Latest news with #RTIC
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘A new era': Crypto billionaire's $9.4M gift funding new SFPD surveillance hub
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie thanked a local tech billionaire on Thursday for funding a new downtown headquarters for the San Francisco Police Department's Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC). The center houses technological resources that assist police officers in the field in real-time, such as drones, automated license plate readers and public safety cameras. The $9.4 million in funding for the new RTIC space was donated by San Francisco-based enterprise blockchain company Ripple, city officials said. The company's cofounder and CEO, Chris Larsen, said the enhanced center will 'help usher in a new era of accountability.' The current location is inside the Hall of Justice and operates with 'outdated wiring and other infrastructure challenges,' according to the mayor's office. The new location is said to feature updated equipment and other enhancements donated by the San Francisco Police Community Foundation and Crankstart. 'RTIC has already supported hundreds of arrests, with crime down 30% citywide, and with this new facility, the SFPD will have the tools and the technology it needs to take this work to the next level and help our officers keep our streets safe,' Lurie said in a news release Thursday. 'I want to thank Chris Larsen for his continued dedication to our police officers and the safety of all San Franciscans.' The center contributed to more than 500 arrests in 2024, according to the mayor's office. Outgoing Police Chief Bill Scott shared similar sentiments as Larsen, calling the upgraded headquarters 'the beginning of a new era of policing in San Francisco.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Crypto billionaire offers $9.4 million to overhaul S.F. police tech hub
A crypto billionaire with a reputation for funding public safety projects San Francisco is asking officials to greenlight a $9.4 million gift to create a new, state-of-the-art technology hub for the city's police force. The donation, which is made up of funds linked to Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, would relocate San Francisco police's Real-Time Investigations Center, which oversees its work with drones, surveillance cameras and automated license plate readers, from the SoMa Hall of Justice to an office at 315 Montgomery St. in the Financial District. If approved, the Police Department would sublet the Montgomery Street location for free from Ripple, which paid $2.3 million for the lease through December 2026 but is no longer using the space, according to a proposal ordinance. The other $7.25 million would come from the San Francisco Police Community Foundation, a charitable organization Larsen set up last year to support local police and crime-fighting initiatives. Police commissioners are scheduled to discuss the funding proposal Wednesday at their weekly meeting. If they agree to accept the money, the decision would fall on the Board of Supervisors for a final approval. In a Monday interview, Larsen credited last year's tech advancements with helping a chronically short staffed police force drive down crime rates and keep themselves safe. 'I think we can clearly see what a force-multiplier this is,' he said, noting the city's historically low rates of crime over the last year. 'The number of tools that they have is quite small, and we know that (expanding them) will have an impact.' Evan Sernoffsky, a spokesperson for the police department, said the gift would 'supercharge' a unit that in 2024 assisted in over 500 arrests and helped drive a 40% drop in auto thefts over a one-year period. 'We cobbled together our current (Real Time Investigations Center) with everything we basically had lying around,' Sernoffsky said. 'Little did we know how effective it would become with just the tools at our disposal.' In a statement, Mayor Daniel Lurie credited the center for supporting an understaffed department and helping to keep neighborhoods safe. 'With this new facility, the SFPD will have the tools and the technology it needs to take this work to the next level,' Lurie said. 'I want to thank Chris Larsen for his continued dedication to our police officers and the safety of all San Franciscans.' Both police and other city officials have for months bemoaned deficiencies in housing the department's technological epicenter the Hall of Justice, a crumbling building constructed in 1958 that relies on 1960s-era wiring. 'In its current location, the RTIC has experienced power and internet outages, and plumbing leaks from the ceiling,' the proposal ordinance stated. 'The RTIC is in a windowless room in a concrete structure, which limits cell phone and emergency radio transmission capabilities.' During a recent press conference at the RTIC's Hall of Justice location, police asked reporters to refrain from charging their equipment in the room's electrical outlets because doing so risked overwhelming the system. Last year touched off a technological revolution for city police following the passage of Prop. E, an assortment of measures that increased police powers and loosened the amount of oversight surrounding their surveillance technology. A wave of new equipment was introduced in short order. It included a fleet of officer-piloted drones, hundreds of new automated license plate readers and towering mobile security cameras stationed in crime hotspots. Many San Franciscans have embraced the advancements as an overdue response to its stubbornly high rate of car break-ins and other property crimes. But the tools remain deeply unpopular with privacy advocates who fear that they're vulnerable to abuses. The proposed windfall would both relocate the RTIC and expand it; with funds earmarked for purchases included a dozen additional drones and related software, a new video wall and the installation of fiber internet services.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
