Latest news with #coolers
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Yeti Gear Starts at Just $20 During Amazon Prime Day—Shop Discounted Coolers, Tumblers, and Travel Bags
Yeti makes some of the most reliable outdoor gear on the market—and I would know. Personally, I own more than a dozen Yeti items, from hard-sided coolers and insulated tumblers to travel bags, and even the fan-favorite Boomer Dog Bowl. They've held up through countless road trips, camping weekends, and beach days over the years. And shocker—I'm sipping from my emotional support Yeti Rambler as I write this. I'm not the only one who swears by Yeti, though; Travel + Leisure editors have put the brand's rugged gear to the test, with several of the products earning high marks and receiving our seal of approval. Right now, during Amazon Prime Day, you can score rare discounts on select Yeti gear in limited colors and styles, including many of my longtime favorites. Whether you're restocking a classic style or finally grabbing the cooler you've been eyeing, these are the 12 best Yeti deals I've spotted—starting at just $20. $42 $34 at Amazon $42 $34 at If you're looking for a summer road trip companion or everyday hydration helper, the 35-ounce Rambler Straw Tumbler is it. I own this tumbler (sans handle) and can honestly say I use it every day. There's so much to love about this bottle: It has a durable, stainless steel exterior, double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks ice-cold, and a 'no sweat' design to prevent condensation. Bonus: The bottle, lid, and straw can all go right in the dishwasher. $32 $26 at Amazon $32 $26 at If you prefer a more traditional water bottle that you can toss in a backpack or crossbody bag, grab the 18-ounce Rambler Bottle while it's marked down to just $26. It has all the standard features of Yeti drinkware (stainless steel construction, double-wall insulation, dishwasher-safe parts) but comes with a leakproof chug cap that makes sipping on the go even faster. Yeti is probably best known for its rugged, hard-sided coolers that you'll see scattered across beaches, lakes, campgrounds, and parks all summer long. It's rare to find the best-selling Tundra 45 on sale, but I spotted this fun Key Lime hue at $65 off. This adventure-ready cooler is packed with features, including durable handles, non-slip feet, heavy-duty latches to keep the interior cold, and extra-thick insulated walls for ice retention. Most notably, though, this cooler can hold up to 26 cans plus ice or 37 pounds of just ice that, according to the brand, will stay frozen for days. $300 $240 at Amazon $300 $240 at The Hopper Soft Cooler is ideal for quick outings when you don't want to lug the heavier hard-sided options. Don't let this petite bag fool you, though—it can hold up to 32 12-ounce cans or 15.5 pounds of ice. To make transporting things even easier, the cooler features a comfy shoulder strap and exterior kangaroo pocket to keep all your essentials within reach. Grab it while it's marked down $60 in the stunning sky blue shade. $40 $32 at Amazon $40 $32 at If you're guilty of sipping on your morning cup of joe well into the afternoon, you should add this 30-ounce Rambler Tumbler to your cart while it's marked down to $32. You can officially retire those microwave coffee reheats because this humble tumbler will keep your java piping hot for hours. Plus, it comes with one of my favorite Yeti features—the MagSlider Lid. This special lid prevents splashes from brisk walks and works to keep any heat (or cold) from escaping. $25 $20 at Amazon $25 $20 at I can't even describe how much I love the Rambler Can Cooler. If I'm drinking from a can, then it's ice-cold in this insulating hardshell koozie. Plus, it's so easy to toss into a bag or backpack, no matter where you're going. The Yeti Tundra 35 is the Tundra 45's smaller, more portable sibling. It's packed with all the impressive features of the larger cooler, but in a compact package that makes it easier to tote. $300 $240 at Amazon $300 $240 at The Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler is the perfect easy-to-carry option for summer beach days, lake outings, and park picnics. It can hold up to 16 cans with ice and comes with multiple carrying options, including a grab-and-go top handle, two side handles, and a hefty adjustable shoulder strap. Grab this summer-perfect soft cooler while it's a whopping $60 off in this cute lime shade. $30 $24 at Amazon $30 $24 at When early campsite mornings call for super-strong coffee, these petite Rambler cups are ready. The 4-ounce size is perfectly suited for espresso that will stay nice and hot, thanks to the cup's double-wall insulation and stainless steel exterior. Plus, the stackable design will save space in your backpack or gear bag. Snag a set of two cups for just $24 right now. Yeti's Hopper backpack cooler takes the hassle out of hauling your cold supplies. Cushioned backpack straps free up your hands, so you can move easily while keeping your essentials close. The M12 is perfectly sized to fit wine bottles and hold nearly two dozen 12-ounce cans of your favorite beverages. Plus, an exterior pocket provides extra space for snacks, gear, or whatever else the day calls for. Right now, you can pick up this on-the-go essential in the Wild Vine Red hue while it's 20 percent off. While Yeti is known for its super-tough water bottles, it offers a style that's super lightweight while still being packed with high-quality features. The Yonder Water Bottle has a durable carry cap that can be clipped to your bag, plus an easy drinking spout and leakproof design. It also comes in 20- and 25-ounce sizes, both under $25. I usually prefer a four-wheeled suitcase when I travel, but when a trip calls for a durable and spacious duffel bag, the Yeti Crossroads is what I reach for. The generous 60-liter interior features sturdy divider panels and mesh pockets that keep things organized and accessible while on the move. This duffel can withstand tosses into trucks and onto baggage carousels while still being easy to carry. Right now, you can get the deep burgundy hue for $50 less. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- The Guardian
