Camping | GearJunkie

Warmth Meets Wiggle Room: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag Review

Meghan LaHatte — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:21:40 +0000

Crawling into a sleeping bag can sometimes feel more like mummification than rest. Most designs are narrow for efficiency as they are meant to conserve heat and compress into a backpack.

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag takes a different approach. Built wide, soft, and unapologetically comfortable, it’s as close to bringing your bed to the campsite as you’ll find.

Probably the most spacious sleeping bag I’ve ever used, the Siesta brings all the comfort you miss from your bed at home, only in a stuff sack. For restless sleepers like me, or anyone who likes to sprawl out beneath the stars, it delivers reliable comfort and performance.

With the ability to unzip into a large, warm blanket or as a large, but comfy, cocoon, the Siesta performed well as a car camping staple during summer nights spent in the front country of Colorado. Furthermore, this bag is a rare, budget-friendly option you’ll find in a market often over-saturated by pricier options.

In short: The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a 20-degree synthetic sleeping bag designed with car campers in mind. Featuring a wide rectangular cut, a spacious hood that doubles as a pillow pocket, and dual zippers that allow it to open flat into a blanket, this bag emphasizes comfort and versatility over packability. At $149, the Siesta shines as a budget-friendly option for car campers, road trippers, or backyard loungers who value roominess, flexibility, and warmth without the mummy bag squeeze.

Looking for a new sleeping bag? Check out how the Siesta Hooded 20 compares to the rest of our recommended bags in GearJunkie’s Best Camping Sleeping Bags Buyer’s Guide.

6.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Shell fabric: Recycled polyester, Bluesign approved
Available temperature ratings: 20°F (tested)
Available sizes: Medium (tested), Medium Wide, Long, Long Wide
Tested packed volume: 17.7 L
Tested weight: 5 lbs., 5 oz.
Tested fill weight: N/A
Insulation: 98% recycled polyester/2% polyester

Pros

Budget price
Roomy headspace can accommodate a full-size pillow from home
Affordable price for the quality and warmth
Quilted design helps retain heat

Cons

Synthetic fill won’t compress as much as a natural down
Zippers have tendency to snag

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: Review

The wide rectangular shape of the Siesta Hooded 20 is cozy to dive into, and a great value at $149; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

First Impressions

At first glance, the Siesta Hooded Sleeping Bag looks more like a quilt than a traditional sleeping bag, thanks to its rectangular cut and roomy build. The oversized, cushioned hood is immediately noticeable, designed both for burrowing in on chilly nights and for holding a pillow from home.

The polyester shell and liner feel silky soft against the skin, a welcome departure from the plasticky texture common in other budget-friendly synthetics. After a long day on the trail, slipping into this bag feels genuinely inviting.

Its size is apparent right away — this is not a compact, ultralight design. The synthetic fill makes it bulkier than down alternatives, and it comes with a generous stuff sack that measures 11 by 16 inches. When stuffed, the stuff sack is closer to 19 by 13 inches.

Currently, the Siesta is available in a muted green colorway, though my test bag was the 2024 version featuring a brown exterior and liner.

I spent several nights in this bag testing, where temperatures dipped to the upper 30s; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

Field Testing in the Western Slope of Colorado

To put the Siesta through its paces, I spent several nights camping in Colorado’s alpine desert. From climbing into my rooftop tent to classic cot camping, the bag joined me on a range of front-country outings.

As mentioned earlier, the Siesta feels gentle against the skin and genuinely pleasant to crawl into at night. Its large, fluffy baffles create a quilt-like, cloud-soft feel that’s plush and cozy without being overly heavy or smothering. These baffles also help stabilize the fill, making its ability to insulate consistent throughout the entire silhouette.

The silk-like polyester shell also proved practical in the field. Dirt brushed off easily, and unlike many synthetics, it didn’t seem to attract lint or pet hair. This was a notable perk when sharing camp with my two giant husky mixes.

Testing spanned late summer into early fall, with humid, rainy days giving way to crisp evenings in the low 40s and upper 30s. The humidity definitely added an extra chilly bite to the air, something I noticed while sleeping in this bag and its warming abilities.

The packed size won’t wow you, but most days with the Siesta bag will be vehicle-assisted; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

Insulation & Warmth

The Siesta uses a polyester fill rather than natural duck or goose down. This Bluesign-approved synthetic insulation is an environmentally friendly option for those who prefer to avoid animal byproducts, though it doesn’t match down for packability or weight. On the plus side, it dries faster than feather-based fills and contributes to the bag’s more budget-friendly price.

I found the insulation generous, with large baffles that provide excellent coverage once zipped up. That said, the bag’s roomy design meant my petite frame felt a bit chilly when temperatures dropped to around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because the Siesta lacks the tapered shape of a traditional mummy bag, it’s less efficient at trapping heat in colder conditions. Even wearing fleece pants and a fleece jacket, I occasionally wished for a little extra warmth.

In warmer conditions, between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the Siesta performed beautifully, keeping me snug and comfortable. I found myself reaching for it most often in mid-summer rather than during the chillier early fall nights.

The hood on the Siesta is sized to accommodate your pillow from home; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

Additional Elements

Where many sleeping bags skimp on extras, the Siesta delivers. It includes an internal pocket for stashing small essentials like a headlamp, lip balm, or earplugs.

The large, square-shaped hood can fit a full-size pillow from home, keeping it securely in place. This small but thoughtful feature makes sleeping feel indulgent and prevents the pillow from sliding off your sleeping pad, which is a problem I’ve experienced with many other bags.

The dual side zippers also add versatility, allowing you to fold the quilt down over your chest for reading or lounging. Bags with a single zipper make this awkward and can leave you feeling colder, but the Siesta’s design keeps you comfortably covered while still giving you mobility.

Pup-approved durability, thanks to the synthetic insulation; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

Versatility & Size Options

Thanks to its full-length zippers on either side, the Siesta can be opened completely and used as a large blanket or a comfortable sitting area at camp. I especially enjoyed this feature during afternoons when I wanted to soak up the sun without lying directly on the rocky ground.

The bag is also available in four inclusive size options: Medium, Medium-Wide, Long, and Long-Wide. I tested the Medium, which accommodates sleepers up to 72 inches (5’10”). At 5’3”, I had plenty of room to stretch out comfortably.

In an industry that still struggles with sizing inclusivity, the Siesta stands out. Its roomy rectangular design and multiple size options make it accessible to a wide range of body types and sleeping styles.

For those who prefer to share their sleeping space, REI also offers a double-wide version. This model maintains the same 20-degree rating and size options, making it ideal for partners, pets, or anyone who simply wants extra room for counting sheep.

Using my pillow from home is always welcome; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

Areas of Improvement

While the Siesta Sleeping Bag offers thoughtful design features and standout comfort, there are a few areas where REI Co-op could make improvements in future iterations.

Despite the antisnag strips along the zippers, I still experienced frequent snags, especially while inside the bag. This made mornings a bit frustrating when trying to unzip and get out quickly.

The sizing inclusivity is excellent for taller or plus-size sleepers, but a smaller version aimed at petite users or kids would be a welcome addition. While I appreciated the bag’s generous roominess, the lack of a more fitted design meant it didn’t hug my frame, which slightly limited its ability to retain warmth in cooler conditions.

The stuffed size of the Siesta is considerable, so consider another bag if you want to go backpacking with it; (photo/Meghan LaHatte)

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: Conclusion

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is not designed as a technical or ultralight option, and it doesn’t need to be. For car camping or walk-in sites with minimal hiking from the car, this bag is an ideal choice.

Paired with a sleeping pad or camping cot, the Siesta makes sleeping under the stars feel as cozy as home. Its plush baffling and spacious design make it one of the most comfortable camping bags I’ve tested. Additional features, like the ability to zip down halfway for reading or open fully as a picnic blanket, add versatility that makes the $150 price point feel justified.

While the synthetic insulation makes it less packable than down alternatives, it’s still easy to toss into a car or larger duffel bag for transport. I wouldn’t bring the Siesta on a backcountry trip in colder months, but it will definitely remain a go-to in my summer camping gear rotation.

Affordable, versatile, and sizing-inclusive, I recommend the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 to car campers in warmer climates who value comfort and ease of use above all else.

YETI Roadie 24 Review: YETI Makes a Great Cooler Even Better

Heather Balogh Rochfort — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:10:30 +0000

The YETI Roadie 24 is one of those upgrades that actually matters. The brand didn’t change much because there wasn’t much needed to make it better. But by adding a drain plug and swapping the old handle for a shoulder strap, YETI made its already excellent mid-size cooler noticeably better in day-to-day use.

You’ll often see this updated Roadie 24 referred to as the “Roadie 24 2.0,” even though that’s not its official name. No matter what you call it, I tested the new Roadie 24 for 6 weeks during the fall in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley.

In testing, daytime temps ranged from the mid-50s to mid-60s but occasionally felt warmer under that relentless mountain sun. The Roadie 24 came along for campouts, tailgates, and backyard hangs, performing flawlessly through it all.

From ice retention to durability and carry comfort, the 2.0 version delivers everything you’d expect from YETI — along with a couple of smart fixes that make life a whole lot easier.

In short: The YETI Roadie 24 ($250) builds on one of the brand’s best designs with two small but significant changes. The new strap and drain plug make a great cooler genuinely better, and it’s now my go-to for weekend adventures and short trips.

See how the YETI Roadie 24 stacks up against the competition in our guide to the best coolers.

8.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 24 qts.
Materials: Rotomolded polyethylene and pressure-injected polyurethane foam
Dimensions: 17.4" x 16.6" x 14.1"
Weight: 13 lbs., 1.6 oz.

Pros

Great insulation
Solid ice retention that superseded YETI's claims
New carrying strap makes the 2.0 much easier to tote around
New drain plug is a huge upgrade

Cons

Pricey, especially for its size

The redesigned-for-2025 YETI Roadie 24 adds two new features to the fan favorite: a drain plug and a carrying strap; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler Review

YETI has spent years perfecting the art of overbuilding the ordinary. Its coolers are the gold standard: rugged, heavy-duty, and capable of surviving everything from cross-country road trips to backcountry bears. The company’s lineup has grown over time, but the Roadie series remains one of its most balanced designs, blending premium performance with useful size.

The updated Roadie 24 continues that legacy. It’s small enough to carry solo but substantial enough to keep a weekend’s worth of drinks and food cold for days. Like most YETI gear, it’s not cheap, but the craftsmanship and real-world performance justify the price. With this latest version, YETI didn’t overhaul what was working. Rather, the brand made smart refinements that fix the little annoyances, making a really great product even better.

Cold, Hard Facts: Ice Retention

We all buy coolers for one reason: to keep our food chilled and safe to eat, so we don’t end up puking our guts out on the side of the campsite. Amiright? To that end, the YETI Roadie 24 2.0 surpassed manufacturer expectations.

I ran the Roadie 24 through GearJunkie’s multiday ice retention test that we use on every single cooler. I filled it roughly 85% full with cubed ice I bought at the grocery store, placed it outdoors in a shaded area that still caught several hours of direct sun daily, and checked once every 24 hours.

It was fall here in the Rockies for our review, so we aren’t looking at crazy warmth. Daytime highs pushed into the mid-60s, but surface temps in the sun were a bit warmer; pretty standard for October in Colorado at altitude. I’ll admit that I didn’t prechill the cooler. Let’s be honest: Most of us forget to do that before tossing in the drinks anyway.

One of the biggest usability upgrades this time around is the new drain plug, which made it way easier to empty meltwater between checks. On the original Roadie, you had to tip the whole thing over, which was awkward and messy. The new plug lets you drain without lifting or losing any cooling power. I didn’t see any drop in insulation performance as a result.

According to YETI, the Roadie 24 will keep contents cold enough for food for roughly 3½ days. Good news: My test backed that up, and then some.

After 72 hours, the internal temperature was holding steady at 33 degrees Fahrenheit, with about half the ice still remaining. A few hours into the fourth day (around 100 hours), the ice had melted completely. But, the water was still chilly enough that the cans of Spindrift inside were delightfully refreshing.

In my book, the Yeti Road crushed the ice retention test. No, it doesn’t hold ice as well as its larger brethren, like the YETI Tundra 45, but it did a touch better than YETI claimed. Any time a product goes above and beyond the manufacturer’s claims, I call it a win.

After 72 hours, I still found large chunks of ice inside the YETI Roadie; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Build Quality

YETI’s calling card is durability, and the Roadie 24 2.0 carries that tradition. The rotomolded construction feels bombproof, the walls are thick and rigid, and the hinges and latches operate with a satisfying resistance. After weeks of use, it literally looks new. I can’t find a single scratch, ding, or dent.

I even put it through an unintended durability test, and it escaped unscathed. Our 1.5-year-old rescue mutt has the enthusiasm of a toddler on espresso, and he routinely exorcises his demons with zoomies in the backyard.

During his 472nd lap, he crashed full-speed into the cooler, knocking it down a spiral staircase that runs from the top of our back deck to the cement patio of our walkout basement. He was scared, I was scared, but the YETI didn’t flinch. The latches didn’t even pop open. There wasn’t a single sign of stress afterward.

YETI doesn’t list this particular model as bear-resistant like some of its larger Tundra siblings. But after seeing it survive that collision, I’d trust it to handle just about anything short of claws and teeth.

The cooler accidentally fell down this entire flight of stairs, yet I couldn’t find a single scratch or dent; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Portability

This is the upgrade that sold me. The old Roadie’s rigid handle was annoying; it made carrying the cooler feel like I was doing a weird farmer’s carry at the gym. But YETI listened and replaced that clunky handle with a new shoulder strap. It’s thick, comfortable, and adjustable so the cooler hangs at your side instead of smacking against your legs, no matter how tall you are.

When it’s filled with ice and cans, it’s still heavy; there’s no getting around that. But the strap makes it dramatically easier to manage. You just sling it on like a purse and start hoofing it.

Updates like this strap are evidence that YETI is listening. In the grand scheme of things, a shoulder strap isn’t that big of a deal. We’re not talking about a technological redesign. But the clunky handle was an annoyance for many, so YETI came up with a simple solution that made the Roadie better. What a win.

The new carrying strap is a much-needed improvement to the redesign; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Capacity

Whether it’s a backpack, a glove box, a purse, or a cooler, I’m the queen of cramming too much inside. And on paper, the Roadie’s 24-quart capacity doesn’t sound like much. But YETI makes smart use of space, and I didn’t even have to do much cramming.

The taller shape means you can fit bottles and cans upright; I easily stashed a bottle of wine upright without any issue. And once again, I managed to exceed the limitations claimed by YETI. The brand says the cooler can hold up to 33 cans, but yours truly squeezed in 34.

Sure, it was packed strategically, but they fit — and the lid shut. Of course, that left very little room for ice, so I wouldn’t recommend it for most things. For real-world use, my sweet spot was about 26 cans with a healthy layer of ice. That combo kept everything cold for days without feeling overstuffed.

Room for Improvement

YETI finally added a drain plug to this model, which is a huge win. The BestDam Drain Plug is small but mighty, letting you empty melted ice water quickly without awkwardly tilting the cooler. But, I have a small complaint; the cap isn’t attached. It’s a tiny piece and easy to misplace if you’re distracted or clumsy like me.

I’ve already come close to losing it twice after setting it down mid-drain, walking off, and absolutely forgetting what I was doing or where I put it. It feels like this could be an easy fix for version 2.1.

And, of course, there’s the price. At around $250, it’s firmly in premium territory. But the truth is, YETI isn’t competing on price. If you use your cooler regularly, it’ll justify the investment.

The new drain is a massive upgrade, but I wish the lid were attached to prevent loss; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Final Thoughts

After several trips and countless melted ice cubes, I get why the YETI Roadie 24 has such a loyal following. It’s tough, thoughtfully designed, and actually practical for weekend adventures. The new drain plug and handle updates make a noticeable difference in everyday usability, especially when you’re packing and unpacking solo.

That said, it’s still a YETI: heavy, pricey, and built to outlast the end of the world. You can absolutely find cheaper coolers that’ll keep your drinks cold for a day or two. But if you care about legitimately cold temperatures and want something that will likely outlive you, the Roadie 24 earns its space in the back of the truck.

Dometic Recon Cooler Review: Smart Design With Real-World Usability

Heather Balogh Rochfort — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:58:08 +0000

It started with the yellow. The Dometic Recon cooler is hard to miss: bright, bold, and easy to spot in the back of a Jeep or tucked among camping gear. When I pulled the 41L version into rotation for testing around Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, I was curious whether this injection-molded cooler could deliver more than just good looks.

