Gone are the days of storing that old school Igloo Playmate in your car for enjoying a post ride beer or portaging an unwieldy cooler along on your canoe trip. Outdoor companies are cottoning on to the idea that even though we like to play hard outdoors, we also like to whip up a gourmet meal or enjoy a couple of cold brews when we make it to camp. According to Leisure Trends Group, cooler sales grew 66% last year alone, with pro grade coolers designed specifically for the outdoors leading the way.
The new Adventure Coolers from Stanley use a durable 2.5x foamed lid and double wall foamed body construction to help keep your beverages and food cold for up to 36 hours. An adjustable tie down across the lid can be used to secure your Stanley vacuum bottle or mug. Sturdy latches and hinges won't break and add an extra level of durability.
The BPA-free coolers also double as a seat to use around camp, reliving your climb back at the car, or hanging out in the park. The 16Qt/15.1L Cooler ($65) can hold up to 21 cans, while the 7Qt/6.6L Cooler ($40) can hold 9 cans.
Yeti, a relatively new company that made a name for themselves with bomber pro grade portable coolers, recently released the new Tank ($199.99) that will make your next summer party all the more enjoyable. Created out of Yeti’s signature Permafrost Insulation with a No Sweat Design, this party-ready beverage tub holds 60 long neck bottles, 96 aluminum cans, 1 keg, 51 blue crabs, 24 mullet & menhaden, 98 slices of watermelon, 20 gallons of trashcan punch, or 2 bushels of oysters.
The three new Pelican Elite Coolers (95Qt, 150Qt, 250Qt) promise 7-9 days of ice retention with their 2-inch polyurethane wall construction. The lid includes an integrated fish scale and the sloped drain with garden hose attachment makes for easy cleaning. These new monster sized Elite Coolers range in price from $480-$790.
I would love to hear from you on how you incorporate coolers into your outdoor experience.