No matter what type of camping you enjoy – tent camping, car camping, or RV camping – there is a place for camping coolers. That’s probably why everyone at the campground has one. If you need help choosing the right cooler, you must consider factors like how long you plan to camp, how many people will use it, and what type of food and drink you’ll pack.
This article reviews all these considerations and more, like the different types and our top picks.
What Size Camping Cooler Do I Need?
A family of four usually requires a larger cooler than a couple. However, if that same couple plans to stay out longer than the family, the reverse could be true. That’s why it’s important to consider the type of camping, the length of stay, the number of people, and the type of food you bring.
Type of Camping
The type of camping you’ll be doing can indicate what size cooler you’ll need. If you’re RVing and have a fully operational refrigerator inside, a smaller cooler is likely best to keep drinks close by when sitting outside. If you’re car camping and a cooler is your only container for drinks and perishable foods, you’ll need something much larger. And if you’re hiking into a campsite, you might opt for a soft-sided cooler with a carry strap unless you have a partner to carry a larger cooler with you.
Length of Stay
In my experience, many campers overestimate how much food they’ll need for a weekend camping trip. While it’s better to have leftovers than to run out of food, you’ll need cooler space to keep those leftovers from going bad. The longer you plan to camp, the larger your cooler should be.
Number of People
As your camping party grows, your cooler’s size must increase to accommodate food and drinks for those extra hungry bellies. A family of four will need to size up, even for an overnight trip. A couple making a day trip and or short overnight stay can look at smaller options.
Type of Food and Drink
Unlike tailgating, the goal when camping isn’t always to bring as many adult beverages as possible. You need to keep food and other necessities cold. This is why it’s important to bring items that don’t take up much space or condense what you bring by removing unneeded packaging. Individual cans quickly fill a cooler and take up precious space needed for food.
Unfortunately, most manufacturers don’t provide real-life examples of how much their coolers can hold. Instead, they use can capacity as a reference. So, let’s look at some common cooler sizes and what they can be used for.
| Quarts: | Use: |
| <15 | A great size for individuals going on a day trip, with enough room for lunch and drinks throughout the day. |
| 15-25 | This size is where you start to get into the overnight stay category, enough for you and likely a partner. |
| 25-45 | A small family looking to camp overnight or a couple looking to stay out multiple nights would fall into this range. |
| 45-60 | A great size cooler for holding several meals for the family or the day’s catch. |
| 60+ | You’ll need something this size if you want to stay off-grid for multiple days, However, for extended trips, you’ll need to start factoring in how long the cooler can hold ice. |
What Size Cooler Do I Need for a 4-day Camping Trip?
Couples looking to take an extended 4-day trip should consider a hard-sided cooler with a capacity of around 45 quarts. However, a family looking to go on a 4-day trip would need around 60 quarts or more.
It’s important to remember that this is just a guide, and your exact needs can vary. You’ll also want to make sure the cooler can hold ice for at least five days. To improve ice retention, limit the cooler’s opening and store it in the shade away from direct sunlight.
Types of Camping Coolers
Most people are familiar with hard-sided coolers, but there are other options, such as soft-sided and electric coolers. Let’s explain the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Hard-Sided Coolers
We’ll begin with the ole faithful; nothing beats a hard-sided cooler. These are great, durable options that last many years and can keep ice cold for several days. They are also the cooler of choice for bear country. If you stay out for a few days, you’ll want a hard-sided cooler with a larger capacity. Let’s not forget that you always have an extra seat nearby.