$15K designer bag thieves in SF Union Square nabbed with new tech: PD
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Police Department said its officers arrested two suspects who allegedly stole $15,000 in merchandise from a Union Square retail store on Friday. SFPD said — with the help of its Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC) — it was able to quickly identify and arrest the pair and recover the stolen designer bags, including Burberry. (Watch the real-time video released by SFPD in the media player above.) 'Thanks to new technology and our RTIC center, SFPD officers were able to safely arrest suspects and recover stolen items,' said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie in a social media post on Thursday evening. 'Thank you to our officers for responding quickly and professionally in moments like these.' It is not yet clear what charges the suspects face. There were no injuries reported in the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Beach Coolers To Keep Essentials Cold On The Hottest Days
There are few better ways to spend long sunny days than at the beach. You can surf, read, play in the sane and, when you have one of the best beach coolers on hand, enjoy your preferred cold beverages and fresh eats, even on the hottest summer days. When you pick the right beach cooler—perhaps our top pick, the RTIC 32-Quart Ultra-Light Cooler—and pack it with enough ice or ice packs, even hours of blazing summer sun won't warm up your food and drink. The best beach coolers can keep your food and drink safely chilled for hours even in sultry summer ... More weather. Before selecting the beach coolers featured in this guide, we spoke with experts, consulted Forbes Vetted staffers and relied on our own experiences with many of these models. From the wheeled RovR RollR 45 to the backpack-style Hydro Flask Day Escape, we've got you covered with the best options for a day by the water. Find our recommendations below, along with expert insights and advice to make the buying process a little easier. RTIC Weight: 13 pounds | Capacity: 32 quarts | Locking method: Dual rubber latches | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 3 years The Ultra-Light from RTIC looks like a hefty piece of hardware, but it's surprisingly light at just 13 pounds when empty. And even when you take full advantage of the 32-quart capacity—enough room for 30 pounds of ice, or 48 12-ounce cans—this cooler is still easy to move about. It also packs in some clever features, like a built-in bottle opener, tie-down points and non-skid rubber feet that prevent it from sliding about. RTIC coolers are known for their rugged reliability, but they tend to show wear more noticeably than other brands we've tested. That said, this is still a durable and highly efficient cooler with rock-solid insulation, so if you don't mind that it picks up scrapes and scratches, it's a lifetime purchase that will keep goods cold no matter how many days you spend at the beach Amazon Weight: 8.7 pounds | Capacity: 52 quarts | Locking method: N/A | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 1 year Coleman's Classic Series Hard Cooler proves you don't have to pay top dollar for a decent chilly bin. Insulation, durability and capacity are all adequate for a day at the beach, and the only thing we'd like to see is a latch or two to keep the lid shut. As it is, if the cooler falls over, there's a good chance all your goods will spill onto the sand, so don't let the kids or distracted friends tip it over. Do, however, enjoy the impressive 80-can capacity and three-day ice retention, even in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need a boost, this Coleman is also tough enough to support someone weighing up to 250 pounds using it as a seat or step stool, which is impressive considering it weighs less than nine pounds. And when the lid isn't being used as a seat, it doubles as a small table thanks to four recessed cupholders. Ultimately, it's not going to be as insulative or durable as other top-tier models, but it's great for casual trips to the beach and other summer adventures. REI Weight: 28 pounds | Capacity: 45 quarts | Locking method: Dual rubber latches | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 5 years The RollR 45 from RovR is one tough piece of hardware. It can shrug off drops, rolls and other accidents without popping open, or popping a tire. Those nine-inch wheels roll right over dirt, grass, gravel and of course, sand without breaking a sweat. And you'll need the wheels—this