Are Igloo Coolers Any Good? What Each Line Does Well
Igloo coolers can be a good fit if you want practical sizes and useful features, especially in the wheeled Trailmate and Glide lines. Choose by capacity, terrain, and how you plan to move the cooler.
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Igloo coolers can be a good fit if you want practical sizes and useful features, especially in wheeled models. The best choice depends on how much you pack, where you take it, and whether you need wheels or a carry handle.
Igloo's range includes compact hard-sided coolers and larger wheeled options. These four examples range from the 25 qt Trailmate to the 110 qt Glide, with both carry and wheeled designs.
Are Igloo coolers good for everyday trips?
Yes, Igloo offers options for day trips, tailgates, and larger outings. The Trailmate Cooler holds 38 cans, the Trailmate 52 Roller holds 80, and the Trailmate Journey 70 fits up to 112.
Those capacities help you narrow the field, but they don't tell the whole story. Think about the cooler's full dimensions, the space you have in your vehicle, and how you will move it when full.
If you're comparing cooler styles before settling on a brand, start with our guide to hard, wheeled, soft, and backpack coolers. For a brand-level comparison, see the best cooler brands.
What does each Igloo line do well?
The Glide and Trailmate examples suit different needs for capacity and mobility. The Glide 110 has 110 qt of capacity and a telescoping handle, while Trailmate models range from a 25 qt carry option to larger wheeled coolers.
Is the Maxcold Glide 110 good for large loads?
The Igloo Maxcold Glide 110 suits trips where you need a large cooler and wheels. It has a 110 qt capacity, holds 168 cans, and has a telescoping handle and soft-ride wheels.
Its lid has a ruler, and its DuraLatch closures and stainless steel hinges are built into the design. At 25.4 lb empty, it still takes planning to load and move, especially if you need to lift it into a vehicle.
Choose it when capacity matters more than compact storage. If you don't need this much space, a smaller model can be easier to pack and handle.
Is the Trailmate Journey 70 good for rough ground?
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 is suited to moving a larger cooler across sand and other challenging terrain. It has 10-inch never-flat wheels, a telescoping steel handle with locking functions, and a removable butler tray that stores under the lid.
The cooler fits up to 112 cans and weighs 34.7 lb empty, so plan for its size as well as the wheel design. Igloo says Cool Riser Technology improves cooling performance by elevating the cooler body away from hot surfaces.
Choose the Journey when large wheels and the serving tray suit your trip. For a smaller wheeled option, compare it with the Trailmate 52 Roller below.
Is the Trailmate 52 Roller easier to manage?
The Igloo Trailmate 52 Roller has 52 qt of capacity, 6.25-inch soft-ride wheels, and a telescoping marine-grade handle. It holds 80 cans and weighs 19.5 lb empty.
Its walls and lid have 1.5-inch foam insulation. The wheels and handle can help when carrying the cooler is inconvenient.
Choose this model if you want wheels without stepping up to the larger Journey. Check its 25.62 in depth and 20.26 in width against your vehicle storage space.
Is the 25 qt Trailmate good for a small group?
The Igloo Trailmate Cooler is the compact choice in this group. It holds 38 cans, weighs 10.8 lb, and has a swing-up bail handle rather than wheels.
It has a locking plate and gasket, but a lock isn't included. Igloo says Cool Riser Technology improves cooling performance by elevating the cooler body away from hot surfaces.
It also has a drain plug.
Choose it for a smaller outing where a carry handle is more useful than wheels. Its 20.55 in width and 16.7 in height still deserve a quick check against your storage space.
Which Igloo cooler should you choose?
Choose by the job the cooler needs to do. A large load points toward the Journey 70 or Trailmate 52 Roller, while a lighter or more compact trip may suit the Glide 110 or Trailmate Cooler.
Use these differences to narrow the options:
- Larger wheels for challenging ground: Trailmate Journey 70, with 10-inch wheels and a butler tray.
- Mid-size wheeled option: Trailmate 52 Roller, with 52 qt capacity and 6.25-inch wheels.
- Large capacity with wheels: Maxcold Glide 110, with 110 qt capacity and soft-ride wheels.
- Compact carry option: Trailmate Cooler, with a swing-up bail handle and no wheels.
For more model options, browse our guide to the best Igloo coolers. If you are considering a different brand, see whether RTIC coolers are a good fit or compare coolers like YETI.
Are Igloo coolers worth considering?
Igloo is worth considering if one of its sizes and features matches the way you travel. These examples cover a capacity range from 25 qt to 110 qt, with both carry and wheeled designs.
Pick the Journey 70 for large wheels and a serving tray, the Trailmate 52 Roller for a mid-size cooler with wheels, the Glide 110 for the largest capacity, or the Trailmate Cooler for a smaller load you can carry. To compare the brand with a direct alternative, use our Igloo vs YETI cooler guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are Igloo coolers good for camping?
Igloo makes hard-sided coolers in several sizes, including wheeled models for moving a larger load. The right fit depends on your campsite and how far you need to transport food and drinks.
Check capacity, wheel size, handle style, and the cooler's dimensions against your packing plan.
Which Igloo cooler is best for rough terrain?
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 has 10-inch never-flat wheels described for sand and challenging terrain, plus a telescoping steel handle. Its larger size and 34.7 lb weight make it more suited to a substantial load than a compact cooler you carry by hand.
How do you choose an Igloo cooler size?
Start with how many people and meals you need to pack, then allow room for ice. Igloo's capacities range from 25 qt for the Trailmate Cooler to 110 qt for the Maxcold Glide 110.
Check exterior dimensions and transport needs before choosing.
Are Igloo coolers better than YETI?
There isn't one answer for every trip. Compare the specific models by capacity, insulation details, mobility, and features you will use.
Our Igloo vs YETI cooler comparison explains which differences matter when choosing between the brands.
