Buying Help, Ice & Packing
How to Check What Cooler You Have
Learn how to check what cooler you have by reading labels, badges and molded details, measuring the box, and matching the name to the brand's model list.
Find the right cooler for your trip, then keep it cold
Side-by-side picks for YETI, RTIC, Igloo, Coleman, Pelican and more. Start with the brand you're weighing, the size you need or how you'll carry it.
Latest guides
RTIC, Igloo, Coleman & MoreWhat Is a Marine Cooler?
What is a marine cooler? It's a tough, well-insulated ice chest built for boat decks and wet, rough conditions, not just a cooler with a boat sticker.
- YETI Cooler Models
What Makes YETI Coolers So Good?
What makes YETI coolers so good comes down to rotomolded shells, up to 3 inches of foam and rubber gaskets. Here is how each feature works.
Buying Help, Ice & PackingAre Lifetime Coolers Rotomolded?
Are Lifetime coolers rotomolded? No, they use high-density polyethylene in a different process. Here's what that means for ice, strength and your pick.
Rolling, Soft & Backpack CoolersWhat Is a Soft-Sided Cooler?
What is a soft sided cooler? It's a fabric or foam insulated bag with a leakproof liner that folds down, carries by strap or handle, and keeps ice for a day or more.
- RTIC, Igloo, Coleman & More
What Is a Roto Molded Cooler?
What is a roto molded cooler? It's a one-piece plastic ice chest spun in a mold for even walls. See how rotomolding works and when it's worth it.
- Buying Help, Ice & Packing
How to Control a Thermoelectric Cooler
Learn how to control a thermoelectric cooler: set the thermostat, match the power supply, manage the load and airflow, and keep the fan vents clear.
RTIC, Igloo, Coleman & MoreWhat Is a Hard-Sided Cooler?
What is a hard sided cooler? It's a rigid insulated ice chest with molded walls and a sealing lid. Learn how they work, what sizes and features matter, and who they suit.
- Buying Help, Ice & Packing
How Do Coolers Keep Things Cold?
How do coolers keep things cold? They block heat transfer with insulation walls, a tight lid seal, and a cold source like ice or ice packs.