Top-Rated Ice Chests for Backpacking: An Actionable Guide

When you're out on a backpacking trip, you might not immediately think about bringing along an ice chest. After all, backpacks are designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible, and coolers typically aren't known for being portable. However, the importance of keeping food and drinks cool while you're hiking, camping, or embarking on a longer outdoor adventure cannot be underestimated. Whether you're in need of preserving fresh food, storing cold drinks, or simply maintaining the proper temperature for sensitive supplies, an ice chest can be a game-changer.

In this actionable guide, we will walk you through why you should consider taking an ice chest on your next backpacking trip, what to look for when selecting the right one, and recommend some of the best-rated options for your backpacking adventure.

Why You Need an Ice Chest for Backpacking

While it might seem like an unnecessary extra weight to carry, there are several compelling reasons why an ice chest can enhance your backpacking experience. Here's why you should consider it:

• Preserve Perishable Foods : If you're planning a multi-day trek, keeping perishable food like meats, fruits, and dairy fresh can be difficult. An ice chest allows you to extend the shelf life of your food, making it easier to enjoy nutritious meals on the go.

• Maintain Freshness of Drinks : Nothing beats a cold drink when you're hiking under the sun or taking a break after a long day of walking. Having an ice chest ensures that you can enjoy chilled water, juices, or even your favorite cold beverages throughout your backpacking trip.

• Keep Medicines Safe : If you carry medications that require refrigeration, an ice chest becomes an essential tool to ensure the safety and efficacy of these items during your trip.

• Convenience and Comfort: Backpacking can be demanding, and having access to chilled snacks or drinks can significantly improve your experience. It offers a small yet substantial way to increase comfort while being out in the wilderness.

Key Features to Look for When Choosing an Ice Chest for Backpacking

When choosing an ice chest for your backpacking needs, it's important to consider more than just the cooler's size. You need to balance insulation, portability, durability, and size to ensure you're equipped for the journey ahead. Here's what to look for:

1. Portability and Weight

Backpacking by definition is all about minimizing your load. The best ice chest for backpacking must be lightweight and easy to transport. It should fit within the context of your overall gear without adding too much bulk or weight.

• Lightweight Construction : Look for coolers made from lightweight materials that won't bog you down on the trail.
• Compact Design : A smaller, more compact cooler is usually the best option. Large coolers are typically reserved for car camping or tailgating, so choose one that fits comfortably in your backpack or attaches securely to your gear.

Actionable Tip : Stick with coolers in the 20-30 quart range to ensure you have enough storage without sacrificing portability.

2. Insulation and Ice Retention

Just because you're backpacking doesn't mean you can sacrifice ice retention. The key to an effective ice chest is its ability to maintain cold temperatures for extended periods.

• Thick Insulation : Look for coolers with high-quality insulation, like foam or polyurethane, that can keep your contents cold for multiple days.
• Ice Retention Time: Depending on the conditions of your trip, ice retention should be prioritized. Coolers that keep ice for 2-5 days are ideal for backpacking trips of 2-3 days, while longer treks might need a model that retains ice for 6 days or more.

Actionable Tip : A cooler that retains ice for at least 3 days is a good standard for a 2-3 day trip, while more robust options are better for extended hiking or hot climates.

3. Durability

Backpacking often takes you to rugged, remote areas. Your cooler must be durable enough to withstand rough handling, dirt, and exposure to the elements.

• Roto-Molded Construction : Coolers with roto-molded construction tend to be the toughest. These coolers are virtually indestructible and can handle rough terrains and drops.
• Waterproof Seals : Look for coolers with waterproof seals to ensure that your cooler stays dry inside and can withstand heavy rain.

Actionable Tip : A roto-molded cooler will provide the best protection from accidental drops, water exposure, and other wear-and-tear typical in backpacking conditions.

4. Size and Capacity

The size of your ice chest should be carefully considered, as it directly affects how much space it takes up in your pack and how much food and drink it can carry.

• Small Capacity : For a solo backpacking trip, a 20-30 quart cooler is usually sufficient. These sizes are large enough to hold essential food and drinks but small enough to be manageable.
• Large Capacity : For group trips or longer treks, you may need a larger cooler in the 40-60 quart range, but keep in mind that the larger the cooler, the more weight you'll need to carry.

