9 the best coolers for road trip
It can be fun to plan a road trip, but it’s important to make sure you have everything you need before you hit the road. A cooler is one of the most important things to bring.
A good cooler can keep your food and drinks cold for days, making your road trip more enjoyable and easy.
There are many kinds of coolers on the market, and each has its own features and advantages. There are coolers for every need and budget, from high-end models with better ice retention to cheaper ones that still work well.
We’ll talk about seven of the best coolers for a road trip in this blog post. We’ll talk about a variety of options, from heavy-duty coolers that can handle harsh conditions to unique coolers that are made to be easy to move.
These coolers will help keep your food and drinks cold and fresh, whether you’re going on a long road trip or just getting away for the weekend.
Before buying a cooler, you should think about what you need and how much money you have. Do you need a big cooler for a big group or a small cooler if you’re going on a trip by yourself?
Do you need a cooler with all-terrain wheels for easy transport or a heavy-duty model that can handle extreme conditions?
By keeping these things in mind, you can find the best cooler for your next road trip. So, let’s jump right into the best coolers for a road trip.
What are the best coolers for road trip
Here are the seven best coolers to take on a road trip:
Yeti Tundra: The Yeti Tundra is a high-end cooler that is known for being strong and keeping ice for a long time. It comes in different sizes and has things like barefoot feet that don’t slip, double haul handles, and a freezer-grade gasket.

The Yeti Tundra is a high-end cooler made for people who like to be outside and want a cooler that works well and lasts a long time. Here’s a closer look at the good and bad things about it.
Features:
- The Yeti Tundra comes in different sizes, from 35 to 350 quarts, to fit different needs and groups of different sizes.
- The rotomolded construction and extra-thick walls keep your food and drinks cold for several days.
- The lid has a freezer-grade gasket and T-latches that make an airtight seal so that warm air can’t get in and cold air can’t get out.
- The cooler also has bearfoot feet that don’t slip, so it won’t move around even on wet floors.
- Even when the Tundra is full, it is easy to carry because it has strong handles. It also has places to tie it down so it can be moved safely on boats, ATVs, or trucks.
Pros:
- The Yeti Tundra is one of the most durable coolers on the market. It was made to withstand the roughest outdoor conditions.
- The rotomolded design and extra-thick walls do a great job of keeping ice inside, so your food and drinks will stay cold for days.
- The Tundra comes in different sizes to fit different needs and groups of different sizes.
- The non-slip feet and tie-down points on the cooler make it easy to move and keep safe on your road trip.
Cons:
- The Yeti Tundra is one of the most expensive coolers you can buy, so some people can’t afford it.
- Some users say the cooler is heavier than other models, which makes it hard to carry when it’s full.
- Because the Tundra has hard sides, it can be hard to fit in smaller cars or places with limited space.
Overall, the Yeti Tundra is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality cooler that keeps ice longer and is more durable. Even though it costs more than other models, it is well worth the money because of how well it works and how well it is made.
Pelican Elite: The Pelican Elite is a tough cooler made to last in harsh conditions. It comes in different sizes and has a built-in bottle opener, press-and-pull latches, and a gasket that can be used in the freezer.
The Pelican Elite is a high-end cooler made for people who like to be outside and want the best at keeping ice and being durable. Here’s a closer look at the good and bad things about it.
Features:
- The Pelican Elite comes in different sizes, from 20 to 250 quarts, to fit different needs and groups of different sizes.
- The rotomolded construction and extra-thick walls keep your food and drinks cold for up to 10 days.
- The lid has a freezer-grade gasket and press-and-pull latches that make an airtight seal so that warm air doesn’t get in and cold air doesn’t get out.
- The cooler also has feet that don’t slip and places to tie it down so it can be moved safely on boats, ATVs, or trucks.
- For added convenience, the Pelican Elite has built-in cup holders and a bottle opener.
Pros:
- The Pelican Elite is one of the most durable coolers on the market. It was made to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions.
- The rotomolded design and extra-thick walls are great at keeping ice inside, so your food and drinks will stay cold for up to 10 days.
- The Pelican Elite comes in different sizes to meet different needs and the needs of different groups.
- The cooler’s non-skid feet and tie-down points make it easy to move and keep safe on your road trip.
- The built-in cup holders and bottle opener make the cooler more useful and easy to use.
Cons:
- The Pelican Elite is one of the most expensive coolers you can buy, so some people can’t afford it.
- The cooler is heavier than similar models, which makes it hard to carry when it’s full.
- Some people have said that it can be hard to open and close the latches, especially when the cooler is full.
Overall, the Pelican Elite is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality cooler that keeps ice longer and is more durable. Even though it costs more than other models, it is well worth the money because of how well it works and how well it is made.
Coleman Steel Belted Cooler: The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler is a classic cooler design that has been around for decades. It is made of steel, has a big capacity, and has features like rust-proof hinges and a drain that won’t leak.