The best cool boxes and bags for camping, picnics and festivals
Whether you're heading to a festival or pitching up at a campsite with the whole family, nothing spoils a trip faster than a bottle of sour milk and a warm can of beer. A reliable cool box is your best defence against such disappointments, and today's models are designed to keep your provisions frosty, long after you've lost your phone signal. But which ones are actually up to muster? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. From insulated picnic bags to heavy-duty ice chests, I've tested 14 of the best coolers and rounded up the ones that should keep you (and your hummus) fresh. Because no one should have to settle for tepid wine after the effort of pitching a tent. Best cool box overall: Coleman Pro cooler box£135 at Millets Best budget cool box: Campingaz Icetime Plus£29.46 at B&Q Best electric cool box: Outwell Ecocool£149.44 at Amazon Best cool bag:Quechua Backpack Cooler 100£24.99 at Decathlon Best cool box for multiday chilling: Oyster Tempo cooler£353 at Oyster Best cool box on wheels: Yeti Roadie 48 wheeled cool box£400 at John Lewis A keen camper and festival goer, I've learned the hard way that a decent cool box can make or break a trip. With a background in biology, I'm also acutely aware of the risks of food poisoning from ill-stored sausages and suspect coleslaw. So I put my scientific mind to devising a battery of tests to separate the coolest coolers from the lukewarm letdowns. Ice retention, temperature consistency, portability and durability: I put all these metrics to the test. But my first (and most important) criteria was how long each cooler stayed cool. I prechilled each cool box with one standard ice pack per 6-7l capacity, then added a frozen one-pint plastic flagon of milk, and recorded how long it took for the internal temperature of the cool box to cool down to 8C – the maximum recommended by the UK Food Standards Agency to stop harmful bacteria from growing – and how long it took for the milk to defrost completely. I used digital wireless thermometers to monitor the temperature inside the cool boxes, and each box was opened every four hours and after being left overnight to recreate the comings and goings of a campsite cook. My shortlisted cool boxes were then half filled with ice cubes, and I timed how long it took for these to completely melt. For the electric cool boxes, I tested how long it took each one to reach its lowest temperature on the maximum setting, and then unplugged them and followed the same protocols as for the passive cool boxes to put their thermal performance to the test. I filled each cool box (or bag) with 10kg of provisions and assessed how easy it was to lift into a car boot or carry 100 metres. Points were deducted for coolers that were too shallow to allow an opened bottle of wine to stand upright, and points added for features that enabled contents to be separated, thus avoiding such horrors as bacon juice mingling with your brie. Wheeled cool boxes were then hauled outside, where I tested how easily they rolled up and down kerbs and grassy slopes, and over asphalt and tree roots. Below are the 10 cool boxes that performed best in my tests. Tested cool boxes will either be returned to their manufacturers or donated to Kitsquad, a UK-based scheme that helps people with low incomes get out into the great outdoors. £135 at Millets £129 at Amazon The Coleman Pro takes its job seriously. With thick polyurethane foam insulation in both the lid and the body, it claims to keep food and drinks cold for up to 3.5 days – ideal for long weekends at festivals or off-grid campsites. At 24 litres, this cool box isn't cavernous – but larger 42.5l and 52l versions are available that claim to retain ice for even longer (4.5 and 5 days respectively). The metal latch is a small but satisfying detail, reducing the risk of this cooler spilling its contents if it gets knocked over; the antibacterial liner, which should help to keep bad smells at bay, is another; while its rugged plastic casing should render it tough enough to withstand muddy campsites and bumpy car boots. Why we love itThis cool box ranked near the top in my ice retention tests, staying below 8C for 28 hours and keeping my milk partially frozen for 30 hours. It would doubtless perform better if it were filled with more contents and ice, too: indeed, when half filled with ice and left in an 18C room with the lid closed, it took four days and six hours for the ice to fully melt. I also loaded up this cool box and took it to a festival for four days with only four medium ice