Tundra has a much shinier finish than the others I tested. It gives the cooler a great look, but it also feels slightly less rugged than the others. You’ll probably worry about scratches. To my surprise, there were no permanent marks from the drop test. However, when I tossed a piece of firewood on the lid, it left a small, permanent scratch.
That’s not a make-or-break-it thing for me because I’m rough on my hunting, fishing, and camping gear anyway. With that said, I now understand why everyone is obsessed with Yeti, especially the Tundra, which our experts also dubbed the best ice chest. The latches are extremely ergonomic and easy to use. The rope handles also feature very comfortable grips, making it easy to transport this cooler from one place to another.
In 2025, Yeti introduced a new online customization tool for the Tundra 45, available exclusively to users purchasing directly through their website. This allows customers to pick different colors for the latches and carry ropes. It also allows users to pick and choose accessories. It’s a nice feature for anyone wanting a cooler that stands out from other Yetis.
Best Value: Canyon Pro 45
Specs
Capacity: 58 cans (no ice)
Dimensions: 26” x 17.25” x 16.25”
Weight: 38 lbs
Extras: Divider/table combo
Pros
Rugged construction doesn’t show scratches/dirt
Versatile table and divider
Great gasket seal
Cons
Latches take some getting used to
Canyon is more of a regional brand that’s popular in the western part of the U.S. I found the Canyon PRO to be an extremely versatile cooler that will work well just about anywhere. It has slightly thicker insulation than some of the others I tested along with a thicker gasket insulating seal. Additionally, Canyon also insulates the drain plug. The result is a cooler with excellent ice retention. It was still holding ice six days into the test.
It’s easy to see why this is a popular choice of hunters in the west. Mainly because this cooler also did extremely well in my durability tests. The sandstone color of the model that I tested hid dirt well, and there were almost zero signs of the drops from the top of the ladder.
However, the real highlight—and why I picked this cooler for best value—is the genius design of the included divider. Brackets on the edge allow you to instantly transform it into a table, which fits perfectly into a series of notches around the perimeter of the lid. The table is rugged and food-safe, and would be perfect for cutting up and seasoning a fresh tenderloin after the hunt. Best of all, you can leave the table on the cooler while it is shut as the brackets are designed to fit within the lid without affecting the seal. Canyon sells extras of these divider/tables for additional organization and food prep space when you’re in the backcountry.
Best Insulated: Bison 50 QT
Specs
Capacity: 42 cans
Dimensions: 30.5” x 17.5” x 16.5”
Weight: 32 lbs
Extras: Tray, divider, and traction pad sold separately
Pros
Best ice retention we tested
Easy latches
Excellent gasket
Cons
Price
The Bison cooler is a perfect example of keeping things simple and to the point. There’s nothing super flashy about this cooler: thick walls and insulation, and a simple rubber latch. Yet it works like a charm. The Bison retained ice better than any other cooler in this test. The rest of the coolers had turned to water by day six or seven, but the Bison was still chugging along with a small pile of ice on day eight. This makes it a good choice for anyone who is planning a longer trip with fewer ice stops along the way.
I want to highlight the latches on this cooler. They are very easy to operate and require almost no pressure to release and re-lock. This is notable because some of the coolers had latches that I suspect would be difficult for children or people with lingering hand injuries to open easily. That’s not the case with the Bison.
Additionally, the Bison easily handled all of the abuse I gave it. One of my drops landed directly on one of the corners and the cooler shrugged it off. The only real signs of abuse was some dirt on the outside, which can be washed off.
Best Budget: Engel 45
Specs
Capacity: 40 cans (2:1 ice ratio)
Dimensions: 27” x 18” x 14”
Weight: 26 lbs
Extras: Basket and divider sold separately
Pros
Simple, no-frills design
Very rugged in durability test
Good gasket
Cons
Latches can be stubborn at times
Coming in at $300, the Engel is one of the more affordable rotomolded coolers offered today. Like the Bison, this cooler has a simple, straightforward design that works exactly as advertised. The Engel did a nice job of retaining ice well into day five, and there was still some left on day six. It also took all the lumps I gave it during the durability test. It showed dirt a little more than some of the other coolers in the test, but it cleaned up quickly once I hit it with the garden hose.
I only have one small gripe with the latches on this cooler. Sometimes, they don’t latch quite right and require a second attempt. However, once they are latched, they are locked down, and they won’t come open again until you need them open. One of my drops on the durability test landed squarely on the edge of the cooler. Another drop landed flat on the lid. Both times the cooler shrugged off the hard collision with the dirt.
