Skip to Content

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

The 9 Best Camping Coolers for Every Budget

Before you head out on an outdoor adventure, you'll need one of these.

By Christian Gollayan and Dale Arden Chong
best camping coolerspinterest icon
Courtesy of Retailer

When it comes to coolers, it's what's inside the cooler that really counts. But of course, the quality of the cooler itself—you know, the part that holds your favorite summer beers, seltzers, and other seasonal drinks—is just as important. While those corroding, beat-up coolers that you and your friends busted into as kids after Little League games will always have a special place in your warm heart, sometimes (especially when camping out for a few days in the summer sun), you really need a good camping cooler. We're talking something that's high tech, durable, and is sure to keep all your supplies, food, and drinks chilled to the perfect temperature. That's right—you need a 21st-century adult cooler. And if you've been on the hunt, you need not look any farther.

Read more: Best Camping Gear for Men

How to Find the Best Camping Cooler

Now, when we're discussing the best of the best coolers—and the best coolers for your money, for that matter—there are some key things to consider. First and foremost: ice retention. In other words, how well will its insulated walls keep your things cold? Then it's all about portability, which can depend on how you plan to use it. It is a cooler with wheels? A backpack cooler? Maybe you want an easy-to-handle, soft-sided option.

No matter what type of cooler you're looking for or your budget, we found the 8 best camping coolers for every summer scenario, including picks from top brands like Yeti and Coleman. From soft totes and duffle bags to small hand coolers and classic chests (with and without wheels), these are the top options for any outdoor adventure. Bring 'em hiking, fishing, or to a backyard cookout. Regardless of what you do, these will make this summer your coolest one yet (and in more than one way).

The Best Camping Coolers to Buy Now

Read more: Best Beach Coolers

Best Camping Cooler for Ice Retention

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
Best Camping Cooler for Ice Retention

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

$350 at Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 56 quarts
• 3" permafrost insulation with extra thick design
• Heavy-duty rubber latches for security

Let's start with the classic ice chest. The YETI Tundra 65 includes 3 inches of permafrost insulation and boasts a "virtually indestructible" armored exterior. Its rubber latches also mean you avoid those busted plastic things. It might be one of the pricier coolers, but's it's one that will endure through the ages.

Best Camping Cooler with Wheels

Coleman Wheeled Cooler

Coleman Wheeled Cooler
Best Camping Cooler with Wheels

Coleman Wheeled Cooler

Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 50 liters
• Ice retention: 5 days
• Lid supports up to 250lbs

From classic ice chest to classic portable. And a classic brand. Coleman has been a camping buddy for decades, and this wheeled chest will keep ice, well, iced for up to 5 days in 90°F heat. It also stores about 84 cans. That's portability without having to reload.

Best Small Cooler

Coleman 9 Can Cooler

Coleman 9 Can Cooler
Best Small Cooler

Coleman 9 Can Cooler

Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 4.5 quarts
• Removable liner for easy cleaning
• Adjustable shoulder strap

It's the small, no-frills portable cooler. As the name suggests, this little guy will hold nine cans—which means nine cold beverages for you. Sure, it might look like a total Dad bag, but who cares. It gets the job done, and it is worth every single dollar.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Budget Camping Cooler

TOURIT Cooler Backpack

TOURIT Cooler Backpack
Best Budget Camping Cooler

TOURIT Cooler Backpack

Now 37% Off
Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 330ml
• Ice retention: 16 hours
• Built-in leakproof liner

If the hiking is a bit more extreme, you're gonna wanna two-strap your cooler. This TOURIT bag is perfect for all the pack-mule camping trip Dads. It keeps food and drink warm or cool for 16 hours. Plus there's a lifetime warranty. Tell your kids two strapping is cool.

Best Value Cooler

Igloo Marine Ultra 54 White

Igloo Marine Ultra 54 White
Best Value Cooler

Igloo Marine Ultra 54 White

Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 54 quarts
• Ultratherm insulated body and lid
• Non-slip, comfort grip, swing-up side handles

If you're looking for a simple, classic and effective camping cooler to have with you at the beach or during a backyard cookout, this is it. This option from Igloo was designed for extreme conditions and features comfortable, swing-up handles that won't slip in wet conditions.

Best Travel Cooler

Polar Bear Coolers 24 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler

Polar Bear Coolers 24 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler
Best Travel Cooler

Polar Bear Coolers 24 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler

Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 24 cans with 10lbs of ice
• Ice retention: 24 hours
• Adjustable shoulder strap

For something a bit bigger but no less stylish, try Polar Pear Coolers. Its carry-on size also allows you to store whatever duty-free drinks you picked up while traveling. It looks like a duffle bag. Who's gonna know?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Large Cooler

Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler

Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler
Best Large Cooler

Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler

Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 120 quarts
• Ice retention: 6 days
• Leak-resistant thread drain

You don’t need a fancy cooler; you just need a monster cooler for everything you'll need for a long camping trip. This 120 Quart behemoth will keep the drink party bottomless and the entire group hydrated. That's upwards of 250 pounds and 100 cans.

Best Soft Cooler

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler
Best Soft Cooler

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler

Now 49% Off
Credit: Courtesy of retailer

• Capacity: 7.2 gallons
• Wide, magnetic, leak-proof zip closure
Adjustable shoulder strap

Looking for easy access to your cooler? This wide-mouth bag is just what you need. YETI brings its top-notch quality and construction to you in the form of a large, easy-to-carry soft-sided cooler with a magnetic closure to make getting things in and out of it as seamless as possible.

Best Luxury Cooler

YETI V Series 55

V Series 55

• Capacity: 12 ounces

• Vacuum insulation

Stainless steel construction

Looking to splurge on a cooler? Yeit has you covered with this stainless steel beauty, which is basically a portable, top-of-the-line refrigerator. It has vacuum-insulated panels that will keep your drinks ice-cold for days, making it perfect for a glamping trip or tailgating.

Headshot of Christian Gollayan
Christian Gollayan
Deputy Editor, Commerce

As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia. 

Headshot of Dale Arden Chong

Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS. 

Watch Next
 
preview for Men's Health US Section - All Sections & Videos

Outdoor Adventures

best air mattresses for camping

10 Best Air Mattresses for Every Type of Camper

best fishing rods for men

7 Fishing Rods and Reels for Rising Anglers

wide running shoes

10 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet

best running shorts for men 2022

15 Best Pairs of Running Shorts in 2023

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Men's and Enthusiast Media Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices