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Because no one wants a warm drink.
Summer is here and while there are many ways to enjoy the season, lots of us love to travel. Whether the plan is to go car camping or straight to the beach, there is one item that can't be left out of the packing list: a cooler. Luckily, it is the perfect time to shop for one. There are so many innovative options to suit a wide variety of needs. After all, it's important to keep your best water bottle, sandwiches and snacks, or drink of choice icy cold (especially in the summer heat). But before you pack up and head to the coast, you'll want to do your research and find the best cooler for you. There are a few important things to take into consideration before making your purchase.
If you know your trip to the beach is a trek and you'll be carrying lots of bags and other equipment, a backpack cooler is the way to go. But if you know you'll be hauling drinks and ice for a crowd, you'll need something larger. In that case, consider a cooler with wheels, especially if your path has a boardwalk. Also think about how much room it's going to take up in the car. Larger coolers can easily take up the whole trunk of a sedan, so that's not going to be an option if you're traveling out of town. But if you have a pickup truck or SUV, go big!
Consider your budget. Coolers can get pricey, but they tend to be a "you get what you pay for" product. If you only anticipate using it on occasion, head for a low-price option, but don't be surprised if your ice is melted by afternoon. If you use a cooler a lot, it's worth investing some money. With a brand like Yeti, you know the ice will last for days, and the cooler will be around for years to come.
There's nothing wrong with buying a cooler for aesthetics. After all, nothing will look cuter than the Instagram post of your picnic! But if you know you're going to toss it in the truck bed and drag it down the beach, you'll want something heavy-duty. For trips to the beach, consider a hard-sided cooler because it will be easier to clean off the sand before you put it back in the car.
There's a detachable crossbody strap and shoulder straps to make toting this 18 liter cooler around a breeze. It holds up to 24 cans without ice and will keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours. Also available in 26 liters.
The clever design of this backpack cooler sets it apart from the competition. Unlike many soft-sided coolers, this one is made from a high density fabric that protects it from punctures and UV rays. It fits up to 18 cans. The leak-resistant magnetic closure stands open so you can easily access your food and drinks. Make sure you wipe it down after use and keep the magnetic seal free of sand.
A day's worth of beach refreshments is bound to get heavy. This rolling cart will take a load off your back. While it's not designed to haul heavy loads or keep ice frozen for days, it's very versatile. You'll put it to use for trips to the farmers' market or weekends at the soccer fields. Plus, it takes up less space than other coolers.
We love a product that kills two birds with one stone and this cooler speaker combo is no exception. It's compatible with iPhone or Android. The speaker is removable and has a built-in power bank so you can even use it to charge your phone. It holds up to 12 cans.
Ice Mule Coolers store completely flat when not in use, which is great when you are short on space in the car or even if you're traveling by airplane. It fits 6 cans with ice, so this is best for smaller groups or shorter trips.
Not too big and not too small, this adorable cooler is perfect for shorter beach trips. It comes in fun retro color combinations and can hold up to 14 cans. One reviewer said that it is the perfect size for their paddle-boarding adventures.
If you're looking for a durable cooler that's going to keep your drinks cold and last for years, it's worth a splurge. You'll find yourself filling this one up for camping trips, tailgate parties, and cookouts (it even keeps hot food hot!). It's a bit heavy at 37 pounds empty, but that's where the wheels come in, and it's nearly indestructible and even bear-proof when used with padlocks. This generous-sized cooler holds 45 cans. One reviewer noted that it kept ice frozen for nearly 2 weeks!
This cooler has all the bells and whistles you could want. If you plan on being on the beach sun up to sun down, or even have an all night excursion planned, this is the cooler for you. It can tote all the drinks and snacks you may need plus other essentials can be stored on top with tie-down hooks. This model has a butler tray for serving food and a dry storage compartment to hold your phone. The handle telescopes for easy hauling, and it even has a bottle opener! It holds a whopping 112 cans.
Two compartments make sure that your sandwiches don't get squashed by the heavier items. The Somewhere Co. Bag fits four bottles of wine in the bottom section. It's also available in a peach print and a fun beachy design.
Sure, the outside of your current cooler might have an adorable print, but what about the inside? Business and Pleasure coolers even have printed linings, making them extra special. Unlike hard-side coolers, this is not designed to hold liquids for a long time, so you'll want to empty it right away.
Carry up to eight cans and two bottles of wine comfortably on your back or throw the bag over your shoulder. This model is ideal if you have a bit of a hike to your beach site.
Everything about this cooler was designed with an incredible attention to detail. The wheels are puncture proof and can handle many different types of terrain, including sand. It can hold up to 60 cans and 10 pounds of ice that will last up to 2 weeks. It can even be towed behind a bike.