Of course, Dometic’s background in mobile refrigeration gave me high hopes. But what stood out most wasn’t the ice retention; it was the usability. The dual-opening lid, magnetic drain plug, rubberized top, and square, easy-packing shape made it one of the most thoughtfully designed coolers I’ve tested. And yes, that yellow didn’t hurt either.

In short: The Dometic Recon Cooler (41L) ($325) is a durable, feature-rich cooler built for real-world use. With its smart, space-efficient design and practical touches throughout, it’s made for people who value design prowess and thoughtful details as much as keeping things cold.

See how the Dometic Recon stacks up against the competition in our buyer’s guide for the Best Coolers of 2025.

7.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 41 L (43.3 qts.)
Materials: Plastic/polyurethane foam
Dimensions: 22" x 18" x 16.5"
Weight: 25 lbs., 2 oz.

Pros

Square design makes packing and stacking easy
Lighter than rotomolded coolers in its class
Tons of useful design features
Interior capacity is spacious and as stated

Cons

Ice retention isn't as good as a rotomolded cooler
Expensive

Dometic Recon 41L Cooler: Review

Dometic moved from electric coolers to traditional hardsided with the Recon series; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

For years, Dometic has been known for its appliances for portable living, including electric coolers. You know, those sleek, 12V wonders powering van life road trips across the globe. However, in recent years, the Swedish brand has taken a turn toward the analog with its Recon Hardside line: injection-molded coolers designed for those who still prefer ice over electricity.

The move makes sense. Dometic already has decades of experience in keeping things cold. Now, they’re applying that know-how to a segment where durability, usability, and design matter just as much as temperature control.

Cold That Mostly Lasts

When I first loaded up ice into the Dometic Recon Medium for review, I was curious to see how it stacked up against the big names. It’s no secret that giants like YETI have become the gold standard for multiday ice retention.

However, Dometic utilized an injection-molded design, which enables more consistent shaping and uses less plastic while allowing more insulation material inside the walls. TL;DR version: The design prioritizes lighter weight and interior space, though real-world performance for me still fell slightly short of rotomolded coolers.

To test how the Recon handled temperature retention, I followed GearJunkie’s tried-and-true ice retention test. First, I packed it with cubed ice purchased from the grocery store, filling it about 85% full. Then, I popped a thermometer inside and put the Recon in my backyard in a relatively shady place. The goal was to mimic what most campers will do with their coolers. Finally, the monitoring started.

After 24 hours, the Recon registered a crisp 32 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect. At 48 hours, it had barely budged, showing a reading of 33 degrees Fahrenheit. At the 72-hour mark, it climbed slightly to 34.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This is still well below the food-safe temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Even after 10 full days, there was still ice inside. Dometic notes that injection molding allows for more control over wall structure and may improve insulation efficiency on paper, but it still lagged a smidge behind rotomolded coolers in testing.

Yes, this is impressive on paper, but there’s a caveat. All of my testing took place in late fall here in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, when daytime highs hovered around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and nights dipped into the high 30s. Those conditions are hardly punishing. In the peak of July, you’d likely see that the ice melts off faster.

Do I think the ice retention capabilities match YETI? No, I don’t, especially when compared to our review of the YETI Tundra 45. But it definitely wasn’t bad, especially if you consider all the other bells and whistles that come along with the Dometic Recon.

There was still ice left after our ice retention test, but daytime temps were relatively low; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Dometic Recon: Built Light, Packed Right

There is one other key tradeoff with injection molding. Luckily, it plays to Dometic’s advantage.

The Recon 41L cooler weighs just over 25 pounds when empty, which is around the same weight as the YETI Tundra 45. But here’s where it gets interesting. While the YETI’s external size suggests a slightly larger storage volume, its rotomolded walls chew up a ton of interior space. The Tundra 45 actually only offers 32.9 L of true capacity. The Dometic? A full 41 L.

In real-world terms, that difference translates to an extra dozen cans of your favorite beverage. Dometic claims the Recon Medium can fit 67 cans (without ice), compared to YETI’s 54. I tested Dometic’s claims, and they’re accurate. If you want to bring a lot of ice, you’ll need to cut out some cans. Still, bottom line: You get more space for the same weight with the Dometic than you do with the YETI.

Bonus: For anyone who’s ever played the trunk-Tetris game before a camping trip (and probably lost a few times), the Recon’s square silhouette is such a win. There are no rounded corners, tapered sides, or handles jutting out to throw off your gear grid. It packs neatly alongside bins and duffels, sliding cleanly against flat walls in a car, van, or truck bed.

The rubberized surface on the lid makes it easy to stack items; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Functional Features That Think for You

This is where the Recon shines — and not just because of that beautiful yellow shell. The Recon 41L Cooler is packed with features that I actually found useful.

Take the top, for example. The rubberized surface isn’t just grippy; it’s functional. I’ve stacked duffels, cutting boards, even a portable stove on top, and nothing slipped around. I don’t have a second Dometic to stack on top. But if I did, I could easily put another cooler there without fear of it crashing downward.

Then there’s the lid. It has dual clasps on both sides, so you can open it from either direction. Or, if you’re feeling feisty, you can remove the lid entirely.

In testing, I found the dual-sided opening genuinely useful. Whether the cooler was wedged in the car or buried under bags at camp, I could always get to it without rearranging everything. And, here’s an added bonus: when you pop open the latches, each doubles as a bottle opener.

Inside, a removable divider splits the 41L interior into two sections, so you can separate food from drinks or dry goods from ice. I often shifted it around depending on the trip and appreciated the flexibility. Dometic also includes a small plastic basket that suspends above the ice. This is a small detail, but one I really love since I hate bruised fruit, squashed cheese, or cucumbers swimming in water.

But wait, there’s more! It’s a little thing, but the drain plug feature takes the cake as my favorite of the bunch. I’m a 43-year-old woman who often forgets where I put my car keys, so an untethered drain plug is my greatest pet peeve. The Dometic drain plug isn’t tethered, but it has a cleverly magnetized patch above the outlet, so you can stick the plug there while draining.

An internal magnet holds the drain cap in place so you don’t lose it; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Room for Improvement

For all its thoughtful design, the Recon Medium lands in a tricky middle ground. It’s not quite the ice-retention powerhouse you’d expect at this price point. It’s also not the lightweight, budget-friendly option some buyers might want instead. As a result, it lives in the in-between, which can be a tough place to be for a pricey cooler.

The injection-molded construction, while impressively durable and space-efficient, didn’t match the longer chill times of its rotomolded rivals in my testing. That leaves the Recon in a gray area: premium in price, smart in design, but a step behind the best when it comes to raw cooling power. Still, for anyone who values practical features and clean, efficient design as much as ice longevity, it earns its place among the high-end crowd.

Flip the latches open, and you’ll find bottle openers; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Dometic Recon Cooler: Final Thoughts

After testing the Dometic Recon 41L Cooler around Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, I came away impressed by how well it balances practicality with premium design. It doesn’t win the ice-retention wars, but it does offer a more livable, thoughtful user experience. I’m not sure if this makes sense, but it is a cooler that’s genuinely enjoyable to pack, carry, and use.

Between the clever lid system, stackable shape, and magnetized drain plug, Dometic has created something that feels like it was designed by people who actually camp. It’s built for organized road-trippers, design enthusiasts, and anyone who values a sleek, feature-forward setup over ultralong chill times. Plus, it looks just as good in the back of a van as it does sitting in the dirt at your campsite.

BOTE Kula 5 Magnepod Review: The Cooler That’s Cooler Than You’d Expect

Heather Balogh Rochfort — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:45:39 +0000

The BOTE Kula 5 Magnepod isn’t your typical hard cooler. It’s a 5-gallon, round rotomolded tank that doubles as a camp seat, SUP companion, and day-trip sidekick. Built by a paddleboard brand known for its versatility, the Kula 5 feels like it was designed with a specific user in mind: folks who move between the water, the trail, and the tailgate.

After several weeks of use in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley on rough 4×4 roads and post-hike hangouts at the trailhead, I realized one thing: the Kula 5 is a cooler that leans less on brute chilling power. Rather, its calling card is a smart design.

It’s comfortable, tough, and filled with clever features that make everyday use a pleasure. It won’t win any long-haul ice contests, but it’s easily one of the most thoughtful small coolers I’ve tested.

In short: The BOTE Kula 5 Magnepod ($299) is a feature-heavy, rotomolded 5-gallon bucket that’s incredibly durable. The EVA foam lid doubles as a seat, the sticky rubber feet keep it steady when used as a step, and the centered drain makes it easy to empty. Yes, it has some flaws. But for anyone looking for a portable, personality-filled cooler for daily adventures, the Kula 5 delivers.

See how the Kula 5 stacks up against the competition in our buyer’s guide for the Best Coolers of 2025-2026.

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 20 qts.
Materials: Rotomolded plastic
Dimensions: 16.75″ W × 14.25″ H
Weight: 13 lbs.

Pros

Highly versatile since it's built to also be a seat, can hold a fishing rod, etc.
Tons of useful features
Rotomolded construction is quite durable

Cons

Ice retention isn't as good as other premium coolers
Slightly awkward to carry

BOTE Kula 5 Magnepod Cooler: Review

The Bote Kula 5 is shaped like a 5-gallon bucket, but is packed with useful features; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

BOTE started as a paddleboard company in Florida, and you can feel that DNA in nearly everything it makes. The brand’s approach has always been more about lifestyle than pure performance. When BOTE introduced its first cooler several years ago, it leaned on that same hybrid mentality: products meant to do more than one thing well.

And so came the Kula 5. Initially conceived as a cross between a bucket and a hard cooler that could strap to a SUP, it has evolved into a piece of gear that works for anyone. It has a little bit of flair that you don’t often find in its competitors, and we are definitely here for that.

Ice Retention: Cold for a Day, But Not a Weekend

The Kula 5 does what most small coolers need to do in that it keeps things cold for a full day of adventure. But the real test came when I moved beyond the 24-hour mark and into the multiday adventure realm.

As with all coolers tested by GearJunkie, I put the Kula 5 through our ice retention test. I loaded it up with cubed ice I bought at the grocery store, placed it in a relatively shady spot in our backyard, and popped a thermometer inside. Then, I waited.

At the 24-hour mark, the temperature was solid: a crisp 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what I hoped to see. But as the test continued, that number crept up and up. At 48 hours, I found some water and a reading of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. But it was the 72-hour thermometer reading where the proverbial wheels began to fall off. I opened the lid to find a reading of 37.9 degrees Fahrenheit and a decent amount of melted ice.

According to the USDA, food should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. Thus, this is still within the realm of safety. However, the ice was melting fast, and it became clear that the Kula 5 shines — but only within a timestamp. Anything under 48 hours, and you’re golden. If you need something to last beyond that, it will be a gamble.

The design explains much of that tradeoff. The Kula’s circular body leaves less room for thick insulation than a rectangular cooler. And, its lid relies on a compression-style seal instead of a deep gasket. My take: Both of these factors contribute to a faster warmup once ice begins to melt. It’s a fair compromise if you prioritize portability and ease of use, but less so if you’re paying for top-tier cold retention.

The Kula 5 held onto ice really well for the first 24 hours, but struggled after that; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Designed for Your Lifestyle

It’s not super common to find a lot of bells and whistles on a traditional cooler. After all, they really only have one job. But BOTE flipped that narrative on its head by designing a feature-rich cooler that keeps food chilled — while doing a bunch of other things, too.

For example, we know that everyone sits on their coolers. BOTE took that and made the Kula 5 an intentional seat by adding an EVA foam pad on the lid. It’s not a lot, but it’s just enough to add some comfort so your bony butt doesn’t feel like it’s resting on a slab of wood.

The cooler also sports four rubber “feet” on the bottom so that it doesn’t slip-slide around on surfaces. During one day of testing, I even used the cooler as a step-stool so I could reach into the cargo rack on the roof of my car. It’s always a questionable choice, but the Kula 5 felt solid beneath my weight. And, it never slipped an inch.

The centered drain is another standout feature. We’ve all experienced coolers that have the drain situated a bit too high for water to flow outward. You end up doing that awkward tilt to get every last drop of moisture out. But the BOTE Kula 5 puts the drain smack in the middle of the floor. Once you remove the cap, the water pours out effortlessly, requiring no jostling or tilting.

Of course, there is a tradeoff: with a full cooler, you have to lift the weight of it to reach the drain underneath. But since this is only a 5-gallon size, I can’t imagine the heft is too troublesome for most folks.

The built-in bottle opener and integrated rod holder nod to BOTE’s waterborne roots but feel just as handy on land. The cooler also has a small magnetic disc embedded in the lid — its namesake, the Magnepod — to lock compatible drinkware onto the lid so you’ll avoid accidental spills.

The EVA pad on the lid makes it easy to use the cooler as a seat; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Space for What Matters

At 5 gallons (or 20 quarts), the Kula 5 is on the smaller size. Clearly, it’s not meant for long-haul adventures anyway. According to the brand, the Kula 5 can fit up to 25 cans. In theory, it is possible. I was able to make it work if I really packed them in there vertically, all standing on top of each other. There was some room for ice, albeit not as much as I’d prefer to take along for a day trip.

For me, the sweet spot was closer to 12-15 cans. This meant I wasn’t playing a crazy game of Tetris to get the cans inside. And I could add at least 6 pounds of ice to keep everything chilled. But really, it depends on your use case. If you need to cart along 24 cans for 2 dozen of your closest friends, the Kula 5 can make magic happen.

Keep in mind that the interior is basic. You won’t find any shelves or storage compartments in there. Instead, it’s just one simple, round space. I’m not sure those features are truly necessary on a round cooler of this size. But, it is worth noting — especially at this price point.

Four rubberized feet and a drain port on the bottom make the cooler easy to drain — and use as a step; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

Room for Improvement

At $299, the Kula 5 is undeniably premium. I tested this at the same time as the YETI 24 Roadie, another small-sized cooler. Not only is the Roadie slightly larger (by 5 quarts), but it also costs about $50 less and performs better during the ice retention test. However, the Kula 5 has way more included features and could be nice for anglers or paddlers who like those specific design tweaks.

I also struggled a bit with portability. The handle is sturdy and comfortable to use. But the whole setup is slightly awkward to carry as it would often bang into my legs. I’m only 5’5″, so my height may have been a factor here, but it’s worth noting.

The BOTE Kula 5 is a feature-rich choice for anglers and paddlers; (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)

BOTE Kula 5: Final Thoughts

The BOTE Kula 5 isn’t trying to compete with expedition coolers that promise a week of ice. However, it does deliver a feature-rich, well-built, and genuinely fun piece of gear that fits seamlessly into a day of adventure. From the padded EVA lid that doubles as a seat to the integrated rod holder, sticky rubber feet, and built-in bottle opener, it’s clear that BOTE thought about how people actually use its coolers — and what they wish for when they do.

If you’re after a cooler that works as well on a boat deck or SUP as it does in the back of a 4×4, the Kula 5 nails that niche. It’s not the coldest cooler in the lineup, but it might be one of the most fun to use.

The Best Coolers of 2025-2026

Heather Balogh Rochfort — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:28:20 +0000

Jump to review

BUY OPTIONS

Check Price at Backcountry

Best Modular Cooler

Dometic Recon Hardside 41L

7.8/10 Rating

Jump to review

BUY OPTIONS

Check Price at Backcountry Check Price at REI

See more picks

9.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 37 quarts
Materials: Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
Dimensions: 25.75" x 16.125" x 15.4"
Weight: 23 lbs.

Pros

Rotomolded design
Retained ice for the full 10 days of testing
Dry goods basket included
IGBC-certified

Cons

Expensive
Heavy

YETI has long since made a name for itself in the cooler world, and the Tundra 45 ($325) is popular for good reason. This mid-sized cooler is the perfect companion for a family weekend getaway, is a reliable road trip companion, and is definitely built to last. With superior insulation qualities and a robust design, this cooler is our top pick with the only downside being the hefty price tag.

The Tundra 45 actually only has a 32.9L capacity. This size will hold 28 cans, and plenty of ice, and is designed to fit long-neck bottles. It will not fit a 750mL wine bottle standing upright, however. A dry-goods rack keeps items you don’t want to get soggy lifted above the ice, and this cooler’s extra thick walls will retain ice for days.

A rotomolded polyurethane construction, a freezer-quality gasket, burly haul handles, tie-down slots, a drain plug, and a certification of bear resistance from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee all help to explain the $325 price tag.

YETI is the brand that pioneered the rotational molding or “rotomolding” technique which has become the gold standard in premium cooler construction today. This design process ensures perfectly uniform thickness, extra durability, and superior ice retention. The cooler walls are filled with polyurethane foam, which is superior to the lighter-weight styrofoam used in more basic coolers, and 2 inches of insulation make YETI coolers the best at retaining cold air.