blocks, and my food still felt acceptably cool by the end of it – although I'd have needed additional ice if camping for any longer than this. This is a sturdy cool box, easily strong enough to double as a seat if needed, and it comes with a five-year guarantee. Its water drain is well designed, with only minimal liquid remaining after tipping, and I appreciated the inclusion of both side-handles and a padded and adjustable shoulder strap. It's a shame that … it doesn't have cup holders in the lid, like its cousin the Coleman Xtreme Marine 28QT (below). Then it would be pretty much perfect. Capacity: 24lInner size: 33 x 24 x 33cm (WDH)Outer size: 45 x 35 x 45cm (WDH)Weight: 4.9kgClaimed ice retention: 3.5 days Handles: padded shoulder strap, plus built-in grip slots on either sideWater drain: yesWheels: no £29.46 at B&Q£29.96 at Amazon The Campingaz Icetime Plus is a passive cool box designed for short trips. The thick foam insulation in both its lid and body aims to keep contents cool for up to 24 hours, while its lid locking handle is designed to ensure a tight seal, helping to maintain the interior temperature. Why we love itThis no-frills cool box may not turn heads, but it's sturdier than it looks and would make a solid companion for overnight camping trips or festivals – where your main objective is keeping drinks cool. After adding ice blocks and a frozen bottle of milk, the cooler's internal temperature dipped to a better-than-average 2.6C, and it stayed reliably at 8C for a respectable 15 hours – while the milk remained partially frozen for 22.5 hours. Remarkably, when this budget cool box was half filled with ice, it took nearly three days for it to melt – easily long enough to see campers through a weekend. The lid is robust enough to double as an emergency seat, while the tough plastic shell feels capable of withstanding the usual campsite and festival indignities. It's probably not built for prolonged heatwaves, but it should earn its keep in milder conditions. It's a shame that … the lid is hinged rather than fully removable, which may slightly hinder cleaning. Capacity: 26lInner size: 33 x 24 x 33cm (WDH) Outer size: 41 x 32 x 42cm (WDH)Weight: 2.4kgClaimed ice retention: 24 hoursHandles: solid plastic swing (top) handleWater drain: noWheels: no £164.99 at Mountain Warehouse£149.44 at Amazon Designed to operate on both 12V and 230V power supplies, the Outwell Ecocool can be plugged in to your car (12V) or the mains (230V), and it will cool its contents to 18-25C below ambient temperature – or helpfully heat them to 60C if you've packed pasties rather than prosecco. With a capacity of up to 35l, this cool box is tall enough to store 2l bottles upright. An internal divider also functions as an ice pack to assist cooling and further reduce energy consumption, while making it easier to locate objects within its cavernous interior. The insulation is beefed up with polyurethane foam, and there's an antimicrobial lining to fend off the bacterial horror show that can bloom in other such containers. Why we love itThe Ecocool didn't disappoint. It took five hours to consistently hit 2.75C – respectable for a unit of this size. Its internal divider, which doubles as an ice pack, should significantly accelerate this process, although I didn't test this. Where the Ecocool really shone was in cold retention. After switching off the power, it took one day and 9.5 hours for the internal temperature to reach 8C, and another 1.5 hours for a pint of milk to fully defrost. When half filled with ice, it took three-and-a-half days to fully melt. Like most electric cool boxes, it produced a noticeable hum in Max mode. While Eco mode was quieter, it was still audible. However, given its excellent insulation, the Ecocool could easily be switched off while you sleep without compromising food safety. Another feature that impressed me was the split lid. Dividing the top into two hinged sections means you can open one side at a time, reducing cold air loss, and making it easier to grab a bit of milk without disturbing everything else inside. It's a shame that … the plastic carry handle wasn't the sturdiest of those I tested; that said, as an electric cool box, it's unlikely to be hauled far on foot. It's also annoying that the lid automatically closes and must be manually held open – although this is presumably to reduce cold air loss and energy. Capacity: 35lInner size: 44 x 25.5 x 31cm (WDH)Outer size: 52 x 32 x 43cm (WDH)Weight: 7.4kgClaimed ice retention: not stated (cools to 18-25C below outside temperature; warms to 50-60C)Handles: solid plastic swing (top) handleWater drain: noWheels: no £24.99 at Decathlon£25 at Argos Designed to keep food and drinks cool during daylong outings, this insulated backpack is well stocked with storage options for stashing other necessities such as your wallet, keys and sunscreen. It has two mesh side pockets and two zipped compartments as well as the insulated inner zone. It also has adjustable straps, a foam back and waist and chest belts, and can be folded down for easy storage when not in use. Why we love itSometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective: you're hiking to the beach and want your sandwiches and drinks to stay cool, but you've also got towels, sun cream and other paraphernalia to carry, and lugging a handheld cool bag isn't practical. This backpack offers a hands-free solution. My