10Best.Guide

Beach Cooler

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Insulated top keeps things colder longer
  • Perfect size for beach trips and commuting
  • Can keep food and drinks cold for days
  • Customizable with photo skins
Cons
  • No drain plug
  • Awkward to pour out water without spilling drinks
Bottom Line
The Yeti cooler is a durable and insulated option for keeping food and drinks cold for days, but lacks a drain plug and can be heavy when full. It is best suited for outdoor activities and commuting.
Pros
  • Sturdy and leak-proof
  • Lots of room and pockets
  • Comfortable to wear as a backpack
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Leaks after a few hours
  • Material gets dirty quickly
Bottom Line
This cooler backpack is a good value for the price and has plenty of room and pockets. However, it may leak after a few hours and the material gets dirty quickly. The shoulder straps and hanger loop may also come off.
Pros
  • No zipper top
  • Multiple pockets
  • Plastic rack to keep things separate
  • Velcro lid
  • Roomy
Cons
  • Doesn't keep food/drinks cold for more than a day
  • Shelf is flimsy
Bottom Line
The Arctic Zone Titan zipperless hardbody cooler has some useful features such as no zipper top, multiple pockets, and a plastic rack to keep things separate. However, it may not keep food/drinks cold for more than a day and has some durability issues.
Pros
  • Comfortable straps that fit bigger guys
  • Many compartments to store things
  • Can carry a lot of items
  • Lightweight and keeps things cool for at least 6-8 hours
  • Has extra pockets for additional items
Cons
  • Leaks when ice is put in it
  • Water goes through the bottle when ice starts to melt
Bottom Line
This backpack cooler is a great option for those who need to carry lunches, snacks, and drinks for outdoor activities. It has many compartments and extra pockets for additional items, and is lightweight and durable. However, it may not keep things cool for as long as other brands, and it may leak if ice is put in it.
Pros
  • Perfect size for day trips and picnics
  • Sturdy and seals temperature well
  • Good for storing perishable items in hot and humid climates
  • Keeps items cold for about 8 hours
  • Easy to carry around and stores a lot
Cons
  • Lid falls off easily
  • Some units arrive dirty
Bottom Line
The Coleman cooler is a good option for day trips and picnics, as it is sturdy, seals temperature well, and is easy to carry around. However, there are some quality control issues, and the lid may fall off easily. It is also not clear on size and capacity, and ice may melt within 4-6 hours.

The Ultimate Beach Cooler Buying Guide: Top Picks, Features, and Tips

Overview

A beach cooler is an essential accessory for any beach trip or outdoor adventure. It keeps your drinks and snacks cool and fresh, making your beach experience more enjoyable. However, with so many different types of beach coolers available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this buying guide, we'll help you navigate the options and find the perfect beach cooler for your next beach excursion.

Types

1. Soft-Sided Coolers: These are lightweight and easy to carry, making them a popular choice for beachgoers. They are typically made of durable, water-resistant materials and can hold up to 30 cans of drinks.

2. Hard-Sided Coolers: These are heavy-duty coolers that can keep your drinks and food cold for several days. They are ideal for longer beach trips or camping trips and can hold up to 100 cans of drinks.

3. Wheeled Coolers: These are perfect for those who have a lot of gear to carry to the beach. They have wheels and a handle, making them easy to transport even when fully loaded.

4. Backpack Coolers: These are ideal for those who want to keep their hands free. They are lightweight and can be worn like a backpack, making them perfect for hiking to secluded beaches.

Key Considerations

1. Capacity: Consider how many drinks and snacks you'll need to bring to the beach. Soft-sided coolers typically hold between 12 and 30 cans, while hard-sided coolers can hold up to 100 cans.

2. Durability: Look for a cooler made of durable, water-resistant materials that can withstand the harsh beach environment.

3. Portability: Consider how easy the cooler is to carry or transport. Soft-sided coolers are lightweight and easy to carry, while wheeled coolers are ideal for those who have a lot of gear to carry.

