The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Cooler for Beach Trips: Your Ultimate Beach Companion!

Looking to beat the heat this summer with the best cooler for beach trips? Look no further! We have scoured the market to bring you a list of the most innovative and reliable coolers that will keep your drinks icy cold and your snacks fresh under the scorching sun. From rugged and durable to sleek and stylish, we have it all. So, whether you're planning a relaxing day at the beach or embarking on an adventurous excursion, join us as we explore the top picks for the ultimate cool companions. Get ready for your beach trip to be taken to the next level!

YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

Best Wheeled Beach Cooler

Wren Insulated Dry Bag and Cooler

Pros

• Looks good
• Several convenient ways to carry
• Easy to clean

Cons

• No backpack carry option

Rugged and sleek, with plenty of pockets. It leverages an airtight build, with roll-top and inflatable insulation, to keep the inside cool for hours. But, what's cooler? That insulated layer is actually removable, making cleaning a real breeze.

Body material	500 Denier PVC

Best Beach Backpack Cooler

Carhartt Large Insulated Backpack Tote

Best Tote Bag Cooler

Coleman 62-Quart Wheeled Hard Cooler

Pros

• Great price
• Wheels are nice and large, not too bad on sand

Cons

• Ice retention won't match more expensive coolers

This is the proto-cooler, practically. Every cookout and or backyard barbecue has featured at least one of these things, and with good reason. They're cheap, reliable, and you can buy one in just about every town in America. The everyman's cooler.

Pros

• Really cool vintage look
• Decent ice retention

Cons

• Tough to carry

There's probably old family pics of your dad sitting on one of these. Buying this isn't as cool as having that one, but it's a close second. The upside being this has a few decades on the old version, so the tech has gone through a bit of an update.

Material	Plastic with stainless steel trim

Best Tote Bag Cooler

IceMule Jaunt™ 9L Cooler Backpack

Pros

• Incredibly easy to carry
• Fun colors

Cons

• Pretty small size

Cans and bottles will carry easier on your back, and IceMule makes one of the best backpack coolers, keeping nine cans plus ice cold for up to 48 hours. It'll free up your hands to carry all the other beach day crap. And the colors? They scream summer.

Pros

• Technically, it will stay cold forever
• Really sleek look
• Can set an exact temperature

Cons

• Pricey

If you drive a Rivian, one of those new electric F-150s, or are waiting on a Tesla Cybertruck, you're probably the type to want an equally futuristic cooler. Dometic has you covered with an electric cooler. Power it with AC, DC, or Solar power.

Best Beach Cooler Set

Dual CompartmentsPelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler ($290)

Insulation: Closed-cell foamCapacity: 19 qtWeight: 3 lbsPros: Durable nylon exterior. Able to keep drinks cold and food hot.Cons: Bottom compartment, although the most insulated, is also the smallest.

When it comes to keeping food and drinks separate, the Pelican Dayventure has your back. In fact, it’s got your shoulders, too, padded to withstand a heavy load. The bottom compartment is designed to hold a six-pack (with ice), which is just enough lagers, seltzers, sparkling waters, or whatever else is your drink of choice on a sunny adventure outside. Take away the ice and you can fit 7 tall cans.

With high density closed cell foam surrounding, the drinks will stay cold until you reach your destination, and then some. A second, larger insulated pocket sits above, where you can either keep your burritos hot or sushi cold. The included straps and attachment points leave plenty of room to add on a beach blanket, perfect for sunset dates, or a filling up on food and drinks for a long day at the beach.

CHECK PRICE ON PELICAN

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

Best Hard Beach Cooler for Under $100

Columbia Crater Peak Wheeled Cooler

Pros

• Interior design optimizes space utilization
• Effective insulation
• Can be packed flat for beach vacations
• Kickstand feature for stability

Cons

• For better wheel quality, consider higher-priced coolers on this list.

A rolling bag that can be packed down flat and easily carried through the airport, the Columbia wheeled cooler is designed specifically for beach vacations. It can hold up to 50 cans and has a kickstand bottom to keep the cooler in an upright position.

The size-to-volume ratio is commendable, and the material effectively prevents unwanted odors and mold. Cleaning up is also a breeze after a fun day at the river. The handle extends to a generous length, and the wheels perform well, especially considering the affordable price.

Dimensions	13.5 x 10 x 16 inches
Weight	4.75 lbs
Volume	50 cans

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Pros

• Easy trudging through sand
• Smart design for maximum volume
• Long lifespan
• Additional features
• Can be used as a bench seat
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Heavy

Anyone who has experienced the struggle of carrying a heavy cooler across a soft stretch of sand knows the pain. That's where Igloo's beach cooler comes in, with its oversized wheels that can handle sand and other challenging surfaces. Additionally, it comes with a butler tray for those who love to entertain.

This cooler is like the SUV of coolers, capable of navigating bumps and various terrains. The removable butler tray adds a touch of elegance to your favorite beach spot or hilltop location. It also features a dry storage area, perfect for keeping your phone and other valuables protected from moisture. The volume is equally impressive.

