The Best Wheeled Coolers for Camping, Tailgating, and Beachgoing—Tested

Whether you’re rolling into a campsite, picnic, or outdoor concert, a wheeled cooler makes it easy to bring food and drinks. We love spending time outside, so we tested today’s top-selling coolers on wheels to see which ones were easy to use and capable of keeping beverages cold for a long time. After days of hauling, bumping, and ice-melting tests, one clear winner emerged: the Yeti Tundra Haul. It topped our lineup for its rugged durability, exceptional insulation, and smooth-rolling, easy-pull design.

The best wheeled coolers are lightweight yet sturdy, featuring long handles and durable wheels that grip. They roll with ease and keep refreshments ice-cold for outdoor festivities, and they should also be easy to clean. Read on to learn more about what to look for in a rolling cooler and find out how the following models fared in our hands-on tests. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ninja FrostVault 45QT Cooler With Wheels
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3. BEST FOR TAILGATING: BrüMate BrüTank Wheeled Cooler
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4. BEST FOR ENTERTAINING: Igloo Insulated Party Bar Portable Wheeled Cooler
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5. BEST FOR CAMPING: RTIC 52AT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
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6. BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Anker Everfrost 2-Wheeled Cooler
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7. BEST FOR OUTINGS: RTIC Ultra Light Wheeled Cooler
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8. BEST FOR ENTERTAINING: Magellan Outdoors 45-Quart Pro Explore Icebox
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Wheeled Coolers Comparison

Our Top Picks

Whether for camping trips, beach days, or picnics in the park, a cooler on wheels makes an excellent companion. The following tested models keep drinks ice-cold with excellent insulation, are durable, easy-to-clean, and feature thoughtful designs.

Best Overall

Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at Yeti

What We Like

• Exceptional one-piece rotomolded construction
• Well-insulated cooler
• Outstanding ice retention

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than some models

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 82 cans
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d): 19.6 by 28.1 by 18.6 inches
• Wheel type: Non-flat

Our Ratings

As with other Yeti coolers, we were able to see (and feel) the durable build quality of the Tundra Haul right out of the box, and in our testing we found this to be the best-rated wheeled cooler overall. It features a rotomolded construction with a one-piece design that eliminates leaks. The NeverFail T-Rex rubber latches lock the lid snugly in place.

For our tests, we filled the Tundra Haul with ice and drinks and pulled it around. It rolled smoothly over concrete and well-packed gravel, and we didn’t struggle too much to pull it over thick grass, though it did take a bit more effort. 

Then, we put the cooler in the back of our SUV to see how long it would take for the ice to melt. The outdoor temps reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the interior of the car was much hotter. We checked every 6 to 8 hours. For the first 24 hours, very little ice melted. On day 2, we noticed more melting, but our drinks were still icy cold. We were impressed that the last of the ice didn’t melt until day 4. 

The Yeti cooler holds 82 cans or 64 pounds of ice, and the interior is tall enough to hold wine bottles. At 37 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some, but it is exceptionally durable and designed to keep ice from melting for days. 

What our tester says: “This Yeti cooler ticked all the boxes—it was rock-solid and easy to pull. It kept our food and drinks cold for 4 days in a hot car, and we loved how great it looked.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Yeti wheeled cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Yeti.

Best Bang For The Buck

Ninja FrostVault 45QT Cooler With Wheels

Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at Ninja

What We Like

• Budget-friendly wheeled cooler
• Excellent build quality
• Cooler with drawers
• Strong ice retention

What We Don’t Like

• Pulling is more challenging in thick grass

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 68 cans
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d): 18.89 by 28.58 by 17.36 inches
• Wheel type: Non-flat

Our Ratings

The Ninja FrostVault is the least expensive wheeled cooler on our list, but it’s still a top performer. The build quality is excellent, and it comes with a drawer in the front that we used for sandwiches and other food items we wanted to keep cool without placing them directly in the ice. Those who have packed food in the main compartment of a cooler only to find water leaked in will be able to relate, but the drawer in this Ninja kept our sandwiches cool and dry.

The ice in the main compartment lasted nearly 3 days before completely melting. The latch and lock are very secure, and pulling the FrostVault over pavement and packed gravel was easy—a little more challenging over thick grass, but that’s to be expected. 

