When it comes to beach outings in summer, one essential item you can’t overlook is a dependable, durable, and efficient beach cooler. Having the best beach cooler in your arsenal not only keeps your refreshments chilled but also adds convenience and comfort to your beach experience.
In this guide, we will walk you through six of the most outstanding beach coolers on the market, focusing on their features, pros, and why they’re a great fit for your sandy adventures. So let’s dive right in, and find that perfect cooler for your seaside escapades!
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The Best Beach Coolers On The Market
- Cooler Bag Insulated by OutdoorWares – Best Beach Cooler Bag
- Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler – Best Wheeled Cooler
- Polar Bear 24-Can Insulated Soft Cooler – Best Soft Cooler
- Coleman 316 Series Cooler – Best Large Cooler
- Wagan 12V Cooler/Warmer – Best Small Plug-In Cooler
- Stanley Adventure Cooler – Best Small Cooler
Related: Best Beach Tables, Best Kayak Coolers
What Should I Look For In The Best Beach Coolers?
With so many different types of chilly bins (as they say in New Zealand), it can be a daunting task to figure out what kind to get. And it really depends on what qualities you need in your cooler.
- How much do you need to fit in the cooler? If it’s just you, a small cooler will suffice. If it’s a group of 10, you’ll need a much larger cooler
- Do things have to stay at a certain temperature? If you are just packing beers and sodas, no problem. But if you want to keep meats or delicate food cold, you might need a better insulated cooler
- Are you bringing shade to the beach? If you’re bringing along an umbrella or canopy, you don’t need a top of the line insulated cooler. Otherwise, you’ll need one that can really withstand the force of the sun.
- How are you going to carry this cooler to your beach spot? Is it going to be flung across your shoulder in the form of a bag, are you bringing a cart, or do you need it to have wheels?
With those questions answered, then you can decide what type of cooler you want to get between: nylon/fabric material, plastic chests, or one with wheels.
I. Nylon/Fabric Coolers:
These coolers are lightweight and perfect for the beach. They are highly portable and function in the same way as larger coolers. Made of nylon and a light fabric cover, they are shaped like a bag for easy carrying. With enough space for you and your family, some even have plastic containers included!
II. Cooler Chests
If you’re looking for something more durable, larger, and has the ability to stay colder for longer, you may want to choose a chest. They’re made of plastic and can withstand harsh weather conditions. These coolers are perfect for longer beach trips or if you have a larger group to keep hydrated and well fed.
III. Coolers With Wheels
Coolers with wheels allow for easy transport on the sand, making them ideal for beach picnics or if you have multiple items to carry. They come in different sizes, but most of them are larger than the nylon/fabric coolers and can keep your food and drinks cold for a longer period. Plus, the wheels make it much easier to maneuver from the car to the beach and back again.
So What Are the Beast Beach Coolers?
1 Cooler Bag Insulated by Outdoorwares – The Best Beach Cooler Bag
This product was made for the sole purpose of taking on hikes and other adventures. It’s made to go where you go. This is a lightweight bag (weighing on it’s own only 1.5 pounds!) with so many pockets you might not know what to put in all of them.
A mesh pocket that is zippered is placed on the lid to give you an extra compartment to store your spoons and other items.
To keep the drinks cold, this is fully insulated with ample storage space to carry everything you might need!
2. Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler. – The best wheeled cooler
The whole of the Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler is among the best coolers for the beach with wheels . You won’t mind having this cooler with you at the beach all day.
This cooler comes in many different sizes, so you can decide how much space you need when it comes to bringing drinks to the beach. It is also a small cooler with wheels, which makes it highly portable and great for use in the beach.
This cooler also boasts extra features, alongside keeping your food cold. It includes a built in condiment shelf, has 2 fishing rod holders if you need, and attachable drink holders.
3. Polar Bear 24-Can Insulated Soft Cooler – Best Drinks Cooler
The Polar Bear Soft Cooler is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something to mainly hold your drinks and keep them cool.
You can choose from a few different color options and sizes depending on your preferences with this soft cooler.
Something that makes this one of the best coolers for the beach is that it has multiple handles or options on how to carry it, so it’s convenient to carry no matter how many items you’re bringing to the beach.
This is a lightweight bag that is waterproof, leakproof, and will keep your drinks cool for up to 12 hours.
4. Coleman 316 Series Coolers – Heaviest Duty Cooler
If you need an extremely heavy duty cooler, look into the Coleman 316 series! You can get a 100 quart or 62 quart cooler.
It has wheels for easy transport, the largest one can hold up to 160 cans and ice, and is meant to stay cool for up to 5 days. Not only does it have those features, it can also double as a seat being able to hold up to 250lbs on the top.
This is a top of the line, potentially cooler if you’re out camping on the beach as it can hold so much and is so durable.
5. Wagan 12V Cooler/Warmer – 24L Cap. – For Long Drives To The Beach
This is a different kind of cooler, and is probably better for if you have a long drive to the beach. This smaller cooler is actually one that gets plugged in, that you can choose whether to cool your food or warm it up.
This comes with a heavy duty and ergonomic handle, so carrying your cooler/warmer becomes pretty easy. The 7.5 foot power cord ensure your cooler/warmer is accessible within arm’s reach.
This cooler is relatively easy to use by everyone to ensure you enjoy what you desire in the right state. The hot/cold/off switch come with indicator lights to help you know which mode is in use at any time.
This Wagan cooler can be used anywhere (in the car, home or office etc.) and thus very convenient.
6. Stanley Adventure Cooler – Best Small Cooler
This adventure cooler brings legendary performance to small portable solutions, meeting your toughest demands. For optimal performance, it features a leak-resistant construction and a durable high-density polyethylene shell foam.
Cleaning is a breeze – simply wash and air dry. The cooler’s double wall insulation keeps contents cold up to 36% longer than standard coolers. It’s convenient to carry with an adjustable tie-down bungee system for securing water bottles and mugs.
Designed with real-world use in mind, it even doubles as a chair for adventurers. With a lifetime warranty, it’s one of the best coolers for the money
In Conclusion
Choosing the best beach coolers can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can make a confident decision that will enhance your beach experience. Depending on your needs and preferences, there is a wide range of options available to suit every individual.
From lightweight cooler bags to heavy-duty chests and convenient wheeled coolers, you can find the perfect one for your next beach trip, and hopefully years to come!