So, the big question: How did this cooler measure up when GearJunkie contributor Miya Tsudome put it through our ice retention test? Well, the Tundra 45 retained ice for the full 10 days we tested it, to no surprise. Some ice melt occurred, of course, but plenty of cubed ice remained, attesting to YETI’s gold standard of ice retention.

6.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 52 quarts
Materials: Recycled post-consumer resin
Dimensions: 24.95" x 14.58" x 15.21”
Weight: 9.84 lbs

Pros

Inexpensive
Ultra lightweight
Made with post-consumer plastic

Cons

Lower quality insulation
No drain plug
Low durability

Some folks out there aren’t looking for the latest and greatest, most expensive cooler on the market. That’s why something like the Igloo ECOCOOL ($60) is the perfect budget pick for those who use a cooler for the occasional day trip, keeping groceries cold, or going on an overnight camping trip.

This cooler is not roto-molded like many of the others in our lineup and instead has a plastic frame injected with an insulated foam layer. The ECOCOOL is extremely lightweight at 9.84 pounds., which is over 75% lighter than many of the other coolers we tested. This also makes it a good choice for someone who might not want to throw out their back picking up a fully loaded 30-pound cooler.

This cooler is not the most durable we tested, and while we used all the others as a step stool and a seat, we wouldn’t want to do the same with this one. The lid flexes considerably when weighted, making us wary of its strength.

The plastic handles are also flimsy and don’t inspire confidence when lifting the cooler fully loaded. This ample cooler also doesn’t come with a drain plug. This is typical of smaller coolers, but for a 52-quart cooler with inferior insulation properties, there is going to be a lot of water to drain.

Despite these setbacks, one of the biggest selling points of this cooler in our tester’s opinion is that it is made with recycled post-consumer resin, and its foam layer is made in such a way that decreases CO2 and VOC emissions. Surprisingly, it retained some ice at the end of our 10-day ice retention test. This was especially surprising because at 48 hours in it had the highest interior temperature of all the coolers at 34.6 degrees F.

While this might not be the best-performing cooler, nor is it as high-quality as our top pick, the ECOCOOL remains a great choice for the occasional cooler user who wants something to keep items cold for a day or two, and doesn’t want to break the bank.

8.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 45 quarts
Materials: Plastic/polyeurethane foam
Dimensions: 22.5” x 21” x 20.5”
Weight: 37 lbs.

Pros

Big, sturdy wheels for easy transport
Comes with removable dry bin
Compact but still has decent capacity

Cons

Expensive
Very heavy
Ice doesn’t last as long because there is less room for ice

Read Review: Review: RovR 45 Cooler With All-Terrain Wheels

The RovR RollR 45 ($275) is nothing if not an impressive-looking specimen. With beefy, all-terrain wheels, a bear-resistant, roto-molded body, several different places to attach accessories, and a deep main compartment with a dry bin, this roller makes the most of being a medium-sized cooler.

The first thing that struck GearJunkie tester Alex Kirk is the almost comically large wheels. While they may look overbuilt for a medium-sized cooler, they performed impressively over rocky and sandy terrain on a desert camping trip in the Alabama Hills of California, and make transport overall a much easier affair. Getting from point A to point B lugging a heavy cooler can be the least enjoyable part of a camping trip. But the RovR couldn’t make it easier to roll your perishables to wherever you need them to be.

Another noticeable feature of this cooler is that it ditches the typical rectangular shape typical of most models in favor of a taller, cubic one. This makes it convenient to pack into the trunk of a car because it takes up less space and is also easier to handle as one person.

The interior is deep and spacious with a 42L capacity and has a removable dry bin that makes organizing food and drinks much easier. With the bin inserted, however, there is only enough room to fit 16 lbs of ice. The ice in this cooler lasted 6 days compared to YETI’s 10.

The telescoping handle is also noticeably lacking in quality compared to the rest of the cooler. It isn’t very smooth to deploy, and feels flimsy, especially considering the price tag. While the Bullseye latches work just fine, our testers preferred wider rubberized pull tabs that you can grab and pull with your whole hand, rather than just using one or two fingers.

It is also one of the heaviest coolers we tested, at 37 pounds. Despite these setbacks, the outer rim of the cooler has attachment points for accessories such as a prep board, cup holders, and an umbrella rod holder, making this cooler the most customizable out of any other in our lineup. If you are looking for a cooler that can really go places, the RovR is our top pick for its ease of transport.

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 16 quarts
Materials: Recycled paper and AKD (alkyl kitene dimer)
Dimensions: 15" x 11" x 11.38"
Weight: 1.6 lbs.

Pros

Compostable and biodegradable materials
Ultra-lightweight
Far more durable than expected
Delightfully affordable

Cons

Decent ice retention but still limited compared to pricier, hard-sided options
Holds fewer cans than reported

The Igloo Recool Cooler ($10) stands out in today’s gear market for what it isn’t: another hunk of styrofoam destined to live forever in a landfill. Instead, this 16-quart cooler is made from recycled paper pulp and a plant-based binder, making it fully compostable and biodegradable after use. While that might suggest “single use,” in testing, the Recool proved surprisingly sturdy.

To test whether it would collapse faster than a house of cards, GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort loaded a 50-pound dumbbell into the Igloo Recool and carried it around her house. Surprisingly, the hardest part was the carrying itself; it didn’t crack, bend, or even warp. Honestly, she could have gone heavier, which is not what she expected from a recyclable paper cooler.

At just 1.6 pounds, the Recool is ultralight and incredibly easy to carry when it’s not loaded with gym equipment (or cans, too). It’s also delightfully affordable, making it a great grab-and-go option for casual daytime adventures or last-minute picnics. The lid features four built-in cup holders and doesn’t squeak, crumble, or leak water all over your car.

Of course, there are always some trade-offs with a $10 cooler. Ice retention is moderate — you can easily get a half day — but it can’t compete with pricier hard-sided coolers. And while Igloo advertises space for 20 cans plus ice, we found the real-world capacity to be closer to a dozen cans. Still, for single-day outings and laid-back affairs where you don’t want to lug around a behemoth, the Igloo Recool Cooler is an easy win.

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 52 quarts
Materials: Injection-molded plastic
Dimensions: 27.01” x 17.28” x 16.54”
Weight: 31 lbs

Pros

Lightweight
Affordable
Two drain plugs
Good ice retention

Cons

Still less ice retention than the rotomolded Yeti or Orca
Injection-molded therefore less durable than rotomolded models

Tired of dragging a fully loaded cooler that could weigh up to 50 pounds in and out of the back of your car? Enter the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler ($219) — a premium cooler that is 30% lighter than other coolers of the same capacity.

Three inches of foam insulation and an O-ring gasket for the lid keep your items cold despite the lighter weight. However, this cooler is injection-molded instead of rotomolded, and therefore, its ice retention will be a bit less overall than that of heavier, rotomolded models.

The ice retention of the ultra-light RTIC cooler ended up actually being pretty comparable to its rotomolded counterpart. This, however, could be due to the fact that it was filled with more ice because of its larger size, and the more ice a cooler can hold, the longer it will retain that ice. But with 8 solid days of ice retention, the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler really measured up.

Having a large cooler that is easy to carry around may also be very advantageous for some. This cooler additionally has many of the same features as its rotomolded counterpart, the RTIC 45, with secure rubber latches, two drain plugs, non-skid rubber feet, tie-down slots, molded in side handles, as well as marine-grade nylon rope handles on either side. It also comes in a smaller 32-quart size, as well as 52-quart and 72-quart wheeled versions.

8.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 24 qts.
Materials: Rotomolded polyethylene and pressure-injected polyurethane foam
Dimensions: 17.4" x 16.6" x 14.1"
Weight: 13 lbs., 1.6 oz.

Pros

Great insulation
Solid ice retention that superseded YETI's claims
New carrying strap makes the 2.0 much easier to tote around
New drain plug is a huge upgrade

Cons

Pricey, especially for its size

The YETI Roadie 24 2.0 ($250) may look familiar, but this isn’t the same cooler that launched in 2020. For 2025, YETI gave its beloved mid-size hard cooler a small but critical upgrade. Not only did the brand add a much-needed drain plug (the main knock on the OG version), but it also added a carrying strap in place of the old handle. These two changes may sound minor, but they make the Roadie 24 virtually unstoppable.

At 24 quarts, the Roadie is perfectly sized for one or two people for a weekend trip. It fits a standard bottle of wine upright, holds more than two dozen cans and ice, and slides neatly behind a car seat (Note: This only works if you’re short. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort had no problem driving the car with the Roadie behind her, but her 6-foot-tall husband couldn’t make it work in their Subaru Outback).

The real change, however, is how you carry it. The old rigid handle made it feel like you were hauling a bucket full of ice. Not only was this awkward and uncomfortable when fully loaded, but it was also really heavy. The new strap design makes a world of difference, distributing weight more evenly and making transport far more comfortable.

Another long-overdue upgrade: a drain plug. Previously, you had to tip the whole cooler to empty melted ice water, a task that was both messy and cumbersome. Now, the new BestDam Drain Plug allows quick, easy drainage without sacrificing performance. Balogh Rochfort tested the updated cooler with our ice retention test (see below), assuming the new port might compromise insulation. Yeti claims that the Roadie 24 can stay cold enough for food (roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower) for around 3.5 days, and she found that to be accurate. After 72 hours, the inside temperature was measuring at 33 degrees Fahrenheit and about half of the ice had melted. After four days, it was all liquid.

Like all YETI hard-sided coolers, the Roadie 24 2.0 features rotomolded polyurethane construction, a freezer-quality gasket, and burly T-latches designed to withstand years of abuse. With these upgrades, it’s practically perfect for a small cooler….but yes, you’re still going to pay for it.

7.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 41 L (43.3 qts.)
Materials: Plastic/polyurethane foam
Dimensions: 22" x 18" x 16.5"
Weight: 25 lbs., 2 oz.

Pros

Square design makes packing and stacking easy
Lighter than rotomolded coolers in its class
Tons of useful design features
Interior capacity is spacious and as stated

Cons

Ice retention isn't as good as a rotomolded cooler
Expensive

The Dometic Recon 41L ($325) earns its spot as the best modular cooler thanks to an injection-molded design that prioritizes usable space and gear-friendly shaping. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort found the Recon’s square silhouette especially practical: It packs cleanly against flat walls, slides neatly into a trunk or truck bed, and stacks easily with other bins or duffels. Truly, it’s a cooler that makes you realize those other coolers aren’t actually square shaped….mind blown!

Despite weighing about the same as a YETI Tundra 45, it offers significantly more interior volume — 41 liters versus the Tundra’s 32.9 — making it a smart option for campers who value efficient space over maximum insulation thickness.

In testing, Balogh Rochfort was most impressed by the Recon’s functional features. The rubberized top keeps stoves, cutting boards, and duffels from sliding off. Dual-sided latches allow the lid to open from either direction or be removed entirely. Each latch doubles as a bottle opener. Inside, a removable divider splits the interior into two sections for separating food, drinks, or dry goods. A small basket suspends delicate items above the ice. And, Rochfort was delightfully surprised by this basic yet useful feature: a magnetized patch keeps the drain plug from getting lost. What a win.

Cooling performance is solid, though not quite on par with rotomolded heavyweights. Following GearJunkie’s standard ice-retention test, Balogh Rochfort found that ice was still present after 10 full days. (She recorded temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit at 24 hours, 33 Fahrenheit at 48 hours, and 34.8 degrees Fahrenheit at 72 hours.) While its thinner walls can’t match the longest-lasting coolers, the Recon’s balance of durability, modularity, and genuinely useful design make it a standout pick for gear-heavy adventures.

More Coolers, Field Tested

The following coolers didn’t make the top of our list, but we’ve included them for their unique features or superior ice retention, and a few are great budget alternatives.

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 20 qts.
Materials: Rotomolded plastic
Dimensions: 16.75″ W × 14.25″ H
Weight: 13 lbs.

Pros

Highly versatile since it's built to also be a seat, can hold a fishing rod, etc.
Tons of useful features
Rotomolded construction is quite durable

Cons

Ice retention isn't as good as other premium coolers
Slightly awkward to carry

The Bote 5 Kula Magnepod ($299) isn’t your typical boxy cooler. With its round shape and five-gallon capacity, this roto-molded cooler is as comfortable sitting on as it is tossing in the back of a Jeep. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort tested it throughout Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley on everything from dusty 4×4 roads to mellow day hikes, and came away impressed pleased by the variety of thoughtful features.

The Kula’s EVA foam lid pad doubles as a low-key comfortable seat. No, it’s not like your bed at home but the thought is nice. The built-in bottle opener and rod holder nod to BOTE’s paddleboard roots, while sticky rubber feet keep it from sliding around, even if you’re standing on it to reach your rooftop rack (As us how we know this…) We’ve all experienced coolers that have the drain just a tick too high on the wall, making it cumbersome to actually drain the water. But not the Kula. Thanks to a centrally located drain in the bottom, the whole process is easy peasy.

Performance-wise, the Kula 5 held its own but didn’t quite match up to other premium coolers (like the Yeti Roadi 24 2.0) in the ice retention test. It maintained a steady 32 degrees Fahrenheit after 24 hours, but had crept up to 34 degrees Fahrenheit by 48 hours. At 72 hours, the proverbial wheels fell off; it hit 37.9 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s more than solid for single-day adventures, but extended weekend trips will push its limits — which is unfortunate for a pricey cooler. Balogh Rochfort also found it slightly awkward to carry as it continually banged into your legs.

All that said, the Kula 5 does a decent job and has plenty of nice-to-have features that will appeal to a lot of folks. If you’re a paddleboarder or angler, we can see this cooler being a great pick.

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

External dimensions: 23.94" L x 17.07" W x 18.78" H
Internal dimensions: 13.3" L x 11.57" W x 9.7" H
Drawer dimensions: 9.8" L x 10.8" W x 3" H
Capacity: 48 12-oz. cans (only); 28 cans w/15 lbs. ice
Weight: ~20 lbs.

Pros

Dry Zone storage helps separate and protect food items
Perfect size for single-day events
Competitive ice retention performance

Cons

Do not forget items left in drawer
Cleaning drawer is a necessity
Higher end price

Ninja — yes, of blender fame — brings a novel feature to its cooler, at a nice price. The Ninja FrostVault ($200) has a bottom drawer that lets you store anything from produce to deviled eggs, so your chow doesn’t get wet from ice in the main compartment while it stays cool. Though it doesn’t insulate quite as well as its roto-molded competitors, its performance is respectable, especially considering it’s $100 less than a Yeti Tundra 45.

The single latch design and the lack of an air-tight seal impair the overall insulation performance, but don’t write off the FrostVault just yet. The single latch is durable and keeps the lid closed just fine, and a little air leakage prevents a vacuum so that the lid won’t get stuck. It’s a compromise, but if you’re using your cooler for a day trip or an overnight, the FrostVault will suffice.

The unique sliding drawer on the bottom, known as the DryZone, is about 10x11x3 inches. It keeps food dry and Ice-free. It also protects fragile food items like strawberries, pie, or the aforementioned deviled eggs from getting smashed during transit. A latch keeps the drawer from opening unexpectedly, and the drawer can be completely removed for easy cleaning. Don’t forget to empty the drawer. GearJunkie editor-in-chief Adam Ruggiero found out the hard way that it’s easy to forget about the drawer after emptying the main compartment; he was left with a pretty smelly mess a few days later.

The FrostVault is not a heavy-duty grizzly-proof cooler, and we’re willing to bet plenty of folks looking for a good cooler aren’t going to be in bear country. Leave this one at home for multi-day rafting or fishing trips. For a few days on the road or at a drive-in campsite, the Ninja FrostVault will serve you well. And if you dig the design and would like more space, you can get the 50-quart version for about $50 more.

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 55 quarts
Materials: Rotomolded kayak plastic with pressure-injected foam insulation
Dimensions: 28.5 x 15.5 x 16.75
Weight: 26 lbs

Pros

Rotomolded construction
Easy-to-use latches
Light for its size

Cons

Hard to carry for one person when fully loaded
Easy-to-use latches don’t seal in air as well as other coolers we tested
Not IGBC certified

A robust, family-friendly cooler, the new Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55 ($300) offers a blend of convenience, performance, and durability in its V2 design. Its robust, rotomolded body ensures quality ice retention and durability, making it a solid companion for outdoor adventures. The easy-to-use latches provide effortless access, while its straight-edged shape allows for efficient packing in your vehicle without consuming unnecessary space.