After the abuse I subjected it to, I can safely say it is durable and reliable. I also just like the mango yellow color. It’s a sharp color you rarely see on these styles of cooler.
Most Portable: Orca 26 QT
Specs
Capacity: 22 cans
Dimensions: 23.63” x 14.63” x 17.75”
Weight: 25 lbs
Extras: None
Pros
Comes in a variety of colors
Easy-to-use latches
Cargo net on back adds storage
Cons
Gasket works a little too well at times
The Orca is slightly smaller than the other coolers I tested, but it held its own in terms of ice retention and durability. The cooler has an excellent gasket that gives it a super airtight seal. In fact, that’s my only complaint about the cooler. There were a couple of times when I needed to provide some extra elbow grease to get it open. Other than that, the cooler performed flawlessly. The Orca still had a decent amount of ice on day six of the retention test. It showed some blemishes and dirt after the durability tests, but it washed off rather quickly.
Another notable thing about this cooler is the excellent latches, which are ergonomic and easy to operate. They didn’t budge at all despite the cooler landing on its edges during a few of my drops. This cooler is perfect for a road trip because of the smaller footprint that makes it easy to put in a car trunk or the back of an SUV. Add in an affordable $275 price point, and it’s a winner all around.
Smartest Design: Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Icebox
Specs
Capacity: 25 quarts
Dimensions: 16 x 15.25”
Weight: 21.4 lbs
Extras: Internal divider/cutting board, removable basket
Pros
Double-sided opening system
Highly affordable
Nice interior accessories
Cons
Some reported gasket issues
Magellan is an Academy Sports house brand that has consistently impressed us with its quality and attention to detail. The big selling point here is the brilliant lid that latches at four points. This allows the cooler to be opened from either side. We love this design choice, especially for compact spaces like tents or vehicles. Now, it doesn’t matter how the cooler is oriented. The latches utilize a pressure-release valve system that also helps keep the cooler securely closed. During my ice retention test, this cooler easily kept ice for five days, making it comparable to more expensive brands.
I did notice that there are some reports of gasket issues causing the lid of this cooler to warp. However, upon a deep dive into the online reviews, it seems the problem is mitigated simply by keeping the cooler latched shut when not in use. Other than that issue, I love everything about this cooler. It also features some excellent integrated accessories, including a bottle opener and a removable organization basket. The interior divider also doubles as a cutting board. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of saving space and finding extra use for what would otherwise be a useless piece of plastic when not in use. This cooler is also regularly on sale for just over $100, making it highly affordable for anyone on a budget.
Best No-Frills: Blue Coolers Companion Cooler
Specs
Capacity: 30 quarts
Dimensions: 23.4” x 15.8” x15.6”
Weight: 21.2 lbs
Extras: Bottle opener
Pros
Affordable
Simple, reliable design
Ruggedly built
Cons
Some accessories sold separately
Doesn’t hold ice as long as other offerings
Blue Coolers offers a simple and affordable short-term ice-keeping solution in their Companion line. These coolers are designed to last approximately five days and hold ice relatively efficiently for at least three. These coolers are ideal for shorter road trips or weekend camping trips. They’re also handy in a power outage. There aren’t many frills with these coolers, but that helps make them extremely tough and durable. The latches are simple for anyone to manipulate. We also like that Blue Coolers made the side tethers completely removable. There’s also a utility port which sets this cooler apart from other offerings.
The standard package for these coolers doesn’t offer many accessories. These are sold separately. However, we do like that one of the sold-separately accessories is a small interior light. That’s a rather unique feature among rotomolded coolers. For an extra $20, it’s a small feature that’s worth the price, especially if camping in a dark area. Speaking of price, Blue Coolers start at around $200, making them highly affordable compared to other offerings.
How We Tested Rotomolded Coolers
For our hands-on testing, we first subjected the coolers to eight days of ice retention testing. For the ice retention tests, I bought enough ice to fill each cooler to the brim. For the seven coolers tested, this amounted to 15 “big bags” weighing approximately 20 pounds apiece. That amounted to a little over $70 worth of ice! I bought 10 bags on the first trip, which elicited a baffled response from my local gas station cashier: “Do we even have that much ice?”
From there, I observed each cooler’s ice retention abilities over eight days. The coolers were shuffled around from my garage to direct sun in the yard. They spent two days in direct sunlight, approximately 12 hours a day, totaling about 24 hours. The purpose here was to simulate a variety of different conditions in which they might be used.
