What Size Cooler Do You Need? A Comprehensive Cooler Size Guide

If you're like us, you probably have multiple coolers stored in your garage. After all, you need plenty of options so you have just the right size for any occasion. Too small, and you may find yourself out of drinks or without room for your food items. Too big, and you're hauling around way more than you need. The good news? We’ve got you covered.

From smaller, soft sided coolers for a quick day at the park to larger coolers for a weekend trip or even a week-long outdoor adventure, Rugged Road has the perfect cooler size for every occasion. Here's a quick cooler size guide on how to choose the perfect companion for your next outing.

A Guide to Cooler Sizes

Coolers come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, but it’s the cooler capacity that really counts. While most coolers are typically measured in quarts, at Rugged Road we measure our cooler capacities by what really matters—how much you can pack.

Thanks to our thinner walls and superior insulation, our coolers offer more room inside without the bulk. We keep it simple: the cooler's name matches its can capacity, so the RR 45 holds up to 45 standard 12 oz cans, the RR 65 holds 65 cans, and so on.

Small Coolers: Best for Short Trips 

Got a quick outing planned with the fam? A small cooler or soft cooler is your go-to. These are the perfect size for a few soda cans and juice boxes, some snacks, and maybe a couple of sandwiches. Smaller coolers are also easy to carry, making them ideal for parents shuttling kids to sports games or for a date night with a few bottles of wine. They offer just enough storage space without being bulky.

• Capacity: Fits anywhere from 6-30 cans, depending on size.

• Best for: Quick trips, beach days, or kids’ sporting events.

• Bonus: Pop in some ice packs for extra chill, and you’re all set!

Medium Coolers: Ideal for Day-Long Outings

When you're headed out for the day, a medium-sized cooler gives you the flexibility to pack more without lugging around a massive cooler. This size works great for tailgating, family picnics, or fishing trips when you need to keep things cold but don’t want to go overboard. There’s enough space for a full day’s worth of food and drinks with better ice retention to keep your items cool.

• Capacity: Holds up to 45 cans plus ice.

• Best for: Day-long outings like tailgates, beach days, or casual fishing trips.

• Bonus: Use a snack rack to toss in some extra snacks, and there’s still room to keep your drinks cold all day long.

Large Coolers: Perfect for A Weekend Camping Trip

Planning a weekend in the wild? You’ll want a large cooler to carry all your supplies. This size cooler is ideal for multi-day camping trips, family barbecues, or when you’re hosting a tailgate that feels more like a small block party. These larger coolers offer plenty of storage space for food, drinks, and and a generous layer of ice, with room to spare.

• Capacity: Holds up to 85 cans with room for food and ice.

• Best for: Weekend camping trips, large family gatherings, or extended events.

• Bonus: This cooler will keep your food fresh and your drinks cold for the long haul—perfect for those who need their supplies chilled for more than just a few hours.

Extra-Large Coolers: For When You Really Need to Pack it All

Sometimes, a regular cooler just won’t cut it. That’s where extra-large coolers come in—because when you’re packing for extended trips, hosting a big tailgate, or planning a hunting trip, you need an even larger cooler for all the essentials. With the ability to hold up to 115 cans (or a mix of food and drinks), extra large coolers are ideal for situations where you need serious capacity.

• Capacity: Holds 85-115 cans with plenty of room for ice and food.

• Best for: Multi-day camping trips, tailgate parties with larger groups, or big family events.

• Bonus: Rugged Road’s superior ice retention means your food and drinks stay cold for days, so you can focus on the fun without worrying about constant ice refills.

Specialty Coolers: Tailgating and Outdoor Events

Specialty coolers are built with specific features to handle whatever adventure you throw at them. From electric coolers to wheeled coolers and those that float upright, there are options for just about any occasion.

• Backpack Coolers: perfect for people who need to keep their hands free while hiking, fishing, or even walking to a tailgate spot.

• Floating Coolers: specifically designed to float upright in water, keeping your drinks and snacks easily accessible without tipping over or sinking.

• Wheeled Coolers: take the hassle out of transporting heavy loads. With sturdy wheels and long handles, these coolers are perfect for moving across uneven terrain, like sand or gravel.

• Heavy-Duty Coolers: made to withstand extreme outdoor conditions. These are the go-to coolers for hunters, campers, and anyone who needs something more robust for long excursions.

• Electric Coolers: uses electrical power to actively cool the interior, rather than relying solely on ice or ice packs for cooling.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Cooler

When it comes to coolers, size matters for sure. But there are a few other things to look for to ensure you have the right cooler for the occasion.

Ice Retention

For longer trips or hot, sunny days, the ability to keep your beverages cold for a long period is everything. Coolers with premium insulation (like Rugged Road’s advanced design) are built to keep ice frozen for days, so your drinks and food stay cold no matter how intense the conditions. If you’re planning multi-day camping trips or extended tailgates, choose a cooler that can keep up with your needs without constantly topping up the ice.

Portability

Bigger coolers are great for storing all your essentials, but don’t forget—you’ve got to carry it! If you’re flying solo or headed on shorter trips, a lightweight cooler might be the more practical option. Rugged Road coolers are designed with this in mind, giving you maximum capacity without extra bulk, so you don’t have to trade off portability for performance.

Storage Space

Take a look at how much room you have in your vehicle or at your campsite. A large cooler can store a lot, but they also take up more space in the trunk. If you're packing for a weekend camping trip or hauling gear for a big tailgate, make sure your cooler leaves room for other important items—like tents, chairs, and grills.

Extra Features

Coolers these days do more than just keep things cold! Look for coolers that come with extra features like Rugged Road’s Kick-Flip Lid™—a lid that doubles as a cutting board with built-in cup holders for added convenience. These details might seem small, but they can make a big difference when you’re setting up camp or having a picnic on the beach.

Durability

If your cooler is going to be tossed in the back of trucks, dropped at the campsite, or endure rugged conditions, durability matters. Rugged Road coolers are made with impact-resistant materials, ensuring they can handle the bumps and scrapes that come with outdoor adventures.

Versatility

Think about how often you'll use the cooler and for what activities. If you’re only using it occasionally, you might not need the largest cooler. But if you need a cooler for a variety of situations—like camping one weekend, tailgating the next, and keeping drinks cold for backyard parties—choose one that offers versatility and can handle it all.

Rugged Road Offers Multiple Sizes for All Your Cooler Capacity Needs

From soft coolers perfect for day trips to huge coolers that can handle epic outdoor adventures, Rugged Road has something for everyone. With options for all cooler sizes, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit for your next adventure. And, with superior ice retention and outstanding design features, our coolers ensure your drinks stay cold, your food stays fresh, and you can focus on having a great time—no matter where the rugged road takes you.