All in all, the Ninja FrostVault offers high ice retention and great features at a very competitive price. We recommend this wheeled cooler for anyone wanting to keep food and drinks cold on camping, fishing, and road trips. 

Get the Ninja wheeled cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Ninja. 

Best For Tailgating

BrüMate BrüTank Wheeled Cooler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Buy at BrüMate

What We Like

• Perfect size for day trips
• Built-in 1.8-gallon drink tank
• Excellent build quality

What We Don’t Like

• Limited ice retention

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 36 cans; 1.5-gallon Drink Tank
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d): 19 by 21 by 22 inches
• Wheel type: Non-flat

Our Ratings

The 35-quart BrüMate BrüTank cooler is the perfect size hard cooler with wheels for taking to picnics, sports events, and tailgating. A larger 55-quart size is available, but we’re sold on the smaller size for quick trips and parties. 

The BrüMate has something the other coolers we tested didn’t: a 1.8-gallon removable tank and a built-in tap for easy drink refills. We filled the tank with water and the main compartment with ice and canned drinks and started our hot car test. For the first 2 days, we got ice-cold water from the tap, and the canned drinks inside stayed refreshingly cold. On the third day, the ice finally melted, but we were still impressed.

The BrüMate pulled easily over hard ground and was a little more challenging to pull through dense grass, but not much. It’s very user-friendly. It boasts an excellent build quality, and it’s hard to beat this model for gatherings, thanks to its internal drink tank and tap. We also liked the bottle cap remover on the inside of the lid and the non-slip top, which is perfect for use as a side table.

Get the BruMate wheeled cooler at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or BrüMate. 

Best For Entertaining

Igloo Insulated Party Bar Portable Wheeled Cooler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Sam's Club Buy at Igloo

What We Like

• Massive capacity for large gatherings
• Useful organization: dividers and a wine caddy
• Rolling base with caster wheels
• Thick insulated exterior walls

What We Don’t Like

• Lid is not insulated
• Heavy weight and casters limit portability

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 158 cans (with dividers)
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d) 26.9 by 39.1 by 21.8 inches
• Wheel type: Solid caster

Our Ratings

Thouse planning on hosting a large gathering may want to check out the Igloo Party Bar wheeled cooler. It holds up to 212 cans, comes with removable dividers and a wine caddy for optimal drink organization. 

This large cooler with wheels is portable, but it’s not a camping cooler: it’s too heavy to load into the car and then pull to a campsite, so we tested it differently. We attached the caster wheels to the rolling base and then set the cooler unit on top. We filled it with ice and drinks and rolled it to the sunniest place on our patio. 

The Party Bar has thick exterior walls, which help keep the ice from melting. However, it doesn’t have an insulated lid, so we expected the ice to melt more quickly. It still took over 36 hours for it to completely melt. That’s more than enough time to keep many drinks cold for a reception, family reunion, or graduation party.

The huge interior is designed for large groups and needs 9 to 10 bags of ice to fill, so it’s best suited for people who entertain often or are planning a large gathering. 

Get the Igloo Party Bar wheeled cooler at Amazon, Sam’s Club, or Igloo. 

Best For Camping

RTIC 52AT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart Buy at RTIC

What We Like

• T-style rubber latches
• Lightweight design for portability
• Durable and rugged

What We Don’t Like

• Not the longest ice retention

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 78 cans
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d): 18.62 by 28.93 by 18.18 inches
• Wheel type: Non-flat

Our Ratings

When looking for an easy-to-handle insulated cooler to take along on a holiday weekend camping trip, it’s tough to beat RTIC’s 52-quart cooler, which retained ice in our hot car test for 3 days. We found the RTIC cooler to be rugged, durable, and easy to pull over all types of terrain. Additionally, its relatively light weight makes it easy to lift to the back of a car or a truck bed. 

This cooler has the same type of T-shaped rubber latches as the Yeti, and they held the lid just as securely. A plus with this cooler is a silicone cargo net built into the underside of the lid, where we were able to store food products, such as sliced cheese, lunch meat, and other food items we didn’t want sitting in the ice. 

It’s large enough to hold 78 cans and it comes with a built-in stainless steel bottle opener. Another plus: the RTIC comes with tie-down slots that allowed us to secure it in the back of our truck. This is a great wheeled cooler for 3- to 5-day camping trips. 

Get the RTIC 52AT wheeled cooler at Amazon, Walmart, or RTIC. 

