Bomb proof ice chests
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I'm getting ready to buy one of those heavy duty chests but want to here your opinions. Seems more and more companies are making them these days. There's Yeti, made with gold I think. I just used one by Kodi, not sure how long the thin rubber latches would last on that one. There's a few out there that are geared towards fishing. Feel free to list your pros and cons and reviews of the different brands you've used. Thanks. |
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I have the RTIC 65 and it's great. From the videos I've seen, the RTICs are just as good as Yeti. Have a few their tumblers as well, which also don't disappoint. |
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Check out Engel DeepBlue models - same rotomolded construction as Yeti, less expensive, and performs better overall. Built like a tank. https://www.westmarine.com/buy/engel--high-performance-rugged-cooler-80qt--11642626 I have used the 80qt extensively for the past year. It keeps ice blocks frozen >7 days in my truck in the summer heat. ETA: bear resistant too |
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I've used the Canyon Coolers for the past 3 years at work. We've been able to keep ice blocks frozen in the middle of summer in Baja California for a full 10 days. When we first got them, I remember my boss joking that we could probably ride out the nuclear apocalypse in them - the walls are a good 1.5 inches thick. Our coolers have probably seen at least 100 days in field, and aren't any worse for wear. |
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The only brand I have personally worked with, at a rafting outfitter in Moab, is Yeti. Everyone knows Yeti and for a good reason they are the cream of the crop. Canyon is based in Flagstaff and is considered by many to be the Gold Standard for Grand Canyon raft trips which often are 14+ days with extreme temps. RTIC is supposedly equal to or better than Yeti at half the cost. They are launching a large cooler soon - think it will be a 120 or 145 - that I am anxiously awaiting because any other brand exceeds $400 for that size. As far as I'm concerned any rotomolded cooler is good as long as it has a good warranty. They are all pretty much the same with slightly different handles, latches, drain plugs. My advice to people looking is to figure out the capacity / dimensions you need and shop around for the lowest price which is likely going to be RTIC |
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I have a few of the Pelican coolers and very happy with them. You can occasionally find them on sale at Costco for a discount. |
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I have a Yeti and love it. The rubber latches don't last forever true but they are readily available. It's worth just buying a spare pair so you have them. The yeti keeps ice and food longer than any cooler I've used in the past by a long shot. Had a black bear chew on ours on a recent trip. One latch was broken but the bear did not get the cooler open even though he rolled it around for a while. We have the locks for the cooler too which we use when we think a bear might be an issue but did not have them on that night. With the lock it is certified bear proof by the interagency bear people, meaning you can safely leave it out in bear country. |
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Academy sports and outdoors sells the Magellan brand ones super cheap. They aren't as good as the yeti. But they are insanely good for the price. |
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Coleman Xtreme |
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I have a cooler from these guys https://www.outfitters-gear.com/collections/outfitter-professional-series-cooler. Solid construction, good capacity, probably doesn't hold ice as long as some of the more expensive coolers, but it has a nice rectangular shape and good capacity in comparison to the external size. Plus at $200 for the 40L it is quite a bit cheaper than some of the other coolers out there. |
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I spent the last week deciding on buying an ice chest (or as they call them in Australia, an Esky), strange I know. Apparently some brand became known so well for the product they took over the name. Any, after reading this https://temperaturesensei.com/best-coolers-ice-chests/ I bought the Yeti Tundra 65. Anyone else done this? would like to get feedback before my 30 days are up! |
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Pelican!!!!! |
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[Replying to camping god, not the OP from 2-1/2 years ago] |
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I lived out of an 80 quart Cascade Design cooler From Costco for three weeks this summer. It was pretty awesome and a pretty serious cooler for the price. I spent a lot less money on ice this year but then it was a much cooler summer in the PNW. Whatever cooler you get, the divider and baskets are a must have. |
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With any of these coolers you'll get far better results if you chill the cooler itself first. |
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Marc801 C wrote: With any of these coolers you'll get far better results if you chill the cooler itself first. I’ve also found that a cheap piece of silver Mylar bubble wrap cut to the size of the cooler lid, and placed on top of it, makes a surprising difference on coolers that will be out in the sun, like on a raft or canoe. Just slip it under the steps holding the cooler in. |
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The Walmart ones seem just as good as the yeti at half the price. Insulation is insulation don't pay for the name. |