expectations for its cooling capacity weren't particularly high, so I was delighted to discover that it outperformed many of the solid cool boxes I tested. The internal temperature stayed below 8C for an impressive 23 hours, and my bottle of milk took 27 hours to fully thaw. I didn't deploy the ice cube test because this product is designed to be used with ice packs and isn't fully waterproof. The bag is also comfortable to wear, looks decent, and comes with enough side pockets to rival the day bag I usually use for our (all too tepid) family lunches. For a short hike or an overnight camping trip with minimal provisions – its capacity is only 20l – it's a clever and affordable solution. It's a shame that … although the insulated compartment can be wiped clean, it's not fully waterproof – something Decathlon clearly states on its website. This means that condensation from the chilled contents may sometimes leak through the seams, and spillages may also not be contained. Capacity: 20lInner size: 28 x 18 x 38cm (WDH) Outer size: 29 x 19 x 42cm (WDH) Weight: 0.48kgClaimed ice retention: seven hoursHandles: backpackWater drain: noWheels: no £353 at Oyster The Oyster Tempo cooler introduces a novel approach to portable cooling: using vacuum insulation to maintain low temperatures without the need for large quantities of ice. Just two large ice packs should be enough to reach and hold temperatures three times colder than ordinary premium coolers, the company suggests. In theory, this should mean more usable space, plus days and days of chilled food – with no electric socket in sight. Constructed with a lightweight aluminium body, Oyster claims the Tempo is both durable and recyclable. With its sleek lines and matt silver exterior, it also looks rather beautiful. These cool credentials come at a cost, however: at £353, this is the second most expensive product I tested. Why we love itStrong claims demand strong evidence – so I ran my milk test twice: the first time, using standard ice blocks at the same ratio of frozen milk to ice as the other cool boxes; the second using my standard one-pint flagon of frozen milk plus the two large Tempo-branded ice blocks. My results were impressive: after my first test, the internal temperature dropped to 1C and was still just 2.2C after 24 hours. It didn't rise above 8C until the next day (37 hours) – and even then, the milk took another three hours to thaw. Swapping in the Tempo ice blocks gave even chillier results: after plunging to -1.6C, it took just over two days (49.5 hours) to cross the 8C threshold, and it took a further 2.5 hours before the milk was fully thawed. When half filled with ice, it took five days and 17 hours for the ice to completely melt. The Tempo was straightforward to use. I loved the sturdy latches, which enabled the lid to hinge open – or be taken clean off, if necessary. It's a shame that … the price tag is high – and higher still if you want the aluminium carry handle (£41) or two ice packs (£54). The shoulder strap isn't padded, so carrying heavy loads is quite uncomfortable. The cool box isn't tall enough for a standard bottle of wine to stand upright, and its aluminium interior dented when I accidentally dropped a can of beer into it, so this may not be the most durable cool box on the market. Capacity: 23lInner size: 41.5 x 21.2 x 26.8cm (WDH)Outer size: 51.2 x 30 x 32cm (WDH) Weight: 5.5kgClaimed ice retention: not statedHandles: adjustable fabric shoulder strap. Solid aluminium swing (top) handle also available to buy separatelyWater drain: noWheels: no Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion £400 at John Lewis£400 at Amazon Yeti loves its trademarks, and the Roadie 48 is no exception. Equipped with PermaFrost™ insulation (polyurethane foam injected into the walls under pressure), an Interlock™ lid system, a ColdLock™ gasket (tightly fitting lid with a thick rubber seal) and a Quicklatch™ (soft, flexible latch system), this cool box is engineered to keep food fresh for days. It's been moulded from a single, seamless piece of plastic designed to enhance its durability and resistance to impacts, and is equipped with solid, puncture-resistant tyres and tough, Neverfail™ hinges. If these ruggedness claims aren't enough, the Roadie 48 also comes with a five-year warranty. Why we love itThis is a hulking tank of a cooler, fit for an expedition to Death Valley rather than a weekend in Devon. While it lacks integrated ports to padlock it shut, and therefore hasn't been certified bear-resistant as some other Yeti models have, it's still a very robust cool box, possibly to the point of overkill. If a 48l cool box isn't gigantic enough for your needs, there's also a 60l version (as well as smaller 15, 24 and 32l designs). Yet, despite its size, trundling the Yeti Roadie over various surfaces was a breeze. Its ice retention was also impressive: the internal temperature took 22 hours to climb from 1.9C to 8C; and 24 hours for my pint of milk to fully defrost. Yeti doesn't make specific claims about ice retention, emphasising that this varies based on ice quantity, ambient temperature, and how often the cooler is opened. However, when I half filled it with ice and left it in an 18C room, it took five days and 20 hours to fully melt. I also tested the much larger Coleman Pro 55QT wheeled cooler box (£222.99 at Decathlon), which I'd recommend as a cheaper alternative (it was