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Nov 7, 2024 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Rebecca Glades |Lyra Pierotti
The irony of this review has not escaped us. What on earth is a so-called “barefoot” shoe? Isn't that a contradiction?
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Apr 24, 2024 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Maggie Nichols |Rebecca Glades
The Xspec is a rotomolded cooler with dual handles and an internal height that easily accommodates an upright, average-sized wine bottle. It features an integrated fish ruler, a built-in compass, two bottle openers, removable handles, tie-downs, a lock plate, a pressure release valve and dual-use drain, and anti-skid feet. Performance Comparison When it comes to insulation performance, the Xspec is one of our top performers, providing cooling power strong enough for most endeavors.
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Oct 9, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
The Coleman 316 Series 52 cooler is a simple cooler that features a drain plug and four integrated cup holders. It weighs in at just 9.5 pounds, making it easy to transport around. It can hold up to 74 cans, but it won't keep them cold for more than a few days. Performance Comparison The Coleman 316 is one of the few options in our lineup that isn't rotomolded. Instead, it's blow-molded plastic, which tends to not do as well at holding colder temperatures.
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Oct 9, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Rebecca Glades |Genaveve Bradshaw
Performance Comparison Lasting nearly a week in our insulation tests, the rotomolded Roadie 60 is a perfect option for a long road trip or camping weekend. It's sturdy, so it can easily double as a table or step stool. Most of all, it has large, durable wheels that make it one of the most portable options in our lineup. Among the most important aspects of a cooler is how long it'll keep its contents cold. Really, a cooler that can't cool sort of defeats the purpose.
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Oct 9, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
The RTIC 20 measures in at 15 quarts, the ideal size for up to two people. It's rotomolded and includes a padded metal handle that swings over the top of the lid. It weighs in at 18 pounds, making it one of the lightest options in our lineup. However, its awkward handle makes it a bit challenging to tow around. Performance Comparison The RTIC 20 didn't necessarily impress us with its insulation performance. It lasted 3.3 days under 40º F and 3.6 under 50º F.
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Sep 22, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
The RovR KeepR is a caddy-style cooler with an open-top design. It's easy to get in and out of and is a great option for a portable bar. Though not the easiest to move around, the center ice chest keeps its surrounding contents cool longer than most others in the lineup. Performance Comparison Considering the RovR KeepR doesn't have a lid at all, it does quite well keeping its contents cool.
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Sep 22, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
The large RTIC Backpack 30 is capable of holding dozens of cans, wine bottles, ice, and other variously shaped items. The durable pack is waterproof and floats, so it's an excellent option to tug along on your next float trip. While it's not the easiest to store in tight places, its insulation performance is one of the best. Performance Comparison Worth 35% of the overall score, insulation is the most important metric in our testing.
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Sep 22, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
With plenty of pockets and good insulation results, the Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 is an excellent messenger-style option to take to the beach or picnic. It features a removable interior shelf, multiple exterior pockets, mesh bottle holders, and a bottle opener. It's available in various colors and sizes, all of which are friendly to the wallet. Performance Comparison For such a thin cooler, you'd expect the insulation performance to be a bit lacking.
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Sep 22, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
The Maelstrom Backpack 35 looks and functions much like a traditional day bag. However, its main compartment is an insulated cooler. Its exterior is jam-packed with many pockets, pouches, and clipping points. Meanwhile, the lightweight backpack functionality keeps it convenient to throw on for the day ahead. Performance Comparison When testing insulation performance, we packed each cooler in the lineup halfway with ice.
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Sep 22, 2023 | 
outdoorgearlab.com | Genaveve Bradshaw |Rebecca Glades
The RovR TravelR 30 excels in its insulation performance, maintaining its chilly temperatures longer than the rest. The cooler is easy to use, though it lacks the collapsibility for tight storage. It has a large internal capacity and a watertight zipper that adds to its excellent durability. Performance Comparison Our most important metric is the insulation performance of each cooler. After all, a cooler that doesn't keep its belongings cold defeats the purpose of owning one.