However, hard-sided coolers have some drawbacks, the biggest being weight and space. Hard-sided coolers are usually quite large and heavy when loaded with ice, food, and drink. Fortunately, most large hard-sided coolers have built-in wheels or sturdy handles to make transporting them a little easier.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Durable | Hard to Move |
| Keeps Ice for Several Days | Takes Up Space |
| Largest Capacity |
Soft-Sided Coolers
If you’re always on the go and don’t want to lug a heavy, hard-sided cooler, take a look at soft-sided coolers. A trip to the beach, hike in the woods, or visit to your favorite sports park are all perfect for a soft-sided cooler. Most are extremely mobile thanks to an over-the-shoulder strap or backpack carry design, freeing up your hands for whatever else. They also carry more than just food and drinks, with plenty of pockets for your phone, wallet, and keys.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Lightweight Design | Limited Capacity |
| Extra Pockets for Storage | Don’t Stay Cold As Long |
| Cost Effective |
Electric Coolers
Unlike a traditional cooler, electric coolers for camping don’t require ice to stay cool. Instead, they use an external power source like a battery, wall plug, or solar. Because you don’t give up room for ice, an electric cooler can hold more than a comparably sized traditional cooler. It can also keep items cool for an indefinite amount of time so long as you have power.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| No Ice Required | Expensive |
| Separate Freezer Section | Heavy |
| Infinite Cooling | Requires Power Source |
What is the Best Cooler for Camping?
These are our picks for the best camping coolers for sale at Camping World, organized by type and budget:
Best Solo Hard-Sided Cooler
You won’t need a large ice chest for single-person use, and that’s where the LAKA 20 Cooler comes into play. The LAKA 20 can keep ice for a staggering ten days. Its premium features include non-slip feet, a padded handle for comfort, and molded tie-downs for security.
Best Wheeled Cooler for the Family
If you need a large cooler with wheels for easier mobility, check out the Igloo Latitude 90-Quart Roller Cooler. The Latitude 90 offers durability and a capacity suitable for the whole family. The flip-up handle and wheels make for easy pulling, and the five-day ice rating allows you to stay off the grid without being forced to return early.
Best Budget Hard-Sided Cooler
It’s hard to beat the Igloo Latitude 52-Quart Cooler if you’re on a tight budget. We’ve all heard of Igloo before; they have been making coolers for decades. The Latitude is a great option with a 52-quart capacity, carry handles for easier portability, and built-in cup holders to keep drinks from spilling.
Best On-The-Go Soft-Sided Cooler
Looking for convenience and portability? The Coleman Sportflex is an excellent option. Its staggering 30-can capacity keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The best part is that the double shoulder straps free your hands up for other activities. Don’t forget about the zippered side pocket for storing valuables.
Best Overall Electric Cooler
Best is subjective, but it’s hard to beat the Dometic CFX3 75. This cooler has an enormous 75-liter capacity, can chill as low as -7°F, and has Bluetooth control. It also has a separate section for refrigerated and frozen items.
Best Budget Electric Cooler
For those looking for an electric cooler that won’t break the bank, the Camco 350 Portable 35 Liter Electric Cooler is your ticket. This cooler is perfect for a couples’ weekend away. It has both 120V and 12V charging and a temperature range of -4°F to 68°F. It’s also smartphone-compatible, so you can control it on the go.
What Coolers Keep Ice the Longest?
The type of cooler that keeps ice the longest is undoubtedly a hard-sided camping cooler. Most can keep ice cold for several days, some up to a week or more. Just keep in mind that these tests are usually done in the most ideal conditions, so don’t expect to have the same results camping in Arizona in the summer, or when opening the cooler every few hours for a cold one.
It’s also worth noting that the longer a cooler holds ice, the heftier the price you’ll pay. Although it would be nice for your cooler to hold ice for a week, if you’ll only be going on weekend trips, it’s just an extra cost you don’t need.
What’s the Difference Between a Portable Refrigerator and Electric Cooler?
Technically, an electric cooler uses a cooling process different from a portable refrigerator. An electric cooler uses thermoelectrics, whereas a portable refrigerator uses a compressor. However, thermoelectric coolers are not very popular, so when someone refers to an electric cooler, they almost always mean a compressor-driven unit, aka a portable refrigerator. Most manufacturers now even label their compressor-driven appliances as “electric coolers”.
No matter which camping cooler you choose, the important thing is getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family. A camping cooler, if cared for properly, will last a very long time, so it’s important to take your time choosing the right one.
Let us know which cooler you use in the comments below!
