Coolers & Food Storage
Keeping food cold and bears out are two different problems. Here is how to handle both.
As an Amazon Associate, HowTo.Camp earns from qualifying purchases. All links include affiliate tag benevolentinf-20.
Why This Gear Matters
For weekend trips, a rotomolded cooler is overkill — a quality insulated cooler with proper ice management works fine. In bear country, use bear canisters or provided lockers regardless of cooler quality.
Good, Better, Best
| Tier | Product | Why We Like It | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Coleman Xtreme 52-Quart Cooler | Keeps ice 3–5 days with proper packing. Best budget pick. | $45–60 | Amazon |
| Better | RTIC 45 Quart Hard Cooler | Near-Yeti performance at half the price. Great ice retention. | $180–200 | Amazon |
| Best | YETI Tundra 45 Cooler | Industry benchmark for ice retention and durability. Buy once, cry once. | $300–325 | Amazon |
Pro Tips
- Pre-chill the cooler and freeze water bottles as ice blocks.
- Keep drinks in a separate cooler — opening the food cooler constantly kills ice.
- Bear bags/canisters are required in many backcountry areas.