A guide to choosing the best portable cooler for your adventures

When it comes to choosing your next esky or portable cooler, there are many things to consider. Here at Umber Earth, we like to simplify the process by thinking about what we want to use our cooler for.

In this guide, we’ll run down all the different situations that call for a portable cooler and the best cooler for the job. Before we get into the specifics, we’ve identified some of the most important aspects the consider when choosing a cooler.

Important Aspects to Consider when Choosing a Cooler

Size

It’s important to consider both the size of your cooler when in use and in storage.

The size of your cooler should depend on a few things. Firstly, the type of adventure you’re going to embark on. For example, if you’re going on a multi-day camping trip then you’ll need a much different cooler than if you were taking a quick trip to the beach.

You’ll also want to consider how many items you’d like to keep cool. If you’re going on a romantic hike for two, an esky that can fit 32 cans might not be the most practical idea!

Storage

Most portable coolers are bulky and boxy, so be sure to consider where you will store your esky when it is not in use. You can find some coolers that are soft and will take up less storage space than traditional cooler boxes. We recommend opting for a cooler that can roll up to towel size and not take up an entire cupboard!

Latches and lids

Latches and lids should be easy to open and close. It is also important to consider where you will be using your cooler- if it will be used on a boat, you may require the esky to be waterproof with a lockable lid. Foldable lids are also a great option when waterproofing and easy access is necessary.

Special uses

Do you need anything special from your portable cooler? Some things to consider include:

Does it need to float?

Does it need to be waterproof?

Does it need to look a certain way?

Be sure to consider any special aspects you may need the cooler to have.

Easy Transport and Carrying

How you transport your esky should be a big deciding factor when choosing which cooler is right for you. Generally speaking, there are three types:

Portable Coolers with Wheels

Often wheels are fitted onto big, bulky coolers which make them much easier to transport. The only downside to this is that if you plan on taking your esky anywhere without a flat surface, you’ll have to carry it.

Portable Coolers with shoulder straps

Many smaller coolers have single shoulder straps which is a great choice if you’re looking to only keep a few items cool. However, when this cooler becomes heavier, it can become very uncomfortable to carry

Backpack Portable Coolers

The last transportation solution combines the ability to carry many items comfortably, with the convenience of not having to worry about flat surfaces. They’re designed like a technical backpack, but used as a hands-free cooler. Here at Umber Earth, this is our favourite type of cooler for all of our adventures!

Finding the Right Cooler for the Job

Let’s explore some different roles a cooler could play to find the perfect one for your next adventure.

Camping Trip

What you will need: When your adventure consists of a camping trip, you’re probably going to need to keep both food and drink cold for a few days. Depending on the size of the group going camping, you may also need quite a spacious cooler.

Gear we’d recommend: The IceMule Boss can keep items cold for days at a time, while being comfy to carry around and easy to store. It’s also spacious, with space for 24 cans! If you’re after something larger, the IceMule Pro (40L) can carry 36 cans with ice!

Day Hike

What you will need: A day hike calls for an easy to carry cooler that isn’t too bulky but still a reasonable size. When you’re buying a cooler for hiking, comfort should be at the forefront.

Gear we’d recommend: For larger groups, we’d opt for the IceMule Pro and for smaller groups the IceMule Classic would be perfect! Both coolers are engineered like backpacks, with comfort as a priority. They will also keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours.

Beach Day

What you will need: A small grab-and-go cooler that can keep drinks cold despite the heat. You may also want a waterproof cooler that can float (who wants to leave the water to grab a drink? Not us). It could also be useful to get a cooler that can fold up for easy storage in your car afterwards.

Gear we’d recommend: The IceMule Classic is a small, waterproof, floating and storable cooler that can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It’s also super accessible with a roll-top design.

Now that you have some insight into different types of coolers and their uses, take a look through the detailed comparison charts below to help you decide which cooler is best for your next adventure!

Compare IceMule Coolers

Some Common Questions about IceMule Coolers:

What is the difference between the IceMule Classic and the IceMule Pro?

The IceMule Pro comes in larger sizes than the IceMule Classic. The IceMule Pro also features padded straps as well as ventilated back pads to ensure carrying comfort.

What is the difference between the IceMule Pro and the IceMule Boss?

The IceMule Boss is a premium cooler built into an easy to carry backpack and will keep drinks cold for several days, unlike the IceMule Pro that can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.

Which IceMule Cooler is the Best?

It depends on your adventure! The IceMule Classic is great for beach days while the IceMule Boss would be the ideal cooler on a camping trip!

Do IceMule Coolers Float?

Absolutely! This makes them the best waterproof backpack cooler for kayaking, boating and beach days.

Are IceMule Coolers Waterproof?

Yes. IceMule Coolers have laser welded seams instead of zippers. This means that the cooler is 100% waterproof!

How Big are IceMule Coolers?

IceMule Coolers Come in sizes from 10L all the way to 40L!

What are IceMule Coolers for?

The IceMule is the world's most portable, practical and packable cooler. The IceMule performs just like a hard esky but without the bulk, weight, leaks and impracticality.

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