The road trip is one of the best times to bond with family and friends. To ensure that everyone has a great time, you should bring a cooler. There are several things you should consider when looking for the best cooler for your road trip. Here are some things to consider: Size The size of the cooler is important because you do not want it to be too big or too small. You want to be able to fit all of your food and drinks into the cooler without having to leave anything out. The size of the cooler should be big enough to fit all of your stuff, but not so big that it takes up too much room in the car. Weight The weight of the cooler is also important. The cooler should be light enough that you can carry it with you, but heavy enough that it will keep your food and drinks cold. Durability The cooler should be durable enough that it will last through your entire road trip. You want to be able to use the same cooler for many different trips, so it should be sturdy enough to last. Portability You want to be able to take your cooler with you on your trip, so portability is important. You should be able to carry your cooler with you without having to take a second bag. The cooler should be easy to use so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to figure it out. You also want to make sure that the cooler is easy to clean. After a long day of hiking, you don’t want to have to spend a lot of time cleaning your cooler. The best coolers are ones that are easy to use, clean and durable. Coolers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. You should be able to find one that matches your needs. You also have a lot of options when it comes to price. You can find coolers that are cheap or expensive, depending on what you are looking for. The most important thing is to also review the top coolers to find the perfect one for you.
Make sure your next road trip is well-stocked with our rundown of the best coolers for road trips when you try the Route 100 Vermont Road trip with your kids.
There are a variety of travel coolers available, and all you need to make a grueling road trip more bearable is an ice-cold drink and snack.
There are hard-cased coolers and wheeled varieties, portable cooler bags, and big ones for trunks and hatches. These coolers also come in various colors with features ranging from the very basic to the robust and versatile.
Are you ready for your next four-wheeled journey?
Family and friends, we recommend that you try exploring the Midwest road trips.
Make sure your next road trip is well-stocked with our list of the best coolers for road trips with the kids. You can also check out some of our other great reviews like the Yeti vs Grizzly coolers and the RTIC vs Yeti coolers.
There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the right travel cooler.
Before selecting the right one for you, it’s wise to know the different types of coolers available on the market. Features, size, style, and price are all things to consider. Coolers are frequently divided into four classes:
General Coolers:
These coolers are what you would normally see at picnics and backyard barbecues. These versions are lightweight, double-walled, and with very little or no insulation.
They generally do a decent job of keeping your snacks and drinks cool for a few hours, and they are the least expensive.
A soft-sided cooler is:
Soft-sided coolers provide more flexibility and portability. When empty, you can fold and store soft-sided coolers in your hatch or truck to gain extra space. They weigh less and are easier to transport.
Soft-sided coolers, on the other hand, have less ice retention, which means they do a poorer job at keeping your things cool for longer.
Extra-large coolers:
Heavy-duty coolers are built to withstand wear and tear and come with high-tech insulation.
Their lids are designed with commercial-grade gaskets to keep your snacks and drinks cold for longer periods.
Heavy-duty coolers are bulkier and heavier than their soft-sided cousins, as their name implies.
Electric coolers:
Electric coolers don’t require ice to preserve your stuff chilled. They can keep anything cold for as long as your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is switched on.
The only issue with an electric cooler is that its temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature. If you habitually keep your AC on, this should not be an issue.
The best travel coolers:
- [WHY THESE ROCK]: This soft sided portable cooler keeps your bevvies cold with a premium leakproof liner that doesn't leak like a backpack cooler that uses a thinner liner. Our sturdy but collapsible...
- [IDEAL COLLAPSIBLE COOLER BAG FOR TRAVEL]: From our smallest to our largest 50 can insulated cooler bag, these are a perfect travel cooler for car because the soft-sided cooler can fit more easily in...
- [STRONG AND RUGGED]: Compared to another can cooler or beach cooler bag on the market, we want you to keep this for years. We designed this hard bottom beer cooler with sturdy hinges that can hold up...
- [FAMILY-SIZE INSULATED LUNCH BAG]: Use this collapsible car cooler to pack lunch for the entire family on your next road trip with space to hold your napkins and paper plates. Weighing less than 3...
- [OTHER USES]: Replace your insulated grocery tote bag with this more durable soft ice chest or ditch your picnic basket set because because this cooler bag wont leak and you can use the top side to...
