The 10 Best Coolers for Camping
There’s a case to be made that packing for a camping trip is the best part of camping. You get to rummage through the garage. Find all your beloved gear. Pack the cooler full of goodies. Reminisce about camping trips past.
Hang on, let’s go back to that cooler for a second. It’s been with you a long time. It’s like an old friend. But you know one thing without a doubt: no matter how much ice you pack in that thing, your drinks and ketchup bottles will be floating in lukewarm water by the time you get to the campground.
It might be time to let that trusty old cooler go, and upgrade to something newer and better. Luckily, we’ve sorted through some of the best coolers on the market this year, and we have some great recommendations.
Best Buy
1. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
By just any measure with which one could judge a cooler, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is a great piece of equipment. It’s tough, it’s heavy-duty, and it keeps ice for four days or more.
It’s hard to imagine a better cooler for camping trips and outdoor adventures. Thick polyurethane insulation keeps things cool longer, and built-in Microban product protection offers a defense against odors and bacteria.
One of the great things about the Titan is it’s rugged enough to withstand all kinds of conditions. And with seamless construction, secure T-latches, and a 360-degree rubber gasket, the cooler holds moisture as well as the cold inside.
The Titan Deep Freeze also meets the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee’s bear-resistant container standards (when used with the appropriate locks, sold separately). If this cooler has a downside, it’s its weight, but a few extra pounds is a small price to pay for this level of durability.
2. Yeti Tundra Haul Hard Cooler
YETI has a well-deserved reputation for making some of the toughest coolers on the market. The Tundra Haul Hard Cooler is the brand’s first-ever wheeled cooler, and it’s a superb blend of convenience with that legendary YETI toughness.
But of course, this cooler has a lot to offer besides being portable and nearly indestructible. The Tundra Haul has extra-thick walls filled with commercial-grade polyurethane foam for maximum ice retention, and a freezer-grade gasket around the entire lid to seal in the cold.
This thing is seriously heavy, though. When the YETI is packed full, lifting it into your truck bed is a two-man job. But if you take good care of it, you’ll be using this cooler for decades.
The Tundra Haul has one of the best ice retention periods on the market – up to eight days – and you can essentially drop it off a cliff and it’ll keep on rolling.
3. Coleman 60 Quart Performance Wheeled Cooler
If you went camping when you were a kid, chances are you had a Coleman cooler along for the ride. Coleman camping gear is practically part of our DNA, and you know what? They still make some solid, budget-friendly coolers.
All of the above makes the Coleman 60 Quart Performance Wheeled Cooler a fun, somewhat nostalgic addition to any camping trip or picnic. This cooler has rough-and-tumble wheels to get where you need it to go, and a handy telescoping handle to help you get it there.
The Coleman does a good job keeping things cold, with up to four days’ ice retention. It’s not a cooler that will last a lifetime, but it’s a sturdy camping companion sure to give you several years of reliable service.
Spacious enough to hold 94 cans (and with four handy cup holders molded into the lid, the Coleman 60 Quart Performance Wheeled Cooler is a great choice for the thirsty, budget-conscious camper.
4. Igloo Quick and Cool
The Igloo Quick and Cool has a classic design and the ability to keep ice up to seven days. What more does one need? Well since you asked, it also has UV inhibitors in the lid to guard against sun damage, and snap-fit latches to secure the lid.
With a 150-quart capacity, this is one spacious cooler. That makes it ideal for family camping trips when there are a lot of mouths to feed. If this cooler has a weak link, it’s the plastic flexible hinges. They wear out easily, but on the plus side, they’re easy to replace.
A threaded drain plug that can connect to a hose is a handy addition that makes the Igloo easier to drain and clean. It also has a stain-and odor-resistant inner lining to help it stay fresh on those long camping trips.
5. Seavilis Milee-Heavy Duty Wheeled Cooler
One of the best-wheeled coolers we’ve seen recently, the Seavilis Milee-Heavy Duty Wheeled Cooler is a tough, well-insulated piece of equipment that will go wherever the road takes you.
With a no-frills design and virtually indestructible construction, the Heavy Duty Wheeled Cooler is built to keep your food and drinks cold in any conditions. It has built-in bottle openers, a freezer-style gasket, leak-free drain plug, and military-grade nylon handles.
