Tested 15 portable coolers on beach days and road trips - here are my top picks

The article reports tests of 15 portable coolers, from brands including Yeti, Oyster, and REI, focused on how well they keep food and drinks cold for beach days, camping, and road trips. It argues that most trips don’t require a large, heavy cooler, and instead stresses the value of a lightweight grab-and-go option. The author describes a two-part method: measuring each unit’s dimensions and fill capacity using cans, then evaluating cooling performance by loading each cooler with ice equivalent to a quarter of its 12-ounce can capacity. Coolers were placed in a dark room held at 76°F (24°C), with internal temperatures recorded every 15 minutes for 24 hours. The piece also summarizes buying factors such as capacity, empty weight, and dimensions, plus guidance on cooler sizes and pre-chilling.