Coolers Again

[Tman1]

I use the igloo marine coolers and they seem to work well.   I use homemade blocks then add cubes to top the cooler off.  When we're out on the beach any  friends that visit will always bring an extra bag of ice or two.

[ThunnusBlue]

The RTIC is okay not great. It's cheap in price but the build quality is a bit off. The O ring on mine needs some adhesive. Considering that I paid $125 for a new 45 quart with free shipping, I'm happy with it. Down the road, I might sell it and get a nicer one that will last me a lifetime. 

Edited July 23, 2017 by ThunnusBlue

[Fishscales13]

I would really like to purchase a Yeti cooler but other than it being so expensive they are heavy. Especially after adding ice and whatever you want to keep cold inside. 

Edited July 24, 2017 by Fishscales13

[StripersBR]

35 minutes ago, Fishscales13 said:

I would really like to purchase a Yeti cooler but other than it being so expensive they are heavy. Especially after adding ice and whatever you want to keep cold inside. 

I agree with you that they are heavy for my boat and what Id need it for. Plus the fact that you put a couple fish, and ice in a 75-100 qt there hardly is any room. I have a skiff so I dont need a cooler that says it keeps ice for days. I make my own blocks and use a 100 qt igloo or coleman strapped to the bow. It works great. Plus you can always add salt also. 

Edited July 24, 2017 by StripersBR
Words were together, not spaced

[surffshr]

I like Coleman extreme coolers,  as I cannot justify the price of a yeti.  

[JoeyZac]

Coleman Xtreme 150qt.

It's about $70, can hold 3 frozen 5 gallon buckets, closes snugly, and works great.

[NHAngler]

I have a 75 quart ORCA cooler which are made right here in the US with a lifetime warranty. I would have preferred white but it is tan. However, it performs so well it almost seems to make ice. Recent 3 day camping trip camping with 90-95 degree days and 65-70 at night. Kept in shade but did have some sun hitting it at times. Put 15 pounds of ice in to start opening maybe 10x per day. End of 3 long days drained and bagged 11.5 pounds of ice. Have had similar performance on 4-5 day trips. I have yet to have a trip where I had to buy ice for it. That said, this thing weighs A LOT and not easy to move around when loaded. 

As for justifying the cost. I'm sure a few extra bags of ice for many trips will add up but would take a really long time to ever justify the price of one of these. However, if you are a hunter or fisherman trying to preserve your catch/kill I would only want the best. On most boating trips I bring lots of ice because more than half it melts before it even matters but now I'm dragging ice around and taking up precious room? The costs and weight now start to come in question which might be better reasoning for a quality cooler. I make my own ice but imagine paying $10-20+ each trip out would add up quick enough if you go a lot. 

 

[Espresso]

Generally speaking, all rotomolded coolers are very heavy for their respective sizes.  The empty weight for a ~40 quart cooler is 25# and that's rather small for a fishing cooler.  You'll probably need a 60+ quart cooler and those are generally pushing 30# empty.  Unless you're a big brute, carrying a half filled 40 quart is a chore.  A 60 quart cooler is a 2-person job. 

That said, the Yeti brand is like the BMW of coolers so it comes with a premium.  Performance wise other brands are comparable or even better but Yeti is still the most recognizable premium brand.  I got a Yeti because I like the design and the accessories you can buy.  The same goes for any fishing gear, you can get an off-the-shelf setup or go custom rod/reel setup.  There's a perceived value so some will pay more. 

If you can't justify the cost of a premium cooler such as a Yeti, you can always get a Grizzly, Ocra, RTIC or Walmart brand Ozark Trail rotomolded cooler.  The competition for these type coolers seem to be high so there are lots of choices so that's good for consumers.  For a weekend warrior or occasional 2-3 trip, any of these brands mentioned would exceed your needs.  If you need the best for a long haul trip, Cabela and Pelican coolers are highly rated.  For me personally, the decision boiled down to what fit my needs, perceived value and wallet.