The 7” wheels are sturdy and handle varied terrain with ease. The cooler also comes with accessories like a wire basket and plastic divider, which is especially nice since most cooler companies expect you to pay extra for those kinds of gadgets.
6. Kalamera Portable Refrigerator
Are you fed up with roughing it? Blurring the line between fridge and cooler, the Kalamera Portable Refrigerator is a great option for anybody who’s been on enough camping trips that they’re ready to be done buying bags of ice once and for all.
This 12V portable fridge can plug into any wall outlet or your vehicle’s cigarette lighter. It runs nearly silent and is compact enough to fit in the trunk or behind the front seat of most cars.
Although it operates like a refrigerator, the Kalamera opens from the top like a cooler. It has a 54-quart capacity and digital thermostat and does a great job keeping your drinks and snacks chilled on long car rides and camping trips.
7. RTIC Hard Sided Cooler
RTIC makes some of the hardiest, sturdiest, most rugged, rough-and-ready coolers you’re ever likely to encounter. It’s nice to know your sandwich is inside something you can basically back your truck over without leaving a scratch.
Another perk of the RTIC Hard Sided Cooler is it retains ice for up to 10 days, which is about the best anybody can expect a cooler to do. It also has adjustable rope handles, molded tie-down slots, a freezer style gasket, and an integrated locking system.
The RTC Hard Sided Cooler is a favorite of hunters and fishermen, but it’s a great companion on any camping trip. Available in five sizes ranging from 20 to 145 quarts, this cooler is bear-resistant and just about bomb-proof.
8. ROVR Rolling Cooler
The RovR Wheeled Camping Rolling Cooler is versatile, functional, and about as durable as it gets. With a 60-quart capacity and deep-freeze removable dry bin, it deserves a place on any camping, fishing, or boating trip.
The RovR’s elevated body design is innovative and helps keep its contents colder for longer. The cooler also has an airtight gasket and thick walls filled with high-density foam insulation to keep ice for seven to 10 days.
With a pop-up storage bin that essentially converts the cooler into an all-terrain wagon for hauling gear, the RovR is perfect for campers on the move. The 9-inch puncture-resistant rubber tires help get you and your lunch wherever you need to go.
9. Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler
The Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler is made for heavy-duty use. It’s been certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, it’s made in the USA, and it’s guaranteed for life.
This is a great cooler for keeping your drinks cold and your food fresh. A 2-inch layer of polyurethane insulation gives you plenty of life out of your ice – up to 10 days depending on the conditions. The freezer-grade gasket also helps.
An integrated ruler on the lid makes this a perfect cooler to take along on a fishing trip, and the built-in bottle opener is great for knocking back a cold one to celebrate your catch. The Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler comes in two sizes (45-quart and 80-quart) and three colors (white, charcoal, and tan).
10. Orca 40 Cooler
The Orca 40 Cooler is a great option for short camping trips in all conditions. With a 40-quart capacity and available in a rainbow of colors, this could be the only cooler you ever need.
You can easily expect ice to last a week or more inside the Orca 40. It’s well-built, with roto-molded construction and integrated insulation. This cooler is made to be taken out on a boat in the blazing sun, and it’ll keep your catch fresh no matter what.
Like a lot of coolers that offer this kind of next-level cooling power and durability, the Orca is a bit on the heavy side. It weighs about 30 pounds empty, but it keeps cold things cold like a champ.
Camping cooler FAQs
Aside from the obvious – hard coolers have solid construction while soft coolers are flexible – there’s a wide variation between these two types of coolers, both in terms of capacity and ability to keep things cool.
Soft coolers are generally meant for limited short-term use. You throw a few drinks in one and carry it over one shoulder. Hard coolers are made to hold more and stay cold longer, making them ideal for camping trips.
When selecting a cooler for a camping trip, a couple of the biggest factors to consider are durability and capacity. How durable you need your cooler to be depends on the conditions you plan on subjecting it to, and the ideal capacity depends on the length of your trip, and how many people are going.
A 40-quart cooler is generally perfect for three people on a day trip. For a weekend camping trip, the same number of people should consider a cooler in the 60-quart range.
You can get a decent cooler for $100 or less, but like many things, you often get what you pay for. Advanced coolers that are durably built and well-insulated to keep their content cold longer, tend to cost more.
In the end, the choice depends on your needs and budget. But a great cooler can last a lifetime.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
