The cooler's Realtree Edge camo pattern blends in very well to its natural surroundings. (George Apregan photo)
November 28, 2018
By George Apregan
If you’re like me, you enjoy hunting, fishing and camping , and try to spend as much time in the outdoors as possible. As much as I love the rugged experience that comes with spending time in the wilderness though, I also value some of the conveniences of modern technology.
Having cold food and drinks readily available is something we take for granted when in the comfort of our own homes. As an avid outdoorsman, I often find myself away from small modern luxuries like this.
Granola bars and other high-energy snacks can give you a quick energy boost on a short outing, but they don’t provide enough fuel for multi-day hunting or fishing adventures. When I am setting up camp, I always make sure to bring a cooler filled with enough food to keep me properly fueled for the entire trip. The problem is that a fully-loaded rotomolded cooler is oftentimes too heavy to transport and the majority of backpack coolers just aren’t big enough. Plus, not all coolers keep ice cold for an extended period of time like advertised. So, what’s the solution to my cooler dilemma? The Trooper LT 30 by OtterBox .
Didn’t think to look to OtterBox for a durable cooler? That’s not surprising since the company’s expertise has always been in producing water-resistant and drop-proof products such as phone and tablet cases. A few years ago; however, OtterBox used their skills to design top-of-the-line coolers, like the Trooper LT 30. Because of its portability, size and ability to withstand the outdoors, the Trooper LT 30 Backpack Cooler has quickly become a favorite among outdoorsmen and women.
The adjustable straps allow the cooler to be transported with ease. (George Apregan photo) Featuring a soft-sided nylon exterior with a durable bottom, the Trooper LT 30 is both tough and easy to carry. The cooler can be carried as a backpack or with a shoulder strap. Plus, its Realtree Edge Camo design (the Forest Edge color) offers hunters a unique and functional way to properly stock a hunting camp.
Features:
30-qt capacity with food-grade liner Quickly convert from shoulder carry to backpack carry Wide opening for easy access Leakproof seal secures contents Accessory mounting system Water resistant exterior pockets Premium grade thermal insulation Keeps ice up to 3+ days Solid, heavy-duty base Bottle Opener accessory included I was able to test the Trooper LT 30 cooler on a recent elk hunting trip in Colorado. Multiple days of elk hunting can take a toll on your body. Elk hunting in Colorado consists of hours of hiking in high elevation, moving from spot to spot to glass. This can cause you to lose energy fast. For me, making sure I eat a hearty breakfast and big dinner back at camp ensures I will have an enjoyable day in the field.
The OtterBox Trooper LT 30 Backpack Cooler made a great addition to my hunting camp. With its generous 30-quart capacity, I was able to bring all the food needed for the entire trip. I enjoyed eggs with bacon for breakfast and fresh vegetables with dinner. I was even able to bring venison from a recent whitetail trip to make a grilled venison quesadilla burger with guacamole .
The size of the cooler was also perfect on a recent fishing trip where I floated down the Colorado river. My friends and I were able to pack all of our lunches for the day trip without having to sacrifice too much space in the boat.
My favorite feature of the OtterBox Trooper LT 30 is the wide opening at the top combined with a latch. Most soft-side coolers only have a top zipper with a small opening. The wide top on the Trooper LT 30 makes it easy to fit oddly-shaped items inside. Its easy-to-use latch is zero-fuss and can be opened up with just one hand.
The cooler features a wide opening at the top, making it a breeze to add and remove items. (Photo courtesy of OtterBox) Overall, I would recommend the OtterBox Trooper LT 30 Backpack Cooler to any outdoor enthusiast. The cooler’s ability to be carried as a backpack and its Realtree Edge camo pattern make it a great addition to any hunt, or any adventure you find yourself needing a cold drink. The durable nylon siding will ensure this cooler will last for years to come. The Trooper LT 30 cooler is well worth the investment to keep a properly stocked camp or blind.
The OtterBox Trooper LT 30 Backpack Cooler in Forest Edge retails for $349.99. For more information, visit OtterBox.com .
