You’re out with your friends in the wilderness, having a fantastic time. All of you decide to get those tents up along with some sleeping bags rolled out and to take a walk to explore the wilderness a bit more, leaving the site unguarded.
When you guys come back, you see that the place is destroyed. All that is left are devoured food and footprints of bears. Only if you guys had the best bear proof coolers with you, the scenario would have been entirely different.
So, if you want to have a good time without facing any troubles, which would eventually lead you and your friends to leave camping with a sad face, then I suggest you invest in high-quality coolers (hands-on tested by us) for your trips.
Why Should You Use Bear Proof Coolers?
If you are a party-hard teenager who likes their beer chilled, all it requires is any random cooler. However, if you are one for the wild, you should go out with the best you have.
These coolers are often referred to as Grizzly Proof Coolers. But the main question is, “why do we need a bear-resistant cooler?”.
Protection
Predators will always be out there in the wild. Whether you are asleep or out fishing, there will always be risks involved.
Hence, these types of coolers come along with a coin or key to lock and unlock them. They are engineered to tackle such situations.
However, you have to ensure that the product you purchase is certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IBGC).
This will ensure that the model will stay protected in any adverse situations.
Durable
During rough terrains, coolers usually tend to get hit, or you might even lose your grip. Hence, these coolers are coated with durable skin, which can endure the heaviest of impacts.
Handy Tips: If you are planning to visit a bear country like Alaska, it will be a wise judgment to take bear spray and bear horn with you. Who knows when you will face a bear attack.
10 Best Bear Proof Coolers of 2022
If you are looking for a certified premium product, you are in the right place.
We purchased a few of the best bear-resistant coolers from the market, managed some from our traveler friends, and did a hands-on test on each of the items to find out the best one.
This article has gone through several tests and research to present the top 10 best-selling items on the horizon.
#1. YETI Tundra 65 Cooler [Top Pick]
If you are looking for a certified premium quality bear proof cooler, then go for a YETI. This brand boasts tons of features that keep your food safe.
The cooler consists of a capacity of over 65 quarts. That’s one hefty capacity to keep your food as well as your drinks.
Speaking of keeping the odors intact, you won’t have to worry about your food losing its flavors during rough journeys.
The Permafrost insulation feature is an astonishing technology. It consists of pressure-injected polyurethane foam that’s inserted onto the lid and the walls to ensure the ice stays frosted.
YETI always provides the best in this category, and when you look for the best cooler, the construction has to be Rotomolded.
This material comes as armor for your model and makes the whole thing completely durable. Even if an actual YETI comes in the way, it is going to have a pretty tough time facing this one.
One thing that most campers struggle with is draining. Having to flip over the cooler just to empty the slot can be annoying.
Wouldn’t it be great if you had a proper drainage system? Well, the YETI got that covered too. The vortex drainage feature is designed to make things easy and swift for you.
Moreover, it is leak-proof, so you won’t be facing any problems along the way.
Additional features include non-slip feet, which will ensure the cooler won’t slide away when kept in a place. It also has the interlocking lid feature, which enables you to create a barrier for the heat to block out.
Lastly, it contains the T-Rex lid latches, which are formulated in heavy-duty patented technology. Hence, you won’t have to worry about purchasing latches over and over again.
Do you still have confusion? Here’s a video of the Yeti cooler bear attack test. It passed with ease.
#2. RTIC Cooler
This product is a simple yet hardcore cooler that packs a ton of heavy-duty features which makes it bear proof. The construction of the model is entirely Rotomolded.
This makes the whole thing as sturdy as it gets. It comes with some well-built T-latches and molded tie slots to ensure the product stays intact.
The capacity of the product might be minimal, approximately 45 quarts. But, the protection system is so great that it could take on a grizzly bear attack at any time of the day.
The walls have been coated with 3 layers of molding. That’s like triple the security, which a regular cooler won’t be able to provide.
Moreover, the cooler comes with an integrated locking system allowing even better protection.
Speaking of triple stuff, the insulation feature of this is 3 inches thick. And, the cooler becomes almost invincible when this feature gets added with a freezer gasket.
The gasket comes in real handy to seal the whole model, and the insulation keeps the aroma inside, to prevent spillage.
