Best cool box for camping 2025: keep your food and drinks cool and fresh

ActiveOutdoorsCampingBest cool box for camping 2025: keep your food and drinks cool and freshBrowse the best cool boxes, cool bags and electric coolers for camping, festivals, picnics and balmy days at the beachWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Browse the best cool boxes, cool bags and electric coolers for camping, festivals, picnics and balmy days at the beach

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Yeti)

Best cool box for camping: Person lifting a can out of a Yeti cool box

(Image credit: Yeti)

Jump to category:Cool boxesCool bagsElectric camping coolersHow to chooseHow we test

Whether you’re a seasoned camper looking to upgrade your cooling solution, gearing up for your first outdoor excursion or planning a picnic or beach BBQ, finding the best cool box is essential for keeping your food and drinks fresh and nicely chilled.

In this guide, we’ve evaluated and ranked the top cool box, cool bag and electric camping cooler options available today, ensuring you make the right choice for your outdoor needs. Even in the midst of chilly temperatures, car campers and outdoor enthusiasts alike can benefit from investing in reliable cooling receptacles to safeguard perishable goods during winter adventures.

From convenient day trips to summer gatherings, these versatile cooling solutions are indispensable for any outdoor activity, ensuring your refreshments stay chilled and ready for enjoyment.

Pair your chosen cool box with thebest camping chairs,best tentorbeach tent, and you’ll be well-equipped for a refreshing day under the sun, no matter the season. Looking for affordable YETI products? Head over to T3’sbest YETI sales and dealsroundup.

Best cool boxColeman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled CoolerCheck AmazonThe Coleman 50QT Xtreme Cooler impresses with its exceptional insulation, keeping items cold for days, making it perfect for extended outdoor adventures. Its durability and large capacity make it a reliable choice for camping and festivals, despite its hefty size.Read more belowBest cool bagHydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler PackView at AmazonThe Hydro Flask Day Escape is a well-designed, easy-to-carry soft cooler bag with impressive 36-hour insulation and sturdy construction. Though pricier and narrower than some might prefer, its quality and thoughtful features make it ideal for day trips and longer adventures.Read more belowBest electric coolerDometic CFX3 25View at Backcountry.comThe Dometic CFX3 25 camping cooler offers exceptional cooling performance, reaching -22°C, and is versatile, durable, and easy to use. Although expensive, it’s ideal for those seeking reliable temperature control and robust build quality for camping or home use.Read more below

Best cool box

Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler against white background

Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled CoolerCheck AmazonThe Coleman 50QT Xtreme Cooler impresses with its exceptional insulation, keeping items cold for days, making it perfect for extended outdoor adventures. Its durability and large capacity make it a reliable choice for camping and festivals, despite its hefty size.Read more below

Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

Check AmazonThe Coleman 50QT Xtreme Cooler impresses with its exceptional insulation, keeping items cold for days, making it perfect for extended outdoor adventures. Its durability and large capacity make it a reliable choice for camping and festivals, despite its hefty size.Read more below

Check Amazon

The Coleman 50QT Xtreme Cooler impresses with its exceptional insulation, keeping items cold for days, making it perfect for extended outdoor adventures. Its durability and large capacity make it a reliable choice for camping and festivals, despite its hefty size.

Best cool box for camping to buy right now

Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

The best camping cool boxes

(Image credit: Coleman)

Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Camping Cooler on some grass

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(Image credit: Coleman)

Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled CoolerThe best big camping cooler for summer gatheringsOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCapacity:47LCold performance:4 daysWeight:5.6kgToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Cold build and easy to move+Keeps food cool for 4 days+Doubles up as a camping seatReasons to avoid-(Officially) requires a lot of ice
Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

1. Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

The best big camping cooler for summer gatherings

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCapacity:47LCold performance:4 daysWeight:5.6kg

Capacity:47LCold performance:4 daysWeight:5.6kg

Capacity:47L

Cold performance:4 days

Weight:5.6kg

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Cold build and easy to move+Keeps food cool for 4 days+Doubles up as a camping seat