thing weighs almost 30 pounds when empty, which makes it difficult to lift from shelves or into the back of the car based on our testing. Thankfully, once it's on the ground and ready to roll, deploying the suitcase-style handle makes moving it from A to B an absolute (ocean) breeze. Inside, you'll find a plastic dry bin to separate food and utensils from ice and ice melt, though you won't find any water in the bottom for quite some time—the insulation is outstanding, even in direct sunlight. What you will find is an assortment of compatible RovR accessories sold separately, including cupholders, a cutting board and even a large storage bin, all of which attach to the cooler in some way. It's pricey, but if you're willing to spend a bit more on reliable wheels, insulation and accessories, you'll never wrestle with a heavy cooler again. Yeti Weight: 4.5 pounds | Capacity: 18 quarts | Locking method: Zipper | Special features: Yes | Warranty: 3 years The Yeti Hopper Flip can hold a generous assortment of 12-ounce cans (30, to be exact) provided there's no ice, or you can stash a 12-pack, plenty of snacks and enough ice to keep contents cold for a day at the beach. It features a rugged, waterproof zipper that keeps sand and seawater out, and you can haul it from the side handles, a top handle or an included shoulder strap. And unlike a hard-sided cooler, it's easy to stuff in the car or wedge into a canoe—the soft walls bend and flex, unlike the rigid plastic on a traditional hard-sided cooler. Don't be afraid to toss, stuff or otherwise push this cooler to its limits, either. It's backed by a strong three-year warranty, and in classic Yeti fashion, it can handle just about anything you throw at it, save for a shark encounter. It can also double as a dry bag to safely stash food, clothing and even electronics if you want to strap it to a paddle board or kayak. Of course, you're going to pay a bit more for a Yeti, but if you're looking for a reliable soft cooler that's a step above the rest, this is a great option. Amazon Weight: 2.7 pounds | Capacity: 21 quarts | Locking method: Zipper | Special features: Yes | Warranty: 5 years Carrying a fully-loaded cooler across hot sand is no easy task, even if you're sharing the load with others. Tossing those cans into a backpack that disperses the load, however, makes the process a whole lot easier. And the best backpack cooler for the job is the Hydro Flask Day Escape that features padded and adjustable shoulder straps as well as an adjustable sternum strap that helps balance the load. When empty, this backpack cooler weighs a mere 2.7 pounds, yet it's rated to keep things cold for up to 36 hours if loaded with enough ice. Based on our experience, the backpack's zipper can be stubborn, probably because it's leak-resistant, but that's a tradeoff you'll be willing to make at the beach. Like the Yeti Hopper Flip, it also doubles as a dry bag for water sports, or even winter sports if you want to bring it to an apres scene. Hydro Flask finishes the design with a mesh pouch and gear attachment loops to secure your keys or one of the best Bluetooth speakers. Amazon Weight: 4.1 pounds | Capacity: 11 quarts | Locking system: Side lid locks | Special features: No | Warranty: 1 year A cooler is a lot like a suitcase: You tend to overpack it 'just to be safe' but rarely use everything inside, which is why a compact option like the Igloo Tag Along Too is usually all you really need. This small cooler will hold more than enough food and drink for those low-key beach outings, and it takes up far less space than a big, bulky cooler when you're not using it. Measuring just 13.07 x 9.33 x 13.07 inches, it's smaller than your standard carry-on luggage, but it still fits 14 12-ounce cans. The Tag Along Too's lid is secured in place by little wings attached to the shoulder strap, and when it's open, the lid is designed to sit upright for easy access. If you were to load this compact cooler with ice alone, you could expect it to insulate for more than two days, which is plenty long enough if you're packing for two, or spending an afternoon by the water. The gear team at Forbes Vetted never recommends products without throughly evaluating them first. That means research, hands-on testing, conversations with experts and a thorough review of online ratings left by verified buyers. From traditional coolers to beach chairs and wagons, we seek out only the best products for a day by the water. Your cooler is indispensable if you want to spend any meaningful amount of time relaxing in the sand. As your source of sustenance, hydration and libations, it's important to invest in a cooler that's built for the demands of a sizzling summer day. Here's how we made our selections: Your beach cooler does you zero good if it's too heavy and clunky to haul across the sand. Look for models with big handles, wheels and shoulder straps, as these make it easy to move your cooler from point A to point B. Most hard-sided coolers are fairly heavy, but backpack and soft-sided styles are great alternatives, and they're just as reliable when it comes to insulating. 'For beach coolers, I prefer ones that you can sling over your back,' says Yamaguchi. 