One of the features that sets this cooler apart from the rest in the market is the drainage system. We found the drain line 1.5 inches in diameter which is really nice to bring all the dirt out of the cooler easily.
Besides, you won’t have to give the extra effort to roll over the model to bring the water out. All you have to do is simply pull the drain plug to ensure the water outflow. This just makes this so simple and easy.
To make things even better, the model comes with Anti-Skid feet. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself struggling just to keep the cooler in place.
Hence, the non-slip feature provides much ease in getting a good hold of your product. The side handles are also molded, which allows you to have a very firm grip over the cooler.
However, compared to YETI Tundra, this cooler is not that hardy. Tundra feels stronger than this one. However, if you consider the price, it’s a good deal.
#3. Coleman Cooler
Here’s one for the aesthetics, which comes with a retro structure. The design is so slick that you might go for the purchase just because of how good it looks. It is probably one of the best outdoor coolers out there.
The product stands out not only because it has vintage vibes but also for the cool and heavy-duty features it provides.
Let’s talk about the capacity of this product. It consists of over 54 quarts of internal storage.
This could pretty much load more than 85 cans, how much more could you ask for in a big day trip? To add more to that feature, the model comes with a seat lid that holds up to 250 pounds.
Furthermore, the insulation in this cooler is just exquisite. It can hold ice for up to four days. Remember big day trips?
Yup, these features make things even better. Odors will get locked in, and the heat will get blocked out. That’s the beauty of a premium quality insulated cooler.
Also, if the temperatures are below 90 Degrees Fahrenheit, the model will be able to retain ice efficiently.
Now, most of the coolers you see are not very durable. They do not last a substantial amount of time. This happens due to the infection of corrosion.
However, this item is not an average cooler. The retro-designed product offers rust-resistant hardware, which consists of stainless steel, and this delivers top-notch performance for years to come.
When it comes to carrying and lifting, you need something where you can get a comfortable grip.
Otherwise, things will get tough, and you may get too exhausted during journeys due to carrying the immense weight.
Hence, the handles of this model are made of steel to ensure a good grip on the cooler.
#4. Outsunny Rotomolded Camping Cooler
This khaki-colored cooler is something heavy that is sure to mesmerize you in tons of ways. If you are getting yourself a premium quality cooler, then the model must possess a hefty amount of storage.
Hence, the product consists of over 64 quarts of internal storage to help you store more than enough supplies in this cooler. Moreover, this model also comes with 2-inch thick insulation that will surely keep the odors trapped for an extended period.
Now, let us move on to the construction. The structure of this cooler is so well-built, you may never have to worry about any grizzly bear attacks at your site. It is Rotomolded to the core, making this thing virtually indestructible.
So, no matter how much of an impact the cooler takes, it will be able to withstand it during those crazy adventures.
The freezer quality is impeccable. As mentioned above, it has well-maintained insulation.
It comes with a gasket that runs the complete length of the cooler’s lid to make sure the cold inside is locked, and the heat gets blocked out. So, you’ll be able to keep your food inside for a substantial amount of time.
The handles of this product boast a nylon-coated material that ensures durability at its best. You will be getting a very firm grip which will make sure that you get a good hold on the cooler.
Moreover, the nylon rope material will ensure the fact that you can haul with persistence.
For additional benefits, this product also comes with extra features. Firstly, the leak-proof drainage plugin system will prevent any leakages from being created.
Secondly, locking latches that are thoroughly reinforced will provide additional protection. Lastly, the non-slip feet will keep the box in place, a feature that truly separates this product from the others in the market.
#5. Grizzly 40 Quart
This cooler may look too simplistic from afar, but trust us when we say that it packs a ton of punches.
It is constructed in double-walled polyethylene, which makes the entire product almost indestructible. And, when it is put together with a rubber gasket and latches, the cooler gets close to perfection.
The problem we all face whenever we have a cooler is that it slips away due to glossy materials coated on it.
You often find yourself frustrated just to keep the item in place. Hence, Grizzly has inserted anti-skid rubber feet to ensure it stays in the place where it is kept.
Unlike other coolers in the market, the drain system is larger on this one; almost 2 inches large. This solves a lot of problems as you can easily remove the drain plug to make the outflow run as smoothly as possible and also do the cleaning easily.
