Have you ever found yourself outdoors, going to an event or simply just enjoying a day at the beach?
We all probably had to endure carrying a massive cooler – filled with a few cold ones a couple of times. Nowadays, the best wheeled cooler come, and all of your problems can be left behind by just dragging it with you to the designated spot.
Being almost the same as your standard cooler, you will still have the same features that keep everything cold on the inside. However, the more intricate wheel design makes the transportation that much easier.
Being an avid camper myself, I have spent a lot of time with various coolers. Now, I feel you should also know which wheeled coolers are the best.
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Top 3 Best Wheeled Cooler: A Comparison Chart
The Best Wheeled Coolers Available: My Top 5 Picks
Before we look at the top features, let's get into the thick of the action.
Once you start looking for these coolers, you will undoubtedly find a heap full of them available.
The brands vary and the features, but having ad the opportunity to explore many outdoor locations, I had to make it a hobby to try a couple of them.
Via Amazon.com
Sticking to a reputable brand is one thing that you need to do. Outdoor brands like Coleman have built a massive reputation in the cooler industry. No wonder the Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler is one of the top wheeled coolers available today.
Soft fabric forms the outer basic of the cooler, with an interior lining that has been hardened. The lining is easily removable when you need to save some space and fold the cooler flat if it is not in use.
Adding some durability to the versatility, Coleman has heat welded the seams to ensure you don’t have any leakages and keep the inside cool.
It can hold up to 42 cans according to Coleman, but I think it can hold a couple more if you have good arrangement skills. Even though it is fabric, the cooler can keep your drinks and refreshments cool for a longer time.
Another feature that most people will enjoy is the telescopic handle. As we have mentioned in the feature section, it can be adjusted and extended to the perfect height to give you some comfort when moving about.
All of these features have been treated with an antimicrobial substance to keep mold and mildew from growing, while also reducing any potential odors.
Finally, the cooler fabrics have been FDA Approved, giving you more peace of mind when you want to store some of your food items inside.
I think the price can be justified for these incredible features, adding peace and mind to you as you buy. This is one of the top coolers if you need flexibility and versatility.
- Versatile and flexible construction
- Durable heat welded seams
- Fully adjustable telescopic handle
- Easy to clean with antimicrobial treatment (FDA Approved)
- Reasonably Priced
- Undersized wheels for terrains like sand and outdoors.
A brand like Coleman can offer you a lot, but when you spend most of your time outdoors, you might need something better. The Pelican Products ProGear Elite Wheeled Cooler is one handy piece of gear for outdoor lovers.
The cooler itself has been designed to emphasize durability and to keep your ice or refreshments cool for as long as possible.
Many reports have come out of the cooler keeping ice cool for around 10 days, and this is all due to the polyurethane insulation and freezer gasket that have been inserted.
An adjustable handle is also introduced, and while it does not have the telescopic feature, the size of the cooler when kept upright will make it comfortable for most individuals around the height of 6 feet.
The drain plug helps to effectively clean the cooler when it has been used, including a hosepipe attachment for even more cleaning uses.
Personally, I won't buy this cooler if I am only outdoors a couple of times per year.
However, outdoor adventurers who love things like camping and fishing can certainly use it. The cooler has an integrated fish scale as well, giving you more value for your money.
Unfortunately, it is one expensive cooler, and you won't be buying this as part of your impulses. It will take a lot of consideration before you invest. Nevertheless, I recommend it for the value it offers. Not to forget, it has been rated to be bear-resistant as well.
- Heavy duty construction with polyurethane inner
- Keeps ice from melting for up to 10 days
- Rugged wheel construction
- Versatile design with integrated fish scale
- Really expensive for those who are not avid outdoorsmen
Via Amazon.com
With a 28-quart capacity, the Igloo Marine Breeze Roller Cooler is the next one to make it onto our list.
Not only is it an aesthetically appealing cooler, but the polypropylene construction adds a sense of durability to it for rugged use.
Cooler Riser Technology has been integrated as a way of dropping the temperature of the cooler significantly but promptly.
According to the manufacturer, it can keep ice and products fresh for up to 5 days in temperatures around 90-degrees Fahrenheit if the cooler is not frequently closed and opened.
I like the design of the handle, and this cooler comes with two handle styles. The small carry handles are ideal if you need to carry it in and over objects.
However, the additional telescopic handle adjusts to the correct size for users looking for a more comfortable pulling experience.
As for the wheels, rugged terrains should not be much of an issue as the oversized wheels are softened to navigate these terrains to your destination quickly. It can also hold around 41 12-ounce cans if packed carefully.
For the avid outdoor lover, the price should not be much of an issue, but when we compare it to something like Coleman, it seems to be a little overpriced.
However, I still recommend it for rugged terrains and day trips at the game, especially tailgating events.
