Small Coolers for Fishing and Outdoor Day Trips

Build the rest of the day-trip system

A cooler is only one part of the day setup. For fishing, beach, boat, and travel days, the better question is how the cooler works with dry storage, rain or spray layers, sun coverage, and the walk from the truck, ramp, dock, or beach access.

If the cooler handles food, drinks, bait, or ice, keep the rest of the kit separate and dry. Use Patagonia fishing packs and waterproof bags for layers, tools, phone, keys, and spare clothes. Use Patagonia sun hoodies for long bright sessions, and Patagonia rain jackets when the cooler is riding through spray, rain, or a fast-moving front.

Best Overall: RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler

The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler stands out as the best overall small cooler in 2024. This lightweight yet durable cooler boasts excellent insulation performance, keeping contents cold for days. The Ultra-Light 52 features a polypropylene shell that is resistant to bumps and impacts, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

One of the cooler’s standout features is its thick lid, which doubles as a cutting board or table, adding versatility to its design. The cooler is easy to transport thanks to its rope handles, and once you reach your destination, it remains stable even when jumped on.

While the Ultra-Light 52 previously included a wire basket and freezable dividers, as of September 2023, these accessories are sold separately. However, this change does not detract from the cooler’s overall performance and value.

Users praise the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 for its design, storage capacity, and ability to retain ice for up to two days, making it twice as effective as a standard cooler. Its 52-quart capacity provides ample space for food and drinks, perfect for weekend camping trips or outdoor gatherings.

Although the Ultra-Light model is not as heavily insulated as RTIC’s original roto-molded coolers, it still offers impressive ice retention at a lower weight and cost. The Ultra-Light 52 is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between performance, portability, and affordability in a small cooler.

Sources: outdoorgearlab.com, amazon.com, youtube.com

Best Value: Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler

The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler offers exceptional value for those seeking a durable and reliable cooler at an affordable price. This classic design features a 54-quart capacity, accommodating up to 85 cans, making it perfect for camping trips, tailgating, and outdoor gatherings.

One of the cooler’s standout features is its sturdy steel construction. The steel belting provides added durability and resistance to bumps and impacts, ensuring the cooler can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The have-a-seat lid supports up to 250 pounds, allowing the cooler to double as a convenient seat when needed.

In terms of ice retention, the Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler can keep ice frozen for up to four days in temperatures as high as 90F. While it may not match the insulation performance of higher-end coolers like the RTIC Ultra-Light or Yeti Tundra, it still offers reliable cooling at a fraction of the cost.

The cooler’s simple, lightly tapered shape and full-size lid make packing a breeze, allowing for efficient use of space. The stainless steel handles provide a comfortable grip for easy transport, while the solid locking mechanism ensures the lid stays securely closed during transit.

Priced at around $140, the Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a dependable and well-constructed cooler. Its retro design adds a touch of style, while its proven performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sources: coleman.com, amazon.com

Best Hard Cooler: Yeti Roadie 24

The Yeti Roadie 24 stands out as the best hard cooler in its class, offering exceptional durability, ice retention, and portability. This compact cooler is built tough with Yeti’s signature rotomolded construction, featuring a virtually indestructible RockSolid Strength that keeps contents fresh and safe.

One of the Roadie 24’s key advantages is its impressive insulating ability. The cooler utilizes Yeti’s trusted PermaFrost insulation, a pressure-injected polyurethane foam capable of keeping ice frozen for days. The InterLock lid system creates a form-fitting barrier against extreme temperatures, while the ColdLock freezer-quality gasket blocks out heat and locks in the cold.

Despite its rugged build, the Roadie 24 remains highly portable. The HeftyHauler handle is designed for comfortable carrying, and at just 13 pounds, the cooler is 10% lighter than its predecessor. The tall, slim profile allows the Roadie to fit easily behind a car seat, making it an ideal road trip companion.

The Roadie 24’s 13-inch internal height accommodates most standard wine and 2-liter soda bottles stored upright. This 24-quart cooler holds up to 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, providing ample space for a day trip or weekend getaway. For added convenience, the QuickLatch system enables easy, one-handed access to the cooler’s contents.

While the Yeti Roadie 24 carries a premium price tag at $250, its exceptional performance and durability justify the investment for those seeking a top-quality hard cooler. The cooler’s NeverFail hinge system, non-slip rubber feet, and optional tie-down slots further enhance its overall functionality and versatility.

Sources: youtube.com, yeti.com, amazon.com

Best Backpack Cooler: IceMule Pro

The IceMule Pro Backpack Cooler stands out as the best backpack cooler on the market, offering a perfect combination of comfort, durability, and ice retention. This innovative cooler features a unique design that allows it to be carried like a backpack, making it ideal for outdoor adventures where hands-free carrying is essential.

One of the IceMule Pro’s standout features is its impressive insulation performance. The cooler utilizes IceMule’s proprietary MuleSkin fabrics and PolarLayer insulation to keep contents ice-cold for up to 24 hours. This long-lasting cooling ability makes it perfect for day-long hikes, beach trips, or outdoor events.

