Best cool box 2022: The best ice cooler box for camping, festivals and more

Best: Overall

Offering an expansive 47 litre capacity – equally sufficient for a family camping break or a particularly thirsty set of friends – this was one of the largest coolers we tested, filling the boot of a small car. Its sturdy, polyurethane-injected construction provides effective insulation that placed it among our best performing coolers, with the ice packed around its contents remaining largely intact well into the fourth day.

Of equal merit was its highly portable design. Its two wheels and telescopic handle are hard-wearing enough to tackle mixed terrain, saving our shoulders as we wheeled it across footpaths and parkland during testing. Other useful touches include a plug in the base to drain ice melt with ease, while a durable hinged lid that boasts four in-built cup holders and can double up as a seat makes it a top pick for festivals.

Best: For entry-level chilling

Coming in a rather vivid shade of green, the Vango pinnacle offers plenty of functionality for its low price point, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. A storage capacity of 32l gives sufficient space for up to 46 cans or six two-litre bottles and – even when fully loaded – we found its streamlined shape and soft-grip handle easy to transport.

While it lacks the indestructible feel of some of its pricier, roto-moulded rivals, it’s robust enough to take a few knocks, and its lid can double up as a seat. Its high-density plastic walls conceal foam insulation that, during testing, saw the ice melt by the end of day two, but contents remain chilled into day three – not bad for a low-cost box. The lid’s locking mechanism also means contents are childproof, although – lacking clear latches – it was also slightly tricky to open. But we found the small storage hatch on the lid an ingenious place to stash a bottle opener.

Best: For chic weekends away

One of the most recognised brands on the market, Yeti cool boxes are also among the priciest but, as we discovered, you certainly get bang for your buck. More compact than its larger tundra cousin, the Yeti roadie has room for a party-starting 24 cans, while its height can also accommodate upright bottles of wine or two-litre bottles of soda.

Sleek good looks are accompanied by a roto-moulded design – a process resulting in a one-piece construction that feels nigh-on indestructible. Within these sturdy walls sits a thick layer of pressure-injected foam insulation, which explains why its contents remained ice cool, with minimal melt during testing. Yet its chunky build also means the roadie is quite a weighty cooler. Lacking wheels, you’re limited to using its single handle that – although highly durable – made it slightly awkward to carry over distance. That minor niggle aside, the roadie is a super-stylish companion with serious cooling credentials.

Best: For extended trips and fishing excursions 

Coming in a zingy range of colourways (our hot pink model proving popular in the park during testing) the Icey-Tek cube might lack the aesthetic sophistication of some of its design-led rivals, but its chilling performance proved exemplary. Thanks to foam insulation injected into every side, ice remained intact well into the fourth day of testing, putting this among our top performers.

Clocking in at 10 kilograms – and the fact that it lacks wheels – means it’s not the easiest to transport and therefore may not suit travellers wishing to remain nimble, but what it lacks in mobility it makes up in durability and functions. The lid is tough enough to be stackers, sat or stood upon (additional cushions are available), which – alongside its hard-wearing rubber seal and latches, two drainage plugs, lockable padlock point and ergonomically lipped handles – makes this a no-nonsense option that has proved popular among the marine industry for decades, and for good reason.

Best: For urban picnics

For those short of space, this collapsable cool box, which clocks in at a midweight price point, is a worthy contender. An internal foam support provides insulation and adds rigidity to the external bag, and although we found assembly slightly fiddly (Velcro strips attach the waterproof inner to outer), it packs down small enough to be stashed away in a cupboard.

It’s a handsome piece of kit, with pop-colour accents on a grey-green bag, as well as rugged details including chunky zips and cup-holder slots in the lid. A 25l capacity means there’s plenty of space for park picnics or beach barbecues, and its lightweight form and carry handle made it easy to transport. Ice remained intact long into the second day of testing, making it a great option for an overnighter, although, for lengthier outings, it might be worth investing in a rigid box.

Best: For frequent adventurers

With a history stretching back to 1947, this Texan brand is synonymous with cool boxes across the Atlantic and is making waves over here, too. Looking more like a tradesman’s toolbox than a cooler, the BMX 25 is built to take a battering, with its stainless steel kick plates, sturdy extra-thick walls and multiple tie-down loops making it a great option to tackle the elements.

Despite its chunky form it’s surprisingly portable, with a tough, steel-reinforced handle and slimline width making it easy to shift from place to place. It also delivered on the cooling front, too, with ice remaining intact until day four – long enough to weather a weekend trip. While its macho looks might not appeal to everyone, the BMX will definitely suit the adventurous at heart and anglers alike, with a ruler imprinted into the lid meaning you can measure up your catch with accuracy.