- Advanced Cooler Riser Technology
- Durable polypropylene construction
- Keeps ice cool for up to 5 days
- Rugged wheels for all-terrain movement
- It is not the easiest of coolers to clean once done
Via Amazon.com
No matter where in the world you find yourself, you will see one name in the cooler industry that everyone likes. Yeti has been a favorite for many people, especially those living in the United States. Now, the YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler adds portability to the units.
Yeti has mainly relied on the durability of their products in previous years, and this is no different when we look at the tundra on wheels. Rotomolded Plastic is used, making the unit indestructible.
Combining this with a single-piece plastic wheel will make it perfect for all terrains. The wheels are also puncture-resistant.
Pressure-injected polyurethane foam will give you the cooling features you might desire. This commercial grade foam has a reputation that many people already prefer for top refrigeration units.
It might be new to the market, but having used, it, this 45-quart monster of a cooler should keep everything fresh for a couple of days.
Price wise, we all know that Yeti is one of the most expensive brands as well. It might not be the price range that everyone can afford, but it is a cooler that you will never need to replace. Cleaning it can be done with minimal effort after use.
- Tundra Quality on wheels
- Incredibly durable construction
- Oversized wheels to take on most rugged terrains
- Keeps products and refreshments cool for a long time
- Really expensive, but worth it
Via Amazon.com
Last but certainly not least, we have a cooler that has always been regarded as one of the most trusted. However, the Rubbermaid Ice Chest/Cooler has dropped a little in sales with the release of the Tundra on Wheels and Coleman having made a few new upgrades.
The Rubbermaid Ice Chest/Cooler is still a durable cooler that has been broken up into two different sections. You can store your meats on the one side, with the refreshments on the other. No matter how you look at it, it is versatile and efficient.
It has been durably constructed from stain-resistant plastic, retaining the color by adding UV protection to the outer coating.
The antimicrobial treatment will keep everything fresh and reduce any potential of odors taking over.
One of the downsides is the design of the cooler, and it might be a little wide to pull through small passages. If you have extended passages, the wheels will make easy work of almost every terrain, leaving you with a massive cooler and many cool refreshments.
I like the affordability of the unit and believe that even those individuals who rarely spend some time outdoors will enjoy having it around. It makes the perfect accessory when you have a barbecue or have to enjoy tailgating.
- The inner liner is really easy to clean
- Durable construction that retains color over the long haul
- Rugged wheels for all terrains
- Double lid construction to keep one side cool
- Antimicrobial Treatment
- Might be a little too wide for all passages
A Few Things to Keep In Mind Before Buying The Best Wheeled Cooler
When you think of a cooler, it seems simple enough that you can choose any one of them and you will be ready to go.
However, they do differ a little from one another, and you need to keep a few things in mind before selecting one.
Here are a couple of the most important features that I think will make or break your new wheeled cooler:
1. Size
The size of the cooler can be broken up into two different sections, and you will need to keep them in mind.
The exterior dimensions will be an essential aspect to look at when you are transporting the cooler.
Your car trunk and a pickup truck will have a considerable size difference, changing the cooler that you can carry.
Next, the interior size is essential when you need to consider what and how much of it you are taking along.
If you need to cater for a group of people, the interior size needs to be much larger than merely taking a few drinks for your family.
I would first consider the size it is and what I need before even moving on.
2. Cooler Type
If you have no prior knowledge about wheeled coolers, you might think they are all hard. However, soft coolers can also be found with wheels to make your life easier. The soft coolers are flexible.
However, the hardened coolers will keep your refreshments or even meals cooler for more extended periods.
Additionally, your soft cooler can be a little cheaper and lighter.
3. Wheels
The big difference maker between these coolers and your standard coolers is the wheels. However, they can make a massive impact.
Wheels vary not only in size but in type as well. With my experience, I have seen either plastic or rubber wheels. They are both useful, but large rubber wheels offer a little more versatility for tough terrains.
4. The Handle
Finally, the handle is one of the essential parts that many people with no experience tend to forget about. Handles vary from cooler to cooler, but the telescopic handle is the most common.
The main reason for this is that it can be extended to meet your specific needs of height. The handle needs to be locked in place, keeping the exact height as it is used.
Which One Is The Winner?
Choosing the best one is not easy, and all of these coolers do have a rightful place as one of the best wheeled coolers.
However, the Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler stands out for the versatility. It can be removed from the base and carried around, with a massive capacity that can hold up to 42 can. I choose it as the best overall pick.
- Soft cooler with 42 Can capacity keeps food and drinks cold
- Space saving design collapses flat for easy storage
- Main compartment features heat welded seams to prevent leaks
- Antimicrobial treated liner resists formation of mold, mildew, and odor
- Telescoping handle and durable wheels handle the load with ease
The best wheeled cooler is not only an accessory or tool to your outdoor gear but can be a lifesaver in unbearable heat.
The number of cooler nowadays are high, but these are the five we consider the best wheeled coolers for most situations and outdoor ventures.