We put the Outfitter 55 to the test in the scorching summer heat, subjecting it to extensive evaluations in comparison to our lineup of the best coolers of 2025. This Arizona-made cooler did very well in our testing metrics, including size, volume, weight, ease of transport, durability, and ice retention.

During our ice retention test, the cooler maintained usable ice for four days under extreme conditions of 100-degree heat, suggesting it could perform even better in more typical outdoor environments.

Our lead tester, Miya, took this cooler camping with us on a weekend trip to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park and found it hard to handle as just one person due to its size, width, and weight when fully loaded. It would be nice to have a cooler of this size with wheels to make it even more convenient.

But it is also unlikely that you would buy this cooler for just one person, therefore you’ll be sure to have a helping hand for loading and unloading on your next vacation.

Overall, the Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55 stands out as a family-friendly cooler with a spacious 55-quart capacity, ideal for weekend trips or longer excursions for two to four people. It is lightweight for its size, weighing only 26 pounds while the Yeti Tundra 45 weighs 23 pounds with only a true 37-quart capacity.

Its latches are its standout feature, though they don’t quite suction in air as much as the thick rubber latches found on Yeti and other premium coolers. But this cooler’s performance and usability make it a great value for your next family excursion.

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 60 quarts
Materials: Rotomolded body and polyurethane insulation
Dimensions: 28.2" x 17.9" x 18.2"
Weight: 31 lbs.

Pros

Lots of features
Drain plug with tether
Rotomolded design

Cons

Not IGBC-rated
Heavy
Latches not as airtight as other brands

The Xspec Pro 60 Quart Cooler ($230) is nothing if not impressive and is the most feature-filled cooler we tested. A heavy-duty, rotomolded construction with a reasonable price, this 31-pound cooler gives some other more expensive models a run for their money.

This 60-quart cooler actually has 60 quarts of usable space, unlike other brands which end up having less capacity than they claim due to their thick, insulated walls. It faired quite well in our ice retention test as well, holding usable ice for a total of 6 days while outside in a mix of shade and direct sunlight.

The Xspec is dry ice compatible for even longer periods of cold retention. It also features a drain plug with a tether for safe-keeping, heavy-duty grab handles, a molded ruler on the lid, a built-in compass, bottle opener, non-slip feet, and molded tie-down slots — making this a burly cooler for overlanders and other adventurers.

And, this cooler is the only one in our lineup to have an air release knob as well, so you’ll never have to worry about your lid getting suctioned to the cooler body while you’re just trying to grab a cold one. No one likes that.

While the Xspec is a worthy competitor in the world of rotomolded coolers, it’s worth mentioning that while its plastic latches are infinitely easier to open and close than the thick rubber ones you have to use two hands to pull down to secure, they don’t keep the cooler quite as airtight.

With the thick rubber latches found on the Yeti Tundra 45, you can feel the air being suctioned out of them as you pull down the latches to essentially “engage” the rubber gasket on the inside of the lid.

While many of these premium brands hold a certification from the International Grizzly Bear Committee, the Xspec does not. Although it does have stainless steel locking plates to keep the cooler secure, we don’t know if it would withstand a curious grizzly.

All in all, this feature-laden, rotomolded cooler has decent ice retention and a spacious capacity for a pretty affordable price. So, if you’re looking for a larger cooler that has some more bells and whistles than your average ice box, you may love the Xspec Pro 60.

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 120 quarts
Materials: Injection-molded plastic
Dimensions: 37.9” x 19” x 17.95”
Weight: 20.7 lbs.

Pros

Inexpensive
Large capacity
Lightweight

Cons

No wheels
Requires two people to carry when loaded
Cheap materials

Sometimes a standard cooler just isn’t big enough. Enter the Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler ($110). 120 quarts of space at only 20.7 pounds, this oversized ice box is great for birthday parties, barbecues, sporting events, and the like.

Built-in cup holders and a lid that can double as a seat and support up to 250 pounds make this cooler more versatile than it seems. While the injection-molded design and relatively thin walls make multiday ice retention less viable than more expensive models, the Coleman 316 is a great choice for single-day events.

While we think that any cooler of this size should come with a pair of wheels for easier transport, the Coleman 316 is, unfortunately, wheel-less. Its plastic side handles are also not the most confidence-inspiring, and the size of the cooler, when fully loaded, necessitates another person to lend a helping hand.

For only $6 more, you can get the slightly smaller, 100-quart Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels, which solves the wheels issue though sacrifices 20 quarts of space.

This cooler did quite well in the ice retention test, lasting the full 10 days with ice. This, however, is partially due to the sheer quantity of ice we filled the cooler with. The more ice, the longer a cooler will stay cold. But we were quite pleased with its performance regardless. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, large cooler for the occasional event, it’s hard to beat the Coleman 316.

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Collapsible Grab-N-Go Handle:
All-terrain wheels:
Airtight gaskets and seals:
Tie-down slots:
Utility port:
Dry ice compatible:
Chrome-plated lockable lid system with built-in bottle opener:
Non-skid feet:
Rapid drain system:
Dry basket & divider-ready design:

Pros

Keeps ice just as long (if not longer) than competition
Easy to move around, even when full
Latches securely
Nice chrome-plated corner details
Release port for draining while closed

Cons

Plug not attached
Latches get in the way of closing

The Blue Coolers Ice Vault ($350) is a quality rotomolded cooler, that lends itself to comparison with (you guessed it) the all-might Yeti. Is it better than the closest YETI equivalent, the Tundra Haul? In some ways, yes.

In terms of capacity, the Ice Vault has an additional 8 quarts over the Tundra haul, despite having a smaller exterior size. What’s going on here? Well, the Yeti has a thicker roto-molded shell, which definitely gives it an advantage in terms of insulation. But if you value space savings in your tightly packed vehicle, the Ice Vault may work better for you.

This cooler doesn’t have any bear-proof certifications or locking points, so the YETI is a better choice if you’re in bear country and don’t have proper food storage options. Again, there are plenty of places to go camping in the lower 48 where you’re never going to run into a bear. The latches are a hard plastic that lever the lid into an air-tight seal. Using them isn’t less difficult than the Yeti’s rubber latches, just different.

The only real gripe that GearJunkie editor Rachelle Schrute had with this cooler is the drain plug cover. It isn’t leashed to the cooler and could easily get lost, rendering a $350 cooler much less effective. You chalk that up to user error, but still. All in all, this is a solid cooler that has a very similar performance to a YETI or an ORCA. Though its name may not reference a majestic sea creature or a beloved cryptid, it’s about $100 less than those coolers.

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Capacity: 25 quarts
Materials: Injection-molded plastic
Dimensions: 13" x 20" x 13"
Weight: 5.5 lbs.

Pros

Super-portable
Budget-friendly

Cons

Short ice retention due to small size

This cooler has no drain plug, but the smaller yet capable 25-quart size makes that OK. This Igloo Picnic cooler ($55) is not only a decades-old classic (now out in new “retro” colors), but it’s also a great size for day-trip outings like excursions to the park, city trailhead, beaches, or your favorite lake.

At a park picnic, we were able to fit bottles, cans, and flasks, as well as boxes, bins, and bags of snacks galore. If you aren’t packing food for snacking, it can hold 36 cans.

We used it for day trips and car camping and liked its size (it can fit in your passenger seat area), capacity, and convenience for a few days’ worth of food and drinks.

In testing, this cooler kept contents cold for 3 full days, and this was with us periodically opening it on occasion to check ice retention. (Igloo claims retention for this cooler at 1-3 days.)

Given all that, we give this cooler an A+ for not only living up to specs but also being a perfect, portable, budget-friendly option for shorter-length trips outdoors.

Cooler Comparison Chart

Cooler	Price	Capacity	Weight	Materials
YETI Tundra 45	$325	37 quarts	23 lbs.	Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
Igloo ECOCOOL	$60	52 quarts	9.8 lbs.	Recycled post-consumer resin
RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Cooler	$275	45 quarts	37 lbs.	Plastic/polyurethane foam
Igloo Recool 16qt Cooler	$10	16 quarts	1.6 lbs.	Recycled paper and AKD
RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler	$219	52 quarts	31 lbs.	Injection-molded plastic
YETI Roadie 24 2.0	$250	24 quarts	13.13 lbs.	Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
Dometic Recon 41L Cooler	$325	43.3 quarts	25.13 lbs.	Plastic/polyurethane foam
Bote Kula 5 Magnepod Cooler	$299	20 quarts	13 lbs.	Rotomolded plastic
Ninja FrostVault Cooler	$200	30 quarts	20 lbs	Plastic
Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55	$300	55 quarts	26 lbs.	Rotomolded kayak plastic with pressure-injected foam insulation
Xspec Pro 60 Quart Cooler	$230	60 quarts	31 lbs.	Rotomolded body and polyurethane insulation
Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler	$110	120 quarts	5.5 lbs.	Injection-molded plastic
The Blue Coolers Ice Vault	$350	60 quarts	36.5 lbs.	Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
Igloo 25-Quart Picnic Cooler	$55	25 quarts	5.5 lbs.	Injection-molded plastic

The YETI Tundra came on top after our ice retention test; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

How We Tested Coolers

Our expert gear testers have been reviewing coolers since 2014, meticulously researching dozens of the best coolers on the market to continuously update this review. This is an extensive look at seven of the best coolers you can find today.

Our Expert Testers & Testing Grounds

Contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort is an avid outdoor enthusiast based in Colorado who spends most of her waking hours hiking, biking, camping, trail running, or skiing. Coincidentally, she also loves food so toting a cooler along on all of her adventures is a given.

Miya Tsudome brings over 3 years of gear reviewing experience combined with over a decade of being a serious outdoor enthusiast to help bring this current review to life. Having spent many months living out of her car in pursuit of rock climbing adventures all over the country, she knows that having a good cooler during the hot summer months can make a world of difference.

Our Testing Process

Each product was tested over several weeks, and taken out on different occasions for real-world applications — overnight camping trips, backyard barbecues, and day trips to the local swimming hole. The most recent lineup of coolers was tested in October in the high desert of Bishop, Calif. The average temperature was in the high 70s to low 80s for the majority of the month.

Each cooler was rated based on its performance in our ice retention test, its insulation and materials, durability, extra features, weight, ease of transport, and ease of maintenance and cleaning. The coolers that ranked the highest in specific categories were assigned an award in our top picks.

Also, we did not include soft coolers, backpack coolers, or electric coolers in this test.

The ice in the RTIC 45 (left) and YETI Tundra 45 (right) after the 10-day ice retention test; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Ice Retention Test

For our ice retention test, we filled each cooler up 85% of the way with the same type of bagged, cubed ice. Each cooler stayed indoors before the test, to ensure that their starting temperatures were all about the same. It’s recommended to pre-chill a cooler for the best ice retention, we did not prechill any of the coolers to best mimic how we would actually use them.

For the actual test, we stored the coolers outside in an area that was mostly shaded during the day, with a few hours of direct sun exposure and temperatures that varied from 35 degrees overnight to 100 degrees in direct sun. This was also our idea of the best imitation of how these coolers would typically be stored outdoors.

Variables that can affect ice retention include the ice quantity, outside environment and temp, exposure and amount of sunlight, type of ice (crushed, block, cube, dry), airspace, and more. In order to find the best of the best coolers, it was crucial for us to do a direct comparison.

We checked each cooler’s ice retention/melt rate once a day and recorded the time and temp for each one. We also noted the time once each cooler’s ice was fully melted. The YETI Tundra 45 and the YETI Roadie 24 2.0 took first place, both retaining ice for the full 10 days. The Dometic Recon also held its own with a bit of lingering ice remaining after 10 days, albeit with cooler outside temperatures.

The RTIC Ultra-Light came in next, retaining useable ice for 8 days with interior temperatures 48 hours in at 29.2 degrees F and 31.2 degrees F.

While the Igloo ECOCOOL had an interior temperature of 34.6 degrees F at the 48-hour mark, it surprisingly still had some ice left inside after 10 days. The RovR RollR 45 only lasted 6 days with useable ice, but it also had the least amount of ice inside out of all the coolers due to the useable space.

In contrast, the Coleman 316 still held a large quantity of ice after 10 days. This is more so due to the amount of ice that it holds in its 120-quart interior rather than due to its insulation properties. More ice = more ice retention.

This test was not meant to be purely scientific, but rather to reflect the realistic use of a cooler outdoors and accurately compare cooler performance. To keep it fair, we made sure that all coolers were subjected to the same variables and criteria as much as possible.

It is worth mentioning that this test was not performed in the height of summer, but rather during a time when overnight temperatures dipped fairly low, causing the ice to melt much slower than if this test was done in July.

If you’re tired of ice and ok spending more money for an actual portable refrigerator, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best Electric Coolers.

Ice left in the Coleman 316 after 10 days; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Our Cooler Rating System

When comparing coolers side by side, we break our evaluations into four key categories. This system provides a balanced look at performance, usability, and design, all while helping us determine which coolers stand out — and which ones melt under pressure.

Ice Retention

Ice retention is the most important measure of a cooler’s performance. We evaluate how long each model keeps ice solid in real-world conditions, including during road trips, camping weekends, and multi-day tests in fluctuating temperatures. Coolers that maintain low internal temps for several days (even when opened frequently) earn top marks here. For this metric, please reference our ice retention test (above).

Build Quality

A cooler’s durability often determines how long it will last. We look closely at construction methods (rotomolded or injection-molded) along with hinge strength, latch reliability, and gasket design. We also consider overall sturdiness, resistance to dents or warping, and how well the cooler stands up to heavy use in the field. A cooler earns bonus points for quality and durability if it is bear proof but that isn’t a requirement, nor is it always worth your hard-earned cash.

Portability

From quick tailgates to long hauls across camp, portability can make or break a cooler’s usability. We assess handle design, strap comfort, weight when fully loaded, and balance while carrying. Coolers that feel awkward or strain our arms lose points here, while those with ergonomic grips or smart strap systems get high marks.

Capacity and Organization

A cooler’s capacity isn’t just about volume; it’s about usable space. We look at how efficiently each model stores cans, bottles, and ice, and whether its internal layout makes access easy. Features like baskets, dividers, and wine-bottle-friendly heights earn extra credit for improving real-world organization and versatility.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Cooler

Cooling Performance

Insulation & Materials

Coolers have a long and storied history. From a humble beginning as a wooden box with an interior tin chamber invented by Thomas Moore Jr. in 1802, to the decently insulating styrofoam boxes that came from the World War II era, to the plastic exterior coolers we know today pioneered by the Coleman company, coolers have come a long way.

Historically, coolers have been made with interior and exterior shells of plastic, with hard foam in between. Many basic coolers are still made this way today, such as the Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316.

In 2006, two brothers named Roy and Ryan Seiders revolutionized the cooler market with their rotational molding or “rotomolding” design. This involves a heated plastic mold that is rotated continuously while powdered polyethylene is added to it to create a uniform thickness. They also pioneered the use of polyurethane instead of styrofoam as insulation, which created superior ice retention.

YETI was the company born from its design and is considered the gold standard in coolers today. Many companies have since adopted the rotomolding technique for their coolers. Now, a majority of premium coolers like the YETI Tundra 45 and the YETI Roadie 24 2.0 are rotomolded.

Rotomolded coolers typically have thick, rounded edges which is a product of how they are rotated to be evenly molded, as seen here on the R TIC 45; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Coolers use a few different sorts of foam or petroleum-based insulation, typically double-walled. YETI employs its pressure-injected polyurethane foam, while Igloo uses its proprietary THERMECOOL insulating foam.

While rotomolded coolers offer the best ice retention and durability by far, they are also considerably more heavy and expensive. The trade-off for lighter, less expensive coolers, however, will be in their performance and durability.

More recently, manufacturers have introduced coolers made from recyclable or compostable materials. These models, such as the Igloo Recool Cooler, are built from molded paper pulp with plant-based binders instead of petroleum-derived foams. Their insulation is modest compared to plastic or rotomolded designs, but they offer a sustainable alternative to disposable Styrofoam chests. Best suited for short-term use like picnics, concerts, or day trips, compostable coolers trade multi-day ice retention for environmental responsibility.

Seals

The highest-performing coolers in our lineup all have heavy-duty rubber gaskets that work to seal their lids airtight. In order to keep your cooler as consistently cold as possible, you need to be able to trap that cold air inside and keep it closed.

The best coolers will implement the same materials and mechanisms as deep freezers will, with rubber gaskets that create airtight seals, and sturdy, thick latches that pull the lids tight. The Igloo ECOCOOL, the Igloo Recool and the Coleman 316 are the only coolers in our lineup that do not implement this feature.

The white colored top of the RovR RollR 45 will reflect sunlight, making it less likely to overheat than darker-colored coolers; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Exterior Color

Another thing to consider if you want the absolute best-performing cooler you can buy is the color you choose. When measuring the outside temperature of each cooler during our ice retention test, the lighter-colored coolers consistently had lower exterior temperatures. So although that dark grey cooler might be more your style, the white one might be the better choice. Options like the Bote Kula 5 are nice because they offer a wide variety of fun colors, so you can choose one that fits your personality and stays cool on hot days.

Size & Volume

The sweet spot volume of all the coolers we tested was a 40- to 45-quart cooler. This medium size is the most convenient, providing enough space for 3-5 days’ worth of food for one or two people, plenty of room for a few six-packs of cold drinks for a backyard barbecue.

In terms of the different sizes that each brand offers, 30- and 60-quart capacities are also popular. The largest cooler we tested was the Coleman 316. It can serve a purpose for large events or gatherings and is a good value for its size. On the flipside, the smallest cooler we tested is the Igloo Recool 16qt Cooler that is best suited for day-long activities like picnics or small gatherings with friends.

The Tundra 45 actually only has a 37-quart capacity. But this is enough for 1-3 days’ of food and a few drinks for two people; (photo/ Miya Tsudome)

You’ll want to consider not only how much cooler space you may want for different adventures, but also consider a cooler’s dimensions. You don’t want to buy the perfect cooler only to find out that it doesn’t fit in your car when packed, or in a spot on your storage shelf. Most coolers are rectangular in shape, and can be easy to slide into car trunks and stack other things on top of.

Some coolers have wheels, like the RovR RollR 45, which, while making transport easier, can take up more room in a trunk or on a shelf. It’s also a good idea to think about the items you’ll be keeping cool and make sure those (maybe wine bottles or a coffee press for camping) fit the internal dimensions as well.

Weight

Weight is also an important consideration when choosing a cooler. Rotomolded coolers with their thick, 2 inches of insulation and durable outer plastic layer will be the heaviest cooler you can buy. Coolers like the YETI Tundra 45 all weigh between 23 and 30 pounds alone. The RovR RollR 45 weighs a whopping 37 pounds. Granted, it has wheels, which means transportation won’t be as difficult an affair.

The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is a great innovation from RTIC that uses injection molding to create a lighter, midsized cooler. At 31 pounds, the 52-quart model is around the same weight as its 45-quart, rotomolded counterpart, resulting in a higher capacity for less weight.

The Igloo ECOCOOL weighs in at only 9.84 pounds, putting it on the lighter side for a hard-sided cooler (None of these coolers weigh less than the Igloo Recool Cooler at a featherweight 1.6 pounds). However, its lightness is attributed to its injection molding, thin walls, and noninsulated lid. Though lightweight, the ECOCOOL is not a premium cooler for the serious consumer but is a great budget pick or option for someone who has more trouble carrying heavier loads.

The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is a lightweight and high-performing cooler; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Ease of Transport

Handles or Wheels?

Some would say this is personal preference, but in our opinion, it all comes down to your cooler volume and what you’re hauling. So, if you are leaning toward a 20- to 40-quart cooler, you probably don’t need wheels.

These coolers aren’t so wide that it’s difficult to carry them on your own, and typically come with molded indentations as well as sturdy rope handles on either side. Our testers loved the YETI Tundra 45 with its military-grade nylon rope handles and comfortable, rubber grips.

If you are going to invest in a cooler with a capacity of 60, 70, or 100+ quarts, definitely consider one with wheels, or at least one with a few different carry options (tow handles, grips, two-person carry, etc). This is a flaw in the Coleman 316 we tested, which at a 120-quart capacity and 37.9-inch width does not come with wheels and pretty much requires two people to carry it fully loaded.

The RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Cooler, however, comes with beefy all-terrain plastic tires that can handle sand, gravel, and rough terrain with ease, making it the best of its class for ease of transport.

If you are frequently loading up on ice and filling that bad boy with cans, you may want something with wheels. Or maybe not, if you plan on rolling that cooler over rugged terrain. But, if you know you’ll be hauling your cooler around with family or friends, a two-handled one may work just fine.

The RovR is heavy, but its huge wheels make it easy to move over uneven terrain; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Durability & Build Quality

It’s also worth considering the durability and build quality of a cooler, especially when you start shelling out some more cash. A cooler can be an expensive investment, and if you are planning on using one a lot, it’s nice to know that it will hold up to years of use.

Rotomolded Coolers

Rotomolded coolers take the cake in this category again, with their continuous molding design creating a noticeably thick and robust exterior. This method creates a uniform thickness all around. These coolers have superior ice retention and can be a seat or footstool, not to mention withstand attempts at forced entry by grizzly bears.

Yes, you read that correctly. Coolers such as the YETI Tundra 45 and RovR RollR 45 hold certifications from the International Grizzly Bear Committee that state that they successfully withstood attempts at entry from actual grizzly bears.

Not only is this a testament to their durability, but it also allows you to have peace of mind if you do any camping in areas where bears might be of concern.

YETI coolers don’t just look good, they also perform exceptionally well; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Injection-Molded Coolers

Injection-molded coolers create two separate shells, fused together by insulated foam. They are lighter than their rotomolded counterparts. Yet they are more likely to crack or separate, causing their durability to be called more into question over time.

While you can sit on the lids of the Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316, the noticeable flex of their plastic will make you want to be more careful handling these coolers.

Recyclable & Compostable Coolers

Recyclable coolers (like Igloo’s Recool) take a completely different construction approach, using molded paper pulp rather than plastic shells. While they aren’t built to last for years like rotomolded or injection-molded coolers they’re sturdier than disposable Styrofoam chests and can handle the weight of food, drinks, and ice for a day. Their durability is best suited for occasional use, festivals, or day use where ruggedness isn’t the main priority.

Maintenance & Cleaning

After purchasing a new cooler, it’s important to keep up with some basic cleaning and maintenance to ensure its lifespan is as long as it can be. After use, you’ll always want to leave the lid open to let the cooler air dry. This ensures no moisture gets trapped inside, causing mildew or bacterial growth. It’s a great idea to wash the interior with some warm, soapy water, and then let air dry.

You do not want to leave a cooler with food and water in it for days, as this will ensure bacterial growth (and in coolers like the Igloo Recool, may cause disintegration). Most of the coolers in our lineup are relatively easy to clean. The lighter coolers, such as the Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316, can tip over easily when empty and the lid is open. This makes them a little more cumbersome as the lid can flop close on you while giving the scrub down.

The affordable Igloo ECOCOOL won’t hold ice as long as a YETI, and its plastic components are more likely to break if mishandled, but it’s still a great budget pick; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

Price & Value

The best coolers are not cheap, but if you know what you need, it’s easier to find a model that can fit your budget and your food storage needs.

Budget

In general, the less expensive cooler will be smaller and have injection-molded plastic shell with some sort of foam insulation. They have thinner walls and don’t insulate as well as more expensive models. If you’re only going to use your cooler for day trips or brief overnight, then it’s totally possible to make an inexpensive cooler work for you!

The most affordable cooler in this guide is the Igloo Recool 16qt Cooler ($10), a recyclable and reusable featherweight. It’s quite different than all the other coolers listed here because it’s made of recycled paper and is not built for the long haul. Still, it does a great job of keeping drinks chilled for a day when portability is the priority.

The Igloo ECOCOOL ($60) gets you 52 quarts of storage for food and ice is lightweight, and even had a little ice left at the end of our 10-day retention tests. Its handles are a bit flimsy, it isn’t bear-proof, and there is no drain plug, but if keeping your food fresh for a day or so is all you need, it will absolutely do the trick. If you need even more space without breaking the bank, check out the Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler ($110)

Mid-tier

The Xspec Pro 60-Quart Cooler ($230) sits smack in the middle of price and performance and is a great option if you need a cooler to last a week. Or, for a few more dollars, you can snag the YETI Roadie 24 2.0 ($250), a rotomolded option with fantastic ice retention and a newly-added drain plug.

Premium

The YETI Tundra 45 ($325) is our top pick and one of the more expensive coolers on our list. The Tundra is THE cooler that set off the roto-molded cooler wars and has pushed the competition to really up their game. The Tundra 45 is IGBC-certified (bearproof), has high-quality polyurethane foam insulation, and easily held ice for over ten days. The Dometic Recon 41L ($325) didn’t do as well in the ice retention test but has a lot of nice features and still stood out as a favorite.

The Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55 ($300) isn’t bearproof, but does have better storage capacity, and the RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Cooler ($350) is easier to move around. The Bote 5 Kula ($299) is the smallest of the higher-end options, but it does come with some nice-to-have features. All are excellent insulators, but it’s best to check the specs to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for if you’re going to pay top dollar.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single best cooler. Really, what’s most important is what you’ll be using the cooler for and how often. If you plan on taking it out every week, a more durable cooler is probably the best pick.

We’ve listed the best cooler (based on our feedback and testing) but also the best budget, the best wheeled cooler, and a few others for you to choose from.

Out of the coolers we tested, you really can’t go wrong with Igloo or Coleman coolers. Both are great quality for the price.

Conversely, most people wonder if YETI is worth that high price tag. The answer is yes, but it’s also overkill for many people — do you really need a cooler to keep ice cold for 10 days? Are you beating up a cooler enough that you need rotomolded construction? Most of us aren’t off the grid in rugged environments for that long or very often.

If you’re looking for the best cooler to keep contents cold, a hardside cooler is much better than a softside one. They are also more durable.

But really, the answer to this question is personal. What’s the best type of cooler for you? If you need help answering that question or narrowing down your choices, we’d recommend comparing our best picks.

Hard coolers usually offer more insulation and much more protection (both inside the cooler and on the exterior). They also offer features that soft coolers can’t, like drainage plugs and wheels for easy transport. Many employ bear-resistant latches and locks so you don’t have to worry about leaving them outside at camp.

If you need a cooler that will live in your garage or vehicle — and that you can also take to the field, beach, or camp — a hard cooler is better. But if you’re concerned about carrying it longer distances or care about weight, a soft cooler might be better. The best option: Get one of each!

How long a cooler will hold ice depends on its construction, size, and the conditions you’re using it in; ice will last much longer in the high alpine than it will in the desert, for example. Premium rotomolded coolers, like YETI or RTIC, can keep ice for 5–10 days if packed properly and kept out of direct sun. More affordable injection-molded coolers, like Igloo or Coleman, usually hold ice for 1–3 days. Compostable or disposable coolers, such as the Igloo Recool, are designed for shorter outings and typically last up to 12–24 hours. No matter which cooler you choose, pre-chilling it and minimizing how often you open the lid will make a big difference in ice retention.

The right cooler size depends on how many people you’re packing for and how long you’ll be out. For day trips or solo use, a 20–30 quart cooler is usually plenty. Weekend camping trips for a couple of people often call for a 45–60 quart model. Larger groups, extended expeditions, or hunting and fishing trips might require 75+ quarts. Keep in mind that ice takes up a significant amount of space; usually around 30–40% of the cooler’s capacity. Size up if you’re planning on storing food and drinks for multiple days.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing soft coolers; (photo/Eric Phillips)

" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/11/DSC5838.jpg" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/11/DSC5838.jpg" />

Outdoor

The Best Soft Coolers of 2025

We tested the best soft coolers with styles for every budget and adventure. Top picks include YETI, RTIC, Hydro Flask, and more.

ICEMULE BOSS

" data-image-caption="

(Photo/Constance Mahoney)

" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/Coolers-11.jpg" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/Coolers-11.jpg" />

Packs

The Best Backpack Coolers of 2025

We tested the best backpack coolers with styles for every budget and trip. Top picks include ICEMULE, Hydro Flask, and more.

Is the ‘World’s Lightest Rooftop Tent’ Just a Ground Tent for Your Roof?

Mary Andino — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:47:27 +0000

Rooftop tents have gained massive traction over the past decade, as they’re fun, comfortable, and convenient. For all of their advantages, however, they can weigh a ton and cost a pretty penny.

That’s where Groenberg comes in. The upstart brand is looking to upend the rooftop tent market with the WEEKEND, which it says is the lightest model on the market. Here’s a sneak peek at the potentially revolutionary rooftop tent.

How Does the Setup Work?

To set up the WEEKEND, first, users inflate the air platform with a manual or battery-powered pump. Next, thread the poles through the tent body, and then attach them to the platform. From there, you lift the tent onto the car, and secure it to the roof with buckles and straps attached to the base of the platform. This setup assumes that the user has already purchased a roof rack.

Groenberg claims that assembly and disassembly take just a matter of minutes, and it’s possible to do the whole setup easily by yourself.

When not in use, the tent packs down to the size of 30 x 19 x 16 inches, small enough that Groenberg says it can easily fit in your closet or cabinet.

Technical Specs

There are two models of the WEEKEND: the classic and the comfort version. The classic weighs 27 pounds, while the comfort clocks in at 30 pounds. Both have a length of 7 feet and a height of about 4 feet.

The comfort option; (photo/Groenberg)

The comfort includes several bonus features, including a blackout function, sky view opening, and rain-protected entrances. Both tents come with: the air platform, poles, tent body, manual pump, extendable ladder, and a repair kit.

Groenberg is offering deep discounts on the tent during its initial Kickstarter campaign. The classic costs $575 (normally $1,150) and the comfort costs $691 (normally $1,381).

My Take on the WEEKEND

Compared to some of our favorite rooftop tents, the WEEKEND is truly a featherweight. Two of our top picks from 2025, the Thule Approach and iKamper Skycamp Mini 3, weigh 128 and 125 pounds, respectively. And even at full price, the WEEKEND is quite a bit cheaper than traditional rooftop tents, which usually start at $2,000, minimum, and can easily surpass $4,000.

Unlike other rooftop tents, though, any time you want to drive, you’ve got to completely remove the WEEKEND. And unless you’re returning to the site later and can leave the tent on the ground, it’s also got to be disassembled and packed up. Essentially, it’s a ground tent with an inflated platform that you can put on your car. An alternative, similar tent worth considering is the C6 Outoodr Rev rooftop tent.

Say the Word, Kill the Lights: COAST ‘EAL35R’ Voice-Controlled Lantern Review

Adam Ruggiero — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:43:27 +0000

Once I’m cozy, wrapped up in my sleeping bag like a chubby Chipotle burrito, there aren’t many forces on heaven or earth that will compel me to leave my safe little cocoon. One is the call of nature — but even then, I will go to great lengths to forestall getting up, in hopes I can fall back asleep and wait for the callback.

But shutting off my reading light is one task I simply cannot skirt. Inevitably, as my eyes begin to droop and the siren call of sleep pulls me in, I have to disrupt my nest to kill the lights. Even if it’s just to press a button on my headlamp, a little nighttime chill is sure to scoot in the moment I reach up to flip it off.

I can’t promise that’s precisely the use case COAST envisioned when it brought over its “SpeakEasy” voice control tech from headlamps into the EAL35R lantern. Launched this fall, the EAL35R (ironically, a mouthful) piqued my (and other editors’) interest as perhaps a more useful application of voice-control than would a headlamp, which is always close at hand.

In short: Now that voice-controlled lanterns exist, I’m reluctant to go back to analog buttons alone. COAST’s EAL35R offers a perk that adds minimal cost but significant value — once you become accustomed to it. Beyond novelty, voice control is great for turning off the lights when you’re tucked away and ready for bed. However, despite its ease and reliability, there’s still one glaring area for improvement.

See the top products we’ve tested in our roundup of the Best Camp Lanterns.

8.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Lumens: 1,000 max
Power source: Li-ion or alkaline
Burn time: 16 hours max
Water resistance: IP54 (water- and dust-resistant)
Weight: 1 lb., 3.8 oz.
USB port: USB-C x2

Pros

Voice control works great
Several modes for color, temp, and brightness
Lightweight and easy to pack
Dual power options (rechargeable and alkaline)

Cons

Max runtime 16 hours
Voice control shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity when off

COAST EAL35R Voice-Control Lantern Review

Before diving into the meat of the review, I want to note that COAST’s voice-control tech debuted last year in the RL35R headlamp, which we reviewed. For the most part, the controls in the EAL35R lantern mirror the functionality found in the headlamp.

However, as editor Sean McCoy noted in that review, voice control in a headlamp — while cool — was a bit of a head scratcher. Headlamps, by design, are virtually always within arm’s reach. Of course, there are presumably times when your hands might be occupied, or perhaps its just cold and you don’t want your frigid digits to leave the comfort of your pockets.

But, as I found over a couple of months of cool, fall weather camping, the utility of voice control becomes far more evident with the humble camp lantern.

The Coast lantern hangs inside a wall tent at a hunting camp; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Design and Construction

The EAL35R fits the mold of most modern camp lanterns. Gone are the halcyon days of heavy, steel Coleman gas-powered lanterns (although it’s still among our favorites).

The body is mostly plastic with some grippy rubber sections ringing the lower portion, and a stowable pivoting handle. COAST boasts that the diffuser is made of “unbreakable” polycarbonate. Short of smashing it with a rock, I’ve found the general construction pretty durable. I’ve dropped it on the ground and (for science) punched the diffuser with my fist — both survived.

The base has a removable lid to access the alkaline battery compartment, which takes four AA batteries. I have not run the lantern on alkaline, but it’s a smart option to add them as backup if you exceed the built-in lithium-ion battery’s runtime.

(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

Speaking of power, the lantern has two USB-C ports — one IN and one OUT. The lantern’s rechargeable battery doubles as a power bank (more on this below). The EAL35R has been tested to IP54 standards, making it resistant to splashing (not submersion) and protected from dust incursion.

Lastly, this lantern offers five light modes: Warm (low), Cool (medium), White (high), Red, and Red flashing. On White, it maxes out at 1,000 lumens.

(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

Camp Test: Getting Started

I managed a solid 14-plus nights sleeping under the stars in October. The EAL35R helped me navigate while walking around at night, and really shined clipped to the inside roof of my tent.

To be clear, while the voice control was the star of the show, a single-action button offers all the same control over power and modes that your voice will. One short press turns the white light on, cycles through low, medium, and high, and back to off. A long press activates red light mode, and another short press will switch to flashing red, and then back to off.

(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

The lantern comes with a quick-start manual that outlines the voice commands, but these are also printed on the side of the lantern itself, so you always know how to use voice modes. And if those aren’t enough, I’ll put them here, too. All commands begin with the activation word, “COAST”:

“COAST on” — turns light on warm (low)
“COAST warm” — low
“COAST cool” — medium
“COAST white” — high
“COAST red” — red
“COAST flashing” — flashing red
“COAST off” — turns light off

To use voice mode, you have to activate it via the talk button. This will light up green when it’s on. After 15 minutes of disuse, this feature automatically powers off. Importantly, this means you cannot leave the feature on when you go to sleep. So when you wake up, you will have to manually turn the lantern on.

Testing Results: What I Like

Overall, the EAL35R performed outstandingly. While its battery life specs aren’t anywhere near the high end for this category, I never once had to recharge the lantern over my month of testing. Granted, reading makes me sleepy real fast.

I had no issues with the voice control feature, and every mode responded as intended. As expected, the best aspect of voice control is saying “COAST off” in a puff of warm breath curling through chilly autumn Minnesota air. Once you’re zipped in, it’s no fun having to breach the body heat bundle — and the EAL35R eliminated that little cold-weather inconvenience.

(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

The power bank feature also seemed to work fine, though I didn’t use it much. I will note that as the testing period stretched on, the power bank feature stopped activating, presumably to conserve what little battery life remained. With sufficient charge, the power bank worked fine.

It’s also worth noting that the power bank will work on pass-through power, so if you have one outlet, you can plug in the lantern to charge, and then plug your phone into the lantern to juice up in tandem.

I also appreciated having a variety of light modes. My preferred camp light is red — and next to that, warm light. The fact that the EAL35R had both was awesome for me.

What Could Be Better

I have only one singular complaint, and it’s the primary reason I would ever want voice-controlled lighting. Namely, I would most want to turn a light on when it’s dark — for example, when I wake up in the morning. After all, that’s really the one time you wouldn’t want to be fiddling around in search of an “On” button.

(Photo/Adam Ruggiero)

Unfortunately, the EAL35R can’t do that — although I did mention this to COAST. Could it appear in a future model? Maybe. The issue, of course, is the battery. While the brand informed me that the voice feature draws very little juice, letting it run for hours on end, for multiple nights, would likely become a drain issue.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

If maximum runtime and outlandish brightness aren’t must-haves, then the EAL35R is a great little lantern. It’s got plenty of power, numerous modes and features, and — best of all — you can conserve a little warmth on cool nights with its voice mode.

What’s more, it’s only $40! Kind of wild, when you consider it’s the only lantern like it on the market. It’s not a high-performance option, but it packs in loads of convenience in a lightweight, easy-to-use package. And the cool factor doesn’t hurt either.

The Best 4-Season Tents of 2025

Morgan Tilton — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:56:38 +0000

Treading into the fourth season is no easy feat, and after you’ve slogged waist-deep, you’re going to need a shelter that’s as tough as the weather. The best 4-season tents are the elder shelters of the camping world and are toughened to put up with the worst of it on your next mountaineering, ski-touring, or alpine hunting trip.

7.9/10 Rating

Jump to review

BUY OPTIONS

Check Price at KUIU

See more picks

8.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Basecamp and expeditions
Weight: 11 lbs., 5.1 oz.
Doors: 2
Sleeps: 2
Floor Area: 48 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 15 sq. ft.
Height: 45"
Walls: Double

Pros

Wall-to-wall deep mesh pockets are convenient and add structural strength
Triple-reinforced window funnels in light and provides a bit of outdoor visibility
Loops for internal clothesline
Large vestibule entrance features a double door, so you can enter from either side
Extra stakes included

Cons

On the heavier side
High volume for a regular backpacking trip
Fewer ventilation ports on the fly compared to other designs

Now a standard-bearer for far-flung and deep expeditions, some iteration of the venerable Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent ($1,050) has been on the ground in places like the Kahiltna Glacier, the Khumbu, and in the Gilgit-Baltistan region since all the way back in 1995. This freestanding shelter is the ideal choice for lengthy, month-long expeditions when you have no idea what Mother Nature will throw at you, and shelter failure isn’t an option.

When you want to talk durable tent architecture, Mountain Hardwear is never far from the conversation, and the Trango is a large part of that reputation. The brainchild of tent designer Martin Zemitis (now of SlingFin Tents), the Trango series features a four-pole main structure that has become nearly archetypal, utilizing multiple intersections to create an extremely sturdy shelter free of the fuss of pole sleeves.

The interior design is also robust and provides ample pockets, which is a stellar feature for extended periods in the field. The entire length of the walls is decorated with a total of 11 high-volume hammocks. For a two-person tent, this layout is generous with ample head, foot, and side space to protect your kit. During a ski mountaineering trip, our team found the setup was easy and intuitive, thanks in part to the color-coded poles, rainfly, and canopy.

The fly can face in either direction across the Trango if you need to swap the orientation to better deal with gusts. And the fly connects to poles via gated clips, which are a bit finicky and not totally straightforward but nice to use when setting up in the wind. The materials are beefy, including the 70-denier nylon-taffeta floor. In fact, nearly everything from the buckles to the zippers is stout enough to withstand burly weather

The guy-out spots are placed 18 to 24 inches above the ground around the entire tent’s perimeter, which is the perfect height for securing guylines over any snow walls you might have to dig in at an advance basecamp — which is pretty much as far as you’ll want to take this shelter up the mountain. At 11+ pounds, we found the build to be excessive in volume and weight for alpine routes where you’ll be camping on-route, but for established camps on popular routes, this tent shines. Still, our favorite way to carry the Trango is in a sled.

Given its history and performance, it’s unsurprising to note that this is one of the most popular tents that guide services opt to equip their high-altitude climbers with. When it comes to an unfailing indifference to the weather, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the Mountain Hardwear Trango series.

6.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Mountaineering and shoulder-season backpacking
Weight: 6 lbs., 5 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 2
Floor Area: 32.9 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 8.7 sq. ft.
Height: 43"
Walls: Double

Pros

Budget pricing
Easy to set up
Comfortable and spacious
Easy to pack
Handles winter weather well

Cons

Smaller vestibule
Height is a disadvantage in wind
Fly doesn't drop to the ground quite far enough

The ‘ASL’ in the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 ($449) stands for All Season Light, meaning this shelter is best suited to near treeline, where winds won’t blow as ferociously, but it’s also just as light on your wallet. The pole structure and materials are quite similar to the Trango series — just dialed back a bit to hit the price point. If you’re looking for a tent to try out winter camping, the Arete is the one to do it in.

For half of what our top pick asks, this tent really impressed me in terms of what it could handle. I tested the Arete most extensively in the shoulder seasons of the North Cascades, where precipitation ranges from liquid to solid on a daily basis. The four-pole structure of this tent sets up similarly to other shelters like the Trango or NEMO Chogori, but the fourth pole only reaches mid-panel, making it a bit less storm-worthy.

The tradeoff, however, is in ventilation, which the Arete does quite well. Humidity can range widely when you can’t bet on cold temperatures, and the broad ceiling panel of the Arete unzips when you need to bleed off some moisture-heavy air. The genius of this is that the entire panel can also be closed when you want to hold in more warmth, making this a really versatile design.

There are a few shortcuts taken to hit the budget price here, and they show up in the simple pole clips used, plastic hubs on the poles, and smaller vestibule. You also won’t get snow-specific features such as the skirts seen on the Trango tents, and while the fly on the Arete is well supported with interior Velcro tabs, it doesn’t quite extend down far enough to stop all gusts from reaching inside. Smart site selection can help remedy this.

There are a number of other “all-season” tents on the market, such as the NEMO Kunai, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV2 Expedition, and MSR Access 2, and while each excels a bit more in different niches, none can touch the Arete ASL when it comes to price. This is the tent I reach for on mid-season volcano ascents with steady weather forecasts, and it’s a stellar budget option.

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: High-altitude mountaineering
Weight: 4 lbs., 2 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 2
Floor Area: 26.8 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 11 sq. ft. in side gear storage areas
Height: 41"
Walls: Double

Pros

Bivy-style tent footprint with a full double-wall build
Impressive resistance to condensation
Side vestibules accessible through internal vents
Internal guylines work with external WebTruss pole system for strong support

Cons

Weight penalty compared to single-skin bivy tents
Fly design requires smart set-up to avoid going broadside to the wind

Bivy-style tents — those you would use while on a long alpine route where you’ll be excavating your tent platform — all seemingly have the same issue: condensation. Thankfully, the SlingFin HotBox ($750) handily side-steps the problem with a double-wall design, as well as a bevy of other smart features that make this the best bivy tent our team has ever tested. It is, as one climber delighted: “Finally, a bivy tent that doesn’t suck!”

Unlike many double-wall shelters, the HotBox can be set up with the fly already attached, making close-quarters pitching on hacked-out bivy spots feasible. The ‘WebTruss’ pole structure, too, is self-supporting and, in tester Christian Black’s experience, proved to be a robust design that stood up to multiple Himalayan tempests.

And while livability isn’t the priority in tents like this, the HotBox has it in spades. Eight internal pockets decorate the interior of the shelter, and twin drawstring ports provide access to the side vestibule areas, which are more gear storage zones but massively useful for tucking away kit in. The 26.8 sq. ft. internal space is about on par with the Black Diamond Firstlight (and even a little roomier than the Mountain Hardwear AC 2), and for trips where we’re glued onto the wall, this is sufficient space.

In scenarios where I know that all of the precipitation I might encounter is going to be frozen (and the on-route time isn’t too long), I still reach for our single-skin shelters, but more often than not, I can find a reason to pivot to the HotBox. For a handful more ounces, the added livability and thoughtful functionality it brings add a measure of civility to our alpine endeavors.

8.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Basecamp and expeditions
Weight: 7 lbs., 4 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 3
Floor area: 36.3 sq. ft.
Vestibule area: 14 sq. ft.
Height: 41"
Walls: Double

Pros

Highly versatile design isn't too heavy for backpacking
Very weather-resistant, and can be run with stronger poles
Super-tough Kerlon 1800 material
Compact packed size

Cons

Price
Only one door
GT version offers much larger vestibule space, but for extra $260

The Hilleberg Nammatj 3 ($1,115) isn’t the most robust option from the legacy brand (look to the incredible Keron series), or the lightest single-man (the Unna is a great pick), but instead it lands right in the middle, and combines a rock-steady tunnel design with a slightly more trim profile to create a shelter that’ll go across Greenland on skis or light and fast up Denali.

I tested this tent initially on a quick overnight in the Chugach Range of Alaska, where I wasn’t looking to carry a full-on basecamp tent like the Trango 3, but still needed something that could handle a surprise 6″ of snow. The 7.5-pound Nammatj 3 lands right about there and compresses down an impressive amount due to the slick Kerlon 1800 material of the fly. The two poles are 10 mm DAC sticks that are oversized from Hilleberg’s other options, due to the Nammatj being in the brand’s ‘Black Label’ series, which are the most hardened against the weather.

The tunnel design is certainly one of the more space-to-weight efficient when it comes to 4-season-worthy designs, and the two poles of the Nammatj are nicer to carry than the five of the Trango series. That said, the Hilleberg does trim the interior dimensions slightly to keep the weight lower, and you get 36.3 sq. feet of interior space here, compared to the 48 sq. feet in the Mountain Hardwear tent. With three of us, we found the interior dimensions ‘thermally efficient’, and agreed that for two climbers, it’d be quite spacious.

The large vestibule helps offset the more trim sleeping quarters, and it’s a decent size (and quite spacious when dug down into the snow). Setting up on the tundra below Paradise Pass required only four stakes, which is another win for the tunnel tent design. There is a wide range of guyline options on the Nammatj, and it will really dig in against the wind if needed.

For those looking for much more vestibule space, the Nammatj also comes in a ‘GT’ version that extends the space by an additional 31″ (by adding an additional pole and a little under 2 pounds of weight). For snow use exclusively, it’s the way to go, and digging down into the space yields a huge mudroom for expedition use. You’ll pay $260 extra for it, but for some, it’s a necessity. Either version is exceptionally versatile.

7.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Treeline ski-mountaineering
Weight: 4 lbs., 1 oz.
Doors: 2
Sleeps: 2
Floor Area: 29 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 17.5 sq. ft.
Height: 42"
Walls: Double

Pros

Minimal pack size that rivals some backpacking tents
Double wall and two door design bumps up livability
Impressively sturdy for the weight
Mostly solid interior fly holds in heat
Studded with guy-out points

Cons

Carbon fiber poles aren't the most durable, and need to be treated with care
No interior room for gear, has to be stored out in vestibules

More than perhaps any other tent, the MSR Access 2 Tent ($800) best represents the line between 3- and 4-season tents, and is designed for winter backcountry ski touring where you’ll be camping at the edge of the alpine, and exploring the high-country during the day.

While this tent is best thought of as a “treeline” 4-season tent, I took the Access 2 to the land of very few trees for an alpine hike of the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland. In short, this tent prevailed on the Laugavegur, where winds ripped across the island and buffeted the highlands all day and night, but the Access 2 stood tough.

During my 3-day romp, I found the Access 2 to excel where other 4-season tents would have been dragged down, namely in weight and packability. Bundled up just as small as your leading backpacking tents, the Access 2 unfurls into a proper wall between you and the weather. The fly is slung low and is well guylined to provide good protection from spindrift (be it snow or volcanic pumice), and the added mid-line pole that runs over the doors really sturdies up the entire shelter.

As it’s made for deep winter use, the walls and ceiling are fairly steeply slanted, which provides for good snow sluffing, but it was a little tight quarters for true 4-season conditions. Thankfully, the twin vestibules jut out a good bit, and once you’ve dug some snow wells, your gear has a perfect place to idle. This space-shifting is one of the concessions the Access makes to hit its low weight and bulk numbers, but for the conditions it’s made for, it makes perfect sense.

The carbon fiber poles will have to be treated with care (during my tenure as a mountaineering shop manager, I saw more than a few guides limp home broken carbon poles), but taking your time with them is a low bar to hurdle in the name of tent longevity.

Similar tents of the same feather include the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 and the Copper Spur HV2 Expedition, but I found the Access to edge out all of them for the title of best shoulder-season champ. I’m already hatching plans to use the Access 2 during deep splitboard traverses in Washington’s Cascades this winter, and will update my review once this tent has done its time in the chill chest.

8.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Basecamp and expeditions
Weight: 2 lbs., 7.4 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 4
Floor area: 81 sq. ft.
Vestibule area: N/A
Height: 72"
Walls: Single or double

Pros

Super-versatile setup options
Many ventilation ports and systems
Rugged nylon 66 and ALUULA Durlyte construction
Small packed size

Cons

Will need to be seam sealed
No hang loop on the exterior of the tarp

After proving itself in Patagonia and Alaska this year, I can confidently say that the SlingFin Cinder Cone ($490) is the best 4-season pyramid tarp available at the moment. This ‘mid has all of the modifications I’ve made to previous tarps that weren’t quite right for year-round use, like corner LineLocs and ample tensioning options, but also novel additions like ventilation portals to keep things cool.

This 4-person mid has the most interior space of any 4-season tent in my recommendations, at 81 square feet, but the catch is that you have to figure out the floor yourself. Thankfully, that makes the Cinder Cone super versatile, and it can be run without the optional inner mesh body in the summer (or winter, when you want to dig out a giant kitchen space), or added on, as I did this July in the Brooks Range when mosquitoes ran rampant.

The entire tarp is supported by a single pole, which you’ll also need to supply yourself. However, this approach is again more versatile: across a year of use, I used my trekking poles lashed together, a purpose-built carbon fiber stick, and my packraft paddle. The Cinder Cone can be set up tall to shuttle breezes under it, or slammed low, making it very resilient to high winds. Outside of Torres del Paine National Park this February, I set the tarp up in 50 mph winds, and while it wouldn’t be a fun night, the tarp stood strong.

The three ventilation portals high on the tarp are key in keeping fresh air moving through the tarp when the sun is really beating (like in a glacier camp), and they can be opened or closed as needed with drawcords. The hem of the tarp can also be drawn up to increase airflow, making this one of the best ventilation mids available.

The cost of versatility is always greater setup complexity, so if you’re not confident in your knots, you may be better served by a more conventional 4-season tent. But if your adventures vary (and you’re still up against rugged conditions), the Cinder Cone is a savvy option to consider.

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Material: Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 5 lbs., 5.2 oz.
Claimed Capacity: 2 adults
Max Height: 45"
Season: Four season

Pros

Spacious vestibules at each door
Eight interior pockets provide space to organize small items
Adjustable vents help manage condensation
Dimension-Polyant pole sleeves are rugged

Cons

Not an ideal construction for warm weather
Requires muscle to get the clips onto the poles

For high-alpine elk hunts in the Colorado Rockies and chasing bighorns in Wyoming, the KUIU Storm Star 2 Person Tent ($599) is the right choice for hunkering down while you’re tracking big game. We’ve notched our tags while testing this tent and find it to be the best shelter to use while hunting long into the shoulder seasons.

Why? Well, for one, this tent is burly. We tested this shelter on the top of Berthoud Pass in Colorado during a spring storm, and thanks to the high-tension design and sound engineering, the structure hardly budged under gusts and shed heavy snow well. The fly of the Storm Star uses the same Dimension-Polyant fabric featured in the structure of the Mountain Hardwear AC 2, and it’s obvious why: This tough, non-stretch textile doesn’t budge when gusts tug at it and makes a perfect attachment point for the pole structure to fasten to.

Moving below decks, the durable floor and tub are constructed with 40-denier ripstop nylon and extend a full foot up the side of the shelter for extra protection. The shape of the interior itself is asymmetric, providing extra width at the tent’s head. With a waterproof rating of 3,000 mm for the rainfly and 5,000 mm for the floor, water has little chance of sneaking in. We also appreciate the interior webbing loops that help hang wet gear.

Compared to the Stone Glacier Skyscraper, the extended third vestibule pole of this tent greatly strengthens the design, and we noticed considerably less bowing when the wind was coming across the shelters at a full broadside. Also, because the poles are fastened externally on the Storm Star, you can leave the tent body attached to the fly during setup, meaning no more wet tent interior while you’re hustling to get your shelter built. While the Skyscraper does have it licked in a few metrics (slightly larger floorplan, cheaper), we’d happily trade it all for when things get truly medieval outside.

Our only gripe with this tent? For one, the two interior zippered vents that open up to the outside aren’t guarded by bug netting, which simply won’t fly when confronted with an Alaskan spring. Also, at 29.5 square feet of internal space for a two-person (the Trango 3 has 48 square feet), you’ll certainly be keeping the majority of your kit in the vestibules. Still, the Storm Star has a near-permanent spot in our hunting load-outs and is a true 4-season tent for almost any excursion.

Other 4-Season Tents We Trust

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: High-alpine mountaineering
Weight: 5 lbs., 7 oz.
Doors: 1.5
Sleeps: 2
Floor area: 26.7 sq. ft.
Vestibule area: Unpublished
Height: 42"
Walls: Single

Pros

Removable vestibule allows to strip weight while on route
Tight footprint for setup on small ledges
Easy to set up body with unique interior pole design
Large vents and breathable fabric minimize condensation

Cons

Finicky vestibule setup
Vent construction causes snow to become trapped
Heavy compared to true bivy-style tents

There’s stormworthiness, and then there’s using a shelter made from a 100% waterproof-breathable membrane. The North Face Assault 2 Tent ($800) falls into the latter camp and utilizes the brand’s ultra-breathable FUTURELIGHT textile, found in its high-end hardshell jackets, to keep the worst tempests at bay.

There are only a handful of tents on the market that use this construction (the Samaya 2.5 also does), and we most recently tested the Assault 2 by putting it in the hands of Eli Spitulnik, a mountain guide in Washington State, who used it during a week-long Denali Prep program where he trained climbers on what to expect on the High One. In typical fashion, it snowed near-constantly, and despite the huge pressure of nearly being buried, no moisture made it in.

The bivy-style single-wall tent is set up in the typical fashion with a set of poles crossed on the interior of the shelter. A short brow pole helps to bump out the headspace and covers two of the four vented windows, although it is quite challenging to get into place. The included vestibule is a left turn from most bivy tents and sets up with its own pole. This space is far enough for two climbers, and Spitulnik was able to fit his entire expedition duffel and dig out a well for pulling on boots.

At north of 5 pounds, the Assault 2 can’t quite be lumped in with the true bivy-style tents like the SlingFin HotBox or the Mountain Hardwear AC 2, but it’s also a good bit more snug than other basecamp tents, putting this shelter in a unique place. We see it as a perfect option for folks who are doing long sea-to-summit type expeditions, where needs change constantly and protection is paramount.

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Basecamp and expeditions
Weight: 1 lb., 11 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 4
Floor Area: 85 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: N/A
Height: 75"
Walls: Single

Pros

Very lightweight at sub-2 pounds
Versatile with multiple interior accessories
Four-season utility with correct guying out
Can use a number of different poles to suspend
Functions as a sleeping shelter, or group cook tent

Cons

Doesn't pack down as small as some ultralight tents
High price point
No internal organization features

While a tarp might not scream 4-season worthiness, properly-pitched pyramid shelters can be rock-steady against a serious blow, and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 4 ($849) is the idea taken to the Nth degree, decked out in space-age Dyneema Composite Fabric which keeps weight staggeringly low, as well as providing a sturdy no-stretch canopy to dig out beneath.

Setting up with either your trekking poles or a separately available carbon fiber unit, the 769-gram shelter (read: 5x lighter than the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3) can provide cover for up to four climbers and packs down as small as a loaf of bread. The impetus is on you to shore up the shelter with things like snow walls, but when using all of the available guy-out points, we’ve seen mids like this weather storms on Denali.

The 85 sq. feet of floor space may seem downright huge, but keep in mind that the angle of the walls will negate some of this space in your final setup. Still, digging down into the snow allows you to build out the shelter to your specs, whether that’s a couple of sleeping platforms and a kitchen area, or a stately pleasure dome to invite the whole crew into. Hyperlite also offers a number of different inner options (mesh no floor, half- and full inserts) but you’ll have to fork over the dough for them, with even the half inner demanding $299.

For some, the high-tech material (and brow-raising price tag) might take the UltaMid out of the running, but an equally burly pyramid shelter can be had in the SlingFin Cinder Cone ($490) and, to a lesser degree, the MSR Front Range Tarp ($380). Both of these mids use a more familiar polyester or ripstop nylon in their canopies. They are going to be heavier, but they will also pack down a bit smaller than the DCF UltaMid.

On long glacier expeditions, overall weight typically takes priority over bulk, and as such, the UltaMid 4 remains one of the go-to options for long stints on the ice.

8.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Alpinism and basecamp
Weight: 3 lbs., 12 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 2-3
Floor Area: 34.4 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: (Optional) 20.5 sq. ft.
Height: 47"
Walls: Single

Pros

Waterproof-breathable Nanovent membrane canopy
2.5-person capacity provides plenty of space for kit
Long and deep storage pockets
Smart overhead vent system
Self-equalizing guylines

Cons

Top-dollar price
Single door can lead to drips on entry
Finicky setup
Included stakes aren't confidence-inspiring

Hewn from an electro-spun and air-permeable membrane, the Samaya 2.5 ($1,200) cranks the dial to the extreme in both overall breathability and weight. The full 2.5-person tent tips the scales at a staggering 3 pounds, 12 ounces, and is the expedition tent du jour if you are treading on the bleeding edge of alpinism and climbing deeper and further than others before.

But let’s start with that membrane. Samaya’s 3-layer polyurethane ‘Nanovent’ variant is a novel answer to the classic trying not to get soaked question, and is an air-permeable single skin that is laid up with a 7D exterior nylon and mated to a Dyneema Composite Fabric floor. This build puts it more so in the “supercar” than the “sedan” side of 4-season tents, and in my testing, it worked admirably.

Moving on to the overall structure, the dome-style design is basecamp-proven, and sets up with three DAC FeatherLite poles in a hexagon shape that sports 34.4 square feet of space. In practice, I found this to be the perfect amount of space for two climbers and their kit inside, or for three close friends in less-desirable conditions.

During testing in the Washington Cascades this summer, I used the Samaya 2.5 to summit some remote glaciated peaks, and found the small packed size to be a huge boon in keeping my pack as small as possible. Some other tents might be smaller, but none provide as much breathability, which is typically where a lot of other bivy-style tents wilt.

Obviously, all of this space-age tech comes with a space-age price, and at $1,200, it’s easily one of the most high-dollar rigs in our line-up today. But considering that oftentimes airfare alone to get into the remote ranges where this tent shines will cost you that, and the caliber of alpinist it’s aimed at, it makes a good bit more sense.

Sure, a tent of this magnitude won’t make sense for most climbers (I recommend the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 as a much better generalist), but if you’re going far and need to go light, the Samaya 2.5 is a 4-season tent to hang your alpine aspirations on.

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: High-alpine mountaineering
Weight: 3 lbs., 15.9 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 2
Floor Area: 25.3 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: N/A
Height: 45"
Walls: Single

Pros

Tension Arch design holds strong against gales
Proper 10,000 mm waterproofed canopy
Bug-net second doors aids in ventilation
Many guy-out points for securing tent down to ledge
D-shaped door doesn't lay on floor when opened

Cons

Very minimal floor plan requires tip-to-tail sleeping arrangements
Ventilation won't be the best in liquid-precip situations

Ready to be shoehorned into your bivy ledge on the Cassin Ridge, the Mountain Hardwear AC 2 ($750) is one of my top choices for a small footprint on-route shelter that can be deployed near anywhere. Compared to the obviously similar Black Diamond Firstlight, the AC 2 has it just about licked in a number of different facets, and none of them minor — making this tent a much better bivy-style shelter in our opinion.

For one, the AC 2 makes use of a proper waterproof canopy (speccing out at a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm), whereas the NanoShield fabric of the Firstlight is only water-resistant and not seam-sealed. In ground-truthing, I found the material of the AC 2 to stand tall against the autumn tempests that roil the Pacific Northwest, while the Firstlight could not, leading to our guide pals to grace the later tent with a rather sorry nickname: the ‘FirstWet.’

While it’s true that tents of this stripe are best used in altitudes where any precip you might encounter will be frozen, practice has shown that folks will use them just about anywhere, and having proper waterproofing adds a good amount of versatility. Moving on to the structure, the AC 2 erects with an X-patterned arch system of non-stretch Dimension-Polyant fabric, which serves as a strong backbone to suspend the tent on. I found this much easier to set up over the internal pole system of the Firstlight, and was a good bit sturdier. Another point to the AC 2.

Ventilation is the Achilles heel of any bivy-style tent, and while the AC 2 gained an extra peak vent over its predecessor, the Direkt 2, it still struggles in high moisture-content conditions to really move air around the tent. The second mesh screen door is a big help here (given it’s not actively raining), but in most other situations, you’d better hope it’s cold enough to frost, or deal with it. This is the main reason that I recommend the Slingfin HotBox as a bivy shelter over the AC 2 for most folks.

Granted, there are a few areas I’ll concede to the Firstlight, including a slightly larger floorplan (82” x 48” to the 81” x 45” of the AC 2), as well as a good bit cheaper price. The weight of the AC 2 is also approximately 10 ounces more, and for real ounce-counters, this might make a real difference when everything on route is being accounted for.

Finally, while there are hyper-bivy tents that make use of Dyneema and carbon fiber poles, they demand you fork over two grand for the luxury, and I found the price tag on the AC 2 to be at least palatable for your typical expedition climber. When the route is steep — and the temps will stay low — the AC 2 is a great option.

6.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Type: Mountaineering and expeditions
Weight: 8 lbs., 13 oz.
Doors: 2
Sleeps: 3
Floor Area: 44 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 13 + 6 sq. ft.
Height: 44"
Walls: Double

Pros

Durable enough to withstand harsh winter conditions
Lightweight compared to many 4-season tents
Fast Fly mode allows for faster setup and lighter weight
Comfortably fits three people and gear
Self-equalizing guy points make it easy to pull tent taut

Cons

Heavier than most 3-season tents
Not super breathable in warmer months
Other comparable tents have more floor area

Read Review: Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3 Tent Review: Passing Alpine Blizzard Tests With Flying Colors

Another dependable, lightweight, freestanding four-season abode is the Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3 ($900). This construction excels in mountaineering trips and against super-windy conditions, and when we tested the shelter with ascents of both Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier, as well as during ski touring in Colorado’s Gore Range, it was unflinching in its performance.

The tent itself is supported by a set of four DAC NSL poles (in a similar configuration to the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3) that cross over one another in multiple areas to bolster strength. These attach to the tent body with both twist clips and wide-gated hooks, which makes for easy set-up even when wearing gloves. The fly itself requires one additional pole to set up, but gaining the large 13-square-foot landing area makes it all worth it. In deep snow conditions, we dug down into this area to make a perfect footwell for putting on boots and storing gear.

Similar to the design of the Stone Glacier Skyscraper, the Battle Mountain also makes use of internal guylines that can be cinched down to add further rigidity to the structure, in addition to the Velcro tabs on the underside of the fly that affixes it to the pole structure. These small additions really help shore up the Battle Mountain against harsh winds and snow loads.

At 44 square feet of internal space, the Battle Mountain 3 feels a bit snug for 3 climbers and their kit, but two climbers will find it downright palatial. For less weight, you can get more floor area in the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 — a shelter only designed for 2 people! Because they’re the same price, we tend to lean on the Trango more than the Big Agnes, but as a viable option from a legacy brand, the Battle Mountain makes the grade.

Specifications

Type: Backpacking and mountaineering
Weight: 5 lbs., 3 oz.
Doors: 1
Sleeps: 3 adults
Floor Area: 36.5 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 13 sq. ft.
Height: 45"
Walls: Double

Pros

Nice 3/4 season option for backpackers headed into winter
Good airflow and moisture management
Great headroom
Fairly lightweight compared to other options

Cons

Too short in length for some folks
Zippers aren’t all burly and seem a bit cheap
Only one door can be a drawback for some travelers

The NEMO Kunai 3-4-Season Backpacking Tent ($699) is a solid freestanding choice for a broad range of conditions from hot, humid environments to rain, high wind, or snowy blasts. Setting up the tent was super quick, and it has a number of features that boost the overall livability.

In a similar vein to the Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3, this is another 3/4-season tent from a brand with deep roots in backpacking shelters that have taken what they know there and applied it to the rough and tumble Kunai, a shelter that doesn’t shy away from a poor forecast. For summer and fall backpacking trips into the alpine, this build is light, strong, and a top pick. For a long mountaineering expedition, it’s a friendly weight for carrying up a mountain, but wouldn’t be our first pick for a 2-foot dump or hunkering down in an ongoing blizzard.

Laid out in a familiar manner, the Kunai uses a four-pole set up to bolster the ends of the shelter but stops shy of extending that fourth pole down to the middle of the tent body. This saves a bit of weight, but it does create a slightly less sturdy shelter overall. The Kunai also employs more mesh in the inner design over other tents, opting for two long windows along the sides of the inner. You can’t actually see out of these apertures, but they are great for optimizing venting when condensation might rear its head.

Turning to the interior of the shelter, we were impressed with the six passive vents around the fly, and along the walls, there are seven mesh pockets of varying sizes to help organize accessories. The canopy is a 20-denier nylon ripstop fabric, and the floor is even tougher, with a 30-denier rating. The single door will be a bit of a drag for the full complement of three climbers, but the vestibule does make a good staging area.

Perfect for extending your hiking seasons (or predictable weather on popular mountaineering routes), the Kunai 3 is an adaptable shelter that is lighter on the back but still puts up a good fight. It’s a good bit more out of pocket than our best budget pick, the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2, but if you’re willing to trade more dollars for less weight, it’s a viable option.