+Cold build and easy to move+Keeps food cool for 4 days+Doubles up as a camping seat

Cold build and easy to move

Keeps food cool for 4 days

Doubles up as a camping seat

Reasons to avoid-(Officially) requires a lot of ice

-(Officially) requires a lot of ice

(Officially) requires a lot of ice

Coleman’s monster 47-litre passive cool box on wheels has a durable and weatherproof design and earns a place in the best camping cooler ranking, partly thanks to its solid, rugged build. The Coleman 50QT is designed to keep food and drink fresh and cold for up to four days, making it an excellent choice for long weekend camping trips.

The lid features PU foam insulation, taking care of the cooling, and four cup holders for housing your bottles and cans. It’ll also double as a makeshift camping seat and will support up to 113kg in weight. The only real downside is that according to the official guidelines, you’d need to add more than 13 kilos of ice for best performance, which would put a not-insignificant dent in the space left for food and drink.

Read our fullColeman 50QT Xtreme camping cooler review

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)

Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

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(Image credit: Mark Mayne)

Yeti Roadie 24 CoolerThe best ultra-robust camping coolboxOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCapacity:24LCold performance:not statedWeight:5.8kgToday’s Best DealsView at Global Golf - U.S.View at AmazonView at REI.comReasons to buy+Super-rugged+Non-slip feet+Doubles up as a seatReasons to avoid-Not the easiest to carry long distances
Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

2. Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

The best ultra-robust camping coolbox

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCapacity:24LCold performance:not statedWeight:5.8kg

Capacity:24LCold performance:not statedWeight:5.8kg

Capacity:24L

Cold performance:not stated

Weight:5.8kg

Today’s Best DealsView at Global Golf - U.S.View at AmazonView at REI.com

Today’s Best Deals

View at Global Golf - U.S.View at AmazonView at REI.com

View at Global Golf - U.S.

View at Amazon

View at REI.com

Reasons to buy+Super-rugged+Non-slip feet+Doubles up as a seat

+Super-rugged+Non-slip feet+Doubles up as a seat

Super-rugged

Non-slip feet

Doubles up as a seat

Reasons to avoid-Not the easiest to carry long distances

-Not the easiest to carry long distances

Not the easiest to carry long distances

The Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler is a well-engineered and super-rugged portable cool box that’s just the ticket for keeping beers and food chilled outdoors. The interior has been proportioned to ensure it’ll hold a bottle of wine, stood up (important), and Yeti encourages you to use it as a stool. In fact, it even sells an accessory cushion for that very purpose.

Thick rotomoulded walls, dubbed the Yeti ‘Fatwall’, and PermaFrost insulation are responsible for the chilling. That same rotomoulded construction makes this timeless ice chest nigh-on indestructible, so it’ll withstand the rough and tumble of outdoor life. It is slightly tricky to carry over long distances, but it’s a solid choice for road trips, boating, car camping and short-haul picnics.

Read our fullYeti Roadie 24 cooler review.

(Image credit: Future | Derek Adams)

Coleman 28QT Convoy lifestyle hero

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(Image credit: Future | Derek Adams)

Coleman 28QT ConvoyBest inexpensive cooler for car camping and tailgatingSpecificationsCapacity:29LCold performance:3 daysWeight:4kgToday’s Best DealsView at Walmart(Brown)Check AmazonReasons to buy+Three days of ice retention+Rugged build quality+29 litres of storageReasons to avoid-Overlong rope handle-Not the prettiest cool box on the campsite
Coleman 28QT Convoy

3. Coleman 28QT Convoy

Best inexpensive cooler for car camping and tailgating

SpecificationsCapacity:29LCold performance:3 daysWeight:4kg

Capacity:29LCold performance:3 daysWeight:4kg

Capacity:29L

Cold performance:3 days

Weight:4kg

Today’s Best DealsView at Walmart(Brown)Check Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Walmart(Brown)Check Amazon

View at Walmart(Brown)

View at Walmart

(Brown)

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Three days of ice retention+Rugged build quality+29 litres of storage