Best Battery-Powered

Anker Everfrost 2-Wheeled Cooler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Best Buy

What We Like

• No ice needed
• Impressive cooling performance
• Multiple charging options

What We Don’t Like

• Weighs nearly 65 pounds

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 61 quarts
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d): 19.4 by 38.8 by 18 inches deep
• Wheel type: Non-flat

Our Ratings

If the trek to the store to buy multiple bags of ice for the cooler has become a chore, consider the Anker Solix Everfrost 2 battery-powered cooler. This was the first non-ice cooler we’ve tested, and we were very impressed with its performance. The Everfrost is a heavy-duty cooler that kept our food and drinks cold for the duration of its battery life, which was about 2 days. 

The Everfrost is on the heavy side, tipping the scales at nearly 65 pounds, so it takes two people to lift it to the back of a car or truck bed. That being said, it’s incredibly well-made and rugged. The handle and wheels make it easy to pull the cooler over hard surfaces, and while it’s a bit slower going on dense grass, it’s very doable. 

We charged the Everfrost batteries via an electrical outlet, which can also be charged via solar panels, a car socket, or a USB cord (sold separately). It took about 4 hours to charge them. 

While this is marketed as a cooler, it’s actually a battery-powered refrigerator. A huge upside is being able to keep drinks and food cold without worrying about ice melting, but for users planning to take it on longer road trips, we think it would be a good idea to purchase a second set of batteries and a solar panel to avoid any downtime caused by discharged batteries.

What our tester says: “I wasn’t sure what to expect from a battery-powered cooler, but the Anker Solix is amazing! Battery runtime is up to 2 days, and I loved that it could be charged multiple ways.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Anker wheeled cooler at Amazon or Best Buy.

Best For Outings

RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart Buy at RTIC

What We Like

• Lightweight: easy to lift or roll
• Cold retention up to four days
• Great beach cooler with wheels

What We Don’t Like

• Limited capacity for some uses

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 28 cans
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d): 19.29 by 21.16 by 15.67 inches
• Wheel type: Non-flat

Don’t get weighed down with a heavy cooler on those day trips to the beach or the mountains. We like that RTIC’s Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler is a small rolling cooler that weighs in at just under 18 pounds, yet it’s still big enough to accommodate 28 cans or six wine bottles. 

This compact wheeled cooler features 2.3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation to keep its contents chilled for up to four days. Like the other coolers we tested, it has solid, non-flat, puncture-resistant wheels and pulls easily over most surfaces with its telescoping handle. 

It also features a silicone cargo net for stowing foot items up and off the ice and a built-in stainless steel bottle opener. An added perk—this lightweight model is compatible with RTIC’s line of accessories, including wine holders, freezable dividers, and baskets that are sold separately for customization. 

Get the RTIC Ultralight wheeled cooler at Amazon, Walmart, or RTIC.

Best For Entertaining

Magellan Outdoors 45-Quart Pro Explore Icebox

Buy at Academy Sports+Outdoors

What We Like

• Cutting board, bottle opener, and tray
• Innovative lid design
• 3 handle options

What We Don’t Like

• No cupholders

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Product Specs

• Capacity: 45 quarts
• Exterior dimensions (h/w/d) 16.5 by 43 by 16 inches
• Wheel type: Nonflat

Our Ratings

This well-designed, rotomolded wheeled cooler from Magellan boasts an ample 45-quart capacity, non-flat rubber wheels, and a choice of various colors. It also features three handle options, including two nylon straps with rubber grips built into the cooler as well as a metal handle that lifts for easy toting. We liked the one-hand-friendly latches on both sides of the cooler, which also double as hinges. These allowed us to open the lid from either side or remove the lid altogether.

The Magellan Outdoors Pro Explore Icebox pleasantly surprised us during testing. It has as many, if not more, of the features included in brands that cost twice as much. We enjoyed the removable divider and its alternate use as a cutting board, as well as the three handle options: The straps proved great for lowering it out of the truck bed and handing it off to someone). 

In our opinion, the best feature is the lid’s flexibility. Throughout the test, it maintained ice very well and recorded an average temperature of 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit. While there’s very little to complain about, with all those features, we figured there’d be cupholders—but they’re missing. Their absence is a drawback, but certainly not a dealbreaker.

