Wheels Will Only Slow You Down

Not "Cool" for the Beach

There is a common misconception that wheeled coolers are great for the beach. This could not be any further  from the truth.  Unless you frequent a beach where the sand is packed down like asphalt a wheeled cooler will on cause you to work harder.  None of the best beach coolers you see on this site will feature wheels.  The fine powdery sand of places along the gulf coast like Destin, 30A, and Orange Beach is no place for anything with wheels.  It is amazing how many wheeled coolers local beach retailers sell to the unknowing tourist.  The idea of carrying a cooler full of beer, soda, and bottle water for hundreds of yards down the beach sounds terrible, but I promise it is not as bad as trying to roll one.  The best beach cooler has a few key features: heavy insulation, lightweight, and most importantly multiple handles.  The best cooler for any beach goer is whichever one you can carry the most comfortably.  Before you buy make sure and consider how you will be transporting the cooler... You can thank me later!

Affordable Backpack Coolers and Chair Cooler Combos

Same yourself some time, money, and effort by purchasing either a Backpack Cooler or a Chair Cooler combo.  Either of these options is the way to go for frequent beach goers who know how miserable it can be to trek down the beach with all of your gear.  The backpack cooler provides you with a cooler that is easy to transport along with dry storage for your cell phone, wallet, etc.  The chair cooler can literally be the only thing you carry to the beach.  It has all the benefits of the backpack cooler, but also gives you a comfy seat all in one load.

Best of the Rest - Pelican ProGear, Icey-Tek, Grizzly, and Igloo Yukon

Yeti has the highest brand recognition of any premium cooler, but the competition in this category is getting more intense every day. Pelican ProGear, Icey-Tek, Grizzly, and Igloo have all stepped up their game in the high end cooler market. All of these manufacturers are currently producing coolers that are nearly as good, if not better, than Yeti's depending on your specific needs.

Year of the Yeti - Full Yeti Coolers Comparison

Yeti® Coolers have become the new "must have" gadget for gear heads across the country.  Claiming to be colder, stronger, versatile, and more durable, Yeti's have taken over the domestic cooler market by satisfying the needs of the most demanding weekend warriors.  While you may feel a little sticker shock when shopping for a Yeti you will undoubtedly not regret the investment once you have used it for a day on the boat or at the beach.