+Three days of ice retention+Rugged build quality+29 litres of storage

Three days of ice retention

Rugged build quality

29 litres of storage

Reasons to avoid-Overlong rope handle-Not the prettiest cool box on the campsite

-Overlong rope handle-Not the prettiest cool box on the campsite

Overlong rope handle

Not the prettiest cool box on the campsite

At a modest 4 kilos, this rotomolded cooler is just about all you need for a weekend camping trip, a day at the beach or a spot of tailgating. It has enough capacity for six 1.5 litre bottles of still water, 28 drink cans or around 25 small beer bottles, including the obligatory icepacks to keep everything nicely chilled for up to an impressive three days.

The Coleman 28QT Convoy employs two heavy-duty rubber fasteners to keep the lid firmly shut and a thick rope carrying handle that turns out to be a bit too long for users of shorter stature to carry without dragging the box along the ground. On the plus side, though, it’s very easy for two to carry because there are wide finger grabs on each side of the box, plus the wherewith to feed the rope through the handles to create a pair of wide carrying loops.

Although it won’t win any awards for style and livery colour, the 29-litre Coleman 28QT Convoy is as ruggedly built as a munitions box and an exceedingly efficient alternative to a high-end Yeti. A top low-cost choice for car campers, tailgaters and picnickers.

The best cool bags

(Image credit: Future)

Hydro Flask Day Escape cool bag on some grass

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(Image credit: Future)

Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler PackThe best totable cool bag for day tripsSpecificationsCapacity:18L (20L and 26L also available)Cold performance:36 hoursWeight:2.5 lb / 1.13kgToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+Lightweight and pretty easy to carry+High build quality+Leakproof zipperReasons to avoid-On the narrow side
Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack

1. Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack

The best totable cool bag for day trips

SpecificationsCapacity:18L (20L and 26L also available)Cold performance:36 hoursWeight:2.5 lb / 1.13kg

Capacity:18L (20L and 26L also available)Cold performance:36 hoursWeight:2.5 lb / 1.13kg

Capacity:18L (20L and 26L also available)

Cold performance:36 hours

Weight:2.5 lb / 1.13kg

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Lightweight and pretty easy to carry+High build quality+Leakproof zipper

+Lightweight and pretty easy to carry+High build quality+Leakproof zipper

Lightweight and pretty easy to carry

High build quality

Leakproof zipper

Reasons to avoid-On the narrow side

-On the narrow side

On the narrow side

From the brand that brought you some of thebest hiking water bottlescomes this cool bag tote that’s perfect for day trips. The Hydro Flask Day Escape is a soft cool bag that’s altogether much easier to tote about than a boxy cool bag with short straps. There is a hand-carry option, but there’s also a removable cross-body strap that works perfectly with the tapered shape for carrying it comfortably over long distances. It’s at the pricier end of things, but the build quality is impeccable, and there’s reassuring attention to detail on the design front.

It delivers impressive insulation for such a thin, pliable bag – with ice, it’ll keep the contents cool for up to a whopping 36 hours. Hydro Flask has added thicker insulation in the base, where most heat is lost. The sturdier flattened off-base also gives some structure and extra protection where packing is concerned, although you obviously can’t bash it around like you could a solid plastic option, and a few customers commented they’d prefer if it were slightly wider. Watertight and welded seams ensure no water gets in or out on your travels, and if you need more space, there’s also a 20L and 26L version.