so big, my 12-year-old son could fit inside it). It was narrowly pipped to this list because the Yeti was easier to pull on grass and lumpy ground and had a smaller footprint. However, it kept its cool for longer than the Yeti in my frozen milk test (26 hours v 24 hours), and Coleman claims this model can retain ice for up to five days. It's a shame that … the interior of this cool box is so huge, making it hard to organise and locate specific contents. Although it comes with one dry goods basket, it can accommodate two – however, you need to buy this separately. Given that this cool box already costs £400, this feels a bit miserly. The water drain also wasn't great. Even when the cool box was tipped and wiggled about, a small amount of water remained in the bottom. There was no way of attaching the plug to the cool box, either, so care should be taken not to lose it. Capacity: 48lInner size: 36.8 x 29 x 40.1cm (WDH)Outer size: 50.3x 51.1 x 52.3cm (WDH) Weight: 11.7kgClaimed ice retention: not statedHandles: telescopic pull handle plus built-in grip slots on either sideWater drain: yesWheels: yes £179.99 at Ninja£179.99 at Currys Best for: festivals The Ninja FrostVault comes with a 'dry zone' – a chilled storage drawer below the main compartment to keep items separate – meaning no more digging through leaky packages of meat to find the hummus. The box felt solid and was a breeze to wheel to the park, including over various obstacles. It could be a good option for festivals with a long walk in – although, given its high price tag, you'd want a means of concealing it from thieves. Some users also complain that it is heavy to lift and pull long distances when fully loaded: I didn't find this, but I'm 5ft 8in and quite strong. Its ice retention was also pretty cool: it took 29 hours for the internal temperature to hit 8C, and 30 hours for a frozen pint of milk to fully thaw. When half loaded with ice, it took three days and 22 hours to melt. This cool box also had the best-designed drain of all those I tested, requiring minimal tipping or agitation to empty itself. 42 and 61l versions of this cooler are also available, and Ninja offers a five-year guarantee upon registration of these products. It didn't make the final cut because … it takes up a lot of space for a 28l cool box – with a footprint almost as large as the 48l Yeti Roadie. This may be problematic if you have a small car. Capacity: 28l; inner size: 29 x 35 x 24cm (WDH); outer size: 50 x 50 x 48cm (WDH); weight: 13.1kg; claimed ice retention: not stated (expected to maintain temperatures below 4.4C for approximately five days in 35C weather when filled with ice); handles: telescopic pull handle plus built-in grip slots on either side; water drain: yes; wheels: yes £63 at Ellis Brigham£69.95 at Amazon Best for: picnics for two With its curved lines and soft green, blue or black colour options, this is an undeniably pretty cooler for day trips and picnics. In my tests, it stayed below 8C for 19 hours and kept a pint of milk semi-frozen for a similar amount of time (19.5 hours). The detachable shoulder strap was comfortable, and the fabric loop handles were well constructed, while the inner lining was waterproof and easy to wipe clean. It didn't make the final cut because … though attractive and well-designed, the Hydro Flask is expensive for what it is. It also doesn't collapse for easy storage. Capacity: 12l; inner size: 22 x 21.6 x 26.7cm (WDH); outer size: 30.5 x 21.6 x 29.2cm (WDH); weight: 839g; claimed ice retention: 24 hours; handles: fabric loop handles and detachable cross-body strap; water drain: no; wheels: no £61.31 at Depor Village Best for: weekend camping trips Designed for long days out fishing, this 26l cool box is equipped with UVGuard technology to prevent its hard plastic exterior from yellowing or cracking. I also loved the incorporation of four cup-holders into its lid, and it's robust enough to sit on. When loaded with a frozen pint of milk and four standard ice blocks, its interior stayed below 8C for 25 hours, with the milk fully defrosted after 27, making it better than the average of all those on test. Overall, this would be a sturdy investment for regular weekends away outdoors, with some clever design features. It didn't make the final cut because … its ice retention, although respectable, wasn't the best. However, it's more affordable than some of the higher-performance cool boxes I tested. Capacity: 26l; inner size: 38 x 20 x 33cm (WDH); outer size: 46 x 33 x 40cm (WDH); weight: 3.1kg; claimed ice retention: three days; handles: solid plastic swing (top) handle; water drain: no; wheels: no £61.99 at VonHaus£61.99 at Tesco Best for: a small electric cool box If you don't have loads of food to keep cool, this is a great performer. VonHaus claims it will chill to 14C below the ambient temperature – although in my own tests, it fared slightly better, taking just 1hr 50mins on full power to reach an internal temperature of 1.2C in an 18C room. Its internal temperature then stayed below 8C for an impressive 30.5 hours with the power switched off – after which a pint of milk had also just about defrosted. When half filled with ice, it took three days (72 hours) for the ice to become liquid with the power switched off. This cool box can also be used for heating food to 50C, has an Eco mode for saving electricity, and comes with three power leads: a three-pin