Their Playmates coolers are aimed squarely at school children. Overall, it wasn't quite as durable as the Rovr, but I think they're mostly designed for different purposes. And thats fine if you dont need to fit 40+ cans in a cooler, the Tundra is too big for you anyway. Their Hopper Flip cooler is ridiculously lightweight and easy to carry even at full capacity, which makes it the best choice for outdoor adventurers. The exact type and performance of the insulation in the Igloo cooler are not specified, so I wouldnt expect too much from it. I look at the data. Gone are the solid rubber T-grip latches that take two hands and significant muscle power to operate. That said, the 6-day ice retention of the IMX cooler is also pretty impressive, considering the fact that it is so much lighter and cost much less. Being rotomolded, the YETI Tundra is obviously very heavy cooler (even when empty), while IMX is as light as it can be you'll immediately feel the 30% lighter construction the IMX has. It oozes durability from just about every detail and is actually made to be sat on you can even purchase a seat cushion for the top for added comfort. Igloo promises up to 8-day ice retention in a cooler that's 40% lighter than rotomolded ice chests of a similar size. Larger YETI ice chests, like the YETI Tundra 45, will generally run you a cool $325. Yeti has also swapped out the stiff top handle for a webbing version with a moveable plastic grip, that's far more comfortable use hooked over your forearm than the old metal handle was. The Igloo IMX is one of those coolers. Its convenient size and shape and thoughtful features make it a great choice for 1-2 person road trips (as its name implies), beach days, and even some overnight camping trips. The RTIC is two hundred dollars less than the Yeti, and almost all of the features are similar to the Yeti competition. The most notable differences are in performance and price points Yeti coolers are thought to be the better option overall, while Igloo coolers offer better value for money. on the outside and 16.75 in. In our rigorous hot room insulation testing, the Roadie lasted an impressive 2.8 days of holding temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Softshell coolers are generally better for people who will spend a lot of time walking or hiking with the cooler. Over the past several years, we've tested dozens of coolers, 40 of which are still commercially available as of this writing. Yeti and Igloo are leaders in the field of hard sided coolers in particular, but also boast a range of other camping products too. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. As well as coolers, Igloo make a range of drinkware, with bottles, cans, jugs and tumblers. Learn more here. One problem I had with the Coleman, which we have talked about before, was that it has flimsy plastic hinges. To help put this data in perspective, I broke down the coolers into separate size categories after peeling soft-sided coolers into their own category. The exact price depends on the cooler you want, but its important to point out that this is still cheaper than anything Yeti offers. And its remarkably durable for a softshell cooler the exterior of the Hopper is resistant to punctures, abrasions, mildew, and UV rays, making it tough enough for any adventure. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Tried and True 1.71K subscribers Subscribe 14K views 1 year ago Welcome back to another knowledge drop series video! All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. Well definitely be recommending it to our friends! The brand really puts performance over all other features, at times even sacrificing convenience and capacity to favor it. The bigger options are just so wide that its not comfortable or easy for one person to carry it, and that doesnt even account for the weight of a fully packed 72-quart plastic cooler. If youre looking for an affordable option, Im afraid this is not it. Please refer to our Privacy & Affiliate policy for details. Ones been chilling for the best part of a century while the other threw its thermally insulated hat in the ring less than two decades ago. You can easily fit 2-liter soda bottles upright in the Roadie 24 cooler, while the quality rotomolded construction guarantees that the durability isnt impacted by the weight reduction. It is available in several different sizes from a small 25-quart option to a massive 72-quart cooler. As a matter of fact, at $220, this cooler is currently the cheapest of any cooler in either our midsize or large cooler category, with the exception of the Igloo BMX 52qt Cooler, which happened to be the poorest performer of the aforementioned categories. Its very affordable, durable, and features excellent insulation that keeps ice frozen for days at a time. x 63.5 in. Also, they usually have either a shoulder strap or backpack straps, so theyre much easier to carry. Yeti vs Igloo: price Igloo's IMX 70 is priced at $250, whereas the Tundra 65 will set you back a cool $375.00 (400.00), so it's clear that the additional quality comes at a price. This hard tube is uncomfortable in the shadow of so many other models' squishy and grippy handles. Igloos coolers are less durable and dont perform as well or for as long as their Yeti counterparts. Surprisingly, or not, brands matter. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! Here's everything I learned, starting with the coolers I think you should rush out and buy before your next camping trip or big family gathering. Yetis Tundra 65 will keep food fresh for almost a week, a duration thats pretty much unrivalled in the cool box world. . The four coolers tested in this test were a YETI Tundra 45 ($299), the Otter Box Venture 45 ($299), the Igloo Amadeo Bachar Limited Edition BMX 52 ($249), and the Igloo Leeward 50 ($199). Yetis modern Hopper soft sided coolers have a good reputation too, albeit not the stellar rep of the Tundra. My favorite is the fact that this cooler has a dry foods basket. And if you must do that, I would recommend sealing the contents so that the cold air can circulate around the items at the top. Not sure if you should pick up an Igloo or a Yeti cooler? Rovr pegs the capacity of its $400 Rollr wheeled cooler at 60 quarts, but I could only fit 52.8 quarts of water inside when I measured for myself. It has a freezer-style rubber gasket to seal the contents - however, the specific unit we tested proved not to be airtight, easily leaking both air and water at the sloppily taped gasket seam. T-latches have become a staple for many Igloo coolers, as well as many other cooler brands. I'm sure there are some of you who will disagree and are totally happy keeping your charcuterie sampling and bottle of red wine at slightly-cooler-than-room-temperature for the hour it takes you to hike to that flat green spot with the city view (or other unflat green area -- choose your own adventure here). With the IMX ice chest release, they prove that the cooler business isn't only about rotomolded ice chests. In general, the Roadie 24 is pretty easy to load and unload, has a decent capacity, and is simple and straightforward to use. While this box filled with contents is still no picnic to carry over long distances, it's about average weight among models we tested with this capacity. Lightweight yet heavy-duty! To make things easier, we have compiled this cooler comparison chart. The Roadie 24 has new, two-part latches that combine a plastic clasp with a rubbery arm that holds the lid tightly shut. The Tundra coolers from Yeti feature three layers of insulation, but the Roadie only has two layers. That hinge is also self-stopping, which means you can stop the coolers lid at any point without it slamming shut. Though they cost extra, Yeti also offers several additions to the Roadie 24 that can improve your user experience, including a tie-down kit, ice packs, a dry bin, and even a seat cushion. There are also rubber pads under the feet to prevent the box from skidding around on bumpy rides. The worst offender, offering only 65 percent of its claimed 30-quart capacity, was the Tourit Backpack Cooler. You can also fit some ice in addition to those cans, to ensure they stay cold for as long as possible. They're ideal for delving deeper into the insulating qualities, durability and price points of these two brands. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. It gave the lowest temperatures in the midsize cooler category, and low enough to play ball with the largest of coolers we tested. You can findholiday deals going on now. The best performer, the YETI Roadie 24, held below 40 degrees for 73 hours. The Hopper Flip from Yeti is the brands most popular softshell cooler. Coolers are essential for backyard get-togethers, camping trips and tailgating events. It has a massive capacity of up to 45 cans of beer, which is really good. Do you want a hardshell cooler, a softshell cooler, or an option with wheels? I asked three other adults to secure these handles and out of the four of us, two were successful, one unsuccessful and the last successful only after an excessive amount of struggling. We were pleasantly surprised by it and grew to love it. Igloo have been creating camping coolers since 1947 and are one of the most recognizable ice box brands in the US. Our first soft-sided and backpack cooler didn't perform the best, but it is durable and a great option for hikers and campers alike. Its a lightweight cooler that weighs only about 4 lbs when empty, so it wont be a big deal to carry it in your hand for more than 5-10 minutes at a time. They're difficult to pull down, even as a full-grown adult. The webbing handle has a plastic grip that easily slides around to be wherever you want it. The only difference in performance is insulation thickness. This can get you