Dimensions	34.6 x 19.7 x 23.6 inches
Weight	34 lbs
Volume	112 cans

Best Wheeled Beach Cooler

RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler

Pros

• Under $200
• Available in several unique colors
• Weighs slightly above 20 pounds
• Includes built-in bottle opener on the side

Cons

• Baskets and dividers for the 32 QT need to be purchased separately

The RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light cooler is the perfect hard cooler for small gatherings. It is designed to be lightweight, claiming to be around 30% lighter than most hard-molded models available. Our testing confirmed its lightweight nature, making it possibly the lightest hard cooler on the market.

The Ultra-Light cooler also features durable carrying handles, secure sealing latches, and a convenient built-in bottle opener. With a price under $200, this cooler is truly a great deal.

Dimensions	14.5 x 23 x 15.5 inches
Weight	21 lbs
Volume	48 cans

Pros

• Strong 840 denier double TPU outer material
• Waterproof zippers
• Neatly holds up to 20 cans
• Rugged design

Cons

• Expensive

ORCA coolers have a well-earned reputation for being strong and long-lasting. While we appreciate their entire hard cooler lineup, we particularly like the Walker 20 for its portability. It can hold up to 20 cans and is constructed from adventure-grade 840 denier double TPU material. It includes a magnetic split handle, a soft carrying strap, and waterproof zippers. If you're in search of a personal cooler with all the bells and whistles, this rugged-inspired choice won't disappoint.

Dimensions	14.5 x 11 x 13.25 inches
Weight	3.6 lbs
Volume	20 cans

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Pros

• Compact size for better storage in tight spaces
• Polyurethane thermal barrier keeps ice cold for days
• Wide range of colors available
• Under $200

Cons

• No side latch handles. Mainly carried by the single handle

Laka offers reasonably priced hard coolers in a variety of fun colors. The Laka 20 is a fantastic small cooler that is convenient for travel. It can hold up to 20 cans and is made with adventure-grade 840 denier double TPU material. Other features include a magnetic split handle, a soft carrying strap, and waterproof zippers. If you're looking for a personal cooler with all the features, this rugged-inspired choice is a great option.

Dimensions	18.5 x 14.5 x 16.5 inches
Weight	13.5 lbs
Volume	18 cans

Stanley Adventure Easy Carry 16 Qt Outdoor Cooler

Best Vintage Beach Cooler

ICEMULE Boss ($375)

Insulation: FoamCapacity: 24 cans (with ice) extra pockets = 30LWeight: 6.6 lbsPros: Ergonomic, durable, great ice retention.Cons: Pricey. Size to capacity ratio isn’t great.

Even if you ignore the fact that the ICEMULE Boss is fully waterproof and a cooler with an unbelievable scale of ice retention, it’s just an awesome backpack that can carry a ton of stuff. The shoulder straps and back padding helps ease the burden of a heavy load, so feel free to fill it to the brim with up to 24 cans (with ice) in the main compartment. That would be great if that was all, but you’re really only limited by back and shoulder strength for how much more you’d want to add to the load. Two side compartments and a larger one on the back (all waterproof as well) give additional room for supplies such as a first aid kit, dry food storage, sunscreen, etc.

Even that would be enough to call it a day and still probably be our favorite backpack cooler. But add in the external storage options such as webbing for a rain jacket, clip loops on the bottom, and 16 loops on the side for clipping on whatever you can think of, and you’ve got a carrying solution for much more than just cold drinks. This cooler is incredibly durable and outperforms the competition.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON CHECK PRICE ON ICEMULE

Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

Best Wheeled Beach Cooler

Bespoke Post Chill Box

Best Beach Cooler Set

Ice Retention

A beach cooler's main job is to keep your food and drinks cold. When searching for the best beach cooler, remember to consider its ice retention capacity and insulation.

If you have any further questions or want to discuss other exceptional beach coolers or related products, please let us know in the comment section below!

Frequently asked questions

What are the best ice packs for coolers?

When it comes to keeping food and drinks cold in a cooler, you can always use ice. However, ice can melt quickly, leaving your items in a pool of water.

A better alternative to traditional ice is gel-based ice packs designed to stay frozen for a long time and minimize mess. The best ice packs for coolers are easy to pack and store, freeze quickly, and can stay frozen for hours on end.

Caring For Your Beach Cooler

Investing in a good beach cooler is worthwhile to ensure freshness and cold beverages after a day at the beach. Taking care of your cooler properly will help extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to ensure your beach cooler remains in excellent condition:

Clean the cooler after each use: After every use, thoroughly clean your cooler with soap and water to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. For stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water, but avoid harsh chemicals that may shorten the cooler's lifespan.

Dry the cooler completely: Before storing your cooler, make sure it is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth. You can use a towel or let the cooler air dry in a shaded area.

Store the cooler properly: When storing your cooler, choose a cool and dry place to prevent damage to the insulation or other components. Avoid storing the cooler in direct sunlight or in a damp area where mold and mildew may thrive.

Avoid overloading the cooler: Do not exceed the weight capacity of your cooler, as this can damage the insulation or other components. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Your back will also appreciate the lighter load.

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In conclusion, whether you're planning a day trip or a week-long beach vacation, having a reliable and efficient cooler can make all the difference in keeping your drinks and snacks cool and refreshing. From the rugged durability of the YETI Tundra Haul to the versatile design of the Coleman 316 Series, there is a cooler on this list to suit every beachgoer's needs. So pack up your favorite cooler and hit the beach with confidence, knowing that your refreshments will stay chilled and ready to enjoy, no matter how hot the summer sun may be. Happy beaching!