OFF-ROAD COOLER BUYER’S GUIDE

OFF-ROAD COOLER BUYER’S GUIDE

Best products for keeping food and drink cool on the trail By the staff of Dirt Wheels

Whether camping for a week with your ATV or UTV, or covering many miles on a day-long adventure, a reliable way to keep perishable food and drinks cool is essential. When researching different brands, it’s crucial to consider a cooler that can withstand the beating that off-roading throws at it. We’ve compiled a list of hard and soft coolers in various sizes built to last and go the distance, even in the harshest off-road conditions.

ASSAULT INDUSTRIES RUXAK RUGGED OFF-ROAD COOLER BAG
Available in black or white, the Assault Industries Ruxak rugged off-road cooler bag is a perfect companion for weekend getaways and full-day rides. Its rugged look perfectly complements the off-road lifestyle. The term “Ruxak,” or “rucksack,” is an old-school term still used by the U.S. military to describe a supply pack carried by infantry. This bag lives up to its name, being durable and tough enough to handle the rigors of off-road use. The 1000-denier vinyl material is tough, tear-resistant and withstands the sun’s harsh UV rays. It includes a shoulder strap, built-in tie-down straps and soft sides, making fitting in tight cargo beds easier. Go to www.assaultind.com for more info. 

Price: $94.95 

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PELICAN 45QW ELITE WHEELED COOLER
Pelican makes coolers from 8-quart to 250-quart sizes that are well-insulated to keep contents cold for extended periods. For UTVs with a crew of two to four riders, we like the 45QW for strapping down in cargo beds or on modular rack systems. It seals well enough that it’s certified bear-safe. Press-and-pull latches keep the lid sealed even when getting tossed around on the trail. It has molded handles with a trolley handle and heavy-duty wheels that can handle natural terrain. These features make it a durable and functional choice for off-road adventures. It also has an integrated bottle opener. Dimensions are 29.7 x 20 x 19.3 inches, and the cooler is available in your choice of white, tan, or graphite colors. Go to pelican.com for more info.

Price: $449.95

YKO 20QT HARD COOLER
For ATV and UTV riders, Yukon Outfitters makes this 20-quart hard cooler with a sealed lid perfect for weekends and day trips. It measures 23.6 x 14.2 x 15.4 inches is made with cryo-foam insulation to keep ice cold for days, has an aluminum carry handle, and has integrated bottle openers, cup holders and tie-down anchor points. A dry-goods basket also keeps perishables above the ice/water line. The YKO is available in eight colorways. YKO makes other coolers ranging from 20 to 110 quarts. Go to www.yukon-outfitters.com for more info.

Price: $139.99

DOMETIC CFX3 45
This electric-powered cooler is perfect for weekend camping. The Dometic CFX3 45 is powered by AC (110–240), DC (12 volts/24 volts) or solar power, and the fridge freezer can reach temperatures as low as -7 degrees Fahrenheit. Dometic claims it does all this while using less power than a 60-watt light bulb. Its lightweight fender frames and strong aluminum alloy handles are designed for rough backroads, while the high-performance compressor is constructed to isolate noise and reduce vibrations. The CFX3 electric-car cooler series also connects to a phone app, allowing easy temperature adjustments via Bluetooth. This cooler opens from the side, making it perfect for UTV cargo-bed use when teamed with the optional slide-out tray ($349.99). Go to www.dometic.com for more info.

Price: $949.99

PROJECT X OFF-ROAD BLIZZARD BOX
Made in various sizes from 13 quarts to 99 quarts, the Blizzard Box portable electric cooler is perfect for UTVs with large batteries and an alternator setup like the Polaris Xpedition ADV. The 41-quart Blizzard Box is an ideal size for multi-day excursions. It can hold up to 54 cans without the need for ice. The foam-insulated box features a high-performance compressor and electronic thermostat that can reach temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be powered with a 12-volt DC power cord or 110-volt AC adapter. The thermostat dashboard also has a USB port for charging mobile devices. An interior light also makes finding what you need easier in the dark. Cooler accessories include an insulated cover ($149.99) and a 41-quart slider tray ($399.99) that can be mounted in the bed so you can slide the cooler out for easy access. Go to projectxoffroad.com for more info.