(Image credit: Future)

Outwell Penguin Medium Cool bag on a garden table

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(Image credit: Future)

Outwell Penguin cool bagThe best coolbag for keeping your snacks cool and protectedSpecificationsCapacity:6L (S), 15L (M), 25L (L)Cold performance:13 hours (with ice block)Weight:0.4g (S), 0.6g (M), 0.8kg (L)Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Sturdy foam sides protect contents+Functional shape for stacking+High quality and robust feelingReasons to avoid-Doesn’t pack flat when empty-Thick sides decrease inside volume
Outwell Penguin cool bag

2. Outwell Penguin cool bag

The best coolbag for keeping your snacks cool and protected

SpecificationsCapacity:6L (S), 15L (M), 25L (L)Cold performance:13 hours (with ice block)Weight:0.4g (S), 0.6g (M), 0.8kg (L)

Capacity:6L (S), 15L (M), 25L (L)Cold performance:13 hours (with ice block)Weight:0.4g (S), 0.6g (M), 0.8kg (L)

Capacity:6L (S), 15L (M), 25L (L)

Cold performance:13 hours (with ice block)

Weight:0.4g (S), 0.6g (M), 0.8kg (L)

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Sturdy foam sides protect contents+Functional shape for stacking+High quality and robust feeling

+Sturdy foam sides protect contents+Functional shape for stacking+High quality and robust feeling

Sturdy foam sides protect contents

Functional shape for stacking

High quality and robust feeling

Reasons to avoid-Doesn’t pack flat when empty-Thick sides decrease inside volume

-Doesn’t pack flat when empty-Thick sides decrease inside volume

Doesn’t pack flat when empty

Thick sides decrease inside volume

The Outwell Penguin is sturdier than your average cool bag, thanks to 2cm thick foam walls. While this does mean you can’t squish it down when not in use, it also makes it very easy to stack food inside, ensuring that it is well protected from getting squished. It will also keep said food cool for 13 hours if you add an 800ml ice block. We’ve been testing one out this summer, and even without the ice block, it has some impressive insulation powers.

Elsewhere, it’s a simple but effective design. The inner is easy to wipe clean, and you can zip the whole top open like a lid, to easily access and shuffle around what’s inside. Twin handles with a velcro-fastening grip enable easy upright carrying, and the zip pulls have wide, easy-grip plastic pulls. It feels high quality, and two mesh side pockets make for a useful place to pop any extra bits and bobs, like bottle openers. Finally, it’s available in three sizes to suit different situations and party sizes.

(Image credit: Future)

Yeti Hopper Flip soft cool bag outdoors on a wall

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(Image credit: Future)

Yeti Hopper Flip cool bagA tough, high-end cool bag optionSpecificationsCapacity:not statedCold performance:not statedWeight:1.3kgToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at CARLSGOLFLAND.COMView at REI.comReasons to buy+Impeccable build quality+Super comfy, squishy shoulder strap+Leakproof zipperReasons to avoid-Premium pricing
Yeti Hopper Flip cool bag

3. Yeti Hopper Flip cool bag

A tough, high-end cool bag option

SpecificationsCapacity:not statedCold performance:not statedWeight:1.3kg

Capacity:not statedCold performance:not statedWeight:1.3kg

Capacity:not stated

Cold performance:not stated

Weight:1.3kg

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at CARLSGOLFLAND.COMView at REI.com

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at CARLSGOLFLAND.COMView at REI.com

View at Amazon

View at CARLSGOLFLAND.COM

View at REI.com

Reasons to buy+Impeccable build quality+Super comfy, squishy shoulder strap+Leakproof zipper

+Impeccable build quality+Super comfy, squishy shoulder strap+Leakproof zipper

Impeccable build quality

Super comfy, squishy shoulder strap

Leakproof zipper

Reasons to avoid-Premium pricing

-Premium pricing

Premium pricing

The brand is better known for its hard coolers, but Yeti’s Hopper Flip cool bag range is also well worth a look. They’re robust, well-designed, and the quality you’d expect for an admittedly premium price tag. A thick layer of closed-cell rubber foam between the outer case and inner lining locks cool air effectively, and the entire top opens up (this is the ‘Flip’ part) for easy access to the bag’s contents. Carrying is comfy thanks to an ultra-squishy rubber padding on the removable shoulder strap (there are also hand handles elsewhere for shorter distances).

