Camping Coolers
Camping Coolers for Glamping and Car Camping
From a weekend at the lake to a week in a bell tent, a good cooler keeps camp meals fresh and drinks cold. Our camping coolers range from soft cooler totes and backpack coolers to roto-molded hard coolers from 25 to 75 quarts, several with wheels for rolling from the car to the campsite.
HARD & SOFT | 25–75 QUART | COOLERS WITH WHEELS | CAMP READY
How to Choose the Best Camping Cooler
The right cooler depends on how long you're out, how many people you're feeding, and how far you'll carry it. Here's a quick guide.
Hard Cooler or Soft Cooler?
- Hard coolers have thick insulated walls and tight-sealing lids, so they hold ice longer. They're the best choice for multi-day camping trips and for storing meat and other perishables.
- Soft coolers, like cooler totes and backpack coolers, are lighter and easier to carry. They're great for day trips, picnics, the beach, and keeping drinks close by the campfire.
What Size Cooler Do You Need?
- Soft cooler or tote: Lunches, snacks and drinks for a day out.
- 25–45 quarts: A good fit for two people on a weekend camping trip.
- 55–75 quarts: Families, groups, or longer trips where you need room for food, drinks and ice.
Features Worth Considering
- Wheels and handles: A full large cooler is heavy. A cooler with wheels makes the trip from the car to camp much easier, especially over grass or gravel.
- Roto-molded vs. injection-molded: Roto-molded coolers are made as one seamless piece with thick walls, which makes them very durable and good at holding ice. Injection-molded coolers are typically lighter and often less expensive.
- Drain plug: Makes it easy to drain meltwater without tipping the cooler.
- Extras: Cup holders, dry baskets and tie-down points add convenience at camp.
Pair your cooler with a folding camping table and camp kitchen gear for an easy outdoor kitchen setup.
Camping Cooler FAQs
How long will a cooler keep ice while camping?
It depends on the cooler, the weather, and how often it's opened. Manufacturer ice-retention ratings are usually measured in ideal conditions, so expect less in hot weather. To get the most from any cooler, pre-chill it the night before, use block ice, keep it in the shade, and open it as little as possible.
What size cooler is best for a weekend camping trip?
For two people, a 25 to 45 quart hard cooler usually has enough room for food, drinks and ice. For a family or group, look at 55 to 75 quarts.
Are soft coolers good for camping?
Yes, for day trips and drinks around camp. For multi-day trips, most campers use a hard cooler for food and a soft cooler or tote for drinks and snacks, so the main cooler stays closed and cold.
Is a cooler with wheels worth it?
For larger coolers, yes. A full 55 to 75 quart cooler can be very heavy, and wheels make it much easier for one person to move over uneven ground.
How do I clean my cooler?
Wash it with mild soap and warm water, rinse well, and let it dry completely with the lid open before storing it to prevent odors and mildew.
How long does shipping take for coolers?
Shipping times vary by brand and location. See each product page for details.
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