- Exceptional Heat Retention: Hulongo cooler backpack is designed to keep your beverages and food cool for up to 12 hours with its thickened 8 mm foam insulation and advanced silver PEVA seal. Whether...
- Waterproof and Lightweight: Made from high-density scratch-resistant nylon material with an extra PU coating, our cooler bags are 100% waterproof and easy to clean. Moreover, its lightweight design...
- Multiple Compartments and Pockets: The cooler backpack features two insulated compartments to keep your drinks cool and your food dry. Additionally, it boasts a front big pocket and two side pockets,...
- Leak-proof and Sweat-free: Our cooler backpack utilizes a high-tech seamless hot pressing process, making it completely leak-proof. Moreover, the additional smooth horizontal zippers enhance its...
- Spacious Capacity: With dimensions measuring 17.7''x12.2''x7.9'' (H x L x W), our cooler backpack can accommodate up to 35 cans (330 ml). It offers enough space to pack meals, tall beverages, snacks,...
- SMALL COOLER BAG: The 12 L Carry Out Soft Cooler is the perfect compact insulated cooler bag to bring along for the day. The large, easy-access hinge top makes it easy to open, and the leakproof...
- 24 HOURS COLD: Lightweight, but mighty, insulation keeps contents cold up to 24 hours when used with an ice pack.
- DURABLE COOLER: The main body fabric of the insulated soft cooler is made of 100% recycled polyester 600d fabric with a durable coating. The exterior is water-resistant and the lid and base are...
- EASY TO CARRY: The insulated cooler cube is easy to carry and includes a removable cross-body cooler strap.
- ZIPPER COOLER: Large, accessible top opens fully for easy loading and easy cleaning.
- ✅ PORTABLE COOLER: Use this cooler bag for your next big adventure. Whether you are looking for an ice chilled drink, hitting the beach, fishing, or kayaking down the river. This waterproof and soft...
- ✅ COMFORT/HANDS FREE TRAVEL: Our roll-top zipperless cooler includes a lightweight, detachable, and adjustable double padded shoulder strap. Perfect for long-haul travel.
- ✅ INSULATED & WATERPROOF: Developed to keep it cool, while keeping elements out. Designed with thick PE foam insulation and puncture resistant 500D PVC outer shell. Our leakproof cooler will keep it...
- ✅ COMPACT: Roll it, fold it, squish it. Designed for multi-use, you can take this cooler anywhere you travel, whether on a plan or next road trip. A great gift for men and women any time of the...
- ✅ EASY USE: Holds up to 18 cans with ice and totally adjustable. Simply roll the top down to what your adventure requires and secure the clasps. Available in three different colors: seafoam, coral,...
- Longer Cooling Time -20h: OCKLILY's backpack cooler is made of high-quality PEVA material and thick insulating foam. Our waterproof backpack with cooler compartment keeps your food and drinks at the...
- Leakproof and Long-lasting: The hard liner and waterproof zippers make our backpack coolers insulated leak proof, ensuring your drinks and food are safely stored. Sturdy material and Sturdy Stitching...
- Versatile: Our soft sided cooler is ideal for any occasion. Besides being used as an excellent cooler bag, using it as a beer cooler, boat cooler, ice cooler, dry ice chest, backpack lunch bag for...
- Multiple Compartments: 1 main large soft coolers insulated leak proof storage compartment for drinks or food, 2 pockets in front for your dry items, and 2 plus large mesh side pockets which are...
- Spacious Capacity: The backpack cooler leakproof Measures 16.5''x11''x6.3"( H x L x W) and can hold up to 30 cans (20L), roomy enough to pack meals, beers, tall beverages, snacks and other...
- 【Extra Large Storage Space】: The mesh beach bag 19"L x 17.7"H x 7.6"W and enough space to keep beach towels, beach hats, flip flops, water bottles, keys, wallet, cell phone, swimwear, sunscreen,...
- 【MUTI-FUNCTIONAL Beach Bag】Large Size Beach Bag with 8(eight) Pockets— (1) Main Pocket designed for maximum storage efficiency, can easily hold your beach towels, swimwear, everything you need...