Actionable Tip : Always try to match your cooler size to your needs---packing too much food and drink can lead to unnecessary weight. For most solo or small group trips, a 20-30 quart cooler is ideal.

5. Ease of Use and Maintenance

An easy-to-use cooler with convenient features can make a world of difference in the backcountry. Look for coolers that offer functional features like drainage systems, secure latches, and easy-to-open lids.

• Drain Plug : A drainage system allows you to get rid of melted ice easily, preventing water build-up inside the cooler and keeping things dry.
• Secure Latches : Ensure that the cooler has secure, high-quality latches that can withstand rough handling but are still easy to open and close when needed.

Actionable Tip : Look for coolers with a high-quality, easy-to-use drainage plug and latches that can withstand long-term use.

Top-Rated Ice Chests for Backpacking

Now that you know the key features to look for, here are some of the best-rated ice chests designed specifically for backpacking. These coolers excel in portability, insulation, and durability, making them perfect companions for your next adventure.

1. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

Why It's Great : The YETI Roadie 24 is a compact and highly durable cooler that is ideal for solo backpackers or small groups. It's roto-molded for superior durability and offers excellent ice retention, keeping contents cold for up to 3 days. Its small size makes it easy to carry and store, but it still provides enough space for meals, drinks, and snacks.

• Capacity: 24 quarts (~18 cans)
• Ice Retention: Up to 3 days
• Weight: 16 lbs
• Price: High-end

Best For: Solo backpackers or small groups looking for a portable, durable cooler that can keep food and drinks cold on short trips.

2. Coleman 28-Quart Party Stacker Cooler

Why It's Great : For those on a budget, the Coleman 28-Quart Party Stacker Cooler is an affordable option that doesn't skimp on performance. It's large enough to hold a decent amount of supplies and keeps ice for up to 2 days. Its stackable design also allows for easy packing in tight spaces.

• Capacity: 28 quarts (~36 cans)
• Ice Retention: Up to 2 days
• Weight: 6.3 lbs
• Price: Budget-friendly

Best For: Budget-conscious backpackers who want a reliable, space-saving cooler for short trips.

3. RTIC 20 Quart Cooler

Why It's Great : The RTIC 20 Quart Cooler offers a great balance of price, size, and performance. It's roto-molded for extra durability, and it offers ice retention for up to 4 days. While it's slightly heavier than some other options, it's still small and manageable for most backpacking trips.

• Capacity: 20 quarts (~24 cans)
• Ice Retention: Up to 4 days
• Weight: 13 lbs
• Price: Mid-range

Best For: Backpackers looking for a rugged and affordable cooler with long-lasting ice retention.

4. Pelican 20 Quart Elite Cooler

Why It's Great : The Pelican 20 Quart Elite Cooler is a top-of-the-line, high-performance option that offers exceptional durability and ice retention. It's designed to withstand extreme conditions, including prolonged exposure to the elements. This cooler keeps ice for up to 4 days, and its compact size makes it easy to carry during a backpacking trip.

• Capacity: 20 quarts (~16 cans)
• Ice Retention: Up to 4 days
• Weight: 13 lbs
• Price: Premium

Best For: Those who need the toughest, most durable cooler and are willing to pay for quality.

5. Igloo 25 Quart MaxCold Cooler

Why It's Great : The Igloo MaxCold 25 Quart Cooler offers an affordable solution for backpackers who don't want to break the bank. It's compact, lightweight, and offers great ice retention for up to 3 days. The design is simple, but it's reliable for a short backpacking trip.

• Capacity: 25 quarts (~32 cans)
• Ice Retention: Up to 3 days
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Price: Budget-friendly

Best For: Backpackers who need a functional, affordable cooler for short trips.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ice chest for backpacking depends on your specific needs, including the length of your trip, the climate, and the number of people you're traveling with. Prioritize lightweight construction, durability, and effective ice retention to ensure your cooler will enhance your backpacking experience. The options listed above are all top-rated coolers that offer excellent performance for a variety of trips and needs. Whether you're a solo hiker or part of a group, there's a cooler that will fit perfectly into your adventure gear.