'I like the Hydro Flask Day Escape insulated cooler, which can be worn like a backpack.' Capacity is one of the more important things to consider, so think about how many people you're packing for and how long you'll be at the beach. A small beach cooler, around 10 to 20 quarts, is perfect for one or two people, while a group or family may need a cooler that's 40 quarts or bigger. Keep in mind that bigger coolers can hold more food, drinks and ice, but they're also heavier and harder to carry. Reliable insulation keeps your food and drink cold for hours, so look for a cooler with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid to keep the cold in and the heat out. Some coolers—including the ones we recommend in this guide—are made with thicker insulation to keep contents cold for days. If you'll be in the sun for hours, better insulation means your goods will stay colder, longer. Again, good insulation can make a cooler heavier, so find one that balances your needs. Sand, sun and saltwater can be tough on materials, which is why it's worth looking for a cooler made from strong, weather-resistant plastic or fabric. Sturdy hinges, durable handles and watertight zippers are also important—the more rugged the design, the longer it will last and handle wear and tear.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The Best Coolers Of 2025, Based On Hours Of Rigorous Testing
A cooler's job isn't just to keep things cool. Instead, the best coolers need to offer multi-day ice retention, rugged durability and smart features that are convenient and easy to use. As avid campers, beachgoers, tailgaters and backyard party hosts, we tested seven coolers from brands like Yeti, RTIC and Coleman to identify the best models you can buy right now. Based on our findings, the RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler came out on top because it's spacious, secure, thoughtfully designed and keeps ice frozen for days. The best coolers hold ice for days, withstand damage from drops and have useful features aplenty. To find the best coolers, we tested models in real-world conditions. From ice retention to durability to drainage, no stone was left unturned. Along the way, we found models we liked, including the Coleman Pro that weighs less than 20 pounds, and the Yeti Tundra 45 that features class-leading insulation. Of course, not every cooler impressed us, but that's why we've broken down the highs and lows of each model to help you choose one that meets your needs. Find our recommendations below. RTIC Weight: 21 pounds | Capacity: 52 quarts | Locking method: Rubber T-latches | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 3 years Best for: Skip if: I was impressed with the RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler from the moment I picked it up, primarily because it's truly lighter than other coolers of the same size. And when I started testing it, I remained impressed in almost all regards. Upon adding 20 pounds of ice and sealing it shut, I checked in every eight hours, and even after an entire day, there was hardly any water at the bottom. Fast forward five days and plenty of ice remained to keep things cold. Only the Yeti Tundra 45 had better insulation results. It pained me to push this cooler off a camp table and drop it on asphalt, but I need not have worried: Aside from a few minor scuffs, it looked good as new. It also stayed securely shut through every fall—I found no issues with the rubber latches or the gasket, and impacts didn't cause it to leak. T-style latches pop into place with minimal effort and keep the lid closed. The RTIC Ultra-Light takes advantage of thoughtful features, like a bottle opener and dry storage. To actually test the seal of this RTIC cooler, I filled it halfway with water, secured its lid and turned it on its side. While it was not exactly a waterfall, water did start leaking from the lid almost immediately. I was a bit off-put by this result, but as I would learn after testing multiple models, a leaky cooler is the norm, not the exception. Considering this cooler has not one but two drain ports, I was a bit let down by the drainage experience. When half-filled with water, it took only a few minutes to empty with both valves open, but there was a fair amount of water left behind that sat below the reach of the drains. Fortunately, tipping it over to let the remaining water escape quickly solved this problem. I was already sold on this cooler because of its weight, ice retention and ease of closing, but a few thoughtful extras made it more compelling. These include a dry pouch set into the top of the cooler lid and a built-in bottle opener. Ultimately, this is a durable, insulative model that isn't perfect, but it checks almost every box and doesn't cost a fortune to own, unlike some of its rivals. For that reason, it's my top recommendation if you're looking for a combination of performance, features and price. Coleman Weight: 19.8 pounds | Capacity: 45 quarts | Locking method: Steel latch | Extras: No | Warranty: 10 years Best for: Skip if: While the RTIC Ultra-Light bills itself as lightweight, the Coleman Pro is more than a pound lighter. It's easy to carry even when fully-loaded, and it would be a breeze for two people to haul. The design stood up to durability testing without issue, though it took on more cosmetic damage compared to the other coolers I