- 【Leak-proof & Insulation Lunch Bag】Thickened PEVA liner without splicing to prevent leakage. The inner liner is made of thermal insulation material, Not Only Perfect for keeping your food and...
- 【Best Gifts for Women】This bag can be used for almost any event! Such as beach, swimming pool, park, picnic, barbecue, camping, vacation, festival, travel, etc. This is a great Thanksgiving and...
- 【Excellent Service】-- UYLIA Beach Cooler Bag can be easily folded, perfect to carry around, ideal for travel, beach trips, family days, picnics and vacations; If you have any questions about the...
- Leak-proof & Insulated:High-density insulation material and leak-proof liner inside of the insulated cooler backpack work together to make sure anti-leaking and keep food hot / cold for 16 hours....
- Spacious and Organized: The Maelstrom insulated backpack features a large capacity and multiple compartments, measuring 12.87”x 8.97”x 18.72”(LxWxH). This Leak-proof backpack cooler can hold...
- Ergonomic & Comfortable Design: Thicker padded back with ergonomic breathable design paired with adjustable,breathable and padded S shoulder straps help to reduce fatigue during a long day of trip....
- Unique Function Design: Two condiment bottles can be placed on the top of the tableware storage bag for easy access. The shoulder strap has a stainless steel bottle opener for easy opening of beer and...
- Versatile: Besides used as excellent soft cooler insulated leakproof bag,it is also a perfect lightweight gear for lunch backpack,hiking backpack,camping backpack,fishing backpack,travel...
- 24H+ Extended Outdoor Cooling: Momcozy breast milk cooler adopt 360° surround cooling tube technology keeps temperatures consistently cold for over 24 hours, preserving the freshness of your breast...
- Simple and Convenient: Just pop the cooling tube in the refrigerator (around 0℉) for 12 hours beforehand (adjust freezing time as necessary), and then move it to the milk cooler for easy use.
- 22oz Increased Capacity & Separate Storage: 22oz individual storage bottles catering to your storing and feeding needs all day long. To accommodate multiple pumping sessions, use the 2 separate...
- Hassle-free Cleaning : The inner bottle can be cleaned and sterilized in Momcozy bottle washer, freeing busy moms from manual cleaning.
- Outing or Working with ease: With the Momcozy breastmilk cooler, you can easily take it with you wherever you go. breeze through security and bring your breast milk on board. Enjoy hassle-free...
- Leak-proof Backpack Cooler: Our cooler backpack liner adopts Edible grade EPVA material and high-tech seamless hot pressing proces, Make sure anti-leaking. You can drink cold beverages,eat fresh...
- 22 Hours Insulated Backpack: Thickened insulation foil foam and leak-proof liner ensures excellent insulation performance, Whether you're camping, at the beach, picnicking, hiking, traveling, boating,...
- Large Capacity & Multi-Pocket Design Cooler: AMNOW insulated backpack Cooler provides several pockets, main bag can hold up to 36 cans(32L). 2 front zipper pockets to place your cutlery and cell...
- Waterproof and Portable Beach Cooler: Made from high-density oxford fabric material withsurface waterproofing process treatment, our back pack cooler are 100% waterproof and easy to clean. The S-type...
- Multiple Functions Backpack Cooler: With this stylish beach cooler backpack, you will get a lot of compliments. AMNOW insulated cooler bag is a ideal outdoor activities partner, You can use it as an...
Coleman 28-Quart Cooler
When it comes to classics, you can’t go wrong with this one. For travelers on a road trip who want a hassle-free cooler, the Coleman 28-Quart Cooler does the job. Coleman coolers are often synonymous with coolers, so if you are looking for a classic one, this is it. The Xtreme technology used in this hard-sided cooler claims to keep your items cold for up to three days.
The Coleman 28-Quart cooler is large enough without being too bulky, allowing for 48 cans or 2-liter cans to be held vertically.
The comfort-grip bail handle puts less strain on your hands, so you can get to your destination comfortably if you’re lugging your cooler around.
The Coleman Have-A-Seat Lid provides a spot to sit and relax immediately, supporting up to 250 pounds.
The Igloo BMX Cooler is cool but more $$.
