Best Road Trip Coolers for Summer Travel

It’s time for summer adventures. Are you planning a summer road trip and need a reliable way to keep your food and drinks cool? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best road trip coolers for summer travel. With these coolers, you can say goodbye to warm sodas and melted ice and hello to chilled-out road trip adventures to camp, the beach and more.

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Don’t let warm drinks and food ruin your summer road trip. Invest in a reliable cooler to keep everything cool and refreshing. Whether you need a compact option for easy packing or a heavy-duty cooler for extended trips, budget-friendly or top-of-the-line, there’s a perfect option for you and your family on this list. Upgrade your road trip game and chill out on the road with one of these top 10 coolers. Are you ready? Let’s get road trippin’!

Chill Out on the Road: Top 10 Coolers for a Summer Road Trip

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip, but nothing can ruin the experience like warm drinks and melted snacks. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this problem: a reliable cooler. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended trip, having the right cooler can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll first outline the key features of different types and styles of coolers (so you know which type to look for that is best for your specific needs) and then we’ve rounded up a list of the very best road trip coolers – those specifically designed for your summer adventures out on the road. From compact options for easy packing to heavy-duty coolers for extended journeys, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and chill out on the road together.

Different Types of Road Trip Coolers

Let’s start with an overview of different types of coolers and their benefits. After that, we’ll move on to our list of the 10 best road trip coolers for summer travel – perfect for camping trips, beach days, family picnics, tailgate parties, car trips, boating adventures, fishing and more.

Compact Coolers for Easy Packing

If you’re planning to hit the road this summer, it’s important to pack light and keep your belongings organized. That’s where compact coolers come in handy. These smaller coolers are perfect for day trips or short weekends away. But what if you’re planning a longer journey? That’s where electric coolers come in. These coolers can be plugged into your car’s 12-volt outlet to keep your drinks and snacks cold for hours on end. Let’s take a look next at electric coolers for longer drives.

Electric Coolers for Long Drives

For longer road trips, electric coolers are the way to go. These coolers can keep your drinks and snacks cold for hours on end, making them perfect for extended car journeys. And the best part? You won’t have to worry about melting ice or emptying water. Simply plug them into your car’s 12-volt outlet and let the cooler do the work.

There are plenty of electric coolers available on the market, but not all are created equal. Some are more efficient than others, while some offer additional features to enhance your experience. Electric options are understandably a little more expensive for the added features and convenience. Before we get to our main list of the best road trip coolers for summer travel, here are just a few suggestions specific to electric coolers for long drives:

1. Dometic CFX 95DZW: This heavy-duty cooler can hold up to 113 cans and can maintain temperatures as low as -7°F. It also has a dual-zone capability, allowing you to set different temperatures in each compartment.

2. ARB Elements Weatherproof Fridge Freezer: This cooler is built for the outdoors, with a weatherproof design and extreme temperature resistance. It can also be controlled via a mobile app for added convenience.

3. Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator: This compact cooler can fit into tight spaces and can be easily carried with its built-in handle. It also has a low-noise design and energy-saving mode to conserve power.

With these top electric coolers, you can keep your snacks and drinks cool and fresh for the entirety of your road trip. But if you need even more storage and durability (or something a little more affordable), check out our next section on heavy-duty coolers for extended trips.

Heavy-Duty Coolers for Extended Trips

If you’re planning a longer road trip or camping excursion, you may need more storage space than these portable electric coolers can provide. Enter heavy-duty coolers. These are typically made with thicker walls and insulation, allowing them to keep your food and drinks cold for several days. They’re also designed to be more durable and withstand rough handling, making them a great choice for longer trips.

Need a couple quick examples (before we get to our ultimate list of the best road trip coolers)? One heavy-duty cooler option is the YETI Tundra 45. This cooler can hold up to 26 cans and keep ice frozen for up to five days. It’s also bear-resistant, which may come in handy if you’re camping in bear country. Another option is the Pelican Elite 70-Quart Cooler, which can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days and is built to withstand extreme outdoor conditions.

Heavy-duty coolers can be a bit more expensive than their smaller counterparts (and at times less costly than larger electric types), but if you’re planning an extended trip or need a cooler that can handle rough conditions, they’re definitely worth the investment.

If heavy-duty coolers are too bulky for your needs or you’re looking for something easier to transport and more budget-friendly, check out our next section on soft-sided coolers. These coolers offer more versatility in terms of size and shape, and are often much more affordable than heavy-duty models.