tested. Granted, coolers are meant to be used and abused, but this one held onto grass strains and the plastic shell looked a little beat up when dropped on pavement. The Coleman Pro was also the outright loser in terms of leaking when positioned on its side—water flowed out like a river. If you're concerned about spills, the poor seal is worth considering. And yet, while it isn't watertight, the lid is easy to close. Unlike models that feature stiff rubber latches, the Pro's steel latch closes effortlessly, which is a plus for those rare moments when you only have one free hand, like fishing. The Coleman Pro leaks a lot of water when turned on its side, but it's incredibly light for its ... More size. As much as I was let down by the leakage, I was pleased with this cooler's ability to drain quickly and efficiently. I opened up its single drain valve and let the cooler do its thing, and within a few minutes, almost every last drop was gone. No water remained after leaving it open in the sun for just 15 minutes. Hard-sided coolers are notoriously heavy and difficult to carry, even when empty, but the Coleman Pro sheds weight to make hauling your goods just a little easier. While the lightweight design comes at the cost of insulation, it should still keep food and drink cold for a couple of days. At $200, it's a well-priced model for fast-and-light adventures to the beach, campsite and beyond. Yeti Weight: 24.6 pounds | Capacity: 45 quarts | Locking method: Rubber T-latches | Extras: No | Warranty: 5 years Best for: Skip if: The Yeti Tundra 45 blew away the competition in terms of ice retention. After six days, it still contained chunks of ice, long after the ice melted in every other cooler. Finally, I had to call it and give up—this cooler's insulation outlasted even our testing protocol. And beyond insulation, it felt incredibly rugged, with a certified bear-resistant construction that showed no signs of damage after multiple drops. Yeti gained recognition years ago for its insulation and durability, and these qualities are still present today. Funny enough, the Tundra 45 offers best-in-class insulation, but it was also one of the leakiest coolers I tested, second only to the Coleman Pro. Naturally, you might think a cooler that leaks so easily has a poor seal, but that's not the case here. When I secured the lid with the rubber latches and pushed down firmly on the top, I detected no air leaks. And as noted, it stayed closed during drop tests. This leads me to believe Yeti has simply mastered the art of rotomolded insulation. The Yeti Tundra 45 takes the plunge during the drop test. Like many of its rivals, the Tundra 45 has tie-down slots and multiple points for padlocks. These aren't special features, but they're worth mentioning, and you can find a lot of accessories on Yeti's website, though you'll pay more for the convenience they provide. At the end of the day, this cooler is expensive, and you can probably get by with weaker insulation to save money, as evidenced by the cheaper RTIC Ultra-Light. But if you truly need class-leading insulation for hunting trips, van life or hot summer festivals, this is the cooler to buy. Engel Weight: 21.5 pounds | Capacity: 60 quarts | Locking method: Dual T-latch | Extras: yes | Warranty: 5 years Best for: Skip if: I was surprised to discover the cooler with the largest capacity—Engel's 60-quart UltraLite Cooler—was far from the heaviest. In fact, it was only 1.5 pounds heavier than the Coleman Pro, which makes it a great option for camping trips when you need to schlep it from the car to the campsite full of food and drink. It shrugged off multiple drops, save for a few scuff marks, and lost nothing in terms of performance or functionality. Based on my findings, it should stand up to the rigors of the great outdoors. Like almost every other cooler I tested, the Engel UltraLite was a slow but steady leaker. With that said, it's remarkably easy to open and close the lid's dual latches. There was a slight learning curve, but a few failed attempts helped me get the hang of it. And to my surprise, this cooler was the drainage winner—upon unplugging the drain, I stood back and watched all the water clear out in about seven minutes. The Engel UltraLite efficiently drained water in a matter of minutes. Engel includes a simple basket for dry goods, and a built-in bottle opener comes in handy as well. While it's fair to say most coolers in this guide are good for camping, the UltraLite wins out thanks to its lightweight build, reliable insulation and rugged durability. And at just $240, it delivers a better value than Yeti or Canyon, offering 25% more capacity at a lower price in a cooler that's easy to carry wherever adventure takes you. REI Exterior dimensions: 22 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | Capacity: 33 quarts | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Wheels: No | Warranty: No This backpack cooler from REI Co-op is ideal for keeping provisions cold—and your back and shoulders comfortable—on outings that require a bit of walking. It features two compartments: a leakproof cooler below with a removable insert that can hold up to 12 cans, and a cinchable storage pack with a lidded top above. You can use the stretchy external pockets on either side to store water