The new OtterBox Trooper 12 in Hazy Harbor is one of several premium coolers released you'll want to get your hands on. (Jessyca Sortillon photo)
May 20, 2019
By Jessyca Sortillon
From chilling beer to keeping fresh fish on ice to storing quartered game, a portable ice chest is a must-have on any outdoorsman’s gear list.
OtterBox Trooper 12: Compact, Lightweight and Durable You wouldn’t take an extra-large cooler kayaking, would you? Of course not. When packing for an adventure, it is important to gear up accordingly. If you need a cooler for short outings or are limited on space for gear, the new Trooper 12 soft cooler from Otterbox is a great option.
The Trooper 12 is the ultimate lunch box cooler for anglers and ideal for anyone needing a personal size cooler. It’s compact (small enough to fit in a kayak!), lightweight, and durable. I took the Trooper 12 along on a recent fishing trip with my son and it was the perfect size to fill up with lunch, snacks and drinks for two! Everything inside the cooler stayed cold the entire day and would have easily kept cold another couple of days.
Even with all our other gear, I had no issues carrying the cooler fully-loaded. The padded strap fit comfortably over my shoulder. Loading and unloading the Trooper 12 is a breeze thanks to the easy-to-use latch on the lid and wide opening on top.
Advertisement
The water-resistant pocket on the front of the cooler fit my phone, keys and SPF lip balm. If you need additional storage, get the separate Drybox Clip accessory and Drybox 3250. The Drybox attaches directly to the Trooper 12 using the clip – keeping all your stuff together and easily accessible.
OtterBox Trooper 12 specs/features:
Premium insulation keeps ice up to 3 days Leakproof seal Solid, durable base protects from punctures Built-in handle and shoulder strap Water-resistant exterior pocket Dimensions: 11 x 14.25 x 12.5 inches Available accessories: Bottle Opener (included), Collapsible Storage Container , Otter Ice , and Drybox Clip MSRP: $199.99 | Contact: OtterBox
Big Frig 10-Quart Denali Cooler: Portable, Great Value Cordova 20 Extra Small Cooler (Photo courtesy of Cordova Coolers) Big Frig 10-Quart Denali Cooler (Photo courtesy of Big Frig) If you’ve been on the lookout for a small cooler that’s rugged enough for the outdoors, the new Big Frig 10-Quart Denali is the way to go. This rotomolded cooler is as tough as the larger Denali models, but practical for daily use. Its size and stainless-steel bar handle for easy carry make the 10-Quart Denali ultraportable.
The 10-quart Denali may be the smallest in the Denali line, but Big Frig didn’t skimp out when it comes to features. This cooler comes with all the bells and whistles! The cooler’s strong T-latches keep the lid tightly closed, and the freezer-grade gasket prevents leaks and seals out warm air. It has molded-in cup holders on the lid, two stainless-steel bottle openers, tie-down anchors, and non-slip feet. With a price tag just under $120, you are getting an amazing value with this cooler!
In case you missed it, Game & Fish's Dr. Todd Kuhn discussed some of the unique features offered on Big Frig coolers with Nate Hall at this year’s ATA Show in Louisville:
Big Frig 10-Quart Denali specs/features:
Holds ice 3+ days Non-slip feet keep cooler in place Stainless steel lock plate bottle openers Customizable (add your brand’s logo/graphics) Weight: 10 pounds Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.75 x 9 inches (inside), 15.5 x 10.5 x 12.5 inches (outside) MSRP: $119.99 | Contact: Big Frig
Advertisement
Cordova 20 Extra Small Cooler: Small Package, Big Possibilities Cordova 20 Extra Small Cooler (Photo courtesy of Cordova Coolers) Planning a fishing trip and need a good way to keep your lunch and drinks cold for the day? Get yourself a Cordova 20 Extra Small Cooler, load it up, and head out! Don’t let the size and name of the cooler fool you, it’s conveniently sized for easy transporting, yet built strong like larger Cordova coolers.