The high-density ‘DryHide Shell’ blocks UV rays and repels mildew, and will withstand plenty of bumps and scrapes, while the ‘Hydrolok’ zip keeps liquid in reliably. Daisy chain loops down the front and back give you somewhere to attach any extra bits and bobs for your trip. There are three sizes to choose from, and instead of litre capacity, Yeti tells you what each will hold – the Hopper Flip 8 (pictured) is the smallest and will hold 8 cans or equivalent, based on a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio. In the middle of the range is the Hopper Flip 12, which holds 13 cans, while the Hopper Flip 18 holds 20 cans.

The best electric camping cooler

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)

DOMETIC CFX3 25 camping cooler

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(Image credit: Mark Mayne)

Dometic CFX3 25A great powered cooler with smart featuresOur expert review:SpecificationsCapacity:25LCold performance:Indefinite while poweredWeight:12.7kgToday’s Best DealsView at Backcountry.comCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Makes things very cold+Easy to operateReasons to avoid-Needs power-Can accidentally freeze things
Dometic CFX3 25

1. Dometic CFX3 25

A great powered cooler with smart features

Our expert review:

SpecificationsCapacity:25LCold performance:Indefinite while poweredWeight:12.7kg

Capacity:25LCold performance:Indefinite while poweredWeight:12.7kg

Capacity:25L

Cold performance:Indefinite while powered

Weight:12.7kg

Today’s Best DealsView at Backcountry.comCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Backcountry.comCheck Amazon

View at Backcountry.com

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Makes things very cold+Easy to operate

+Makes things very cold+Easy to operate

Makes things very cold

Easy to operate

Reasons to avoid-Needs power-Can accidentally freeze things

-Needs power-Can accidentally freeze things

Needs power

Can accidentally freeze things

If you need more than just a cooler, the Dometic CFX3 25 is the next best thing to taking your fridge and freezer camping with you. It’s an active cooler, which means that you’ll have to hook it up to your car battery to keep things chilly, but it features a dynamic battery protection system that’ll prevent it from sucking the life out of your vehicle.

With 25 litres of storage, there’s plenty of room inside, however, it can get very cold in there (down to -22°C), and anything touching the sides is likely to freeze; there’s an internal basket to prevent this, but you’ll still need to take care when you’re packing a lot in. It’s easy to use, either via its touchscreen or an app, and it feels solid and sturdy – a good thing, considering its price.

Read our fullDometic CFX3 24 review

(Image credit: Matt Kolat/T3)

Anker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler review

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(Image credit: Matt Kolat/T3)

Anker EverFrost 30 Powered CoolerBest premium powered cool boxOur expert review:SpecificationsCapacity:33l (38x 330 ml cans)Cold performance:PermanentWeight:22.2 kg / 48.9 lbsToday’s Best DealsView at ankerView at VerizonCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Keeps food and drinks cool-cool for long+Easy to charge thanks to removable battery+Battery can be used to charge phones etc.+Easy to pull around (transport wheels, ‘suitcase’ handle)+Foolproof operationReasons to avoid-Big ol' unit-No storage for the charging cables-Heavy to lift/haul in and out of the car-Not as sturdy as some other big passive cool boxes
Anker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler

2. Anker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler

Best premium powered cool box

Our expert review:

SpecificationsCapacity:33l (38x 330 ml cans)Cold performance:PermanentWeight:22.2 kg / 48.9 lbs

Capacity:33l (38x 330 ml cans)Cold performance:PermanentWeight:22.2 kg / 48.9 lbs

Capacity:33l (38x 330 ml cans)

Cold performance:Permanent

Weight:22.2 kg / 48.9 lbs

Today’s Best DealsView at ankerView at VerizonCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at ankerView at VerizonCheck Amazon

View at anker

View at Verizon

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Keeps food and drinks cool-cool for long+Easy to charge thanks to removable battery+Battery can be used to charge phones etc.+Easy to pull around (transport wheels, ‘suitcase’ handle)+Foolproof operation

+Keeps food and drinks cool-cool for long+Easy to charge thanks to removable battery+Battery can be used to charge phones etc.+Easy to pull around (transport wheels, ‘suitcase’ handle)+Foolproof operation

Keeps food and drinks cool-cool for long

Easy to charge thanks to removable battery

Battery can be used to charge phones etc.