bottles and expand the front lash straps to hold blankets, chairs or other bulky items. Plus, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap help prevent aches and pains while you're carrying heavy loads. Save 30% on this backpack and up to 30% sitewide during the REI Co-op Anniversary Sale now through May 26. RTIC Weight: 30 pounds | Capacity: 52 quarts | Locking method: Rubber T-latches | Extras: Yes | Warranty: 3 years Best for: Skip if: The RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler faces steep competition as more wheeled models hit the market, but it remains a durable, versatile design that ultimately won over our tester. Thanks to a set of plastic puncture-resistant wheels and a solid metal handle attached to the side, it's easy to maneuver over roots, rocks, sand and pavement. And when you combine that all-terrain prowess with top-tier insulation (it retained ice for five days), durability and a reasonable sticker price, you're left with a wheeled cooler that looks good on paper and performs as it should in the real world. The Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler's biggest competition is probably the Yeti Roadie 48, a model we also tested and loved. Unlike the RTIC's solid metal handle, the Yeti features a telescoping suitcase-style handle that rises from the back. It's incredibly maneuverable but relies on more moving components, and dropping it at the wrong angle can actually bend the handle if it's extended. RTIC's handle is shorter, so the cooler is kind of awkward to pull behind you, but it's ultimately stronger and still easy to use. Therefore, it inches out the Yeti Roadie. The RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler's handle feels sturdy and secure. Beyond wheels and handles, the Ultra-Light shook off multiple drops, including one on hard pavement that forced the wheels to absorb the impact. Inside, a rubber storage net built into the lid serves as a hammock of sorts for dry goods, and a single drain port evacuates water efficiently. RTIC also attaches a metal bottle opener to one of the corners, and rubber T-latches are easy to lock into place. The RTIC isn't going to beat Yeti when it comes to insulation, but it's comparable in almost every other way, and nearly $200 less. If you're looking for a wheeled cooler that keeps things cold for days, can take a beating and doesn't sweat varied terrain, this is a great option. Here are a couple of other coolers we tested that didn't quite make our list of top picks. These models aren't bad by any means, but they don't stand out as the best options for a particular preference. Yeti Roadie 48: This is an excellent wheeled cooler that features a suitcase-style handle, durable wheels, effortless latches and a deep bin for taller objects, like bottles of wine. It didn't make the list of winners because the handle is made with a lot of moving parts that can break, and while the cooler offers best-in-class insulation, it's a lot more expensive than similar models, like RTIC's Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler. Canyon Coolers Outfitter V2: This cooler earned high marks for its insulation and strong seal that refused to leak, even when the cooler was tipped on its side for an hour. While we found it to be a well-rounded model, it didn't wow us for any particular reason, and at $300, it's a bit more expensive than the competition without offering any distinct advantages. The Forbes Vetted gear team is comprised of outdoor equipment and apparel experts who perform exhaustive research, conduct interviews and spend time with products in the field. From coolers to electric bikes to GPS watches, we evaluate products that are often considered investments to help you make more informed buying decisions. To identify the best coolers, we created a testing protocol that focused on four key variables: durability, ice retention, locking method and seal, and additional features. With insights from Straley, Fletcher and Callahan, we evaluated each cooler's performance, testing everything from insulation and construction to latches and drain plugs. Below is a breakdown of how we tested coolers, and the expert advice that guided us along the way. We loaded each cooler with ice to determine how quickly (or slowly) it turned to water. To find out just how tough these coolers are, we dropped each one from waist height (around three feet) onto a hard surface, multiple times from multiple angles. We also left them outside for days, rolled them up and down hills, knocked them over, slammed them shut and treated them with the kind of disrespect that only real-world use can deliver. Afterwards, we inspected them for cracks, broken latches and lid separation. To test how long each cooler could keep contents cold, we ran a side-by-side experiment under controlled conditions. First, we brought all coolers to room temperature with their lids open for an hour, then added the same amount of ice and recorded a baseline internal temperature. We then placed the coolers in a shaded, sheltered area away from direct sun and rain to level the playing field. Every eight hours, we opened each cooler to gauge the ice level, note how much was left and measure the internal temperature. To simulate real-world use, we opened each cooler for two