hole plug, 12V car plug and a USB-A lead. It didn't make the final cut because … if you only need to keep small amounts of food cool, you probably don't need an electric cool box. It also wasn't as well insulated as the other electric cool boxes I tested. Capacity: 20l; inner size: 22 x 32 x 35cm (WDH); outer size: 25 x 38 x 40.5cm (WDH); weight: 3.71kg; claimed ice retention: not stated; handles: solid plastic swing (top) handle; water drain: no; wheels: no The choice between a passive and an electric cool box depends on how and where you're planning to use it. Passive cool boxes rely on ice or ice blocks to keep cool. These take up valuable space, leaving less room for food and drinks, and can leave the contents soggy as the ice melts (particularly if there's no water drain to let out melted ice). On the plus side, they require no power, and high-performing models can keep ice solid for days. Electric cool boxes offer consistent plug-in cooling without the need for ice, but tend to be bulkier. You'll also need an electricity source, such as a mains hook-up point, or a car/van battery (although they will quickly drain your battery if plugged in without the engine running). Many models can also be used to warm up food – although a stove or microwave will do so faster. Whether passive or electric, preparation is key to getting the best out of your cool box. Prechilling the box beforehand is a good idea – either using ice blocks or items from your freezer, such as frozen peas. Where possible, also try to precool food and drinks. You could even consider freezing items such as milk – but don't attempt to freeze anything in a glass bottle or can, as they could burst. When loading up your cool box, start by placing large ice blocks or frozen water bottles at the bottom or around the sides, then layer food and ice or ice blocks, packing the box as full as possible to reduce warm air pockets. Many manufacturers recommend a ratio of 2:1 ice to contents for the best performance, although this will reduce the amount of space available for food. Once at the campsite, keep your cool box in the shade, cover it with a reflective blanket or light-coloured towel, and open it as little as possible, as every rummage lets in warm air. If your campsite has a freezer, consider bringing extra ice blocks so you can rotate them. Alternatively, many supermarkets sell bags of ice that you can use to top up your cool box on longer camping trips. For electric cool boxes, precooling with ice blocks and/or mains power before switching to 12V can help to reach frosty temperatures faster. Linda Geddes is a former Guardian science correspondent, renowned for inserting herself into her own mini-science experiments. This also extends to product testing, where she delights in devising rigorous ways to distinguish high performance from marketing puff. Outside work, she can frequently be found swimming in rivers, dangling from cliffs, and trudging the dawn walk to the campsite Portaloo
CNET
02-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Get Summer-Ready With Up to 30% Off Ninja FrostVault Coolers, With Options Starting at Just $150
It's summer and things are heating up. Whether you're planning cookouts, beach trips or other adventures in the sun, you'll probably need some cold drinks to keep you hydrated. Having a nice cooler can help, but they're expensive as a rule, which is why waiting for a deal is a good idea. Luckily, Fourth of July deals and early Prime Day offers are already rolling in, giving you the perfect chance to snatch one up at a great price. Amazon has shaved up to 30% off Ninja FrostVault coolers, meaning you can nab one starting at just $150 right now. We don't know how long these deals will last, though, so we recommend you make your selection sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. This 50-quart hard cooler can hold up to 80 cans, or about 45 when mixed with 25 pounds of ice. But the dry zone below is a great place for storing dry food so that it's easy to grab. The cold transfers down, keeping snacks, along with any other essentials, away from any potentially melting ice and at safe temperatures. It also has a nice latch and some heavy-duty handles to make carrying it a bit easier. Usually $250, it's down to just $175 right now -- a new low and the lowest price we've seen. Don't need that much space? No problem. Check out the 30-quart model instead. It holds up to 48 cans, or about 26 when mixed with ice. It's down to just $150 right now -- only $1 more than its all-time low. Both coolers come in blue, slate gray and cloud white, too, so you can pick the one that best matches your style. And if you're not sure, you can have a look at the other models on sale before you buy. Best 4th of July Appliance Sales Our shopping experts have crawled through every July 4th deal to bring you the best savings on appliances from sales all over the internet. Check it out here. See Now Why this deal matters Summer is here and that means a lot more time outdoors. Whether you're preparing to go camping or to the beach or need a cooler for cookouts and get-togethers, these deals bring prices at or near all-time lows. Ninja is a brand we frequently recommend, and having two zones can be really convenient for picnics and such. We don't expect these coolers to drop further anytime soon, so now's the time to grab one if you've been considering a cooler.