through a weekend camping trip with your extended family, considering that the cooler is as big as a checked suitcase. We put in a batch of ice in the 70-qt IMX cooler and checked every afternoon over the next 6 days. The competitors sport very thin walls, and that's just not going to do much for your insulative capabilities. The list of options has grown steadily in recent years. Try as I might, I can't quite catch all of the Igloo Trailmate's snazzy features in one photo. Also, the cooler features a soft grip rubber grab handle for great grip and comfortable carrying. Yeti have proven time and time again that their products stand up to the most robust and rigorous tests. We put that to the test during our capacity evaluations, where the entire cooler is filled to the top with water, then closed. The performance data between this ice chest newcomer and the previous titleholder, the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler, was nearly identical. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We are quite partial to rotomolded coolers here. Though some ice chest sizes are more popular than others (50-quart, for instance), there really isn't much uniformity among coolers as far as size and shape are concerned. Of course, to work properly, it needs its insides thoroughly chilled before you close it, which is why you have to add bucket loads of ice along with your beverages and food items. Picture Information. Igloos more colourful, budget friendly options may suit better. I say keep the cash and use it to stock your cooler -- especially since these hard-sided Magellan Outdoors coolers boast one of my favorite cooler features of all time: the double-sided hinge latches. Unless you specifically need a massive cooler with wheels, I would recommend the Roadie over the Tundra Haul any time. There are pros and cons to both Yeti and Igloo coolers, so I wont say that one is always better than the other. Even the lid is fully insulated, so you can be certain that whatever you put inside the cooler will stay chill for hours. The updated latches are the main selling point of the Yeti Roadie 24. Thanks to the built-in features . The Igloo BMX has a blow-molded construction with a reinforced base. Read our Magellan Outdoors Dual Open 20qt Cooler review. Tipping the scales at just under 13 pounds, the Roadie 24 manages to be both larger and lighter than the Roadie 20 before it. Launched by two brothers who found themselves frustrated at the apparent lack of quality particularly in terms of durability of the coolers on the market, they decided to create a cooler for the serious outdoor enthusiast.. In episode 12, we got. The prices range from $300 to $400 for the 60-, 80- and 100-quart models, and what you're paying for is undoubtedly performance. This adds up to a lid that wont withstand years or abuse in rugged outdoor settings. One of the best things about this softshell cooler is the presence of external attachment points. But they also expect them to cost more than their competitors. Hardshell coolers with wheels are another great option, but theyre still not good enough for hikes. While it does slightly outperform the smaller Yetis in this regard, food lasts over a day and a half longer in the Tundra 65 compared to the IMX. Another Magellan cooler. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. There are broadly two types of camping cooler: hard sided coolers that are highly insulating but not all that easy to move around; and soft sided coolers that dont keep everything cold for quite as long but are much more portable. However, Yeti's options go way up from there, with its biggest cooler being the Tundra 350, which measures 24.75 in. In its closed state, full of water, I sloshed it around without spilling a drop, so it's safe to assume that leaks won't be an issue. The best part? That's several quarts less than the 45 quarts they spec. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement. Sure, it can get heavy when filled to capacity, but the comfortable handle makes everything a bit easier. Anti-skid feet help keep the Roadie 24 from sliding. I also liked that the interior comes with a divider that makes it easy to keep items you don't want getting wet separate from the ice and that you can customize it with different interior liner designs. If you're someone who uses a cooler constantly, requires a lot of toughness from your gear, and is willing to invest in serious excellence, the Roadie 24 is worth it. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. Lets get to it: Yeti vs Igloo. None of them get that cold, and they don't hold their median temp for long at all. Aside from performance, this Magellan cooler offers plenty of other extras, including quite possibly my favorite lid design: dual-side latches that can double as hinges, allowing you to open the cooler from either side. I guess it made us even more fond of it. The performance of Magellan's largest offering was very close to Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer. I have to say we were quite shocked that this ice chest could have such good ice retention. I didn't plan it this way. There aren't many crazy features on this unit, but it does have bottle openers built into the rubber latches, a pressure relief valve to help open the cooler when the interior pressure rises, and rubber padded feet to elevate the cooler and help reduce direct heat transfer. Chief among them are a rising number of heavy-duty, roto-molded coolers that deliver thick, dense insulation superior to traditional coolers (and which perform better by leaps and bounds than a soft cooler or cooler bag). If you're after the best personal-sized cooler on the market, the Yeti Roadie 24 is our top choice. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It does have a pretty high price. Igloo KoolTunes Boombox Playmate Cooler $149.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo IMX 24 Quart Cooler $149.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo Marine Vantage North Star 24 Can Tote Pack $59.99 Shipping Available NY 10036. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, But the Igloo BMX 25 Qt cooler insulates well . The wheels allow you to fill them to capacity without worrying that you will be inconvenienced by their weight. The first thing we should say about this ice chest right out the gate is that it isnt rotomolded. Are you looking to get a premium portable cooler or an affordable option? As you can see, the Igloo IMX ice chest is a lower budget option for those who still want a good quality cooler without paying an arm and a leg or for those who look for something lighter, and more portable. Its much like what you find on the Yeti Tundra, and it is a very strong type of hinge. You could tell before the tests were run that this cooler was going to be the better performer. The 4 Best Soft Coolers. A wheeled cooler is a great option for a camping trip or a day on the beach when you have to transport it from the car to your final destination, but it doesnt take more than 15-20 minutes to do so. Given that this one costs less than $200, and is so much lighter, we understand why they didn't make this one rotomolded. Whats the story with running and bone density? This detailed comparison can help you make up your mind! Let's dive in! It's an investment that's well worth the money for anyone who never leaves home without a cooler full of goodies and our clear favorite among coolers of its size. The Roadie is a rotomolded personal-sized cooler with dual handles and an internal height just over 13 inches, easily accommodating most 2L sodas and bottles of wine. That's 13.5% bigger than advertised. But if you want the absolute best coolers on the market and are fine with spending a lot of money on them, then go with Yeti. On the same spot as the lock slot is a bottle opener so you never have to carry your own bottle opener. About this item . Their range of products is broad, with many fashionable and colourful options, as well as the occasional collaboration too, such as Disney and Hello Kitty. Go on, read through the comments on the Infinite Cooler's Indiegogo campaign, which blew through a March 2019 ship date with nothing to show for it. Its their best and most impressive cooler, and with the Haul version, they just added a sturdy set of wheels and a lightweight aluminum handle! Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Just as its predecessor, the Roadie 24's lid stays open for easy loading and unloading. Secondly, as we discussed above, the tape that holds together the two ends of the rubber gasket is a bit sloppy, and the seal is imperfect. And there is a faucet at the bottom that lets you drain water, so theres an easy way to get rid of the melted ice inside. That meant putting those manufacturer capacity claims to the test, and I wanted a better, more universal metric than just counting how many cans I could cram into each one. This is quite convenient since it means you dont have to extend the telescopic wheel handle for every little thing. Welcome to yet another review on our cooler blog. Reviews ethics statement. The Roadie 24 isn't a cheap buy, but the question is is it worth it? The Ice Cube cooler is great for people who are tired of carrying heavy coolers in their hands. The ones on the Yeti tundra use a ball while the ones on the IMX use wings. Here's a linked list with brief insights: If we're going to talk about performance, we should talk about capacity first. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The walls feature up to two inches of insulation, which virtually guarantees that ice will stay ice for hours, if not days, in the Tundra coolers. Carrying the cooler, even when it was full, proved to be a comfortable and fairly easy task. 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