Easy to pull around (transport wheels, ‘suitcase’ handle)

Foolproof operation

Reasons to avoid-Big ol' unit-No storage for the charging cables-Heavy to lift/haul in and out of the car-Not as sturdy as some other big passive cool boxes

-Big ol' unit-No storage for the charging cables-Heavy to lift/haul in and out of the car-Not as sturdy as some other big passive cool boxes

Big ol' unit

No storage for the charging cables

Heavy to lift/haul in and out of the car

Not as sturdy as some other big passive cool boxes

While the Anker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler may not be essential for everyone, those who prioritise keeping their food and beverages chilled and have the means to transport it alongside their family will find its cooling capabilities invaluable. While lifting the unit may require some effort, its transport wheels and EasyTow suitcase-style handle make manoeuvring it a breeze, especially when utilising a ramp.

Admittedly, the price point of the Anker EverFrost series may give some pause, particularly when compared to passive coolers. However, for those who prefer the convenience of not having to sift through a pool of melted ice and salad leaves to retrieve their beverages, the EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler proves to be a superior solution.

Read our fullAnker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler review.

DC/AC Electric 24 L Coolbox

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DC/AC Electric 24 L CoolboxThe best budget electric cool box for a continuous cold supplyAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCapacity:24LCold performance:Without power - 5 hoursWeight:5.9kgToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Hook up to mains or car battery+Reliable coolingReasons to avoid-Not the biggest capacity
DC/AC Electric 24 L Coolbox

3. DC/AC Electric 24 L Coolbox

The best budget electric cool box for a continuous cold supply

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCapacity:24LCold performance:Without power - 5 hoursWeight:5.9kg

Capacity:24LCold performance:Without power - 5 hoursWeight:5.9kg

Capacity:24L

Cold performance:Without power - 5 hours

Weight:5.9kg

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Hook up to mains or car battery+Reliable cooling

+Hook up to mains or car battery+Reliable cooling

Hook up to mains or car battery

Reliable cooling

Reasons to avoid-Not the biggest capacity

-Not the biggest capacity

Not the biggest capacity

With both a car battery and electric hook up adapter, the DC/AC Electric 24 L Coolbox ensures that your precious bacon rashers, sausages and beers remain cool for the entire length of your trip.

Like all electric cool boxes, it’s on the heavy and bulky side, and here the capacity is on the small side compared to other camping coolers in the list. However, if you require a reliable means to keep your food cool you can’t really go wrong. That said, if you’re looking to hook it up to your car battery intermittently throughout your trip, you may want to make sure your car is up to the job first – a jump start exit from the campsite probably won’t be your finest hour.

How to choose the best camping cool box for you

There are plenty of sizes, styles and cooling methods on the market. First, you want to decide whether a cool box or a cool bag is better. The former will keep food protected from getting squashed but tends to be bulkier and harder to carry (although some come with wheels and telescopic handles to make the job easier). The latter might be cheaper and easier to tote around, so a better option if you’re walking long distances with your cooler.

Most basic coolers use ‘passive cooling’, which means they’re insulated to stay cold as long as possible – you’d usually pop frozen ice packs, loose ice or gel packs in to get it cold to start with. It won’t keep things cool indefinitely, though, so if you’re on a multi-day trip, you’ll need to replace the ice (campsites often have a service where you can swap your defrosted ice packs for frozen ones).

If you’re car camping and going on an extended holiday where an electric hookup is available and weight isn’t an issue, you might want to invest in either an electric camping cooler or a 12v compressor fridge. Bear in mind that there is a big difference between the two. An electric cooler box will cool between 15˚C and 25°C below the ambient temperature so, for instance, if the cooler is in a tent with an ambient temperature of 35˚C (typical for French campsites), the coolest the box will ever be is around 10˚C and that’s too warm to keep a pint of milk fresh. In fact, any meat and dairy products will likely go off within 36 hours. Conversely, a compressor-based camping fridge will keep food and beverage at a home-fridge temperature of 3˚C and lower, and that means meats and dairy products will remain fresh for the entire duration of your camping trip. Not for nothing are compressor fridges much more expensive than standard electric cooler boxes.