Get the Magellan Outdoors wheeled cooler at Academy Sports + Outdoors. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Wheeled Coolers

We researched over 50 of the best-rated wheeled coolers before selecting 15 for hands-on testing. Because individual food preservation needs vary, we looked for models that covered a range of sizes and price points. 

Once the rolling coolers arrived, we carefully assessed their build quality by checking the handles, wheels, latches, and lids. Then we filled them with ice and drinks. 

While we couldn’t control differences in outdoor temperatures over our three-week testing period, to simulate real-world conditions, we subjected the coolers to extreme temperatures by putting them in the backs of automobiles left in the sun, where the interior car temperatures easily exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

We checked regularly to see if the ice was melting and how quickly it was melting. One model was strictly an outdoor patio type, so we tested it on our patio. We compared the differences in ice melt times between the coolers and then awarded points based on a rubric that assessed melt resistance, build quality and ease of use. Then, we averaged the scores to determine our top pick and categorized the other models according to their best features. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wheeled Cooler

With the right wheeled cooler, cold beverages and snacks will stay at the ideal temperature for the duration of the party, game, or event. The best rolling coolers make it easy to bring favorite foods and drinks to the park, to the beach, or even across rugged terrain during camping trips. When choosing a suitable cooler, consider the type, size/capacity, handle length, wheel type, temperature retention, and additional ease-of-use features. 

Type 

• Hard coolers often include a few common features, such as folding or telescoping handles and latched lids. Built-in cupholders on the lid provide a stable spot to place a drink. Many hard coolers provide a sturdy enough surface to double as a seat. 
• As for soft coolers, their flexible design makes them easier to store, and some collapse to fold flat when not in use. When it comes to soft coolers, wheels are harder to come by. For this test, we found that most soft coolers wouldn’t meet our criteria—very few even had wheels. However, in terms of simple one-day portable coolers, there are plenty of high-quality soft coolers that can do the trick. 
• Rotomolded coolers are a type of hard cooler made with a specific manufacturing process that makes them incredibly durable; some can even stand up to grizzly bears’ attempts to get inside.

Yeti coolers are among the most popular coolers (especially for rotomolded models), but they aren’t the only option by a long shot, as our testing demonstrated. 

Size/Capacity 

Capacity is a key consideration when it comes to the best wheeled cooler. These handy ice boxes range in size from a small 20-quart cooler that provides room for a six-pack, an ice pack, and a few snacks to a large cooler on wheels that holds refreshments for an entire Little League team.

The cooler’s total size matters, too. It can affect mobility in tight or crowded spaces and also impacts storage and transport. Ensure the chosen cooler will fit on that designated shelf in the garage and slide easily in and out of a trunk or truck bed. A small cooler on wheels is perfect for storage or tight vehicles, but a large hard-sided model can double as a seat or table at the campsite or in the backyard, so even those large, bulky coolers have their benefits.

Insulation 

Ice retention is a measure of how well a cooler does its main job: keeping items chilled. Ice retention times vary widely, depending on the quality of the cooler. Some of the best models keep cold for a week. More budget-friendly options may only keep cool for a day. 

Insulation materials affect retention times. Most coolers use Styrofoam insulation. Tucked between the inner and outer walls of the cooler, Styrofoam makes for affordable and effective insulation. The more expensive models often offer a polyurethane insulation layer, which is also a type of foam that is better at insulating than other options. 

Unsurprisingly, the best wheeled coolers feature fully insulated sides and lids to stay cooler for longer. An airtight seal that helps keep heat out is another plus. Also, shoppers will want to keep in mind that hard coolers tend to be better insulated and keep items cooler for longer than soft coolers. 

Portability

When shopping for a cooler on wheels, portability is likely a top priority. The different portability features required depend on the cooler’s intended use. Such features as size, handle height, and wheel type all work together to contribute to portability. 

• Wheels make it easier to transport the cooler, especially when it’s fully loaded with ice and food and drinks. The best wheel type depends on where the cooler will most likely be rolling; some wheel types are better suited for rugged camping, while others are made for maintained grass and city pavements. Consider the wheel size, material, tread, and durability when picking out the ideal cooler. 

