If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Nothing can put a damper on an outdoor event quite like a warm can of beer. OK, maybe a literal soaking-wet pack that’s floating in a pool of melted ice.
What you really need — and the gear behind all successful outdoor bashes — is a hard cooler, which is tough to tip, ensures your food and beverages are cold when you need ’em, and thanks to its tough, durable walls, will help to prevent leaks in the back of your car or on your one-and-only outdoor blanket . Now, go make some more ice and read on for our tips on what to look for when buying the best hard cooler. What Are the Best Hard Coolers How We Chose the Coolers Hard-Sided Cooler Buying Guide From retro-looking models, to heavy-duty rolling coolers, here are a few of our top picks for the best hard-sided coolers to pack up and use this season.
BEST OVERALL: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler BEST FOR ROAD TRIPS: Yeti Wetlands Tundra 35 Hard Cooler BEST WITH WHEELS: RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Camping Rolling Cooler BEST ICE RETENTION: Yeti Tundra 65 BEST BUDGET: Igloo Playmate Elite Cooler BEST PERSONAL COOLER: Stanley Adventure Easy Carry Outdoor Cooler Despite the “ultra-light” name, this cooler isn’t some dainty, featherlight pick you can toss a couple brews in for the beach. What RTIC’s Ultra-Light Hard Cooler has is solid build, even at just 21 pounds — it’s a cooler.