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5 Best Snowshoeing Coolers for Winter Adventures

August 08, 2024 7 min read

Snowshoeing offers a unique and thrilling way to explore snowy terrains. To keep your beverages and snacks fresh and accessible during these adventures, selecting the right cooler is essential.

Snowshoes laid out in the snow, surrounded by a backdrop of snowy trees and mountains. A cooler sits open, with snacks and drinks spilling out onto the snow

Maintaining the right temperature for your supplies can vastly improve your outdoor experience. In this article, you will discover some of the best coolers designed for snowshoeing, keeping your provisions well-preserved in the coldest conditions.

1) YETI Hopper Flip 12

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a highly regarded option for snowshoeing enthusiasts. It’s designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry during your winter adventures.

This cooler features a DryHide Shell that is both waterproof and resistant to punctures, ensuring durability. The construction is made to withstand the rough conditions often encountered in outdoor activities.

The ColdCell Insulation ensures that your drinks and food stay cold for hours, making it ideal for long treks. Its leakproof HydroLok Zipper keeps contents secure and prevents any spillage.

The capacity is 13 quarts, which allows you to carry up to 12 cans or a combination of food and beverages. This size makes it convenient without being too bulky.

Additionally, you’ll appreciate the HitchPoint Grid that allows you to attach extra accessories or tools, adding to its versatility. The shoulder strap and handles offer multiple carrying options for added comfort.

In terms of maintenance, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is easy to clean. The materials used prevent mold and mildew, keeping your cooler fresh after each use.

2) Igloo MaxCold Evergreen

A snowy landscape with a brightly colored Igloo MaxCold Evergreen 5 cooler sitting on top of a pile of snowshoes, surrounded by a backdrop of snow-covered trees

The Igloo MaxCold Evergreen is designed to keep your food and drinks cold for extended periods. Equipped with thick, insulated walls, it ensures maximum cold retention. Ideal for long snowshoeing excursions, it prevents perishables from spoiling.

This cooler has a capacity of 70 quarts, offering ample space for all your supplies. The sturdy construction withstands rugged outdoor conditions, ensuring durability. Its reinforced handles provide comfort during transportation.

The MaxCold Evergreen features a fish ruler integrated into the lid, adding a practical touch for fishing enthusiasts. The drain plug allows for easy water removal, maintaining convenience after melting ice.

You'll find the lid's snap-fit latches reliable, ensuring a secure closure. This keeps the contents preserved even in bumpy terrains. Additionally, the cooler's UV inhibitors help protect against sun damage, extending its lifespan.

Despite its large size, the Igloo MaxCold Evergreen remains user-friendly. Its wheels facilitate easier movement over snow, making it a good companion in winter adventures.

Whether you're storing drinks, snacks, or freshly caught fish, this cooler meets diverse needs. Trusted by many outdoor enthusiasts, it proves to be a valuable asset on snowshoeing trips.

3) RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart

A snow-covered landscape with a clear blue sky, featuring a RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart cooler surrounded by snowshoes and other winter gear

The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart cooler is a top-tier choice for snowshoeing enthusiasts who need reliable cold storage. Constructed with high-quality materials, this cooler offers durability without the heavy weight often associated with large coolers.

Weighing in at just under 21 pounds, it's designed for easy transport during your snowshoeing trips. Despite its lighter weight, it doesn't compromise on capacity, providing ample space to store food, drinks, and ice.

The cooler features heavy-duty rope handles, making it easier to carry, even when fully loaded. It also includes secure rubber T-latches that ensure a firm seal to keep the cold locked in.

RTIC boasts that their Ultra-Light 52 Quart model can retain ice for up to 10 days, which speaks volumes about its insulation efficiency. This is ideal for extended snowshoeing adventures where replenishing ice might not be an option.

Another notable feature is the no-sweat exterior, which prevents condensation build-up. This can be particularly useful in cold environments to avoid slipping hazards and keep your gear dry.

Additionally, the cooler is equipped with a quick-drain system. This allows for easy water removal once the ice starts melting, saving you the hassle of tipping a heavy cooler to drain excess water.

The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart also includes integrated locking points for added security. This can be handy if you need to leave your cooler unattended in shared spaces or while camping.

Its non-slip feet provide stability, ensuring the cooler stays in place, even on uneven terrain. This is especially important during outdoor activities like snowshoeing where the ground can be unpredictable.

Overall, the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart combines portability, durability, and efficiency, making it a reliable companion for your snowshoeing excursions.

4) Pelican Elite Cooler 20QT

The Pelican Elite Cooler 20QT is a compact yet robust cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rotomolded construction ensures durability, making it capable of withstanding tough conditions.

You will appreciate its ability to keep contents cold for several days, thanks to its thick walls and freezer-grade gasket. The 20-quart capacity is suitable for short trips, accommodating up to 15 cans with ice.