CNN
17-06-2025
- CNN
Our favorite Yeti coolers and tumblers just went on sale in tons of colors
May all your camping and seaside adventures be accompanied by trusty outdoor gear from Yeti. In time for the rising temperatures, Amazon has dropped prices on dozens of Yeti coolers and water bottles. Stash cold ones or fishing bait in sturdy, hard coolers, then fill up stainless steel tumblers with ice-cold water to stay hydrated in the summer heat. Spanning everything from the Tundra and the Rambler collections, I scrolled through the batch of Yeti deals and rounded up some of our favorites, including picks tested by our experts, below. Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler Narrow enough to fit behind car seats, the Yeti Road 24 makes a great mid-sized companion for road trips. CNN Underscored testing experts appreciated its heavy-duty handle, which makes it easy to haul around as many as 33 cans, sans the ice. Amazon has it on sale in Wild Vine Red and Key Lime colors. Yeti 42-Ounce Rambler Straw Mug Slotting right into car cupholders, this Rambler with an easy-access straw lid is a no-brainer for constant hydration. One editor loved its durable, stainless steel construction that helps keep water cool for hours. It comes in an on-sale Wild Vine Red and Key Lime. Read our review Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler in Wild Vine Red The 35-liter capacity of our best-tested hard cooler is discounted in this punchy Wild Vine Red hue. Yeti's Tundra line includes solid, heavy-duty coolers built to last. Our outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor, Kai Burkhardt, has had his Yeti Tundra for more than five years, using it on camping and road trips frequently. Yeti 30-Ounce Rambler Tumbler Holding up to a bit more rough and tumble, this 30-ounce Rambler features a sliding magnet lid top to prevent spillage while on the move. Choose from limited-edition colors like King Crab as well as Cosmic Lilac, Wild Vine Red and Key Lime — all 20% off. Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler Forego lugging around too much bulk with this nifty backpack cooler. Great for hauling on hikes, its soft, padded shoulder straps lend a more comfortable wear, according to our pros. It also has a sturdy bottom and rugged design. Take your pick of the discounted Cosmic Lilac and the Wild Vine Red designs. Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft Cooler in Key Lime For a frills-free option that carries food for two, opt for this lightweight, soft cooler. Comfortably alternate between its carrying strap and handle as you trek to the beach or picnic. The 2.5-liter cooler holds a great deal and touts a waterproof, abrasion-resistant shell. Yeti Rambler Beverage Bucket Hosts throwing a backyard BBQ or boat-goers who want a refreshing beverage will appreciate this bucket and its ability to hold about six cans or three wine bottles. It features a rubber handle to make toting less of a chore. Score it on sale in King Crab, Cosmic Lilac and Key Lime. Yeti Hopper M15 Tote Your grocery runs just got much easier (and stylish). Available in Sandstone Pink and Big Wave Blue, the Hopper M15 Tote features foam insulation to keep items cold. It also has an exterior kangaroo pocket to stash and grab keys, phones and wallets. Yeti Rambler Stackable Cups, Set of 2 For early mornings spent sipping coffee or raising a toast while camping, these cups come in clutch. Their stackable design makes them easy to pack up and stow away. Stock up on drinkware while sets are just $24 in Key Lime and Wild Vine Red. Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl in Key Lime Bring your pup on the road and give them the same top-tier drinking experience you'd get from your Yeti Rambler. This dog bowl is made with stainless steel and comes complete with a rubber bottom to keep it from slipping around as they lap up water. With Prime Day on the horizon, CNN Underscored deals editors are religiously tracking any early deals that might be trickling out of the July savings event. Our sleuths spotted a treasure trove of Yeti deals already live. Steady 20% discounts arrived on the Yeti Key Lime collection last month, and those sales have since expanded to include more colors, making great giftables or splurge-worthy buys. We've been covering deals for decades and have plenty of experience saving our readers money, and advocating for buyers is what we're all about. Our deals editor, Jacqueline Saguin, and the rest of the deals team work hard to ensure we're only recommending the best prices on the best products to get the most bang for your buck. Saguin curated a list of the best Yeti drinkware on sale, including top-tested picks that our experts love for their performance.