Soft-Sided Coolers for Versatility

Heavy-duty coolers are great for those who need something durable and long-lasting, but what about those who need something a bit more portable? Enter the soft-sided cooler. These coolers offer a more flexible option in terms of size and shape, making them perfect for those who need to pack a cooler on the go. They’re also often more affordable than their heavy-duty counterparts, making them a great choice for those on a budget.

Soft-sided coolers are a popular choice that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small lunchbox-style coolers to larger models that can hold up to 30 cans. Some even come with additional pockets or compartments for storing utensils, napkins, and other essentials. Plus, because they’re more lightweight and flexible, they’re easier to pack and transport in a car or SUV.

Soft-sided coolers are also great for a variety of activities, from picnics and beach trips to tailgating and camping (so an added advantage is that they’re not just for road trips). One of the biggest advantages of a soft-sided cooler is its portability. They can be easily packed into a backpack or tote bag (leaving lots of room for other essentials), are lightweight, and often come with a shoulder strap or handles for easy carrying. Plus, because they’re not as bulky as heavy-duty coolers, they’re easier to store when not in use.

If you’re looking for a cooler that’s both versatile and affordable, a soft-sided cooler might be just what you need. But if you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, be sure to check out our next section specifically on affordable coolers.

Affordable Coolers for Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re looking for an affordable cooler option, soft-sided coolers are a great choice here too. But what if you’re on an even tighter budget? The good news is that there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a cold drink or snack on the road.

The first budget-friendly option to consider is a basic hard-sided cooler. While these aren’t as portable as soft-sided coolers, they’re still a great way to keep your drinks and snacks cold. Look for a smaller size that’s easier to carry, and choose one with a tight-fitting lid to help keep the cold air in.

Another great budget-friendly option is a cooler bag. These are similar to soft-sided coolers, but they’re often made with even less expensive materials. They’re still easy to pack and carry, and they’re great for day trips or short road trips. Again, look for a smaller size that’s lightweight easy to carry, and choose one with a sturdy shoulder strap or handles.

10 Best Road Trip Coolers for Summer Travel

Now that you know all about the different types of road trip coolers and their features, it’s time for our ultimate list of the best road trip coolers for summer travels. Drum roll, please!

YETI Tundra 65

The YETI Tundra 65 is a great option for those who need to keep food and drinks cool for an extended period of time. With a capacity of 57 liters, it can hold up to 39 cans and is built to last.

YETI Tundra 65
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Coleman Steel Belted Cooler

The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler is classic cooler that has been around for decades and is still a favorite for road trippers. It has a 54-liter capacity, can hold up to 84 cans, and has a built-in bottle opener.

Coleman Steel Belted Cooler
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Igloo MaxCold Cooler

The Igloo MaxCold Cooler has a 100-quart capacity. This cooler is perfect for larger groups or longer trips. It has ultratherm insulation and can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days.

Igloo MaxCold Cooler
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RovR Rollr 80 Cooler

The RovR Rollr 80 Cooler has a unique design that makes it easy to transport on any terrain. It has a 60-quart capacity and can hold up to 60 cans.

RovR Rollr 80 Cooler
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YETI Hopper BackFlip 18

The YETI Hopper BackFlip 18 is a great backpack-style cooler option for those who need to keep their hands free while on the go. It has a 18-liter capacity, leakproof zipper and keeps drinks cold for hours.

YETI Hopper BackFlip 18
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ORCA 20 Quart Cooler

The ORCA 20 Quart Cooler is a smaller option perfect for solo travelers or couples who only need to bring a few drinks and snacks. It has a 20-quart capacity and can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days.

ORCA 20 Quart Cooler
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Engel Deep Blue 65

The Engel Deep Blue 65 is a cooler that has a 65-quart capacity and can hold up to 100 cans. It has a unique air-tight gasket that keeps the contents cold for up to 10 days.

Engel Deep Blue 65
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Pelican 50 Elite Cooler

The Pelican 50 Elite Cooler is a 50-quart cooler can hold up to 35 cans and is built to withstand extreme conditions. It has a lifetime guarantee and is certified bear-resistant.

Pelican 50 Elite Cooler
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Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is a soft-sided option perfect for those who are tight on space in their vehicle. It has a 48-can capacity and can keep ice frozen for up to 3 days. It’s also a collapsible, all-terrain cooler cart on wheels.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
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Rubbermaid Ice Chest

The Rubbermaid Ice Chest is a budget-friendly option great for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a cooler. It has a 60-quart capacity and can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days.