The cooler includes heavy-duty latches that are easy to operate. This ensures a secure seal, preventing cold air from escaping.

The molded-in handles make it easy to carry, and non-skid rubber feet keep it stable on various surfaces. An integrated bottle opener is a convenient addition.

Additionally, the Pelican Elite is certified bear-resistant, providing extra peace of mind during your wilderness adventures.

This cooler also features a sloped drain with a tethered plug for easy drainage and cleaning. The stainless steel hardware resists corrosion, extending the life of your cooler.

5) Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler 54QT

A snowy landscape with a Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler 54QT nestled among snowshoes, surrounded by a group of people enjoying outdoor activities

The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler 54QT stands out for its durability and vintage design, combining a classic look with modern functionality. This cooler is large enough to hold up to 85 cans, making it a great choice for extended trips or group outings.

The steel-belted construction provides impressive insulation, keeping your items cold for up to four days, even in temperatures up to 90°F. The rust-resistant stainless steel hardware ensures that it withstands the test of time and rigorous use.

Carrying the cooler is comfortable with the sturdy stainless steel handles, which include rubber grips. Additionally, the Have-a-Seat lid design supports up to 250 pounds, offering extra seating space when needed.

Cleaning is hassle-free thanks to the leak-resistant drain that eliminates the need to tilt the cooler. The cooler's base, lid, and liner are easy to clean, helping you maintain it with minimal effort.

The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler 54QT blends style with practicality, making it a reliable companion for snowshoeing trips. Its retro appearance combined with robust features offers an appealing and functional solution for your cooling needs.

Why Use a Cooler for Snowshoeing

A snowshoer kneeling in the snow, opening a cooler filled with snacks and drinks. Snow-covered trees and mountains in the background

Using a cooler for snowshoeing provides crucial benefits such as maintaining appropriate food and beverage temperatures, offering reliable storage solutions, and ensuring durability in harsh cold conditions.

Temperature Control

A cooler helps you maintain the right temperature for your food and beverages. Even though it may seem that cold weather would naturally keep items cold, it’s important to regulate the temperature to avoid freezing. This keeps your drinks from turning into ice blocks and maintains the texture and flavor of your food.

Coolers with good insulation ensure that your perishable items stay at safe temperatures. This is essential if you’re planning a long day trip. Look for coolers with thermal technology or vacuum-insulated panels to provide consistent temperature control.

Food and Beverage Storage

A dedicated cooler offers organized storage for your snacks, meals, and drinks. This prevents food from being crushed or liquids from leaking into your other gear. Compartments and pockets in some coolers allow you to separate different items, making it easy to keep track of your supplies.

Using a cooler with adequate space means you can carry a variety of food and drinks. This way, you have more options for nutrition and hydration during your snowshoeing adventure. Choose coolers made with waterproof and odor-resistant materials to keep your items fresh and clean.

Durability in Cold Conditions

Coolers designed for snow activities are built to withstand extreme cold and rugged terrain. These coolers often have reinforced exteriors made from high-impact plastic or metal, which resist cracking and damage from rough handling. Many models also feature non-slip bases to stay securely in place.

In addition, cold-resistant hinges, latches, and seals add to the durability, ensuring your cooler performs well throughout your journey. Durability is not just about surviving impacts but also about maintaining its ability to insulate properly even in freezing conditions.

Key Features to Look for in a Snowshoeing Cooler

A snowshoer carrying a cooler with durable straps, insulated compartments, secure zippers, and a compact design for easy transport

When choosing a snowshoeing cooler, consider factors such as insulation quality, portability, size, and capacity. These features ensure your cooler meets the demands of winter hiking.

Insulation Quality

Insulation quality is crucial for maintaining the temperature of your food and drinks. Look for coolers with thick walls and high-quality insulation materials such as polyurethane foam or vacuum insulation. These materials provide superior temperature retention.

Check that the lid seals tightly to prevent air leaks, which can compromise the cooler’s efficiency. Rubber gaskets are a good feature. Finally, make sure the insulation can withstand extremely cold temperatures common on snowshoeing trips.

Portability

Portability is a key factor for snowshoeing coolers due to the terrain. Opt for a cooler that is lightweight yet sturdy, to prevent excess strain during your hike. Features like padded shoulder straps or a carry handle can make it easier to transport.

Some coolers come with backpack designs which can distribute weight evenly across your back, making them ideal for long treks. Compact designs that easily fit into your backpack are also useful.

Size and Capacity

Size and capacity are important to match your trip’s needs. For day trips, a smaller cooler with a capacity of around 10-20 liters is usually sufficient. For longer expeditions, consider larger coolers up to 30-40 liters.

Ensure the cooler is not overly bulky. Remember, you’ll need to balance the cooler with other gear in your pack. Some models feature expandable compartments or removable liners to maximize space efficiency.