It can be annoying when you have to do things manually. Even though the drainage feature is larger than the others, there are minimal chances of leakages.
Moreover, the capacity of the model may seem a bit low, approximately 40 quarts. But it is good enough.
The product is certified by the Grizzly Bear Committee itself to be completely bear-resistant. Hence, you won’t have to worry about violating any safety hazards while camping.
What signifies the quality level of a product? The lifetime warranty provided by manufacturers ensures quality.
This is provided because Grizzly has immense confidence in their products, and they are also keen on helping out their customers as much as they can.
#6. REYLEO Cooler
If you are looking for something that belongs to the very best for camping, then REYLEO has just the product for you.
It is one of the most lightweight coolers out there on the market. Hence, it makes the whole thing quite portable, and it also comes in compact dimensions.
So, you can quickly put this thing at the back of your car and go for some adventurous journeys or rave parties.
A significant feature of this model is that you don’t require both of your arms to carry it. You can single-handedly carry the whole thing wherever you go. The material used in formulating this handle is stainless steel, which ensures durability.
And, to attain comfort, the model comes with a soft pad that provides a comfortable grip. Plus, the locking system of the handles can be done automatically.
REYELEO provides latches that are second to none in the market. It is made of high-quality plastic material, which is exceptionally durable.
Moreover, the latches are elasticized to their absolute core. Hence, you’ll find it easy to lock in the cooler, and it will also keep the air inside intact.
The ice retention system is tremendous with this product. Your food and beverage can stay cool for a very long period. Coldness inside lasts for over three days at a stretch.
Moreover, the cooler is equipped with exquisite sealing technology, which is used in high-quality refrigerators. Hence, you won’t worry about your beverage or food rotting inside the box.
Lastly, the cooler has a 20-quart capacity. This will allow you to carry over 30 cans of beverage. Highly durable Rotomolded materials have been applied in this cooler, which can withstand up to 700 pounds.
Extra beneficial features include a built-in cap opener, an on-top bottle holder, and an on-top ruler, which will aid you in your camping trips.
However, in our test, we found the drain system leaking water. We are not sure if it is a manufacturing fault, or, we got the one with a defect.
#7. Seavilis Cooler (Miles)
This model right here is the best-seller from Seavilis. It is a cooler that comes with a variety of features that will surely bring a massive change to your camping.
Firstly, the construction is Rotomolded, which means the wall is coated with a thick layer of polyurethane plastic that will ensure you are left with no leaks and a UV Protection Surface.
There are a variety of capacities available with this model. If you select any model from the range of 45-Quart to 75-Quart, you’ll be able to get tons of features along with the product.
However, if you select the 35-Quart option, you’ll have to let go of some additional accessories such as a cup holder, divider, etc.
Most of the brands out there only provide a leak-proof drainage plug. However, Seavilis is providing that, along with a pressure release button. This will make work twice as fast and easier.
All you have to do is just pull the plug and just press the button to let all the water out. Then you can continue wiping off the whole thing.
The anti-slipping feet system has been designed so well in this model that it will act as a glue for your product.
From now on, you won’t have to get frustrated by having to hold the cooler in one hand and do the work inside with the other. Just place the thing on a suitable site and do what you have to do.
Seavilis provides tons of features for you to utilize. These include two built-in stainless steel cap opener which comes in handy in the long run.
It also has a compass that is inserted into the product for direction assistance. Heavy-duty removable nylon straps are also provided to ensure you get a very tight grip on the cooler.
This product has Easy Cam latches as well, which require minimal effort to open up.
#8. Driftsun 110-Quart Ice Chest
Now, this cooler is one mammoth of a product, and it boasts an astonishing amount of capacity of more than 100 Quarts.
It is a perfect model for a weeklong trip. You can keep your resources inside for as long as you want; they won’t wear out so easily.
This beast of a cooler is constructed in a heavy-duty Rotomolded coating. It is virtually invincible to breakthrough.
So, in case of heavy grizzly bear attacks, the cooler will remain sturdy on its own. Moreover, the exterior design is secured with UV Protection; this will keep your cooler from fading out in the years to come.
