Contributors to this thread:
So I am looking for a new cooler. I know Yeti is always talked about, but have also heard there are other good brands that don't cost a fortune.
I want one that can fit in a hatchback type car and used for picnics, tailgates etc. But could be used for some hunting trips bring back deer bear etc.
I would like something with wheels so it is easy to move.
Thanks for the help
Not sure if RTIC still has sales but a few years ago, I got 2 60 qt. shipped free to the house. They are great. I used them to bring my bear home last year. One for skull/hide and one for boned out meat.
Go on you tube and search - "cooler comparisons". A few good videos on the subject.
I have a yeti, and ain’t impressed in the least!
I’ve got an RTIC it’s called ultralite it something similar. It’s basically a roto-molded cooler like a yeti but weights way less. Nice cooler and significantly cheaper than yeti, and lighter! But no wheels.
—Jim
I just looked at website. They actually do offer a couple models with wheels!
—Jim
I have the 100 quart from cabelas. One of the best outdoor purchases I've made. Had gallon jugs still about a quarter frozen after 20 days in elk camp. Not using it for drinks so minimal entries daily for food items.
Knew I could count on everyone, now I can start digging into it deeper
I have a yeti, a grizzly, a camp zero and a Walmart lifetime cooler. The walmart lifetime is the best cooler I own.
Another vote for lifetime coolers. Well built for the price and they work very well.
Grizzly and Rtic coolers work fine. And are much more affordable. As far as I’ve retention, the yeti probably does a little better then these two all things equal.
Ice retention isn’t where these rotomolded coolers shine though. It’s their durability. If you use a cooler a lot, just night the bullet and buy a rotomolded cooler. Like I said, there’s coolers at Walmart that will keep ice longer than any of the three above. But, if you use it a lot or it stays in the truck carrying cold drinks throughout summer, you’ll see why they don’t cost what a roto molded cooler does.
from time to time, or check on line, Costco offers a fantastic Igloo Yeti knock off for 159.00. It is all yeti is in build, style, etc. If you have access to that step up and grab it. IMX70 is model and MSRP is $300
it is really just a yeti in terms of over-bulit, way too heavy, and such, but it does keep stuff frozen really well.
Our Walmart has the RTIC cooler with wheels in stock. Forget size but like a medium size probably around 65 quart. I took a Quick Look and I would buy one.
I will have to look at the Walmart one, we almost never go there ( I know shocking) but might take a trip to check it out.
My wife had an RTIC cup that is amazing at keeping stuff cold, so they were definitely on my list to check out.
COSTCO should be stocking their summer items, so next time my wife drags me there I will take a look.
RTIC 72 quart ultra light wheeled. Best thing going!
Rtic or the Walmart roto molded lifetime cooler. Had one of each, got my dad and brother a big lifetime for their bdays and got myself another
Walmart has the igloo version right now for like $105 72qt. No wheels tho.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lifetime-55-Quart-High-Performance-Cooler-with-Wheels-91072/767219216
A pair of the above would give you a lot of versatility
The lifetime cooler keeps ice longer than any of the rotomolded coolers I own. It’s polypropylene and it’s not as sturdy as a rotomolded cooler. Tough it is though and if ice retention is your main priority, buy it.
BTW, that cooler that DanaC posted fits in the guidelines for checked baggage for airlines. I had used a similar sized cooler for DIY Elk bowhunt travel trips and packed out our whole camp and kitchen in this size. Just be aware of weight (24#) ours was 13# Igloo 5-day 60qt wheeled cooler.
I’ve got a 55 quart Lifetime. So far my best cooler to date. I have a Yeti 120 that I haven’t really got to use for long periods yet. Too damn big to carry for one guy. Stacked the cooler full of pre-made frozen meals and frozen water bottles, enough for 10 days for 2 people. Got home and there were still half frozen bottles. I decided to keep them in there and checked every couple days. They lasted 16 days. Cooler temperatures helped as this was an October hunt. But had highs of 65 and some frost at night. It’s half price of a Yeti and I couldn’t ask for a better really good quality cooler. I’ll be buying more of these
DanaC thanks for the link.
Fisherick
Although I don't get to travel to hunt as much as what I would like anymore, I never thought about airline compliant. That right there might seal the deal on which cooler.
Mikey,
Thats for your information on your experience with those coolers. I have to agree any of those 120qt coolers are a bitch to move.
I bought a very large Kokanee cooler at Costco a couple of years ago and was totally unimpressed with it. I had it loaded full of frozen gallon jugs and 20 pound blocks with little space, only open it a couple of times and the ice was mostly gone after 5 days and it was never in the sun. I’ll be replacing it soon with one of the recommendations above.
Check out catergator as good as rtic not as good as my pelican but cost a lot less than both.