Price: $999.99

ROAM 45QT END-OPENING RUGGED COOLER

This Roam 45-quart cooler is designed with a lid that opens from the short side, making access easy from the backseat or tailgate of a UTV. It measures 16.78 x 25 x 16.7 inches, and includes a dry-goods bin, a cutting board that doubles as a well divider, integrated cup holders in the lid and flush-mount latches. Rope handles make loading/unloading easier, and a bottle opener is built into the outer side. When sealed, this cooler is pressurized to keep ice and goods cold for days, making it perfect for longer trips. Optional Roam ice packs are available in 11-pound ($8) and 31-pound ($12) sizes. Go to roamadventureco.com for more info.

Price: $223

AO SPORTSMAN SERIES STOW N’ GO HD
The Sportsman Series by AO is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need durable gear in a low-profile size and is perfect for UTV cargo beds while keeping the rear view unobstructed. It’s made with ballistic material that is highly resistant to abrasion and has a sturdy construction, making it an excellent choice for rugged applications. This lightweight ballistic fabric will withstand extreme temperatures and outdoor elements. The coolers are insulated with a 3/4-inch-thick closed-cell foam that can keep drinks and food ice cold throughout the weekend. The welded TPU eco-friendly liner is leak-proof, and the cooler features four tie-down hooks to secure it in any off-road vehicle. For an additional $159.99, AO will custom-embroider your cooler with up to 20 characters in your choice of font and thread color. Go to www.aocoolers.com for more info.

Price: $149.95

YETI TUNDRA 35 HARD COOLER
Yeti manufactures a large selection of coolers—from 8-quart soft coolers to a mammoth-sized 350-quart hard cooler ($1500). For weekend camping trips, we find the Tundra 35-quart hard cooler an excellent choice. Three inches of PermaFrost insulation keeps your food and drinks cold for days, and it can handle up to 39 cans. It’s built tough for use with four-wheelers, and if your ride includes a trip to the lake, it’s designed to fit perfectly in an inner tube. The Tundra includes a dry-goods basket, T-Rex lid latches, a Neverfail hinge system, tie-down anchor points and bear-proof certification. The Tundra is available in nine colorways. Go to www.yeti.com for more info.

Price: $275

CANYON COOLERS SCOUT 22QT COOLER
The 22-quart Scout cooler is the perfect portable cooling solution for ATVs and UTVs. Built with durable and rugged materials, the roto-molded polyethylene construction provides superior insulation and is designed to withstand off-road applications. The seamless construction ensures the cooler is leak-proof and easy to clean. The cooler has a soft TPE strap for a comfortable shoulder carry, flush-mount latches, and multiple steel anchor points for strapping down to ATV racks and UTV cargo beds. The 22 Scout cooler also features a mesh net on top for strapping down small items. This cooler can be had in six color choices, and larger sizes are also available.
Go to www.canyoncoolers.com for more info.

Price: $175

BOB THE COOLER COMPANY
The 25-quart Wingman, 50-quart El Amigo and 75-quart BFF are all hard coolers made with pressure-injected, commercial-grade polyethylene. They have extra-thick insulated walls and a lid that keeps ice cold for days. Two rugged latches contain integrated bottle openers, and the corners have tie-down anchor points. The 25-quart (35 cans) is perfect with its sealed lid and full-length carry handle for ATV use. We like the 50-quart (60 cans) for extended-day excursions in a UTV with its rope handles and dry basket. All coolers are available in several color choices. Go to www.bobscool.com for more info.

Price: 25-quart, $245; 50-quart, $345

IGLOO BMX 25- & 52QT COOLER
What cooler list is complete without the company that’s been making coolers for 77 years? We dig their BMX coolers, made with extra-thick foam walls and lids that Igloo claims will retain ice for up to five days. These coolers are built with a rugged design that’s resistant to off-road abuse and come with side handles and a flush latching system. The 25-quart (37 cans) is ideal for ATVs, and the 52-quart (83 cans) has a lower-profile design measuring 25.98 x 16.34 x 16.54 inches, which is great for UTV cargo beds. All BMX coolers are available in multiple colorways. Go to www.igloocoolers.com for more info.

Price: 25-quart, $89.99; 52-quart, $129.99