Camping Ice Chest: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Food Fresh in the Great Outdoors

Camping trips are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, and there’s nothing quite like a cold drink or meal to keep you refreshed and energized. This is where a camping ice chest comes in handy. A camping ice chest is a portable cooler designed to keep your food and drinks cold while you’re out in the wilderness. It’s an essential item for any camping trip, whether you’re going for a weekend or an extended stay.

When it comes to purchasing a camping ice chest, there are a few things you should consider. The first is the size of the cooler. You’ll want to make sure it’s big enough to hold all the food and drinks you’ll need for your trip, but not so big that it’s difficult to transport. The second thing to consider is the insulation. A good camping ice chest should be well-insulated to keep your food and drinks cold for as long as possible. Finally, you’ll want to consider the durability of the cooler. It should be able to withstand the rough terrain and weather conditions that come with camping.

We spent hours researching and testing camping ice chests to identify the ones that offer the best combination of size, insulation, and durability. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Camping Ice Chests

We all know how important it is to keep our food and drinks cold while camping. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best camping ice chests on the market. Our team has researched and tested various brands and models to bring you the top picks. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a week-long adventure in the great outdoors, these ice chests will keep your perishables fresh and your drinks ice-cold. Check out our list below and find the perfect ice chest for your next camping trip.

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels

If you’re looking for a reliable camping ice chest that can keep your food and drinks cool for days, then the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels can keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F, making it perfect for long camping trips.
• With its heavy-duty 6-inch wheels and durable tow & swing-up handles, this cooler is easy to transport even when it’s fully loaded.
• The molded cup holders with drain on the lid are a nice touch, and they can fit up to a 30-oz. tumbler.

Cons

• The plastic handles on both sides of the cooler look like they could break easily when carrying a full load.
• The design of the cooler doesn’t include side carrying handles, which can make it difficult to move when it’s half full or more.
• The cooler is quite large, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something more compact.

We recently took the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels on a camping trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The cooler kept our food and drinks cold for the entire trip, even when the temperatures outside were in the 80s.

One of the standout features of this cooler is its heavy-duty wheels, which make it easy to transport even when it’s fully loaded. The tow & swing-up handles are also a nice touch, as they allow you to easily move the cooler around without straining your back.

The molded cup holders with drain on the lid are another nice feature, as they help keep your drinks from spilling. We also appreciated the have-a-seat lid, which can support up to 250 lbs. and makes for a convenient place to sit when you’re out camping.

While the cooler is quite large, it’s still easy to open thanks to the recessed lip on the lid. The stain-resistant liner also makes cleanup a breeze, and the leakproof channel drain plug is a nice touch.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels to anyone in the market for a reliable camping ice chest. Just be aware that the plastic handles on the sides of the cooler could be a weak point, and that the cooler may be too large for some users.

Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler

If you’re looking for a camping ice chest that can keep your drinks and food cold for up to five days, the Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The Xtreme Technology and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F.
• High capacity: Holds up to 84 cans.
• Heavy-duty wheels make it effortless to roll over any terrain.

Cons

• The cooler is quite heavy when full, so it may be difficult to lift or carry.
• The cup holders molded into the lid may not fit all cup sizes.
• The telescoping handle may be too short for taller individuals.

We recently took the Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler on a camping trip, and it exceeded our expectations. The cooler was able to keep our drinks and food cold for the entire five days, even in the hot summer temperatures. The heavy-duty wheels made it easy to roll the cooler over various terrains, including gravel and grass. The have-a-seat lid was also a nice touch, as it provided extra seating and could support up to 250 pounds.

One downside to the cooler is its weight when full. It can be quite heavy, so it may not be the best option for those who have difficulty lifting or carrying heavy objects. Additionally, the cup holders molded into the lid may not fit all cup sizes, so you may need to bring along separate cup holders. Finally, the telescoping handle may be too short for taller individuals, which could make it uncomfortable to pull for extended periods.

Overall, we highly recommend the Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler for anyone in need of a reliable and durable camping ice chest. Its ability to keep ice cold for up to five days, high capacity, and heavy-duty wheels make it an excellent choice for any outdoor adventure.

Coleman Portable Cooler

If you’re in the market for a camping ice chest, the Coleman Portable Cooler is a great option.

Pros

• The TempLock FX Insulation provides multiday ice retention, keeping your food and drinks cold for longer.
• The Tethered drainplug resists leaks and won’t get lost, making clean up a breeze.
• The 70-quart size holds up to 50 cans and 35 lbs. of ice, making it perfect for group camping trips.

Cons

• The hinges are a little light duty, so be careful when opening and closing the lid.
• The plastic smell can be strong at first, but it dissipates after a few uses.
• The lid can be a bit heavy, so it’s not the most portable option.