The insulation feature with this thing is over 3 inches thick. That’s something that most brands out there fail to provide.
Such insulation, along with an ultra-durable construction, will undoubtedly ensure the fact that your food and beverage will remain completely secure. You won’t have to worry about losing the flavors.
Cleaning the whole model won’t be an issue in the interior segment because there is a recessed leak-proof drainage plug enabled with a chain.
Firstly, you won’t have to worry about losing the plug itself. Secondly, there is no need for concern about leakages. All you have to do is pull the plug and let the water flow out of the cooler.
To keep the structure in place, you are getting a Gorilla Grip Anti-Skid Feet technology. This feature will help the cooler stay fixated at a given spot so that it doesn’t slide away when you are keeping things inside the cooler.
Furthermore, the model comes with quick-clip latches to ensure a proper locking system. Rope handles are coated with military-grade nylon material to make them remain tough.
#9. iSmart 26 Quart Cooler
iSmart brings you a cooler that is just fitting for your cause while you go on camping trips. It is an ideal cooler that boasts tons of features that will assist you in your trips. The model has commercially graded insulation.
You will be able to keep ice in this thing for 5 days at a stretch, and if you are thinking of keeping hot food items, then the odors will stick for 24 hours.
The construction is formulated in an ultra-sturdy Rotomolded coating. It is a special kind of plastic that will ensure your cooler is as durable as it gets.
Moreover, such coated material will make sure your cooler is highly protected from sudden bear attacks. There is also no need to worry about causing violations of camping safety.
Moreover, the capacity of this model is about 26 Quarts. It is more than enough for a one or two-day trip. The product also comes with a lid gasket, which will ensure that the cooler is perfectly sealed so that no heat passes by.
Additionally, the exterior design of the product is completely UV-Resistant, which means your cooler will look good as new for a very long time.
This model comes with a stainless steel long handle, which makes it easier for you to carry the whole thing. You’ll be able to do it single-handedly at times.
Also, the product includes a measuring board on top for you to measure anything you want. And this feature will help you in making precise measurements.
If all of these features weren’t enough, you are also getting an Anti-leakage draining plug. Cleaning doesn’t get any easier, and with a simple pull of the plug, you’ll be able to get all the water out of the cooler.
There is no need to put the extra effort into flipping over your product to make sure nothing is left behind.
#10. Frosted Frog Tan 20 Quart Cooler
Frosted Frog’s best-selling cooler probably brings the smallest model on this list. The capacity of this product is around 20-Quart; this may seem minimal.
But, the three inches of commercially graded insulation feature just makes a perfect balance. You’ll be able to keep your beer bottles or evening snacks for days to come.
The cooler brings together two different variations to ensure the fact that you get the perfect locking system. Firstly, it has a lid gasket that is freezer-styled. This particular feature ensures that not even an ounce of heat gets inside your cooler.
Secondly, there are the cold rubber-sealed latches to make sure that you make a proper closure of the whole thing. It is pretty smooth to open up and close.
The handle of this cooler is coated with heavy-duty steel. This will enable the handle to be strong and sturdy so that it can carry tons of load.
And, it will also make sure they don’t come off easily. Moreover, the handle comes with a comfortable gripping system in the middle. It allows you to get a nice and easy grip on the handle so that you can leniently carry the whole thing wherever you go.
Furthermore, the exterior part of the product is highly protected from UV Rays, which will make sure that your cooler stays good as new for decades to come. Since the construction of the model is fortified in thermoplastic, it can be considered permanent.
The drain plug of the product comes with a pressure release point. Hence, you will be able to clean your cooler up within minutes as the water will be taken out pretty swiftly.
But, to clean your box, you require it to stay in place, right? Well, to make that happen Frosted Frog has inserted super grip anti-slip rubber feet.
What Makes a Cooler the Best for Camping?
There are a lot of technical issues and factors involved when you go out to purchase a food cooler. This is what people like to refer to like the cooler these days.
But, the ice chest manufacturers have taken a more corporate turn to make loads of money. This has led to saturation of the cooler market.
Hence, getting yourself the ideal ice chest is going to rely on your requirements.
So, let’s move forward and check out the most important factors before you make the final purchase.