There are a few things worth mentioning:
The Igloo BMX Cooler is the best travel cooler for adventurers seeking a sturdy ice chest. Because it is lightweight and durable, this cooler is suitable for severe conditions (the reinforced base and metal kickplates give this strong ice chest a formidable appearance). You may kick it around without hesitation.
This cooler has a lot to boast about when it comes to keeping your snacks and drinks cool. UV inhibitors prevent the sun from entering, and extra-thick foam walls and an efficiently insulated lid keep things cool.
The lid stays tightly closed thanks to Igloo’s Cool Riser technology, which elevates the body from hot surfaces. T-grip latches with extra rubber protection ensure the lid remains effectively closed and keeps out the cold. Are you still worried about the lid being opened as a result of movement or strong winds? Tie-down loops provide extra lid protection and safety.
Avoiding these road trip mistakes will ensure you have the best road trip with your children about security.
Arctic Zone Titan
The following are some of the coolers outstanding characteristics:
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is a surprisingly durable, flexible, and collapsible travel cooler that is perfect for those looking for a lightweight, soft-sided icebox.
The Triple-layer ColdBlock base and radiant heat barrier provide high-quality cooling in this portable cooler, which keeps ice for up to three days and can hold up to 30 cans. Other soft-sided travel coolers cannot compare.
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is the best car travel cooler because of its flip-open zipperless lid, which gives you instant access to your food and drinks. SmartShelf technology is by far the most important feature.
Soft items (e.g., sandwiches, cheese, cake) can be safely stored away from hard items (e.g., bottles, cans) using SmartShelf so that they don’t get crushed.
Divide the SmartShelf dividers to provide one large compartment, if you need more space.
Rubbermaid Victory Cooler
You should plan to pack lightly if you need to take several stops on your road trip.
Large coolers are difficult to transport, so get a rollable cooler if you need to transport lots of food and drinks.
Rubbermaid 34 Quarts is an exceptional travel cooler for people seeking wheeled models because it provides a lot of room and outstanding durability. When it comes to cooling, this cooler can compete with the pricey versions. This cooler can keep ice for up to five days at 90°F with its extra thick insulation.
The split lid provides quick access to your food and drinks without letting too much cold air out.
The handles on the sides of this versatile cooler are designed to be comfortable to grip and the wheels are built to handle a variety of terrains and rough surfaces. A metal tow handle is also included.
CleverMade SnapBasket.
• High performance and high efficiency • Real-time monitoring and alarming • Comprehensive visualization • Easy installation and maintenance • Longer service life • Easy to operate and maintain • Modern and simple design • Wide range of applications • Easy to use • Low power consumption • Environmentally friendly • Longer service life
Is there a way to keep your drinks cold without too much effort?
The SnapBasket by CleverMade is the greatest travel cooler on the market today if you want a soft-sided alternative. This space-saving solution is excellent for road trips, grocery trips, deliveries, and everyday tasks as well.
The triple-layer insulation made of sonically welded PEVA polyester fabric is water-resistant and leakproof.
The unique design of the CHILLERMASTER keeps cold food and drinks cold longer than other soft-sided coolers, ensuring that less cold escapes.
Soft-sided coolers are known for their very flimsy structure, but the SnapBasket Cooler has a steel wire frame on top, a solid base, and a SnapHinge on each side. This gives the cooler a sturdier structure, even when half full.
Do you need more storage at the back of your trunk?
Keep it in just about anywhere by folding down this SnapBasket Cooler to just three inches.
The YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is great.
A specially designed cooler is the best road trip companion. The YETI Roadie 24 Cooler has multiple features that make it an excellent road trip companion.
The Roadie 30 is 10% lighter, has 20% more capacity, and is 30% more thermally efficient than its predecessor, the Roadie 20.
It’s also taller, which makes it a superb fit behind the driver’s seat while holding a bottle of wine upright.
The handle is constructed from a flexible material, so it’s simple to carry and haul around. It also includes tie-down points for simple securing at the back of a truck, boat, or raft. You can also check out our 8 Alternative ‘Yeti Like’ Coolers. You can also find the cooler to take out on the water with you.
Make sure to take the time to choose the right cooler for you. Too big and it is a pain to move or carry, too small and it won’t hold enough of what you need. Now make your choice and get outdoors.