[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]eti broke the mold on coolers creating a high end, state of the art cooler that performs exceptionally well with superb efficiency. I must say, I did not predict the massive appeal and cult following that the folks at Yeti have developed. They literally broke the mold on building coolers. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So with their massive success built on quality and branding, it is predictable that others would follow in Yeti’s footsteps to do the same. Here are the current offerings in the fast growing world of high performance coolers. Each one is linked to the manufacturer’s site.
Yeti Tundra 45 Quart– $349.95
The company line: The original and still the best heavy-duty cooler around, the YETI Tundra is a rugged, all-purpose, large cooler that comes in a variety of sizes for wilderness expeditions, hunting, fishing, tailgating, and more.
RTIC 45 Quart– $174.99
The company line: RTIC Roto-molded Coolers are designed with all the functional features customers demand. Available in 20 quarts, 45 quarts, and 65 quarts size – at half the price of the competition.
RTIC coolers are the most economical choice in this roundup.
Cabelas’ Polar Cap Cooler 40 quart- $249.99
The company line: Tougher than an angry bear and proven to keep ice frozen for up to twelve days, our Polar Cap Equalizer Coolers bring serious performance. A maximum insulation-to-weight ratio provides a hefty amount of temperature-controlling foam insulation without adding excessive weight, making transport a breeze. An innovative freezer-grade gasket creates a seal that’s airtight, preserving what’s inside longer.
Pelican Pro Gear Elite Cooler 45 quart– $349.95
The company line: Introducing ProGear™ Coolers from Pelican Products ProGear Line. Available in 8 sizes: 20 quart, 35 quart, 45 quart, 65 quart, 80 quart, 95 quart, 150 quart and 250 quart. These coolers boast best in class ice retention and Pelican’s unconditional lifetime guarantee.
ORCA 40 QT– $349.95
The company line: ORCA coolers are made in the U.S. by us. Our highly-skilled craftsmen, all rugged outdoorsmen themselves, have created a first-class American cooler that’s built to last. Wherever you take, it can take it.
ORCA’s edgy color options abound.
Bison 50 Quart– $329.95
The company line: If you’re searching for the best heavy duty marine coolers and camping coolers at the lowest prices, then these professional grade coolers are a perfect fit—and they’re hundreds of dollars less than comparable ice chests! We’re so confident these are the best ice chests on the market, we support our products with a 5 year warranty.
Esky 55 Quart Cooler– $399.95
The company line: Esky™ Series coolers thrive in extreme conditions. Building off Coleman’s 6 decades of cooler experience, Esky™ Series coolers utilize today’s best technology to deliver tough performance in the rugged outdoors. Packed with features you won’t find on other coolers, our coolers are made to last and to make your ice last, too. From mountain wilderness to the open sea, you can trust an Esky™ Series cooler to see you through.
LiT Coolers Halo TS-400- $349.95
The company line: Every LiT Cooler comes with removable Ice Legs, our unique Logo Plate — a clear, central lid insert that allows the light to shine through — illuminating the LiT Coolers logo (standard), and a Night Sight® LED liner. Choose between white or blue LED lights.
Lit Coolers.