The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler has been around for a long time and is very popular. It has a classic look with a steel exterior, a lid that opens and closes on a hinge, and handles for carrying. The cooler comes in different sizes, from 54 to 100 quarts. Depending on the size, it can hold up to 84 cans.
Many customers have said that the cooler is strong and long-lasting, and the steel exterior protects it well from bumps and scratches. The hinged lid is also helpful because it stays open so you can get to the cooler’s contents. The handles are also strong, which makes it easy to carry even when the cooler is full.
There are also a lot of features on the cooler that make it great for outdoor activities. It has a drain that doesn’t rust or leak, so it’s easy to empty the cooler when you’re done with it. The cooler also has insulation that can keep ice frozen for up to four days at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
But some customers have said that the cooler can be hard to carry for long periods of time because it can be heavy, especially when it’s full. Others have said that the lid can be hard to close properly, which lets some air out and makes the ice melt faster.
Overall, the Coleman Steel Belted Cooler is a strong and reliable cooler that is great for outdoor activities and can keep your drinks and food cold for several days. Even though it has some problems, many people still choose to use it.
Igloo MaxCold: The Igloo MaxCold is a cooler that doesn’t break the bank and keeps ice well enough. It comes in different sizes and has things like a triple-snap drain plug, comfort grip handles, and a liner that doesn’t stain or smell.
Engel Deep Blue: The Engel Deep Blue is a high-end cooler made for outdoor enthusiasts who take their hobbies seriously. It comes in different sizes and has features like marine-grade latches, feet that don’t slip, and a freezer-grade gasket.
ORCA Cooler: The ORCA cooler is a high-end cooler that is known for being strong and keeping ice for a long time. It comes in different sizes and has features like a flex-grip handle, roto-molded construction, and places to attach a cargo nett.
RovR RollR: The RovR RollR is a cool, unique cooler that is made to be easy to move. It has all-terrain wheels and a handle like a waggon. It also has a dry storage bin, a cutting board, and a cup holder.
There are a lot of different features and prices for these coolers, so it’s important to think about your needs and budget before you buy one. Having a good cooler on a road trip can help keep food and drinks cold and make the trip more fun.
The best coolers for a road trip Buying guide
There are a few things to think about when buying a cooler for a road trip to make sure you get the best one for your needs. Here are a few important things to look for in a cooler:
Size and Capacity: Think about how much room you need for your food and drinks. If you are going on a trip with a lot of people, you will need a bigger cooler. A smaller cooler, on the other hand, might be enough for a single traveller or a small family.
Ice Retention: A good cooler should be good at keeping ice for a long time so that your food and drinks stay cold longer. Look for coolers that have thick insulation, lids that fit well, and seals that keep air out.
Durability: Your cooler will get knocked around on the road trip, so choose one that is built to last. Look for models that have strong hinges and handles and are made of high-quality materials.
Depending on where you want to go, you may need a cooler that is easy to move around. Look for models that have wheels, handles, and are made of light materials.
A lot of coolers have extra features like built-in bottle openers, cup holders, and dry storage spaces. Think about what’s important to you and choose a cooler that has those features.
Price: There is a wide range of prices for coolers, so think about your budget when picking one. High-end models may keep ice longer and last longer than cheaper ones, but cheaper options may still work well.
By keeping these things in mind, you can find the best cooler for your next road trip. Don’t forget to bring a lot of ice or ice packs so that your cooler stays at the right temperature. When you travel, you can keep your food and drinks cold and fresh with the right cooler.
Coolers for a road trip FAQs
How big should a cooler be for a road trip?
How big a cooler you need for a road trip depends on how many people are going and how long the trip is. A smaller cooler might be enough for a single traveller or a small family going on a weekend trip. But for bigger groups or longer trips, it’s better to have a cooler that can hold more.
How can I keep the ice in my cooler for longer?
Start with a cooler that is already cold and fill it with a lot of ice or ice packs. Don’t open the cooler too often, because that lets warm air in and brings the temperature down. Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight and in a cool, shady place if possible.
Is dry ice safe to use in my cooler?
Dry ice can be used in your cooler, but it needs to be handled in a certain way. Dry ice is very cold and can hurt your skin and eyes if you don’t handle it right. Dry ice should always be handled with gloves, and it should be kept in a well-ventilated area.
Are expensive coolers worth it?
Coolers with a higher price tag tend to keep ice longer and last longer than cheaper options. However, they might be more expensive. Whether or not a high-end cooler is worth the money depends on what you need and how much you can spend. Think about how often you plan to use the cooler and how important it is to you that it keeps ice and lasts a long time.
Can I sit down on my cooler?
Many coolers are made to be used as seats as well, but make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you do. Some coolers might not be strong enough to hold a person’s weight and could break or get damaged.