Camping Coolers: Five Listings Compared by Capacity, Build and Weight
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A camping cooler has to hold ice for a trip, fit in a vehicle and survive a campsite, and the five listings here cover three kinds of build. Two are hard-sided coolers in the 52-quart class, one is a 113-liter hard cooler, one is a roller model with wheels, and one is a soft bag that holds 30 to 40 cans. The build, the capacity and the weight decide how much food you can carry and how much effort it takes to move the cooler from the car to the tent, so those are the details this guide compares.
Quick answer
Decide how many days you will be out, then match the capacity. The 52-quart coolers suit a weekend for a small group, the 113-liter Igloo suits a larger group or a longer stay, and the soft bag suits day trips. Next, check the weight when empty, since the listed figures run from 0.82 kilograms for the soft bag to 22.5 pounds for one of the hard coolers. Last, check the wheels and handles, because a roller cooler is easier to pull across a gravel site than a heavy hard cooler is to carry.
How we chose
Each entry uses the product details saved for the listing: capacity, material, color, product dimensions, item weight, included components and the title. The guide reports these figures as the listing states them. It does not describe how long any cooler keeps ice in hot weather, how well the lid seals over time, or how the wheels hold up on rough ground.
What we could not verify
Ice retention is not tested here. Some listings describe their insulation with words such as ice retention or leakproof, and the guide reports those words as the seller gives them. The soft bag lists its capacity in liters, while the hard coolers list quarts, so the figures are shown in the units the listings use. Where a field is missing from the saved data, the guide leaves it out.
The five listings
Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Hard Cooler, 52 quarts, rock grey
The Coleman Classic is a 52-quart hard cooler in rock grey. It is made of plastic and measures 15.63 by 27.87 by 17.99 inches. The item weight is 8.7 pounds, which is light for a hard cooler of this size. The included components field names the cooler and a seat, so the lid can serve as a stool at the campsite. A 52-quart capacity fits a few days of food and drinks for two or three people. View the Coleman Classic cooler on Amazon.
VEVOR Portable Cooler, hard cooler with ice retention, heavy-duty handles and strap, 52 quarts, gray
The VEVOR cooler is 52 quarts in gray polyethylene. Its listed dimensions are 16.7 by 28.7 by 16.1 inches, and the item weight is 22.5 pounds. The included components name a divider and an ice pack, and the title mentions heavy-duty handles and a strap. The heavier build and the strap make this cooler easier to carry on the shoulder, though it is the heaviest option in the group. View the VEVOR hard cooler on Amazon.
Igloo Trailmate 52 Qt Roller Cooler, Sportsman
The Igloo Trailmate is a 52-quart roller cooler made of high density polyethylene. Its listed dimensions are 20.26 by 25.62 by 16.7 inches and its item weight is 19.9 pounds. The roller design lets you pull the cooler on its wheels, so the weight rests on the ground rather than in your arms. The color is listed as Sportsman 52 quart. A roller cooler suits a site with a path to the tent, and the wheels make the weight easier to move when the cooler is full. View the Igloo roller cooler on Amazon.
Maelstrom 30/40 Can Soft Cooler Bag, leakproof insulated ice chest
The Maelstrom is a soft cooler bag made of polyester and polyethylene vinyl acetate, known as PEVA. Its listed capacity is 22 liters, and the title describes a 30 to 40 can size. The product dimensions are 10.4 by 10.43 by 10.4 inches and the item weight is 0.82 kilograms. The bag is the lightest option here and fits a day trip or a hike, though it holds less ice and food than any of the hard coolers. View the Maelstrom soft cooler on Amazon.
Igloo Hard Cooler, Polar and Party Bar Series, 113 liters, white
The Igloo Polar and Party Bar cooler is the largest in this group, with a listed capacity of 113 liters. It is made of plastic in white and measures 17.38 by 38.3 by 17.75 inches. The item weight is 8.26 kilograms, which is about 18 pounds. The included components field names the cooler only. A cooler of this size holds food for a large group or a week of camping, but it needs a vehicle with room for the extra length. View the Igloo 113-liter cooler on Amazon.
A comparison by capacity, build and weight
| Cooler | Type | Capacity as listed | Material | Weight as listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Classic | Hard | 52 quarts | Plastic | 8.7 lb |
| VEVOR | Hard | 52 quarts | Polyethylene | 22.5 lb |
| Igloo Trailmate | Roller | 52 quarts | HDPE | 19.9 lb |
| Maelstrom | Soft bag | 22 liters (30 to 40 cans) | Polyester and PEVA | 0.82 kg |
| Igloo Polar and Party Bar | Hard | 113 liters | Plastic | 8.26 kg |
Capacity, type and weight are the three columns to compare first. The Coleman Classic is the lightest hard cooler at the 52-quart size, while the Igloo Trailmate is the roller option.
Hard, roller or soft
A hard cooler keeps its shape and works well as a seat, though it is heavy to carry. A roller cooler moves the weight onto its wheels, which helps on a long walk from the car. A soft bag is light and folds small, but it holds less and is best for a day trip with a few cans and a pack of ice.
Capacity for your trip
The 52-quart listings are the middle of the range and suit a weekend for two or three people. The 113-liter Igloo holds a larger share of food for a group, but it weighs about 18 pounds before anything goes inside. Measure the car space before you buy, since the Igloo measures about 38 inches long.
Checks to make before you order
Count the days and people, then pick the capacity that covers both.
Weigh the cooler empty and think about how far you will carry it.
Check the included parts. The VEVOR listing names a divider and an ice pack, and the Coleman listing names a seat.
Which cooler suits which trip
For a weekend with a small group and a light load, the Coleman Classic is the option to compare. For a roller that suits a long walk to the site, the Igloo Trailmate is the match. For a large group or a longer stay, the 113-liter Igloo is the one to look at. For a day hike or a few cans, the Maelstrom soft bag is the choice.
Keeping ice longer
Pre-chill the cooler with ice for an hour before you pack it, so the walls are cold when the food goes in. Keep the lid closed as much as you can, and place the ice at the bottom and between layers of food. Store the cooler in the shade, and drain melt water between days so the ice lasts longer.
Frequently asked questions
How many quarts do I need for a weekend?
A 52-quart cooler is a common choice for a weekend for two or three people. A larger group or a longer trip needs more room.
Is a roller cooler better than a hard cooler?
A roller cooler moves the weight onto its wheels, which helps on a gravel or dirt path. A hard cooler without wheels is lighter for a short carry.
Can a soft cooler keep ice overnight?
A soft bag holds less ice and is best for a day trip. For a multi-day trip, a hard cooler with thicker walls is the safer choice, and the listings here do not give an ice retention time for the soft bag.
Sources
Capacities, materials, weights and included components come from the listings. Ice retention claims are the sellers’ statements.
- Amazon, where each listing is read as the seller states it
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- OEKO-TEX, the textile testing and certification organization
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