Are you looking to get a cooler for your next outdoor adventure? Choosing the right cooler size is really important if you want to have a smooth and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a quick day hike or a week-long camping expedition, having the right size cooler ensures you’re fully equipped to handle the environment you’re in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the things to consider when you’re selecting the perfect cooler size. So you can confidently pack up and know you’ve got everything you need. Let’s dive in and find the ideal cooler size for your adventure.
Why Choosing the Right Cooler Size Matters
Imagine reaching your campsite and realizing that your cooler can’t hold all the essentials—or maybe it fits everything, but it’s so heavy that hauling it to your spot becomes a struggle. Neither situation is good. The cooler you choose directly impacts how well you can do the following:
Preserve your food and drink.
How easily you can move around.
How prepared you feel for your adventure.
A cooler that’s too small can lead to cramming, resulting in poor cooling and limited supplies. On the other hand, an overly large cooler adds unnecessary bulk and weight, which is incredibly challenging on longer hikes or rough terrain. Choosing the right size means having enough space, an ideal cooler weight, and cooling power. All of this makes for a more comfortable and convenient trip.
Factors That Influence Your Cooler Size Needs
There are a few things you need to seriously consider when it comes to choosing a cooler size. So, let’s talk more about them.
What Type of Adventure Are You Going On?
Every type of adventure requires different things from your cooler. For instance, a short day hike means you need a compact cooler. So, enough space for a few drinks and snacks. If you’re going on a weekend camping trip, however, you’ll need room for meals, drinks, and possibly ice packs. And for activities like hunting or fishing, you may need extra space to bring home your catch, making a larger cooler really important. Matching cooler size to adventure type means you’re packing efficiently and carrying exactly what’s needed for the day.What’s Your Group Size?
Are you venturing solo or with a group? You need more cooler space as your group gets bigger. Solo trips can mean a compact cooler that’s easy to carry, whereas family outings or group camping trips need a cooler that can hold meals and drinks for everyone. A bigger cooler can be a smart choice for larger groups since you need more food and drinks. You’ll probably also have more help carrying your cooler if it’s heavy and there’s a group of people to help.How Long is Your Trip?
You also need to think about the length of your trip. For day trips, you may only need a few ice packs and a small cooler, while multi-day journeys need a cooler that maintains cold temperatures longer and has space for multiple meals. So, you’ll want to consider the cooler’s ice retention abilities for longer trips; a cooler that can keep items cold for several days is worth the investment when you’re far from fresh supplies.What Type of Food & Drinks Do You Need to Store?
What you’re packing matters just as much as how much you’re packing. Storing bulky items like large cuts of meat, full-sized drinks, or meal kits takes up more room compared to compact snacks or canned drinks. So, planning your meals and drinks in advance can help you gauge how much cooler space you actually need, ensuring that nothing is left behind due to limited room.Additional Storage Needs
For certain activities, such as fishing, hunting, or boating, you might need extra storage space in your cooler for items besides food and drinks. Bringing back fish, game, or other supplies from your adventure means you need a cooler that can handle both your initial items and whatever you’re bringing home. Thinking about this upfront will allow you to choose a cooler with enough capacity to handle both planned items and extras.
Cooler Sizes and Their Best Uses
So, what size cooler do you need, and how are they best used? Well, small coolers carry up to 20 quarts. They’re compact and easy to carry, and small coolers are good for quick trips or solo outings where portability is what’s most important. Perfect for a day hike or a beach day, a 20-quart cooler can fit a few drinks, snacks, and even an ice pack, making it a go-to for light-packing adventurers.
If you’re looking for a medium cooler, it can carry up to 20-50 quarts. They’re great for small groups on a weekend camping trip, and a medium-sized cooler balances capacity and portability. With enough space for meals and drinks for a few people, this size is versatile and manageable, fitting easily into a car trunk and providing enough cooling for a short getaway.
If you think you need a large cooler, they carry between 50-75 quarts. These coolers are great for larger groups or extended camping trips. It’s perfect when you need a cooler that can handle multiple meals and beverages. The 50-75 quart range is ideal for family camping or longer excursions, with plenty of space to keep food and drinks cold for several days without sacrificing mobility.
Lastly, there are the extra-large coolers that can hold over 75 quarts.
An extra-large cooler is the way to go for serious outings, like week-long hunting trips or large gatherings. Designed to store bulkier items and large quantities of food, this size can handle it all. While not as portable, it’s perfect for locations where you’ll be stationary and need substantial cold storage.
What Cooler Features Do You Need to Consider for Size Selection?
There are three things to consider when it comes to choosing the best-size cooler. You’ll want to think about portability and weight, ice retention, and storage/organization options. Let’s talk about each thing more in-depth.
Portability and Weight
As cooler size increases, so does the weight—even before adding ice and supplies. For larger coolers, consider models with wheels or reinforced handles to make transport easier, especially if your adventures involve rugged terrain. Choosing a cooler that works for both your storage and transport needs will make your trips smoother and more enjoyable.Ice Retention
Ice retention is critical, particularly for longer trips. A cooler with high ice retention keeps contents colder for extended periods, which is needed on multi-day outings. Check the insulation quality when choosing your cooler; it could mean the difference between fresh food on day four or a quick trip home to restock.Storage and Organization Options
Built-in dividers, baskets, and shelves can help you maximize space, keeping items organized and accessible. Some coolers offer removable baskets or trays, allowing you to pack strategically and easily locate items during your trip. Organized storage saves space and ensures you’re making the most of every inch in your cooler.
How to Test If a Cooler Size is Right for You
Not sure if a particular cooler size will meet your needs? Try a quick test run at home. Pre-pack your food, drinks, and ice in the cooler you’re considering. Does everything fit, and do you have room for ice? If the size fits your items comfortably, you’re all set. If not, you’ll need to size up. Test packing for different types of trips to see how your needs vary, and you’ll soon find the size that suits your adventures best.
Choosing the Right Cordova Cooler for Your Needs
Cordova offers a range of coolers to fit every adventure, from quick solo trips to extended group outings. For shorter trips, you’ll want to think about a compact, portable option like Cordova’s Basecamp Class 20 qt Cooler. For family or group camping, a medium to large cooler provides the capacity and ice retention you’ll need. And for those going on much longer adventures, Cordova’s extra-large models deliver maximum storage and cooling power. Explore our collections of coolers to find the size that perfectly matches your outdoor lifestyle.
Choosing the right cooler size is extremely important when it comes to preparing for any adventure, big or small. Considering factors like group size, trip duration, and storage needs, you can confidently select a cooler that meets every requirement.
With Cordova’s reliable range of high-quality coolers, you’ll be equipped to explore the outdoors without compromising performance or convenience. Ready to find your ideal cooler? Take a look at our collection of coolers and prepare for your next outdoor journey with a cooler that’s just the right fit.