If you're headed to the beach, you’ll want a cooler to keep your snacks and drinks cold so you have everything you need to enjoy a fun and relaxing day on the water. The perfect beach cooler will keep your drinks chilled, your sandwiches fresh, and your fruit crisp.
There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your needs, from ultralight hard-sided coolers, to wheeled coolers, and even soft coolers with a shoulder strap. How do you choose the best beach cooler for you? The good news is, there’s something for everyone out there. Here are some key points to consider when searching for your next cooler.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Beach Cooler
1. Size and Capacity
Beach coolers come in all different sizes and types—from a small backpack cooler to large coolers that can hold up to 85 cans, and everything in between. If you're headed to the beach solo or planning a quiet date night by the water, a soft cooler with some ice or cold packs may do the trick. There are even soft coolers that are the perfect size for a few wine bottles.
However, if you're planning a full day out with the entire family, you're going to need something larger with plenty of storage space for drinks and snacks for everyone. On a hot day with little to no shade, you should plan for each person to have enough water to drink between 24-32 oz per person, per hour. For a family of four spending three hours at the beach, that's about 23 standard sized water bottles, plus any other beverages and snacks you may want.
Remember, it's not just about capacity but also about how easy it is to organize the contents. Coolers with dividers or multiple compartments can help you keep things in order so you're not digging through a mess every time you want to grab something.
If you prefer carrying a backpack-style or soft-sided cooler, choose one with comfortable, padded shoulder straps. This can make the walk from the car to your spot on the beach a lot more manageable!
2. Insulation Quality and Ice Retention
Ice retention is a major factor when it comes to choosing a cooler for the beach. On a hot day in the middle of summer, there's nothing better than some ice-cold drinks to cool you down. In general, hard coolers will hold ice longer than soft-sided coolers or backpack coolers.
But not all hard coolers are created equal. A premium cooler with advanced insulation technology will keep your ice frozen much longer than a budget beach cooler. Look for a cooler that guarantees long-lasting ice retention.
3. Portability and Ease of Transport
Have you ever tried to carry a full cooler by yourself, in flip-flops, across a parking lot and then through the hot sand? It's a great calf workout, and you'll certainly work up a sweat. But if a killer workout isn't your goal when headed to the beach, choose a lightweight cooler that won't bog you down. Wheeled coolers are great for paved surfaces, but the wheels don't do much in sand. If you’re opting for a wheeled cooler, find one that also has handles that make it convenient to carry on the beach.
Rugged Road coolers not only have a larger capacity compared to the competition, but they're also lighter in weight AND have a dual handle system, making them easy to carry even when they're fully loaded. A lighter cooler means more capacity without the added weight (and less of a calf workout)!
4. Durability and Build Quality
If you're going to invest in a beach cooler, you want it to last for years. The perfect beach cooler should be able to withstand the sand, sun, and salt water without showing signs of wear and tear. It should have a durable, rust-resistant exterior, a UV protected coating, reliable seals to keep out moisture, and be easy to clean after a fun day at the beach.
If you plan on hanging out in the water, a beach cooler that floats upright is an added bonus. A floating cooler allows you to bring your drinks out to the sandbar without worrying about having to go back to shore for a refill. Look for coolers made with high-quality materials that can still perform well, no matter the environment.
5. Additional Features and Accessories
What features should a beach cooler have? In addition to quality, size, and the best ice retention, look for a cooler that comes with added accessories like a snack rack or cupholders built into the lid. A lid that doubles as a cutting board can also be a game-changer for beach parties, or a wheeled cooler with sturdy handles makes it easier to transport across the sand. Soft-sided coolers often have added pockets on the outside where you can keep your keys, wallet, or a bottle opener.
Having these added features will make your beach outings more enjoyable and hassle-free. A well-equipped cooler means you can kick back and relax knowing that your snacks and drinks will be fresh and accessible all day long. .
6. Budget and Price Range
Price can play an important part in choosing the best beach cooler. If you're looking for something small that you'll only use occasionally, a compact cooler and a few ice packs may suffice.
If you're planning to use your cooler often, though, you want something that will hold up over time. While it may be a little more of an investment on the front end, you’re likely to get more usage out of a quality cooler over many years rather than having to replace a budget cooler every other trip. Keep performance and durability in mind when shopping. And for an extra notch of confidence in the cooler you’re buying, check out the cooler’s warranty policy. They may range from one year to lifetime!
7. Brand Reputation and Reviews
One final factor to consider is the brand reputation. What do other people have to say about their beach cooler? If it holds up in real life and customers are satisfied with the performance, you can feel more confident in your purchase. Reading reviews and testimonials can give you real-life insights into the cooler's durability, functionality, and overall value.
Brands with strong reputations usually have better customer support and warranties, providing peace of mind with your purchase. Look for brands that are known for innovation and quality, guaranteeing that your investment in a beach cooler is a wise one.
Bonus: Tips for Packing Your Beach Cooler
Once you pick your ideal beach cooler, make sure you know how to pack it efficiently to maximize space. Here are our top tips for maximizing space:
- Start with a layer of ice or cooler packs at the bottom. Begin by placing a layer of ice or cooler packs at the bottom of your cooler. This creates a solid cold foundation that will help keep everything else chilled. You can also use frozen water bottles—they can serve dual purposes as both cooling agents and refreshing drinks once they thaw.
- Place heavier items on top of the cooler packs. Next, add your heavier items such as drinks, large containers of food, and any items that need to remain very cold. If you put these items directly on top of the ice, they'll stay colder for a longer period of time. This also helps stabilize the cooler, making it easier to carry.
- Keep another layer of ice on top. Add another layer of ice on top of your lighter items. This top layer helps insulate the entire cooler, keeping everything chilled for longer.
- Separate drinks from dry food. If your cooler has a snack rack or divider, keep your dry food separate and away from the ice. This will keep your dry items like chips or sandwiches cold without getting wet or soggy.
- Use resealable bags to prevent leaks and spills. Pack food items like cut fruit in resealable bags or airtight containers to avoid any leaks or spills. Resealable bags also help to organize your cooler, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
- Fill the gaps. Do your best to fill any air gaps or spaces to prevent warm air from traveling throughout your cooler. You can do this by adding extra ice to fill small gaps, or throwing a towel on the top layer if there’s a big gap between your contents and the lid!
- Don’t drain the water. If possible, keep any meltwater in your cooler until the end of the day. This water will be very cold and will help to keep your contents cold! You can empty it through your cooler’s drain plug at the end of the day to prevent any spills or leaks.
Finding the Best Beach Cooler Just Got Easier
Choosing the best beach cooler can make all the difference for your seaside adventures. With so many options available, you want to make sure you find a cooler that meets all your needs in terms of size, durability, portability, and additional features.
Enter the Rugged Road cooler—a game-changer in the world of beach coolers. It combines ultralight design, exceptional durability, and unmatched ice retention, keeping contents cold for days.
With Rugged Road, finding the best beach cooler just got easier. The combination of lightweight design, large capacity, superior ice retention, and innovative features make it the perfect choice for any beach outing.