minutes every 12 hours and continued testing until all the ice had melted (save for the Yeti Tundra 45, which refused to give in after six days). We compared results based on how long each cooler held ice and how quickly the ice levels dropped. A cooler's ability to keep things cool isn't just about insulation—it's also about how it seals and drains. To test for leaks, we filled each cooler halfway with water, closed the lid and tilted it in multiple directions before leaving it on its side, watching for drips around the lid, drain plug and seams. From there, we applied pressure to the lid to see if it flexed, created air gaps or failed to stay shut. And finally, we checked how efficiently each cooler drained by opening the drain plug and timing how long it took to empty, noting which models had leftover standing water inside. We filled coolers with water and tipped them on their sides to test the seal quality of each model. A lot of modern coolers come with additional features, from built-in bottle openers to dry racks and cutting boards. Coolers outfitted with convenient extras, like bottle openers, drain ports and padlock slots earned additional points, and we made note of coolers that included larger accessories, though these didn't earn more points because some brands make you pay for them. Ultimately, these features shouldn't dictate which cooler is right for you, but they can factor into the decision process. The best coolers aren't cheap, so take your time when determining which one will meets your needs. Keep the following considerations in mind to help you find a durable, reliable model for adventures to come. The RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler features a set of wheels that make tough terrain easier to navigate. 'In my experience, value ice retention over all else,' says 4Patriot's Tom Callahan. 'There is something to be said for never having to make a late-night ice run again.' Most modern coolers can keep contents cold for days at a time, but some models offer better insulation than others. Consider household names like Yeti, RTIC, Canyon and Coleman that have extensive track records when it comes to reliable insulation. All of the coolers we tested kept ice in its solid form for at least an entire day. Cooler capacity is measured in quarts, though a lot of brands also list the number of 12-ounce cans it can hold. We tested medium-sized models that fell within the 45- to 60-quart range, but the right capacity depends on your unique circumstances.'Sizing will be dependent on how many people are going to be using the cooler and how long you will be out," says Joel Fletcher. "A 25-quart cooler will get one person by for a day trip or overnight adventure, whereas if you are going to be spending a week on the river or on an overland trip, a 100-plus-quart cooler will be what you need.' Lift a cooler that weighs 20 pounds and do the same with a cooler that weighs 30 pounds, and you'll quickly realize the extra weight adds up fast. Add food and drink to the equation, and a cooler that feels light when empty can be unwieldy or even impossible to lift on your own when fully loaded. Most of the coolers in this guide weigh less than 30 pounds when empty, so it's more important to look for thoughtful features like grab handles, straps or wheels that make them easier to transport. Any decent cooler can survive the occasional drop or bump without issue, but take time to consider the level of hardship your cooler may face. Do you need one that can 'withstand being strapped to the back of a raft or the bed of a truck,' asks Fletcher? Or one that can handle the added weight when used as a seat or step stool? All of the coolers covered in this guide are rugged and capable, though some are more prone to popped latches or cosmetic damage than others. Look for well-known brands with strong warranties to make sure your cooler serves you for years to come. Never let bells and whistles sell you on a cooler, but if you're on the fence between two models that have similar ice retention and capacity ratings, look for extras like a built-in bottle opener, non-slip feet, a dry basket and other extras that will make the experience that much more enjoyable. "The strategy isn't much different than bagging groceries: heavy items on the bottom and lighter, crushable and more perishable items on top," says Callahan. Make sure you have an approximate 2:1 ice-to-food ratio, and check that your cooler is cooled down before you fill it. Store it inside at room temperature the day before as opposed to pulling it from a hot garage or shed, where it's likely to collect and trap unwanted heat that won't do you any good. Based on our findings, the Yeti Tundra 45 stays cold longest. We packed the Tundra 45 with 20 pounds of ice, and after six days, it still contained frozen chunks. Yeti has always been known for its best-in-class insulation, so it comes as no surprise to learn the Tundra can keep contents cold for tens if not hundreds of hours. A rotomolded cooler is a hard-sided cooler made using a rotational molding process. This process involves heating plastic resin and rotating it inside a mold until it forms a seamless, durable shell. Rotomolded coolers are known for their excellent ice retention, uniform wall thickness and durability.