If you don’t drive and will be heading to the campsite, park or beach on foot or via public transport, you’ll want a camping cooler that’s lightweight, weatherproof (in case it rains) and easy to carry. In that case, look for a cool box on wheels with a pull-along handle or a cool bag that can be slung over your shoulder or worn like a backpack. Shoppers in the US, especially, might be focused on one brand in particular, and to that end, we’ve got a separate guide to thebest Yeti coolers.

How we tested these cool boxes and bags

T3’s expert team of outdoor gear testers selflessly tried out the best cool boxes and bags on the market to see which would keep their drinks and perishables for the longest time. Factors such as capacity, ease of transport, cost and style were also analysed during the review process.

Round up of today’s best deals

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler$199.99ViewSee all pricesColeman 28QT Convoy$96.72ViewSee all pricesHydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack$193.32ViewSee all pricesYeti Hopper Flip$300ViewSee all pricesDOMETIC CFX3 25$799.99ViewSee all pricesAnker EverFrost 30$799.99ViewSee all prices

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler$199.99ViewSee all prices

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler - Navy

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

Global Golf - U.S.

$199.99View

$199.99

See all prices

Coleman 28QT Convoy$96.72ViewSee all prices

Coleman Convoy High…

Coleman 28QT Convoy

Walmart

$96.72View

$96.72

See all prices

Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack$193.32ViewSee all prices

Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape…

Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack

Amazon

$193.32View

$193.32

See all prices

Yeti Hopper Flip$300ViewSee all prices

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft…

Yeti Hopper Flip

REI.com

$300View

$300

See all prices

DOMETIC CFX3 25$799.99ViewSee all prices

Dometic CFX3 25 Powered Cooler

DOMETIC CFX3 25

Backcountry.com

$799.99View

$799.99

See all prices

Anker EverFrost 30$799.99ViewSee all prices

Anker SOLIX Everfrost Powered…

Anker EverFrost 30

Verizon

$799.99View

$799.99

See all prices

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Akaso Seemor 200 lifestyle

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A man hiking in the mountains during the autumn

8 must-have hiking gadgets for tackling cold and wet trailsWhether it be wet and rainy, or super chilly, these 8 gadgets can make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable

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Vango Classic Instant 300 review

Vango Classic Instant 300 review: a festival-goer’s dream tentSuper quick to pitch and pull down, this reasonably priced tent is spacious, tall and well-featured for festival use

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Columbia ODX

Is Columbia’s OutDry Extreme the best waterproof-breathable material that no one is using?ODX hasn’t revolutionised the outdoor apparel world in the way its creators expected it to – but that could be about to change…

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Best YETI coolers: person wearing a YETI cooler on his back

Best YETI coolers 2025: ice cold excellenceKeep food and beverage frosty with our curated selection of top-rated YETI coolers for every occasion

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Best cool box for camping to buy right now#

The best camping cool boxes#

1. Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler#

2. Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler#

3. Coleman 28QT Convoy#

The best cool bags#

1. Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack#

2. Outwell Penguin cool bag#

3. Yeti Hopper Flip cool bag#

The best electric camping cooler#

1. Dometic CFX3 25#

2. Anker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler#

3. DC/AC Electric 24 L Coolbox#

How to choose the best camping cool box for you#

How we tested these cool boxes and bags#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

Best cool box for camping to buy right now

The best camping cool boxes

1. Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

2. Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

3. Coleman 28QT Convoy

The best cool bags

1. Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack

2. Outwell Penguin cool bag

3. Yeti Hopper Flip cool bag

The best electric camping cooler

1. Dometic CFX3 25

2. Anker EverFrost 30 Powered Cooler

3. DC/AC Electric 24 L Coolbox

How to choose the best camping cool box for you

How we tested these cool boxes and bags

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox