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Coleman looks to overthrow Yeti as the go-to cooler brand for campers

They promise to be Yeti-tough, but lighter and more affordable than the ultra-premium rotomolded competition.

Coleman Pro 55-quart hard-sided cooler being carried by a couple in a field.
Coleman

Rotomolded coolers have long been the standard for campers, car campers, and overlanders. Yeti has been the go-to brand for such coolers for more than a decade, with an almost cult-like following. But, Coleman (yes, that Coleman) is setting its sights on dethroning the king with its all-new Coleman Pro line-up.

The Chicago-based brand has been a camper staple for more than a century, with some of the most lightweight and, most importantly, affordable coolers on the market. But it’s seriously stepping up its game with the Coleman Pro line. It’s “the most durable cooler we’ve ever engineered. We pushed it to the limit with repeated drop tests and over 1,000 hours of rugged road testing and it exceeded every expectation,” said Luke Eck, Coleman’s Director of Outdoor Research & Development.

Stack of Coleman Pro rotomolded coolers.
Coleman

Each of the three hard-sided coolers is purpose-built to maximize durability, making them a great option for hard-charging overlanders. They feature extra-thick walls with up to two inches of insulation for maximum ice retention, too. But unlike some of the beefier rotomolded options on the market (we’re looking at you, Yeti and Pelican), Coleman’s alternative is up to 30% lighter than coolers of the same capacity. They’re also significantly more affordable, too. Sturdy latches, oversized drain plugs, and non-slip feet are all standard. Tie-down slots make quick work of lashing your cooler down to a truck or boat. Plus, they’re all backed by a 10-year warranty, too.

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Hard-sided coolers in the Coleman Pro series are available now in 25-, 45-, and 55-quart (wheeled) sizes with prices ranging from $159 to $299. Two soft-sided options are also available: A 16-can version for $59 and a 24-can for $79.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
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