If you want something you can use occasionally, you dont have to spend a lot of money to get the best cooler that exists. The top handle of the Roadie 24 is more comfortable looped over your forearm, but still a bit awkward when carried at your side and often gets in the way of opening this small cooler. Well definitely be recommending it to our friends! The Igloo cooler is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, and comes with a value-packed priced tag. Softshell coolers are generally better for people who will spend a lot of time walking or hiking with the cooler. Both the Tundra Haul and Roadie boxes come with wheels for increased portability. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc. Both co-founders of the site, Luke and Greg, are two genuine cooler geeks and have been so for ages. Yeti has also swapped out the stiff top handle for a webbing version with a moveable plastic grip, that's far more comfortable use hooked over your forearm than the old metal handle was. A pair of secondary handles is indented in the cooler's rotomolded body, and the Roadie 24 boasts the same staunch integrated hinge as their other hard-sided models. Igloo is particularly affordable when it comes to small and simple coolers, with most options being under $100. on the inside. This detailed comparison can help you make up your mind! Both guys share their passion on this website, covering different types of coolers, posting in-depth buying guides and reviewing tens of different products every year. New York, The brand really puts performance over all other features, at times even sacrificing convenience and capacity to favor it. We only make money if you purchase a product through . It is injection molded, and because of this, it's about 30% to 40% lighter than all rotomolded counterparts. How can we improve GearLab? We buy all the products ourselves. Another thing: the weight. The temperature down in the ice would have been roughly the same in all of the coolers, leaving retention as the only real variable. Luke has a deep passion for sports and all-things-outdoors. But the Igloo BMX 25 Qt cooler insulates well . The Tundra coolers from Yeti feature three layers of insulation, but the Roadie only has two layers. Yeti vs Igloo: price Igloo's IMX 70 is priced at $250, whereas the Tundra 65 will set you back a cool $375.00 (400.00), so it's clear that the additional quality comes at a price. However, we're not sure in what instance you would want it. Aside from performance, this Magellan cooler offers plenty of other extras, including quite possibly my favorite lid design: dual-side latches that can double as hinges, allowing you to open the cooler from either side. We discussed injection molded coolers vs rotomolded coolers in our post about best lightweight coolers, where the IMX has taken one of the top spots. The performance data between this ice chest newcomer and the previous titleholder, the Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler, was nearly identical. It's seriously rugged, easy to use, a cinch to carry, and a great size for one or two people relaxing at the beach or venturing on a road trip. Find more information in the About Us section. It is very lightweight, making it one of the best options on the market for people who need a cooler they can carry for prolonged periods of time. You could tell before the tests were run that this cooler was going to be the better performer. My only qualm -- that T-shaped handlebar includes comfy rubber grips on the sides, but not in the middle, the spot you'll actually want to hold as you lug it around one-handed. Yeti also put their insulation know how into a range of tumblers, bottles, mugs (such as the Yeti Rambler), jugs and barware, all of which are well regarded and rival some of the finest products available today. It is, therefore, stronger, more durable, and bear-resistant. I think that the priciest cooler they make is about $250, which is virtually the starting price for most Yeti coolers. That left me with small coolers (less than 40 quarts), midsize coolers (40-59 quarts) and large coolers (60 quarts or more). After 48 hours (72 hours for the largest coolers), I had a nifty graph showing me the temperature inside each cooler on a minute-by-minute basis -- and the difference from cooler to cooler was striking. One of the best things about this softshell cooler is the presence of external attachment points. Yeti coolers consistently perform at the top of the pack. That said, every now and then, we come across a cooler that just blows our minds, despite not being rotomolded. Igloos IMX 70 is priced at $250, whereas the Tundra 65 will set you back a cool $375.00 (400.00), so its clear that the additional quality comes at a price. But we didn't count this against the Roadie 24, as the plastic grip can not only be slid out of the way when you don't need it, but a slit running its length allows you to remove it easily if you prefer. They allow you to keep anything that doesnt have to be ice cold outside the cooler, so stuff like glasses, can openers, cutlery, etc. There isnt much variety here, to be honest. Cooler from both brands share lots of features, but they also differ in a number of ways. To do that, I started with a modified version of the ice retention test. They consist of a nylon cord with a strong plastic handle. Its actually pretty strong for a cooler of this type, and will easily hold up to anything. Anti-skid feet help keep the Roadie 24 from sliding. Available in 24-quart and 70-quart capacities, the IMX has advanced Ultratherm insulation, marine-grade lid latches, lockable lid, stainless . The webbing handle has a plastic grip that easily slides around to be wherever you want it. For a YETI cooler, don't expect to spend less than $150 and really, that would be a steal. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. Wonderfully insulated theres no chance of bears stealing the contents either, as the Tundra is designed to be bear proof. We tested soft coolers head to head from brands like Yeti, Engel, REI, and more to find which will keep your refreshments cold best. Tracking the ambient temperature up above it was much more telling, and it gave us some additional variables to consider. I say keep the cash and use it to stock your cooler -- especially since these hard-sided Magellan Outdoors coolers boast one of my favorite cooler features of all time: the double-sided hinge latches. As you can see, the Igloo IMX ice chest is a lower budget option for those who still want a good quality cooler without paying an arm and a leg or for those who look for something lighter, and more portable. Stick with an old-fashioned cooler like the ones I recommend above. On the sixth day, it was mostly water, but it was still super cold and painful to touch. Our top-performing IMX collection features super durable, affordable coolers that keep drinks and food cold (it's #1 in ice retention within our lineup) during your fun outdoor adventures. The boxs rubber latches are also known to contort over time. In episode 12, we got. The Roadie 24 isn't a cheap buy, but the question is is it worth it? Let us know! Igloo KoolTunes Boombox Playmate Cooler $149.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo IMX 24 Quart Cooler $149.99 Shipping Available ADD TO CART Igloo Marine Vantage North Star 24 Can Tote Pack $59.99 Shipping Available To that end, I carefully filled each cooler with water to the point that closing the lid would cause some water overflow. However, we would understand if youre a die-hard Yeti fan and want to stick to what you know. Just look at the graphs. Oh, and it's certified bear-resistant. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! Igloos range of coolers is broader than Yetis with many models and styles. and weighs 40% less than coolers with similar performance. Please refer to our Privacy & Affiliate policy for details. Ice Retention Test (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV3gZJyTehY), Injection molded construction with UV inhibitors. And at the time of writing, Yeti backs this product with a five year manufacturer's warranty to help protect your investment in case of any error during the making of or fault of the materials used in this cooler. I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. The walls feature up to two inches of insulation, which virtually guarantees that ice will stay ice for hours, if not days, in the Tundra coolers. The Roadie 24 has new, two-part latches that combine a plastic clasp with a rubbery arm that holds the lid tightly shut. And if thats precisely what you are looking for, theres no need to look further than the Tundra Haul. Whether youre going on hikes or want to walk for a while before you find that perfect camping spot, the Hopper Flip will make it easier to do so while carrying a cooler. Instead of a full load of ice in each cooler, I went with an amount of ice equivalent to 10% of each cooler's total volume. Soft-sided coolers, which don't have a specific capacity range, but tend to line up with the same offerings as small or personal-sized coolers. The 15-liter capacity of the Playmate is enough to hold 30 small cans of beer, which should be plenty for a day outing. Its convenient size and shape and thoughtful features make it a great choice for 1-2 person road trips (as its name implies), beach days, and even some overnight camping trips. Also, the zipper is 100% leakproof and waterproof, allowing you to confidently use this cooler regardless of the weather conditions. I did my best to account for those size differences as I evaluated each cooler's relative performance, but first, I needed to be sure that I had accurate measurements. The last time I tested coolers for this list, I had Cabela's 60-quart version of this cooler listed as the best large cooler. Both brands have excellent products in each of these categories and before you can decide which cooler will work best for you, its important to figure out exactly what you need. The IMX ice chest has a single aluminum hinge across the back. If you dont care about too many premium features, and want something that wont require you to break the bank, then this cooler is perfect for you. This cooler also features heavy-duty rubber latches and a NeverFail hinge system, for the premium performance of all its moving parts. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. I recommend keeping an eye on other brands we've come to respect that have a more palatable price tag. You can see the rough tape along the lefthand side of our model's lid, which is sloppy compared to the rest of the Roadie 24's construction and renders our unit not airtight or leakproof. There are also rubber pads under the feet to prevent the box from skidding around on bumpy rides. If you're looking for a lightweight cooler able to keep ice for couple of days, then this is it. What I will say is that Yeti is the obvious choice if you want a cooler you can take on hikes. With the IMX ice chest release, they prove that the cooler business isn't only about rotomolded ice chests. A rubber seal helps trap cool air inside the rotomolded Roadie 24 while a 13" tall interior fits most wine and 2L soda bottles upright. As a matter of fact, at $220, this cooler is currently the cheapest of any cooler in either our midsize or large cooler category, with the exception of the Igloo BMX 52qt Cooler, which happened to be the poorest performer of the aforementioned categories. It's got a taller build than its predecessor, so it now accommodates a standard bottle of wine (or 2 liter bottle) upright, and is a better fit behind the driver's or passenger's seat of a car. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Igloo 24 Qt IMX Hard Sided Cooler, Gray at the best online prices at eBay! Reviews ethics statement. Yetis ultra-durable Tundra cool boxes are widely regarded as the finest around. That's several quarts less than the 45 quarts they spec. I suppose it might be because it is a new product line and Igloo still wants to test it out. But dont think that, just because its cheap, its low quality. But in the big picture, if you want stuff to stay cold, you literally cannot beat Cabela's Polar Cap option. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? Yeti will always be Yeti. But their coolers are expensive the more budget-friendly options are around $100-200, with their most premium coolers retailing for well over $400. Coolers are an essential component of any barbecue or camping trip. Though some ice chest sizes are more popular than others (50-quart, for instance), there really isn't much uniformity among coolers as far as size and shape are concerned. Are you interested more in premium performance or fun features? The Yeti got a little colder, and the Magellan held its temp. However, it weighs a lot more than a checked suitcase. (Bonuses like a cup holder or a bottle opener are important, but the most critical thing a quality cooler does is keep your cold drinks cold.) Also, don't forget to check out our handy dandy video buying guide for coolers with Andrew Gebhart. Although Yeti didn't hit the lowest overall temp of the bunch, it did hold its lowest temperature for much longer than its competitors. I do like that. Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. Free shipping for many products! Tipping the scales at just under 13 pounds, the Roadie 24 manages to be both larger and lighter than the Roadie 20 before it. That said, the 6-day ice retention of the IMX cooler is also pretty impressive, considering the fact that it is so much lighter and cost much less. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. This is further compounded by the dark blue color we tested, though Yeti also makes this model in lighter hues, which we solidly recommend. Yeti claims this cooler is "30% better thermally than its legendary predecessor", the Roadie 20. That's a lot better than the rubber T handles, but make no mistake, Magellan Outdoors still gets my vote for best latching mechanism. The Roadie can fit about 18 cans of beer inside, which should be enough for a day outing or an overnight camping trip. Rovr pegs the capacity of its $400 Rollr wheeled cooler at 60 quarts, but I could only fit 52.8 quarts of water inside when I measured for myself. Its interior is now taller than it is wide, stretching just over 13 inches inside plenty of space for the average-sized bottle of celebratory champagne or refreshing 2L soda. Long hours sitting directly in the hot sun seemingly made no difference to this cooler's durability. The BMX cooler has a ruler in the lid, making it a great option for fishing trips. And you can find some great lightweight coolers from Igloo for less than $50 if you just want something affordable, definitely check out the budget-friendly options from Igloo. The Igloo IMX is one of those coolers. A second set of handles hides, indented, underneath each side of the lid for two-handed carry. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Tundra Haul weighs 37 lbs when totally empty, and I think the wheels are more a necessity than anything else. Igloos coolers are less durable and dont perform as well or for as long as their Yeti counterparts. If you have to carry it for more than 10 minutes, you either need a softshell cooler or a hardshell option with wheels. I guess it made us even more fond of it. However, the others are much cheaper and a couple come in backpack format, if that's your thing. Yetis Tundra 65 will keep food fresh for almost a week, a duration thats pretty much unrivalled in the cool box world. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Not a dealbreaker, but it does get a bit annoying. Lets get to it: Yeti vs Igloo. And can any of the cheaper models keep up? While their coolers might be heavy and bulky, at least you can be certain that they will do a spectacular job at keeping your drinks and food cold. Also, the cooler features a soft grip rubber grab handle for great grip and comfortable carrying. Chief among them are a rising number of heavy-duty, roto-molded coolers that deliver thick, dense insulation superior to traditional coolers (and which perform better by leaps and bounds than a soft cooler or cooler bag). The backpack has lots of straps and hitching points, too -- I imagine the target demographic is more hiking-oriented than day-at-the-beach, but in either case, you'll be able to secure extra stuff. There are lots of great features on Igloo IMX series cooler that just seem to go above and beyond what you would expect of such a cheap cooler. For the colors, there are also only 2 available options: white and gray. The Igloo Trailmate won't be able to keep up with Yeti when it comes to insulation ability. The hinges themselves are the latches, and they're featured on both sides of the cooler, so no more walking around to "the other side," reaching over the lid or asking someone to grab your drink. Try as I might, I can't quite catch all of the Igloo Trailmate's snazzy features in one photo. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Comparing water bottles also finds Yeti to be more expensive, with their 36oz Water Bottle with chug cap costing $50.00. This slipshod tape job renders the cooler not airtight and allows water to easily drip out of the box when tilted on the side with the taped seam. The best part? It makes it easier for you to carry the Roadie for prolonged periods of time and its a huge upgrade over the old metal cooler we had on the previous Roadie models. Find out more atwww.alexfoxfield.com (opens in new tab), Hungry Yellowstone grizzly bear filmed searching 'pantry' for frozen bison, Strava can now soundtrack your workouts with Spotify integration, Dakine Poacher RAS 18L ski backpack review: a no-fuss, low-profile pack ideal for skiers and boarders alike. Also, it won't be at the level of toughness that a Yeti is. With similar rugged construction used across the line of Yeti coolers, the Roadie 24 is . Specifically, I wanted to track the ambient temperature in each cooler, so I spread the ice in each one I tested beneath an elevated jar of propylene glycol solution (watered-down antifreeze) with a temperature probe in it. No matter how we yanked, pressed, or jumped on the Roadie 24, it never broke or even gave us the impression that it might. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Additionally, the BMX cooler features oversized hinges and stainless steel screws that are extremely durable. Heres how it works. Also, its worth noting that the lid of the Playmate cooler is not insulated, so its best not to put anything above the walls of the cooler. This quality can also be seen in their Trailhead camping chair, which is very highly thought of but also very expensive. Setting up base camp on Everest? Also, they usually have either a shoulder strap or backpack straps, so theyre much easier to carry. Meanwhile, Igloo's 36oz Legacy Growler costs only $20.99 and has the added bonus of being Star Wars themed. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Not quite so much. The total capacity of the Ice Cube cooler is 60 quarts, which is equivalent to some 57 liters. Coolers are essential for backyard get-togethers, camping trips and tailgating events. The lid also has a lock slot, in case you would like to secure the contents of your cooler with a padlock. Insulation wise, therefore, the IMX is not the best one out there, but certainly it's above the average. Just two minor concerns that we feel compelled to mention here. To make things easier, we have compiled this cooler comparison chart. This time, we're doing the Igloo IMX cooler review! Read our Magellan Outdoors Dual Open 20qt Cooler review. Even the lid is fully insulated, so you can be certain that whatever you put inside the cooler will stay chill for hours. Surprisingly, or not, brands matter. Igloos more colourful, budget friendly options may suit better. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. Though it's not something you're likely to love carrying for miles on end (unlike some soft coolers), compared to so many other monstrous models we tested, the Roadie is positively blissful to move around with. It can hold up to 30 cans, or you can fit up to 30 pounds of ice in it. Our first soft-sided and backpack cooler didn't perform the best, but it is durable and a great option for hikers and campers alike. Whatever outdoor activity you decide on, having a cold place to stash drinks is key for you and your guests to stay cool, hydrated and happy -- which is especially important during big events like Labor Day. This is very portable though, and can hold up to 28 pounds of ice. Especially with the waterproof construction, sturdy materials, and external attachment points that allow you to carry all sorts of items in addition to the food and drinks. Why elevated? My mission? The performance of Magellan's largest offering was very close to Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer. If you're someone who uses a cooler constantly, requires a lot of toughness from your gear, and is willing to invest in serious excellence, the Roadie 24 is worth it. In general, the Roadie 24 is pretty easy to load and unload, has a decent capacity, and is simple and straightforward to use. This adds up to a lid that wont withstand years or abuse in rugged outdoor settings. The RTIC is two hundred dollars less than the Yeti, and almost all of the features are similar to the Yeti competition. The easy-to-use, double-latched design means you can open the cooler from either side and, if you'd prefer, you can disengage the latches on both sides to remove the lid altogether. But they also expect them to cost more than their competitors. Learn more here. Another Magellan cooler. None of them get that cold, and they don't hold their median temp for long at all. Even though summer is over, it's never too early or too late to grab a reliable cooler. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. Igloo is one of those die-hard cooler brands that we wont see go away any time soon. I also love the strong hinge it has on the back. The Yeti got a little colder, and the Magellan held its temp a little longer. If you believe that your copyright has been misused, please provide us with a message stating your position and we will endeavor to correct any misuse immediately. The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter in weight and holds 20% more than a Roadie 20, it even performs 30% better thermally. If overextended, you can literally see them straining towards breaking point. And if you like items that attempt to be more versatile, definitely consider going with an Igloo cooler. The bigger options are just so wide that its not comfortable or easy for one person to carry it, and that doesnt even account for the weight of a fully packed 72-quart plastic cooler. No "sponsored" content. Secondly, as we discussed above, the tape that holds together the two ends of the rubber gasket is a bit sloppy, and the seal is imperfect.
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