This 20-quart cooler not only gets the job done but can also haul more than similar sized coolers. Seriously, you won’t believe how much this little cooler can hold. I’m talking 15 cans and a 2:1 ice-to-content ratio! Unlike traditional rotomolded coolers with thick insulation, the Cordova 20 is insulated with a high-efficiency and eco-friendly foam that is slimmer and more compact. The thinner walls allow more space inside the cooler, which means more room for beer!
Cordova 20 Extra Small Cooler specs/features:
Dimensions: 14.00 x 9.25 x 8.875 inches (inside), 21.75 x 14.25 x 13.5 inches (outside) Weight: 18 pounds "No-fall" lid hinge system to prevent lid from closing when open Molded-in handles and adjustable shoulder strap Anti-slip feet keep cooler from sliding Colors: Aqua, Gray, Orange, Pink, Sand, Sandstone Granite, White Made in the U.S.A. MSRP: $199.99 | Contact: Cordova
>> Have you ever cooked a turkey in a cooler? Scott Leysath, host of “The Sporting Chef ” on Sportsman Channel , uses a cooler to ensure his holiday turkeys are extra juicy, flavorful and delicious. If you buy one of the new Cordova 20 Extra Small Coolers, you might just give his recipe a try: “Best Turkey Ever” Recipe
Glacier Coolers Realtree EDGE Camo and Realtree Fishing Pattern Models: Pick a Pattern, Pick a Size Glacier IceBox Soft-Sided Cooler in Realtree EDGE Camo (Photo courtesy of GLACIER Coolers) Love showing off your passion for the outdoors? Glacier Coolers released four soft coolers in Realtree EDGE Camo and Realtree Fishing Blue patterns. If hunting or fishing is your gig, you’ll want to grab one of these new portable and lightweight coolers.
With four sizes and two patterns available, you are bound to find the right one for your adventure. Each cooler size features a strong fabric outer shell, mold and mildew resistant inside liner, external webbing with attachment points, padded shoulder strap, and 1 ¼-inch-thick polyurethane foam insulation for incredible ice retention.
Realtree IceChip 15-quart Lunchbox Cooler:
12 x 10 x 12 inches Realtree Fishing Blue or Realtree EDGE Realtree IceCube 18-quart Lunchbox Cooler:
15 x 8 x 12 inches Realtree Fishing Blue or Realtree EDGE Realtree IceBox Jr. 19-quart Soft Sided Cooler:
16 x 10 x 10 inches Detachable bottle opener inside Zippered outer storage pocket Heavy-duty D-ring tie-down points Heavy-duty zipper Realtree Fishing Blue Realtree IceBox Series 35-quart Soft Sided Cooler:
20 x 12 x 12 inches Detachable bottle opener inside Zippered outer storage pocket Heavy duty D-ring tie-down points Heavy-duty zipper Realtree Fishing Blue MSRP: $39.95-119.95 | Contact: Glacier Coolers
Igloo Fishing Coolers: Leeward, Mission If you like to keep the fish you catch, storing them in one of Igloo’s new Leeward and Mission series coolers is the way to do it. The new coolers maintain ice for up to 8 days, making them ideal for long fishing trips and angling in the summer heat. Plus, with three sizes available (50, 72, and 124 quarts), you can pick the right size for the job.
Igloo’s Leeward and Mission coolers are built strong and designed with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Featuring non-slip grab handles, tie-down points, a molded-in fish ruler on the lid, and an FDA approved food grade liner, these heavy-duty coolers are ready to join you on your next adventure.
The Leeward cooler includes a wire basket and cutting board. (Photo courtesy of Igloo) Leeward Series
Up to 8 days ice retention Food grade liner and silicone rubber lid gasket Lockable lid with oversized latches 2-way tie down points for secure transport Fast/slow dual drain release function Non-slip grab handles with integrated tie-down brackets Fish ruler molded into lid Non-slip rubber feet Body brackets for corner protection and additional durability Wire basket and cutting board included MSRP: $199.99-299.99 | Contact: Igloo
Mission 124-quart Cooler (Photo courtesy of Igloo) Mission Series
Up to 8 days ice retention Food grade liner and silicone rubber lid gasket Lockable lid with oversized latches 2-way tie down points for secure transport Fast/slow dual drain release function Heavy duty grab handles with integrated tie-down brackets Fish ruler molded into lid MSRP: $139.99-249.99 | Contact: Igloo
EGO Fishing Coolers in Kryptek Camo EGO Fishing Coolers in Kryptek Camo at ICAST 2019. (Jeff Phillips photo) EGO Fishing’s new high-performance cooler line is available in four sizes: 6-liter lunch box cooler, 18-liter cooler with contoured shoulder strap, 30-liter roller cooler, and 40-liter roller cooler.
EGO 6-Liter Cooler
6-liter capacity Holds up to 12 (12-ounce) cans Hard ABS plastic top and bottom Strong TPU fabric body Water-resistant zipper Contoured shoulder strap Lightweight for easy portability 13.5” L x 8.5” W x 11” H Weighs 2.65 pounds when empty EGO 18-Liter Cooler
18-liter capacity Holds up to 24 (12-ounce) cans Contoured shoulder strap Hard ABS plastic top and bottom Strong TPU fabric body Water-resistant zipper 17” L x 10.5” W x 15” H Weighs 4.1 pounds when empty EGO 30-Liter Roller Cooler
30-liter capacity Holds up to 36 (12-ounce) cans Hard ABS plastic top and bottom Strong TPU fabric body Water-resistant zipper Built-in 4 stage handle system with wheels 16” L x 12.5” W x 21” H Weighs 8.65 pounds when empty EGO 40-Liter Roller Cooler
40-liter capacity Holds up to 72 (12-ounce) cans Hard ABS plastic top and bottom Strong TPU fabric body Water-resistant zipper Built-in 4 stage handle system with wheels 19.5" L x 16” W x 23” H Weighs 12.41 pounds when empty MSRP: $149.99-299.99 | Contact: EGO Fishing
Mammoth Soft-Sided Coolers: Highlander, Pathfinder, Voyager, Trooper Mammoth Highlander – Flip Lid Cooler (Jeff Phillips photo) Mammoth’s new soft-cooler lineup includes the 30-quart Highlander with flip lid, 30-quart Pathfinder with zip top, 20-quart Voyager tote bag, and 30-quart Trooper backpack. The coolers will be available for purchase mid-September 2019.
Mammoth Voyager: An easy-to-carry tote cooler that is great for daily use. The 20-quart Mammoth Voyager is an insulated tote cooler bag.
Mammoth Highlander: The 30-quart Mammoth Highlander features a flip lid and waterproof, EVA-molded base. EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) is a material known for being tough, light and flexible.
Mammoth Pathfinder – Zip Top Cooler (Jeff Phillips photo) Mammoth Pathfinder: The 30-quart Mammoth Pathfinder is an oval-shaped cooler with a waterproof zipper opening that runs along the top. Like the Highlander, the Pathfinder also has a waterproof, EVA-molded base.
Mammoth Trooper: The Mammoth Trooper is a 100% leakproof backpack cooler. Use the straps to easily and comfortably carry the cooler, fully loaded, to and from the boat, hands free.
MSRP: $149.99-259.99 | Contact: Mammoth
>>Click here to read more on Mammoth's new coolers.
Calcutta Renegade 11-Liter Hard Cooler - Available Fall 2019 Calcutta Renegade 11-Liter Hard Coolers in Orange and White. (Photo courtesy of Calcutta) With the launch of the new 11-Liter, Calcutta now has seven size options available in their Renegade roto-molded cooler lineup : 11, 20, 35, 55, 75, 100, and 125 liters. The Renegade 11-Liter is durable, compact, and portable. Pack it up with a hearty lunch and take it with you to that secret fishing spot.
Renegade 11-Liter Cooler:
Freezer-style seal Roto-molded construction Stainless-steel hinge pins Secure rubber latches Non-slip, non-marking rubber feet Colors: Orange (Model # 2531-0317), Gray (Model # 2531-0316), White (Model # 2531-0314), Tan (Model # 2531-0315) 5-year warranty Contact: Calcutta Outdoors
>>Click here to read more on Calcutta's new gear for 2019.