CNN
22-05-2025
- CNN
Coolers from Yeti, Igloo and Coleman are up to 40% off ahead of Memorial Day
Keep beverages, sandwiches and more nice and crisp with a durable cooler. With Memorial Day just a few days away, tons of coolers from editor-favorite brands like Igloo, Coleman and the like are on sale. Whether you've been eyeing a high-priced Yeti cooler or one of our best cooler picks, I've rounded up 12 of the top hard shell coolers, totes and even soft backpacks on sale right now. Hydro Flask 26 Liter Day Escape Tote I've been a Hydro Flask water bottle loyalist for at least five years. A couple of years ago, I snagged an insulated tote like this discounted one for my mom, and she loves it. Now this larger model is $45 off ahead of the weekend. Hydro Flask 12 Liter Carry Out Soft Cooler If you're looking for a smaller bag for solo days out or want a lunch box for commuting, get this summery tote before it sells out. It can hold up to 20 cans and keeps items fresh for up to 24 hours. Hydro Flask 20 Liter Day Escape Pack Adventure seekers will love taking this discounted pack on the trail. It was recently released in this jet black color and is already 25% off. It's equipped with padded straps, holds 36 cans and has a convenient waterproof shell. Coleman 45-Quart Pro Hard Cooler After covering its launch in April, I've been keeping an eye out for a price drop on Coleman's antimicrobial cooler. Food, cans and more stay cool for up to four days, and it has an easy-to-wipe plastic shell. Coleman 24-Can Pro Soft Cooler Separate wet and dry items with Coleman's innovative upper dry-storage compartment. This soft beach cooler can be toted around several ways and has specific areas for sandwiches, personal items and drinks. Coleman 25-Quart Pro Hard Cooler For something a step above a lunch box and a medium-sized tote bag, consider Coleman's compact cooler. The strap makes it easy to schlep to the beach, and it's 15% lighter than its competitors. Yeti Camino 50 Carryall Tote Bag in Key Lime The smaller version of this tote is one of our outdoors editors' favorite Yeti pieces of all time. It's made for day trips on the coast or as an everyday bag around town. The waterproof fabric keeps elements out, and now it's $40 off. Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler in Key Lime Yeti's personal-sized soft cooler is ready for all of your summer adventures. The bag can be carried from its top handle and is small enough to throw across your body. Its leakproof zipper can hold about 10 pounds of ice. Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler in Key Lime The larger version of our favorite Yeti cooler is down by $75 in this pastel green. Its hard outer shell is made for rough camping terrain or extended beach days, and it can keep items crisp for two days. Igloo 70 Quart Trailmate Journey Cooler This cooler has it all. From its oversized wheels to its butler tray, you have everything you need for the ultimate beach day. It even has a bottle opener and dry storage to keep valuables safe, and now it's $60 off in every color. Igloo 20 Quart Legacy Cooler Dads will adore this retro cooler that comes in a shiny stainless steel, big apple red and beachy blue. It's the perfect size for all of his favorite drinks and will make a thoughtful Father's Day gift with its timeless design. Igloo KoolTunes The 80s are back! Igloo transformed its bestselling cooler from the past and made it Bluetooth compatible. That's right — you can keep beverages cold and play your tunes for up to 10 hours straight. It's worth it to buy a cooler now because although the weather is heating up, we're technically still in the spring season. Once summer hits in about a month, the prices of coolers will likely increase given the seasonality and the demand. Truthfully, we don't expect these picks to last throughout the holiday weekend, so take advantage of these deals on pieces from brands we love while you still can. If you're shopping for other pieces, our team has compiled a list of the best Memorial Day sales with major discounts on clothing, grills and more too. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the best deals of the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups on the top products to shop, searching everything from coveted tech to Memorial Day deals.