We recently took the Coleman Portable Cooler on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The TempLock FX Insulation kept our food and drinks cold for the entire trip, which was a huge relief in the hot weather. The Tethered drainplug was also a nice feature, as it made cleaning up easy and hassle-free.

The 70-quart size was perfect for our group of six, as it held plenty of food and drinks for the weekend. However, the lid can be a bit heavy, so it’s not the most portable option. The hinges also felt a bit light duty, so we made sure to be careful when opening and closing the lid.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a camping ice chest, the Coleman Portable Cooler is a solid choice. The TempLock FX Insulation and Tethered drainplug make it a great option for longer camping trips, and the 70-quart size is perfect for group outings.

Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide White Cooler

We highly recommend the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide White Cooler for anyone looking for a high-performance camping ice chest.

Pros

• The thick Ultratherm foam in the body and lid provides MaxCold 5 Day performance, keeping ice frozen for days on end.
• The horizontal telescoping handle requires 50% less lifting effort, making it easy to transport even when fully loaded.
• The soft-ride wheels and cushion grip handle make towing this cooler a breeze.

Cons

• The cooler is quite large and heavy, making it difficult to lift and transport for some users.
• Some reviewers have reported that the cooler does not hold ice for the full 5 days as advertised.
• The price point is higher than some other camping ice chests on the market.

We recently took the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide White Cooler on a camping trip and were extremely impressed with its performance. The thick Ultratherm foam kept our ice frozen for the entire 5-day trip, and the horizontal telescoping handle made it easy to transport from our car to our campsite. The soft-ride wheels and cushion grip handle also made towing the cooler a breeze, even over rough terrain.

One downside to the cooler is its size and weight. It can be difficult to lift and transport, especially when fully loaded with ice and drinks. Additionally, some reviewers have reported that the cooler does not hold ice for the full 5 days as advertised, although we did not experience this issue ourselves.

Overall, we highly recommend the Igloo Sportsman 110 Qt Glide White Cooler for anyone in need of a high-performance camping ice chest. Despite its higher price point, its durability and performance make it well worth the investment.

YOUNGOA Cooler Bag

We highly recommend the YOUNGOA Cooler Bag for anyone in need of a reliable and spacious ice chest for outdoor activities.

Pros

• With a capacity of 32L (8.4 gallons), this cooler bag can hold up to 48 cans (355ml) of your favorite drink, making it perfect for outdoor activities like beaches, camping, and hiking.
• The high-density insulating and waterproof materials of the main compartment ensure that your food and drinks stay cool for up to 12 hours. This cooler bag keeps your food and beverages fresh for longer, so you can enjoy them even on a hot day.
• The inner lining is made of high-density and waterproof PEVA material, which is easy to clean. The exterior is made of firm and wear-resistant high-density Oxford cloth and checked cloth, making it highly durable and not easy to tear. You won’t have to worry about any leaks or spills with this cooler bag.

Cons

• The cooler bag is not equipped with wheels, which may make it difficult to transport if it is fully loaded.
• The shoulder strap may not be comfortable for extended periods of carrying.
• The bag may be too large for some users, making it difficult to store when not in use.

We recently took the YOUNGOA Cooler Bag on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The bag held all of our food and drinks for the weekend, and everything stayed cold for the duration of the trip. The bag was easy to carry with both the padded handle and detachable shoulder strap, and the front pocket and two mesh pockets provided additional storage options.

One of the standout features of this cooler bag is its collapsible design, which makes it easy to store when not in use. We also appreciated the versatility of the bag, as it can be filled with various snacks and lunches, making it an ideal companion for travel, school, or any outdoor adventure.

Overall, we highly recommend the YOUNGOA Cooler Bag for anyone in need of a reliable and spacious ice chest for outdoor activities.

Buying Guide

When looking for a camping ice chest, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for when choosing a camping ice chest:

Capacity

The capacity of the ice chest is an important consideration. You want to make sure that it is large enough to hold all of your food and drinks, but not so large that it is difficult to transport. Consider the length of your trip, the number of people in your group, and the amount of food and drinks you plan to bring.

Insulation

Insulation is crucial to keeping your food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. Look for ice chests with thick walls and lids that seal tightly. Some ice chests also have additional insulation in the form of foam or other materials.

Durability

Camping ice chests are often subjected to rough handling and extreme conditions. Look for ice chests made of durable materials that can withstand the elements and rough handling. Also, consider the weight of the ice chest as you will need to carry it to and from your campsite.

Additional Features

Some additional features to consider include:

• Drainage: Look for an ice chest with a built-in drain plug for easy cleaning and draining of melted ice.
• Wheels: If you plan to move your ice chest around frequently, consider one with wheels for easier transportation.
• Accessories: Some ice chests come with additional accessories such as cup holders, bottle openers, and cutting boards.

By considering these factors, you can find the perfect camping ice chest for your next outdoor adventure.