Summer Survival Guide

Make Your Cooler
Work for You

Icy cold drinks are never more important than during the throes of summer. So make sure you're prepared with plenty of ice and a good cooler. And pack it properly. After all, no matter where you're heading, some of your most precious cargo can be found in the cooler. Do yourself a favor and invest in a quality ice chest and if you've got the time, consider pre-chilling it. Add some ice the day before and keep it in a cool place. That way, on the day you use it, the new ice won't melt as fast, ensuring the cooler and your drinks stay cold for longer. Herewith, some of the best coolers for your needs.

Best drinks coolers

The Classic

Holds: 85 cans

Crafted from solid steel with a sturdy latch and rubber-gripped handles, this rustproof, leak-resistant Coleman is an American classic you'll be able to keep for life. Built to last, the “Have-a-Seat” lid supports up to 250 lbs., so it makes for an easy tabletop or bench. The extra-tall shape allows you to store two-liter bottles upright and the leak-resistant channel drain makes it easy to empty any excess water without tilting the cooler. The latest update on this beauty includes an integrated bottle opener and a matte, powder-coated exterior finish.

Steel belted cooler,
$239 by Coleman

Throwback Cool

Holds: 36 cans

Compact, easy to carry and affordable to boot, this simple cooler has all the retro '90s cool of a vintage model, but under the hood, it's insulated with THERMECOOL foam for a cleaner, lighter and more eco-friendly chill. The perfect cooler for a day by the water, when you just want to keep a few beers and snacks cool, the oversized handles fit together for comfortable one-handed carrying.

Retro picnic basket,
$50 / $39.99 by Igloo

Most Portable

Holds: 12 cans

This easy-to-carry sling is deceptively roomy for such a slim design. Pack away up to 12 cans or four bottles of wine within the leakproof puncture-resistant nylon bag. The wide-top opening makes packing and unpacking a breeze and the rubberized, padded handles and shoulder straps make carrying it easy and comfortable.

Cooler sling,
$179.95 by Pelican

Nearly Indestructible

Holds: 110 cans

There's no denying that Yeti coolers are deserving of their praise and reputation. But if you simply can't part with the cash, RTIC has established themselves as a worthy contemporary in the rotomolded cooler space. This impact-resistant hard cooler is officially “bear resistant” with heavy duty rubber T-latches and no-fail full length hinges. The freezer style lid gasket helps keep ice frozen for up to 10 days.

Hard cooler,
$514 / $359.89 by RTIC

Insulated Picnic Bag

Holds: 24 cans

If you want an adaptable and versatile option for weekend getaways and romantic alfresco dinners, this is your cooler. Simple side clips quickly transform it from a wide cube to classic tote to completely flat for all your carry and storage needs. An exterior pocket keeps items dry while a fully seam-sealed, leakproof liner is easy to clean should there be any spills. Plus, the simple side clips allow you to quickly flatten the tote for easy storage.

Pack-Away 24 soft cooler,
$49.95 by REI Co-op

All-Terrain Option

Holds: 112 cans

This oversized SUV of a cooler features everything from a metal telescoping handle (that also holds a serving tray) to oversized “never flat” wheels. There are also four cup holders, two bottle openers and a built-in mobile device stand. And that's just the outside. The roomy Ultratherm insulated interior provides four-day ice retention while a suspended food basket keeps items cold, yet dry.

Trailmate roller,
$279.99 / $199.99 by Igloo

The Iceless Cooler

Holds: 36 cans

Meet the Rimowa of coolers. Or maybe it's the Dyson, since it's promising do things a little different. You see, this aluminum Norwegian cooler keeps drinks cold for days without ice—just a slim thermal pack keeps items nice and frosty. And no ice means more room for food and drinks. But just be warned that, like a Rimowa, this beauty will get dented so go ahead and embrace those as reminders of past adventures.

Tempo bundle,
$500 by Oyster

Keep Your Cool

You don’t need those foam or neoprene koozies to keep your can or bottle cold. Simply wrap a bandana around it to insulate the liquid and absorb any sweat. And when you’re done, wipe your brow with the now-icy cloth. Refreshment times two.

Cotton bandanas,
$12 for 3-pack by Levi's

A Quick
Cool Down

Not the most practical way to cool down your cans, but a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher can—in a pinch—effectively chill a six pack to a frosty, refreshing temperature in just under three minutes. Simply place the cans in a cooler or bucket and spray them down with the CO2.

Rechargeable fire extinguisher, $152.99 by Buckeye

Buckeye Rechargable Fire Extinguisher

Rechargeable fire extinguisher, $108.99 by Buckeye

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