Temperatures here in Michigan ranged from the mid 70s to the 90s during my ice test. I also want to note that this was done without pre-chilling the coolers, which most major manufacturers recommend. I also did not drain the water from melted ice from any of the coolers until the six days were up. Thus, the water helped to insulate the ice in each of the coolers to some degree.
Long story short, all the coolers were excellent in ice retention. Most were still holding ice four days into the test despite spending two of those days in direct sunlight. I’ll detail more on how each cooler performed more in each individual review, but it was almost a draw between all seven coolers as far as retention goes.
Durability Test
Because testing individual wear and tear would be too time-consuming, I subjected the coolers to a series of durability tests as well. I dropped each cooler from the top of a 7.5-foot ladder in my yard not just once but three times. I made sure each cooler landed on an edge or side at least once. To test the abrasion resistance of the plastic, I chucked a big piece of firewood across the lid of each cooler and then observed the scratches made, if any.
I wasn’t gentle with any of the coolers at this stage of the test, and just threw them around when making room for other coolers to land. A few of them dinged into one another while I was doing this. I’m happy to report that other than some scratches, dings, and dents, all the coolers passed durability testing with flying colors.
In addition to the performance observed with each cooler, we also weighed the following factors in making our decisions:
Value: How does the price compare to the cooler’s ability to retain ice? Are you paying for the name more than the performance?
Aesthetics: Does the cooler look good? Is it available in a variety of colors to fit everyone’s tastes?
Accessories: Does the cooler come with organization trays? Cup holders? Small tables or other features? How much value do these add to the cooler?
What To Consider When Choosing a Rotomolded Cooler
Rotomolded coolers are an excellent choice for individuals who dislike constantly purchasing ice. However, keep in mind that any cooler will eventually see some melting, especially if it sits in the sun and is exposed to high temperatures. During my test, most of these coolers kept ice for five to six days while getting at least 24 hours of sunlight exposure (making them great boat coolers, as well). Most regular users won’t subject their cooler to such tough conditions. Thus, it’s fair to expect to get four to seven days of ice retention from most coolers out there.
Most manufacturers recommend not emptying the water from the cooler each day, as it helps to insulate the ice and keep the cooler chilled for longer. That means you’ll want to have some kind of container to keep food from falling into the water.
Cooler Weight
Rotomolded coolers are significantly heavier than other types of coolers. This is simply part of the design. The sidewalls of these coolers are thicker and they hold much more insulation inside. Add in a lot of ice and drinks, and some coolers take two people to move.
Weight may not seem like a huge issue until you go to empty the cooler at the end of a long trip, and you’re already tired before even starting to empty the car. It’s at those times that many people start regretting the weight of their cooler. If you are in the market for a larger cooler, it’s not a bad idea to look at a wheeled cooler simply for ease of transport.
FAQs
Q: What cooler holds ice the longest?
In my experience, rotomolded coolers hold ice longer than those constructed using other methods. And I’ve owned many cheaper options. This is primarily due to the improved insulation and thick wall construction that helps keep the heat out longer.
Q: What is a rotomolded cooler?
Rotational molding is a unique process that produces hollow plastic parts. Manufacturers then inject the interior with insulation. This produces extremely rugged coolers capable of withstanding a beating. They also retain ice better than other forms of hard-sided coolers. Rotomolding is a relatively time-consuming process, and the cost of materials is higher. Subsequently, these types of coolers have a higher price point.
Q: Do I need to clean my rotomolded cooler?
All coolers need to be cleaned periodically, especially if you are storing food in them for days at a time. Even if the ice does not melt completely, the cooler will start to develop a smell unless wiped down thoroughly. It is a good idea to use hot soapy water to clean your cooler. Most manufacturers of rotomolded coolers also recommend mixing baking soda with the soap and water to kill any lingering smells.
Q: How do I make my cooler keep ice longer?
There are several ways of keeping ice longer in a cooler. One is to leave melted water inside to insulate the remaining ice. Manufacturers also recommend pre-chilling your cooler either by adding ice before you intend to use it. Another option is storing it in a cool place ahead of time. Once your cooler is packed, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, and try to limit air exposure to the interior. Some companies, like Yeti, recommend using dry ice if possible because it keeps longer than standard ice.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the coolers I tested here. All proved quite rugged and durable, and all had excellent ice retention when compared to my non-rotomolded coolers. It’s difficult to single one out as best of the bunch in that department. All held ice for at least five days. It’s only because the Bison was the only cooler left with ice after eight days that it earned the best insulated title. At the end of the day the RTIC’s surprising weight combined with ease of transport was enough to win me over for the best overall cooler of the bunch.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
