# The Ultimate Coolers to Consider, According to Expert Evaluation
Whether you’re setting off on a road adventure, enjoying a day at the beach, or throwing a backyard cookout, having a dependable cooler is crucial. Coolers not only maintain the chill of your beverages but also help keep perishables fresh. With numerous options on the market, selecting the ideal cooler for your requirements can be daunting. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of the finest coolers, grounded in expert evaluation, to aid you in making a knowledgeable choice.
## Our Top Selections
1. **Best Overall: [YETI Tundra 65 Cooler](https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Tundra-Cooler-Desert-Tan/dp/B0BTTQRQGD)**
The YETI Tundra 65 stands out as a premier cooler lauded for its toughness and remarkable ice preservation capabilities. It’s suitable for camping, fishing, or outdoor gatherings. With a capacity of 65 quarts, it can accommodate up to 39 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio. Featuring up to 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation, it keeps ice frozen for prolonged durations. Additionally, it’s bear-proof, making it perfect for wilderness adventures.
**Pros:**
– Accommodates 39 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
– Built tough and compatible with dry ice
– Sturdy latch and side handles for convenient transport
**Cons:**
– Pricey
– Can be hard to maneuver for one person when fully stocked
2. **Best Rolling Cooler: [Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler](https://www.amazon.com/Igloo-70-Olive-Trailmate-Journey/dp/B0C6CM1WQ3)**
If you need a cooler capable of navigating rough surfaces, the Igloo Trailmate Journey is your ideal choice. Its large 10-inch wheels make it simple to drag over sand, gravel, or grass. With a 70-quart capacity, it can hold up to 112 cans, and comes with a telescoping handle for effortless mobility. It also features a butler tray for serving food and refreshments.
**Pros:**
– Large wheels suitable for rough terrain
– Telescoping handle enhances portability
– Lockable and equipped with a butler tray
**Cons:**
– High price point
– Handle may sometimes get stuck
3. **Best Backpack Cooler: [ICEMULE Jaunt](https://www.amazon.com/IceMule-Collapsible-Lightweight-Insulated-Waterproof/dp/B086BS2D8W)**
For those who prefer an option that allows for hands-free carrying, the ICEMULE Jaunt is an outstanding backpack cooler. It’s lightweight, collapsible, and completely waterproof, making it perfect for hiking, kayaking, or beach days. It can keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours due to its PolarLayer insulation. Available in two sizes: small (9 liters) and large (15 liters).
**Pros:**
– Waterproof and floatable
– Comfortable padded and ventilated straps
– Collapsible design for convenient storage
**Cons:**
– Smaller size may not suffice for larger groups
4. **Best Large Hard Cooler: [Igloo Polar 120-Qt Cooler](https://www.amazon.com/Igloo-Polar-Cooler-120-Quart-White/dp/B004QILD6W)**
If a spacious cooler is what you seek for large get-togethers, the Igloo Polar 120-Qt Cooler is an excellent option. It can hold as many as 188 cans and is equipped with Ultratherm insulation, keeping ice frozen for as long as five days. This cooler also boasts reinforced swing-up handles for easy carrying and dual snap-fit latches to keep the lid firmly shut.
**Pros:**
– Holds up to 188 cans
– Ultratherm insulation for extended cold retention
– Convenient swing-up handles and snap-fit latches
**Cons:**
– May not keep ice frozen as long as claimed
5. **Best for Wine: [YETI Roadie 24 Cooler](https://www.amazon.com/YETI-Roadie-Cooler-King-Crab/dp/B08VF8QGLR)**
The YETI Roadie 24 is ideal for wine enthusiasts. Its taller shape allows for wine bottles to fit perfectly, and it’s compact enough to slide behind a car seat. This cooler is also 10% lighter than its predecessor, the Roadie 20, while offering 30% improved thermal efficiency. The QUICKLATCH closure facilitates easy one-handed access.
**Pros:**
– Designed with wine in mind
– Lightweight and compact
– Quick and secure latch