• Wheel type/size: Smaller, smoother wheels traverse even terrain, such as pavement and groomed lawns, with ease. Coolers with large wheels are a must for uneven terrain and unpaved surfaces like the beach and hiking trails.
• Material quality/tread: Most rolling-cooler wheels are made of molded plastic because it is sturdy, waterproof, and affordable. Some coolers have wheels with rims and rubber tires for smoother rolling. Wheels may be smooth or treaded. The best style depends on terrain: Treaded wheels provide better traction on uneven surfaces like trails and off-road environments, while smooth wheels roll well along city sidewalks and across parking lots. Also, wheels meant for sandy environments tend to be a combination of both—large and rugged but smooth.
• Durability: Coolers with rubber tires look neat and can tackle tough terrains, but they can fall victim to leaks. If rubber is desired, look for thick, high-quality tires or non-flat rubber wheels. Leaks aren’t a concern with plastic wheels, but be sure to keep wheels clean and dry to prevent them from getting squeaky, sticky, or rusty. 

• Handle length affects ease of transport. Ideally, users want a handle that won’t require them to crouch or stoop to move the cooler. Also, consider handle placement. Awkward handle placement can be just as uncomfortable as a handle that’s too short. Look for designs that won’t hit ankles while the user is wheeling those chilled beverages around.

Additional Features

Wheeled coolers may include a range of extra accessories and built-in features. Some accessories like removable shelves, interior organizers, and zippered or mesh pockets help with organization, so, for instance, canned drinks don’t end up crushing sandwiches and fruit en route. Coolers of any type may include built-in bottle openers, ensuring there’s always a way to pop a cold one wherever the party might roll. 

Here’s a rundown of the added features to look for:

• Built-in or removable shelving, organizers, and pockets 
• Built-in cupholders 
• A surface to sit on
• A collapsible design 
• Built-in bottle openers 

Tips for Using a Wheeled Cooler 

With proper use, cleaning, and maintenance, a wheeled cooler will stay fresh and functional for seasons to come. Ahead are a few tips for caring for a wheeled cooler. 

• Take care not to overload a wheeled cooler. Excessive weight may bend the wheel frame or otherwise damage the cooler. 
• Clean the cooler as soon as possible after each use to prevent spills, stains, and odors from soaking into the walls.
• Warm water and soap are often enough to clean the cooler. Take a sponge or cloth and clean the cooler thoroughly, wiping the inside, outside, lid, and wheels. 
• Tackle tough odors with common household items like vinegar and baking soda.
• Let the cooler completely dry, with the lid off, before storing. 

Store the cooler in a dry location to prevent mildew, and ideally, keep it out of direct sunlight to preserve the color and integrity of the exterior. 

Accidents or wear and tear can cause damage to cooler wheels. If the cooler is in need of a wheel replacement, look for an appropriate wheel kit (many brands sell replacement wheels) and replace the wheels as needed. 

FAQs

Q. How long do wheeled coolers last?

Well-built coolers with wheels can last many years. Look for rustproof hardware and sturdy, well-designed hinges, wheels, and closing mechanisms that can stand up to heavy use, as it’s those components that can fail.

Q. How can you keep a cooler cold for 3 days?

Choose a cooler designed to stay cold for longer periods of time. Some coolers keep cold for 5 days or more, thanks to closed-cell foam insulation.

Q. How do you clean and maintain a wheeled cooler?

Clean your cooler with soap and water immediately after each use to prevent it from absorbing stains or odors.

Q. How do you put wheels on a nonwheeled cooler?

A cooler wheel kit can transform a nonwheeled cooler into an adventure-ready cruiser. Installation depends on the wheel-kit type. Some install using a handful of strategically placed straps, while others require some drilling.

Q. How do you change the wheels on a cooler?

To change the wheels on a cooler, try to find replacement wheels from the cooler’s manufacturer to ensure a good fit. Once you have the wheel set, changing the wheels typically requires just a few steps and some common household tools, like a screwdriver. 

Q. Can I use dry ice in my cooler? 

Yes, it’s safe to use dry ice in some coolers, provided you follow certain precautions. Not all coolers are just an ice chest with wheels: For dry ice, the cooler needs to have a ventilation method to release the evaporating gas. Keep in mind that dry ice gives off carbon dioxide gas, so take care not to keep the vented cooler in enclosed spaces for too long. You should also take steps to protect the interior of the cooler from the extreme cold by wrapping the dry ice or lining the cooler with Styrofoam or cardboard. 

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. His work has been featured on This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. As a lover of all things tools and construction, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while sharing his knowledge with the DIY world. 

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

 

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