Features

1. Insulation: Look for a cooler with thick insulation that can keep your drinks and food cold for several hours or even days.

2. Drainage: A good beach cooler should have a drainage system that allows you to easily remove melted ice and water.

3. UV Protection: Some coolers are designed with UV-resistant materials that can protect your food and drinks from the sun's harmful rays.

Prices

Beach coolers range in price from around $20 for a basic soft-sided cooler to over $500 for a high-end hard-sided cooler. The price you pay will depend on the size, features, and brand of the cooler.

Tips

1. Pre-chill your drinks and food before putting them in the cooler to help keep them cold longer.

2. Use ice packs instead of ice cubes, as they melt slower and won't water down your drinks.

3. Store your cooler in a shaded area to help keep it cool and prevent the ice from melting too quickly.

FAQs

Q: What size cooler do I need for the beach?

A: The size of the cooler you need will depend on how many drinks and snacks you plan to bring. Soft-sided coolers typically hold between 12 and 30 cans, while hard-sided coolers can hold up to 100 cans.

Q: How long will my drinks and food stay cold in a beach cooler?

A: The length of time your drinks and food will stay cold will depend on the quality of the cooler and the temperature outside. A well-insulated cooler can keep your drinks and food cold for several hours or even days.

Q: Can I use regular ice cubes in my beach cooler?

A: Yes, you can use regular ice cubes in your beach cooler, but they will melt faster than ice packs. Consider using a combination of ice packs and ice cubes to keep your drinks and food cold longer.

Conclusion:

A beach cooler is an essential accessory for any beach trip or outdoor adventure. When choosing a beach cooler, consider the type, capacity, durability, and portability. Look for a cooler with insulation, drainage, and UV protection. Prices for beach coolers vary depending on the size, features, and brand. Follow our expert tips to keep your drinks and food cold for longer on your next beach trip.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Keeps things cool
  • Leakproof
  • Spacious
  • Good price
  • Portable
Cons
  • Zipper is hard to use
  • Not much room for ice
Bottom Line
The RTIC Soft Cooler is a good option for those looking for a portable and affordable cooler, but it has some issues with the zipper and ice retention.
Pros
  • Keeps drinks cold for a long time
  • Good size for lunch or day trips
  • Anti-leak and waterproof
  • Quality materials and construction
  • Zipper front for dry items
Cons
  • Strap and handle may come unstitched
  • Plastic that holds straps in place may break
Bottom Line
This backpack cooler is a good choice for short trips and keeping drinks cold for a few hours. It has some quality and durability issues, but overall it's a decent product with some useful features.
Pros
  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Convenient velcro hole for drinks
  • Folds easily and has attached handles
  • Sturdy and fits perfectly on the floor behind the front seat
  • Easy to collapse and stays folded
Cons
  • Not very durable, tears easily
  • Can't keep up with extreme heat and sun
Bottom Line
This soft cooler is great for short trips and packing lots of food, but may not be durable enough for long-term use or extreme conditions.
Pros
  • Good size for a few drinks and snacks
  • Keeps things cold for a full day at the beach
  • Perfect size for a bag of ice and 6 bottles of water and 6 pack cans
  • Everything stays very cold
  • Nice looking bag
Cons
  • Not waterproof
  • No bottom insert
Bottom Line
This soft cooler bag is a good option for short trips and personal use. It keeps things cold for a full day and has a nice design. However, it is not waterproof, has a low-quality zipper, and may leak after a few weeks of use.
Pros
  • Cans fit perfectly and stay cold for hours.
  • Fits any can or bottle.
  • Keeps drinks cold for a long time.
  • Works for all sorts of beverages.
  • Adaptable for different size items.
Cons
  • Needs improvements for 16 oz soda bottles.
  • Doesn't keep drinks as cold as cans do.
Bottom Line
The Frost Buddy is a versatile beverage holder that fits any can or bottle and keeps drinks cold for a long time. However, it needs improvements for certain bottle sizes and may peel after a few months of use.
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