When it comes to camping and outdoor adventures, there are very few things that are as essential as having a reliable cooler.
Whether you are camping under the hot sun or in the cool mountain air, making sure the drinks stay cold and the food doesn’t spoil, is our top priority.
With that in mind, we decided it was worth the effort to compile a list of the top 5 camping coolers and comparing them across four crucial categories: durability, IGBC certification, mobility, and efficiency.
Did you know that the number one appliance issue that presented the most problems and received the most complaints is the refrigerator?
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You are probably wondering why a good cooler is good to have on hand; picture this: You are on your weekend getaway, visiting your favorite camping spot, when you discover your fridge stopped working on the first day.
The last thing you want to do is end your camping trip early, but with your perishable’s quick shelf life and your ice cream slowly melting, your only option is to pack up and head home.
Unless you remembered to bring one the following coolers as backup!
Table of Contents
Cordova 48 qt Basecamp
YETI Roadie 48
45 RTIC Ultra Tough Wheeled Cooler
Lifetime 48 qt High Performance Cooler
Engle ENG50
Cordova 48qt Basecamp
Durability: ★★★★★ The Cordova Basecamp is built to last with rotomolded construction and heavy-duty latches.
IGBC Certified: ✅ This cooler is certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
Mobility: ★★★★☆ Features side handles and a top handle for easy carrying, though it can be heavy when fully loaded.
Efficiency: ★★★★★ Excellent ice retention, keeping contents cold for up to 7 days.
Capacity: ★★★★☆ Fits 56 cans only.
Made in the USA: ✅
DIMENSIONS & SPECS
- Exterior Dimensions: Length: 28.25″ Width: 18″ Height: 16.75″
- Interior Dimensions: Length: 20″ Width: 11.75″ Height: 12.25″
- Base Dimensions: Length: 22.25″ Width: 15.5″
- Weight: 26 lbs
At Bish’s RV, we take camping and adventuring seriously, so we knew we had to partner with another company that takes it seriously, too!
We are excited to have joined forces with Cordova coolers, and we have no doubt that when you learn more about this Idaho-rooted company, you will be excited to own a USA-made Cordova cooler!
Check out Cordova’s entire hard cooler selection!
Learn more about Cordova!
YETI Roadie 48
Durability: ★★★★★ Yeti is renowned for toughness, and the Roadie 48 rotomolded construction doesn’t disappoint.
IGBC Certified: ✅ Certified bear-resistant when used with Yeti bear-proof locks.
Mobility: ★★★★★ Features Yeti’s Periscope Handle for easy one-handed hauling and Never Fail Hinge system.
Efficiency: ★★★★★ Exceptional insulation keeps ice for days, even in hot conditions.
Capacity: ★★★★★ Fits 76 cans only. Fits 54 lbs of ice only.
Made in the USA: ❌
DIMENSIONS & SPECS
- Exterior Dimensions: Length: 19.8″ Width: 20.1″ Height: 20.6″
- Interior Dimensions: Length: 14.5″ Width: 11.4″ Height: 15.8″
- Weight: 28.3 lbs
45 RTIC Ultra Tough Wheeled Cooler
Durability: ★★★★★ Rotomolded Construction for extreme durability to outlast the most rugged adventures.
IGBC Certified: ❌ Not certified bear-resistant.
Mobility: ★★★★★ With ultra-strong tires and reinforced suspension, the puncture-proof wheels will help you take this cooler anywhere.
Efficiency: ★★★★★ Closed-cell foam insulation and a freezer-style gasket lock in the cold for up to 5 days when following RTIC’s cooling tips.
Capacity: ★★★★☆ Fits 60 cans only.
Made in the USA: ❌
DIMENSIONS & SPECS
- Exterior Dimensions: Length: 23″ Width: 20 3/4″ Height: 20.5″
- Interior Dimensions: Length: 17″ Width: 16″ Height: 11 3/4″
- Base Dimensions: Length: 22.25″ Width: 15.5″
- Weight: 33 lbs
Lifetime 48 qt High-Performance Cooler
Durability: ★★★★☆ Features thick walls and stainless steal, made with heavy-duty polyethylene construction, not quite as bombproof as premium options.
IGBC Certified: ✅ Certified bear-resistant to withstand a bear for up to an hour when locked.
Mobility: ★★★★★ Equipped with rope handles and molded side handles for easier carrying.
Efficiency: ★★★★★ The insulated lid and body provide protection and ice retention for up to 7 days.
Capacity: ☆☆☆☆☆ Could not be found! But don’t let that discourage you – a 48 qt cooler is plenty big for a weekend getaway.
Made in the USA: ✅
DIMENSIONS & SPECS
- Exterior Dimensions: Length: 25.6″ Width: 16.7″ Height: 16.5″
- Interior Dimensions: Length: 18.2-20.6″ Width: 10.3-12.7″ Height: 12.1″
- Weight: 20.8 lbs
Engel ENG50
Durability: ★★★★★ The OG high-performance roto-molded construction cooler with durable hardware.
IGBC Certified: ✅ Certified bear-resistant by the IGBC.
Mobility: ★★★★☆ Features both molded and rope handles, but can be heavy when full.
Efficiency: ★★★★★ With 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation in the lid, on the sides, and the bottom, this polar bear of a cooler can retain cold and ice for up to 10 days.
Capacity: ★★★☆☆ Fits 50 cans only.
Made in the USA: ❌
DIMENSIONS & SPECS
- Exterior Dimensions: Length: 24.5″ Width: 17.5″ Height: 18.25″
- Interior Dimensions: Length: 18″ Width: 11.75″ Height: 13.25″
- Weight: 24 lbs
Each of these coolers has its strengths; the best choice depends on your specific needs. For maximum durability and bear protection, the Cordova, Yeti, and Engel models stand out.
If mobility is your priority, the RTIC Ultra Tough Wheeled Cooler takes the lead. The Lifetime cooler offers a good balance of performance and value.
When it comes to picking a cooler, consider your camping style, budget, and priorities – with so many quality coolers to choose from, we have no doubt you will find the perfect one for you!
Brooke Erickson
Some say I am a writer…I like to say I am a storyteller.