Capacity
Do you go on camping trips regularly or occasionally? That’s the main question you need to ask yourself while going through this factor. The complete size of your ice-box is measured in quarts, which shows how precisely you pack things up in a cooler.
So let’s begin with the heavy-hitting 70-quart chests. This capacity is just perfect for longer trips. Moreover, these are compatible enough for a lot of people.
However, these are pretty costly. So, you need to make sure that this product meets your requirements before you consider it.
Then comes the average capacity of 40-quart. Have you ever heard of chill weekends? The size is well-matched for those who love to enjoy the weekends. It is also fitting enough for couples who want to spend some nights together. And it costs a bit less as well.
Finally, there are products consisting of 25-Quart internal storage. If you are looking for a single day and night trip with your significant other, then there is no other choice better than this one.
These come at a very reasonable price, and you’ll also be able to enjoy one whole day quite smoothly.
Now, if you choose to get significantly higher than the 70-Quart mark, then things will get a bit difficult for you when it comes to hauling because anything higher than that mark is for either mega celebrations or hunting trips.
Flexibility
In this factor, the first thing you need to make sure of is that your ice-box leniently fits in the back of your car.
It is pretty difficult when you have to move around stuff just to place the cooler. So, flexibility is achieved through the perfect size that is fitting for your vehicle.
A fully-loaded cooler is a crucial element when it comes to long-day trips. It is all good when you have to carry the thing around for a short period. However, if it gets any longer, portability has to be assured. Otherwise, things could get frustrating.
Getting a cooler with wheels inserted is not a bad idea. However, there are certain risks involved where it could lead to costs getting a bit higher. Hence, going for a lightweight option could be the best solution in this scenario.
Ice Retention
You need to purchase a cooler that is well-insulated. Commercially graded coolers would be the preferable choice.
It is the layer of insulation that will decide how long will your food stay well in your box. Otherwise, your food might get spoiled within hours.
Security
Remember, any soft cooler can’t survive a bear attack, a bear proof cooler must be rotomolded. It is one of the most crucial factors to consider.
Besides, it is not just the animals who can cause damage to your ice-boxes, humans are just as dangerous. Hence, there are two important segments of this factor.
Firstly, there is the prospect of the skin. A cooler’s strength will be judged with the materials that have been used to create the whole thing. Hence, you should go for the product which consists of durable skin that’ll last a long time.
Rotomolded thermoplastic coating is mostly preferred these days because they are unbelievably strong. Moreover, such construction leads to protection from UV Rays, which means your ice-chest won’t fade away so easily.
Secondly, there is a locking mechanism. Sometimes having good skin isn’t enough. If a punch from a bear results in the breaking of the lock, then it could lead to a disaster.
Tough and durable latches are highly recommended because they are quite easy to lock and close. You’ll also need a high-quality premium gasket that completely seals the entire product to the very core.
Extra-Features
Sometimes wishing for a bit more is not so bad. Getting the ideal cooler is one thing, but getting that along with some additional features and accessories is also highly beneficial.
There are tons of extra features available that come with a cooler. Firstly, bottle openers can make things smooth for you and your friends because you don’t have to utilize rocks to open up a bottle of beer.
Then there are measurement boards that ensure proper measurements. Even a compass inserted in a cooler can come in handy. Because google maps won’t be able to help you when you travel deep, it is the old-school way that helps out at the end of the day.
So, you’ll be able to possess a lot of extra features that come along with a cooler. But, it is up to you to decide which available features will be able to help you out on your camping trips in the wilderness.
Certified
One of the things that worry campers the most is violating a safety hazard without having any idea about it. Grizzly bears will attack if they get the chance.
But, there is also the possibility that the resources you have inside the backpack cooler could end up causing relative harm to animals and the environment.
So, to ensure you don’t end up contaminating a camping site, you have to make sure that your cooler is IGBC Certified.
This will not only make sure that your cooler is bear-resistant, but it will also protect you from getting accused of breaking the rules without any consent.
Top Bear Resistant Cooler Brands
No matter what you decide to purchase in life, brand value matters. Quality is substantially judged through brands because they are the ones who have been there for a very long time.
Coolers have lots of brands on the market. Let’s have a look at those brands who rule the jungle:
YETI
YETI is probably the most popular brand out there in the market. Their coolers are certified to stand against bears.
Moreover, they also retain ice for more than seven days, which is tested by experts. But, the reason why they have been such a dominant brand for a decade is that YETI came up with the Rotomolded coating. However, they are highly expensive.
Pelican
This brand is best known for the additional features it provides that no other brands can. Their coolers come at a very reasonable price.
In terms of ice retention, they are better than most brands out there in the market. Pelican is highly recommended for those who are looking for a quality cooler at a cheap rate.
Technische
If you are searching for a brand that lets you keep your beverage chilled for a long period, then Technische would be the best choice for you among the other brands in the market. They are best known for ice retention.
One of the main reasons is that they come along with a dual commercial grade insulation system. This means they are twice as thick. Hence, there are no rivals to retaining ice when it comes to Technische.
RTIC
Their ice-boxes live up to their company tagline which is ‘’Overbuilt, Not Overpriced”. One of the main reasons why they became so popular is that they highly resemble the coolers of YETI.
RTIC even got sued once for the uncanny similarities. So, if you are looking for an alternative to YETI coolers that will save you 100 bucks, RTIC is the choice to make.
Orion
Orion is the most expensive brand on this list. But, they make up for every dollar you decide to spend on it.
Starting from its majestic looks to its highly thick cushioning system, it is one of the best cooler brands out there in the market, whose origin is from the United States of America.
Food Packing Tips for Camping
There are various ways to pack your beverage and food inside your cooler. But there is an ideal way to organize everything accordingly. So, have a look at those important tips.
Cleaning Before Packing
It is a compulsory thing for you to do. If you start packing your resources in an unclean ice chest. Somewhere down the road, your food will start to rot.
To stop that from happening, wipe your ice chest from soapy water. This will not only keep your resources clean but also give you a tidy start.
Isolate Beverage and Raw Items
A divider is the best solution for these sorts of situations. Because both of these items could cause a disaster if they happen to get mixed up.
Having different categories of resources mixed up under one roof could cause the ice to warm quickly because of the imbalanced temperatures. Hence, isolation is an essential thing to do.
Leak-Proof Cooler is a Must
Who likes a cooler that leaks? The water creates a messy environment and doesn’t even keep your resources cool. That is something we all should try to prevent.
Having a leak-proof cooler means that you will have peace of mind while storing food. Leakages can also cause the outside air to get in, which will inevitably affect your resources too.
Check Temperature from Time to Time
You just have to take a thermometer along the way. It is a very crucial thing to do because your food won’t always remain in its optimum state.
Slight changes in temperature could cause your food to deteriorate. Hence, regular monitoring is required to maintain so that such an occurrence doesn’t happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, if you have made it this far, you must have millions of questions running around in your mind.
So let’s just have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions:
What does an IGBC Certification represent?
Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee is what IGBC means. They are an organization that is completely dedicated to the healthy habitat of a bear.
To ensure that grizzly bears remain safe, they encourage all the hunters and campers to avoid packing foods that’ll appeal to the bear.
To make sure that the campers maintain safety regulations, the committee highly recommends coolers that are strong enough to stand against bears.
IGBC puts their logo as a seal on the ice-chests to show that the container is certified to go in the habitat of a grizzly.
Are locks necessary or do the latches do the job just fine?
The more secure you are, the better. Grizzly bears are not something that should be taken lightly. A bear’s jaw strength and entire weight are enough to break the latches.
Hence, having a perfectly sealed integrated lock alongside durable latches will ensure the utmost security.
What is so special about these types of coolers in retaining ice?
These coolers are not only well-known for battling against bears. They are also pretty good at ice retention. It is because they have a thicker insulation system than any regular coolers.
Do these coolers float?
It is a question that runs around many campers’ minds, especially those who like fishing. Well, it depends on particular brands.
For example, ice-boxes from YETI are extremely buoyant and do actually float.
Does ice last longer when it is kept submerged in water?
No, they do not.
Final Words
It is safe to say you know that just having a cooler isn’t enough. All these times you thought buying a cooler would do the job, but there are always high risks involved.
Hence, the core objective of this article was to make sure you purchase the best bear proof cooler and also the ins and outs of the factors that you have to consider.