Comfort is a key priority in the IceMule Pro’s design. The backpack cooler features double, padded straps with a balancing sternum strap and ventilated back pads, providing both stability and complete comfort during extended carrying. The soft, wide shoulder straps and ventilated back help distribute weight evenly, making it the most comfortable backpack cooler to carry when fully loaded.

The IceMule Pro’s roll-top design and air valve allow the cooler to be compressed and stored when not in use, making it highly portable and travel-friendly. The cooler’s flexibility also enables it to conform to the shape of its contents, further enhancing carrying comfort.

In terms of capacity, the IceMule Pro is available in two sizes: 23L and 33L. The 23L model can hold up to 24 cans plus ice, while the larger 33L version accommodates up to 32 cans plus ice. The built-in elastic bungees provide additional storage space for items like jackets or blankets.

The IceMule Pro is built to withstand the elements, with a rugged, waterproof design that ensures contents stay dry even in the event of a spill or unexpected dip in the water. The cooler’s welded seams and durable MuleSkin fabric provide excellent resistance to punctures and abrasions.

While the IceMule Pro’s price point is higher than some other backpack coolers, its superior performance, comfort, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts. The cooler’s ability to provide hands-free, long-lasting cooling in a comfortable, portable package sets it apart as the best backpack cooler available.

Sources: outdoorgearlab.com, icemulecoolers.com, amazon.com

Best Insulated: Engel HD30

The Engel HD30 stands out as the best soft cooler for ice retention, outperforming expectations with its impressive insulation capabilities. What separates the HD30 from the competition is its fully welded construction, which keeps warm air out and dramatically increases the life of the ice or ice packs inside. The welded seams prevent air and water leaks, allowing the HD30 to keep beverages cold for an impressive 4.5 days in 90-degree temperatures, according to an independent review.

The HD30’s outer shell is composed of durable 840 denier fibers, providing maximum strength and abrasion resistance. The front and back are laminated with a Thermal Plastic Urethane (TPU) film, adding another layer of puncture resistance. Inside, the cooler features closed-cell foam insulation, which prevents air from passing through and improves the thermal performance.

During testing, the HD30 held temperatures at or below the FDA-recommended safe temperature of 40F for just over three full days, hitting an impressive 73 hours. It lasted several more hours below the average ideal beer-serving temperature of 50F, providing 79 hours of refreshingly cold brews.

The HD30 also features a patent-pending vacuum valve technology. By using a household vacuum to suck out excess air before the first use, the insulation performance can be further optimized. The waterproof and air-resistant zipper requires lubrication for smooth operation but effectively keeps cold air in and warm air out.

In more moderate conditions, the HD30 can achieve almost 4 days of ice retention, making it the most impressive soft cooler tested in terms of keeping contents cold. The cooler’s 32-quart capacity can hold up to 48 cans, providing ample space for food and drinks on multi-day adventures.

While the HD30 carries a premium price tag at around $240, its exceptional ice retention capabilities and durable construction justify the investment for those prioritizing long-lasting cooling performance in a soft cooler. The included features, such as an adjustable ergonomic shoulder strap, built-in bottle opener, and water-resistant front pocket, further enhance the cooler’s overall functionality and user-friendliness.

Sources: engelcoolers.com, youtube.com, expeditionportal.com

Best Small Cooler Picks

After testing and evaluating numerous small coolers from top brands, it’s clear that there are excellent options available to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize overall performance, value, durability, portability, or ice retention, there’s a small cooler that can meet your requirements.

The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler stands out as the best overall choice, offering an impressive combination of lightweight construction, rugged durability, and reliable insulation performance at a reasonable price point. For budget-conscious buyers, the Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler provides exceptional value with its sturdy steel construction, ample capacity, and ability to keep ice frozen for up to four days.

When it comes to hard coolers, the Yeti Roadie 24 is a top performer, boasting Yeti’s signature rotomolded construction, superior PermaFrost insulation, and a range of thoughtful design features that enhance its functionality and portability. For those who prefer the convenience of a backpack cooler, the IceMule Pro stands out with its comfortable carrying system, long-lasting cooling performance, and rugged, waterproof construction.

Those seeking the best ice retention in a soft cooler, the Engel HD30 delivers unrivaled results, keeping contents cold for an impressive 4.5 days in hot temperatures thanks to its fully welded construction and optimized insulation.

Ultimately, the best small cooler for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. By considering factors such as capacity, portability, durability, ice retention, and additional features, you can select the cooler that best aligns with your intended use and priorities. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend camping trip, spending a day at the beach, or simply enjoying outdoor gatherings with friends and family, investing in a high-quality small cooler can greatly enhance your experience by keeping your food and drinks refreshingly cold and well-preserved.

Sources: outdoorlife.com, tripsavvy.com, packhacker.com