4-Season Tents Comparison Chart

4-Season Tent	Price	Weight	Floor Area	Walls	Type
Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent	$1,050	11 lbs., 5.1 oz.	48 sq. ft.	Double	Basecamp and expeditions
REI Co-op Arete ASL 2	$449	6 lbs., 5 oz.	32.9 sq. ft.	Double	Treeline winter camping
SlingFin HotBox	$750	4 lbs., 2 oz.	26.8 sq. ft.	Double	Light and fast alpinism
Hilleberg Nammatj 3	$1,115	7 lbs., 4 oz.	36.3 sq. ft.	Double	Basecamp and expeditions
MSR Access 2	$800	4 lbs., 1 oz.	29 sq. ft.	Double	Treeline ski-mountaineering
SlingFin Cinder Cone Pyramid Tent	$490	2 lbs., 7.4 oz.	81 sq. ft.	Single	Basecamp and expeditions
KUIU Storm Star 2 Person Tent	$599	5 lbs., 5.2 oz.	29.5 sq. ft.	Double	Alpine hunting and backpacking
The North Face Assault 2	$800	5 lbs., 7 oz.	26.7 sq. ft.	Single	High-alpine mountaineering
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 4	$849	1 lb., 11.2 oz.	85 sq. ft.	Single	Alpinism and basecamp
Samaya 2.5 Tent	$1,200	3 lbs., 12 oz.	34.4 sq. ft.	Single	Light and fast alpinism
Mountain Hardwear AC 2	$750	3 lbs., 15.9 oz.	25.3 sq. ft.	Single	High-alpine mountaineering
Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3	$900	8 lbs., 13 oz.	44 sq. ft.	Double	Mountaineering and expeditions
NEMO Equipment Kunai 3	$699	5 lbs., 3 oz.	36.5 sq. ft.	Double	Backpacking and mountaineering

Four-season tents aren’t only for winter but rather for rough conditions, and we sought out the worst of it in our testing; (photo/Nick Belcaster)

How We Tested the Best 4-Season Tents

Proving the mettle of 4-season tents is no joke. From driving snowstorms to freezing temps — you have to be fully immersed in the conditions that make them expedition-worthy. To create this guide, the GearJunkie team does just that, and every year, we put each model through its paces in brutal conditions — trying to find the limit of these bomb-proof shelters so you don’t have to.

Testing the SlingFin Cinder Cone in Patagonia during a 50 mph wind; (photo/Nick Belcaster)

Our Testing Process and Testing Locations

The majority of our testing occurs on Kulshan — also known as Mt. Baker — a 10,786-foot Pacific Northwest volcano that generates its own weather, fueled by moisture-rich storms off the Pacific. From this test bed, we are able to experience all manner of alpine conditions, including 24-hour snowfall measured in feet, gusts that will knock over rock walls, and sometimes, electrical storms.

During testing, we scrutinized each tent with some specific criteria in mind — durability, extreme weather resistance, and livability — to offer a variety of options for different objectives. We also strive to test 4-season shelters in a variety of climates, as the dry and frigid alpine of Colorado is a whole different ball game compared to the tempest-whipped western flanks of the Cascades. Our notes were also compared with the knowledge of experienced AMGA-certified mountain guides to ensure that these are the best 4-season tents available today.

Whether you’re making an assault into the Alaska Range or overlanding into the backcountry on a hunting excursion, we’d feel confident recommending anything on this list for the toughest of adventures.

Out of the field, we also stacked these tents up side by side in a handful of bench tests to get the nitty gritty on specs, and ensure that manufacturers’ claims are accurate. This includes measuring weights in-house, comparing floor area when using standard and wide-width sleeping pads, looking at packed volumes, and comparing the ease of set-up when providing the tent to testers with no instructions.

We recently tested tents while guiding a Denali Prep mountaineering course near Kulshan, which holds the world record for most snowfall in one season; (photo/Eli Spitulnik)

Our Expert Testers

Our team includes mountaineers, alpine climbers, skiers, splitboarders, and high-country hunters of every stripe, living and recreating in the ice chests of the Rockies, Sierra, and Cascades. Senior snow sports Editor Morgan Tilton grew up in the mountains of Colorado and makes year-round travel into the mountains look easy — living and playing in the hills around Southwest Colorado. Tilton has been putting skis, snowshoes, and mountaineering boots on the ground for this guide since 2021 and began our look into 4-season shelters with a slate of 10 of the best from across the spectrum.

In addition, I, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster, also tied in and punched in my fair share of the route in order to test these tents — climbing and mountaineering in the North Cascades of Washington State and British Columbia. I have several years of experience helping to lead the Equipment arm of one of the country’s larger mountaineering guide operations, the American Alpine Institute.

My experience also extends to having coordinated the equipping of a season of guided Denali ascents for around 100 people, which involved everything from rigging expedition sleds to ensuring it all had a ski plane to fly out on. There’s little space in a turboprop Beaver for sub-par tents — and even less in our closets — which demands a hard look at what really works out on the ice.

Kulshan makes the perfect standard proving grounds for our 4-season tent testing and can range from mild to downright miserable weather; (photo/Erika Courtney)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a 4-Season Tent

The burliest four-season tents are constructed to withstand brutal winds, shed heavy snowpack or rain, and comfortably store gear in a protected cubby. The tradeoff? These designs can often retain summertime warmth and humidity.

Year-round tents are protective across variable and tough conditions, but they’re not the most airy for hotter days or nights. Also, the high-end construction requires beefier material that sports a bigger bill than most three-season builds.

All options considered, these heavier-set tents are a dependable choice for mountaineers, expeditionists, and other seasoned outdoor travelers who want a dependable structure any day of the year that provides protection in the harshest elements. If you’re looking for something that’ll be better for fairer conditions (and nicer to carry on your back), check out our guides on the Best Backpacking Tents and Best Ultralight Tents. And if you’re having trouble deciding what kind of tent you need, our primer on How to Choose the Best Tent for Camping or Backpacking is illuminating.

Seasonality

Tents are typically built for three-season or four-season conditions. A three-season tent will suffice if you plan on using your tent across the spring, summer, and fall.

The infrastructure of a three-season tent can handle rain and light snow. Usually, these builds are not ideal for heavy snow, super-high winds, or vicious storms — like the blizzard conditions you might face while ski mountaineering. A four-season tent is a better choice for full-on winter, the weight of snow, and strong winds.

The Ptarmigan Traverse in the North Cascades demands a shelter that is both lightweight and burly to see climbers through to the other side; (photo/Nick Belcaster)

Types of 4-Season Tents

A spectrum of designs exists within the four-season tent category. For instance, our lineup here includes year-round tents for vehicles from truck beds to rooftops. Folks often seek four-season tents for backpacking and hunting in inclement weather in the winter, along alpine routes, or during the shoulder seasons.

People need four-season shelters for mountaineering, with or without skis, or winter backcountry trips. Some of these tents are better suited above or below treeline, while others are perfect for polar exploration.

Mountaineering tents are often streamlined and constructed with a single wall to save weight and easily move camp day to day on a long, challenging expedition. In contrast, a basecamp tent is roomier and weighs more.

Basecamp tents are a comfortable choice for a shorter haul to a lower point where adventurers need to spend time acclimating to altitude or waiting for a safe weather window. Most of these designs are double-walled to help enhance ventilation and prevent condensation, and a broad range of capacities exist to house large groups or a ton of gear.

Tunnel tents can withstand brutal wind — think 70 mph — better than dome or wedge-style tents, which can hit a limit of around 50 mph. But tunnel tents are not freestanding.

Properly guyed-out, tunnel tents like these Hillebergs can be some of the most robust in turning away wind; (photo/Nick Belcaster)

Capacity & Doors

Folks aiming for lighter-weight four-season tents can invest in a one- or two-person design. Three- and four-person tents are a common choice, too, while some four-season basecamp options are large enough to fit big groups of six or more people.

Your ideal tent capacity depends on the number of campers, their overall size, and how much equipment you need to store inside the tent or vestibule. Brands generally categorize their tents based on the number of people, but the dimensions — length, width, height, and vestibule size — vary from tent to tent.

The tent’s peak height, which is where the tent is the tallest, also differs between each model. It’s nice to have a generous height in a four-season tent when the weather turns south and you really need to hunker down.

Get out your tape measure as you research. If you’re tall or wide, pay extra attention to the width and length of the tent’s dimensions as well as the area of your sleeping pad. And consider how much storage space you’ll want for gear. It’s also a good idea to visit a local retailer where the tent can be set up for you to check out in person.

You’ll want to consider whether one or two doors are more functional for you. Two doors can be helpful for each sleeper to have their own exit and entry or to access gear organized in multiple vestibules. But eliminating a door can cut weight and cost.

The 48 square feet of interior space in the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 was much more spacious than typical 2-person shelters; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Vestibule & Interior Storage

To help protect equipment, four-season tents have one or two zipper-enclosed vestibule doors — but not all vestibules are created equal. They each have a unique volume, height, and shape.

Some vestibule entries include a double door like on the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent or interior loops to hang items like in the MSR Remote 2. The Remote 2 also features a storm flap along the bottom and a ventilation window along the top, which are strategic additions.

Compare your body and sleeping pad measurements to the tent’s width and length. If your expedition requires a lot of gear, it can be nice — or necessary — to have extra room to bring cargo inside the cabin. Otherwise, the vestibule can be a great spot to leave the pack or boots. The foyer is also a good place to cook over a compact, portable stove if you’re stuck in the tent due to hair-raising weather.

Inside, four-season tents usually have mesh pockets along the wall to store items like a phone or headlamp. Again, these features are not universal. The Remote 2 only has two mesh pockets, while the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent has more than 10 pouches that line the walls and ceiling.

Generally, lighter tents don’t have as many storage compartments as heavier tent designs. Another nice touch is interior loops for hanging a clothesline, carabiners, or to clip a lantern.

Keeping kit off the floor goes a long way in maintaining a tidy tent; (photo/Nick Belcaster)

Weight

A dwelling’s weight hinges on the materials, size, and whether the walls are single or double. Most four-season tent specs include a trail or minimal weight and a packaged weight — the former doesn’t include stakes, guylines, or stuff sacks. (We highlight the minimal weight of the products listed in this guide.)

One of the lightest four-season tents on the market is the Hilleberg Akto 1 Tent for a single person, tapping in at 3 pounds, 12 ounces. By comparison, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent is 11 pounds, 5 ounces, but significantly more storm-worthy and spacious.

The sizes and weights of the tents in our guide vary widely. The heaviest option is a basecamp tent with room for three adults that weighs close to 9 pounds. Our lightest choice is the Samaya 2.5 Tent, which utilizes Dyneema Composite Fabric and is only 3 pounds 12 ounces. Weight is most crucial if you’ll be hauling your tent for consecutive days and want to minimize the heft of your load.

Regardless of weight, you’ll need to select a tent that delivers the protection and features you need — like two doors, the capacity for three people, or a large vestibule. Generally, the lighter a tent is, the less headroom there is. But cutting ounces isn’t as important as being adequately protected in the conditions where you plan to go.

If you’re picking a four-season rooftop tent that will be stationary, the weight matters less but needs to be within your manufacturer’s roof rack requirements.

The Cirque of the Unclimbables requires a bush plane to get in and a packraft to get out, and the versatility of the UltaMid met the uncertainties of the trip; (photo/Christian Black)

Ventilation

The nemesis of four-season tents is the challenge of providing excellent ventilation. While ultralight tents often feature walls constructed of mesh, storm doors that furl back, or no walls at all for airflow, four-season tents don’t. These structures feature minimal windows to optimize structural protection and warmth in wind, rain, and heavy snow.

Walls constructed of mesh decrease the overall temperature inside the tent, so the majority of four-season tent walls are solid fabric. Simultaneously, if you’re posted up inside your tent for a bout of stormy weather, you’ll want good ventilation to minimize indoor frost and moisture.

Well-designed four-season tents have integrated passive ventilation ports or windows in the tent and rainfly. These vents can keep out snow while minimizing condensation, so the inside of the tent doesn’t feel clammy. The MSR Remote 2 fly features four vents with snow flaps, which provide ventilation and help reduce condensation while keeping out spindrift.

Side ventilation port hole on the inner tent of the SlingFin HotBox; (photo/Christian Black)

Single-Wall vs. Double-Wall Tents

Tents are either single-wall or double-wall designs. Single-wall tents are lighter-weight, nonbreathable, waterproof, and don’t include a rainfly. They typically don’t offer as much storage for gear.

A double-wall tent actually contains two items: a breathable tent paired with a waterproof rainfly. The setup usually offers vestibule space to stash equipment.

The kit weighs more and requires more time to set up compared to a single-wall tent. Single-wall tents are less breathable and produce more condensation but can be worthwhile for light, fast, difficult mountaineering missions where minimal weight is preferred.

The single-wall North Face Assault 2 uses a waterproof-breathable membrane to keep moisture moving out of the tent, without letting any in; (photo/Eli Spitulnik)

Material & Durability

A price tag is usually reflected in the balance of the materials’ durability and weight. Ultralight, strong materials often cost more than heavier fabrics. The KUIU Storm Star 2 Person Tent is constructed with a 40-denier ripstop nylon tub and floor and a 30-denier tent body that has a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating. The tent is 29.5 square feet and weighs 5 pounds, 5.2 ounces.

In contrast, the NEMO Equipment Kunai 3 is 36.5 square feet but only weighs 5 pounds, 3 ounces. The tent is constructed with ultralight waterproof-breathable nylon and a polyurethane-coated floor.

A separate footprint, or groundsheet, isn’t required for an enclosed single-wall tent. Lightweight materials are pretty durable, but they tend to break down if they’re roughly handled. Investing in a lighter-weight bundle means the recreationist should be mindful with gear care.

The NEMO Kunai 3 lands closer to the 3+ season designation but is a much more versatile shelter for it; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Bathtub Floor

A bathtub floor means the waterproof fabric comprising the floor extends a few inches off the ground and up the tent walls. Often four-season setups have a bathtub floor for extra protection during a weather event.

Waterproofness

The material used in tent construction is either inherently waterproof or treated with a DWR coating to block precipitation. If the fabric is treated, it’ll eventually need a refresh, depending on the conditions faced, user care, and volume of use.

Tent Setup & Poles

The majority of our top four-season tents are freestanding. This type of skeleton takes more time to assemble because the ground needs to offset the stake just right — especially if it’s windy or rainy out.

In contrast, tunnel tents or ultralightweight tents and shelters are nonfreestanding, meaning they don’t include tent poles to be hoisted. Instead, one or two trekking poles plus stakes are used to elevate three-season tents. And four-season tunnel tents need to be staked down extremely well with rocks in summer or grippy stakes in winter.

Many four-season tents have color-coded poles and pole clips or pockets on the canopy and fly. That addition helps recreationists efficiently put up their shelter when time is crucial and they need to get out of the elements. These year-round designs also feature strategically placed guylines, often with reinforced attachment points, and many loops to stake down the tent.

The poles vary from tent to tent. The KUIU Storm Star 2 Person Tent features DAC NFL poles, which are a super-lightweight aluminum alloy blend that’s extra strong and stiff. The Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3 has the DAC NSL aluminum poles, which are still lightweight yet slightly stronger.

The freestanding North Face Assault 2 pitches with its poles on the inside of the tent, which is a bit tougher to do, but much stronger; (photo/Eli Stipulnik)

Price & Value

Protection from unkind elements comes at a price, and 4-season tents tend to be some of the more expensive shelters you might spend your money on. That said, there’s a definite range of options available and, based on your needs, a range of prices that its worth spending to get the right shelter for you.

Budget

If you’re more of a backpacker looking to tread into the fourth season or simply aren’t looking at overnight stays in the worst weather out there, there’s good reason to save your bills and spend them somewhere more wisely (such as on a warmer sleeping bag). These tents tend to be of the 3/4-season variety, meaning they utilize structures seen in more storm-worthy shelters but often using lighter materials.

The REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 ($449) is an excellent example and, design-wise, is similar to the battle-hardened Mountain Hardwear Trango series, just in a lighter cut. The KUIU Storm Star 2 Person Tent ($599) is also on the cheap(er) side of things, and the more minimal floor area of >30 sq. ft. is typical of this range of tents.

So-called all-season tents are often budget-priced compared to truly overbuilt shelters; (photo/Maddie Downie)

Mid-Tier

Your bread and butter 4-season tents will likely run you between $600-800, with some reaching a bit higher than that. This is some good coin to drop on a shelter, but you do get a lot in return: Thicker 10mm poles are common, along with more durable 70D+ fly materials that won’t shred under harsh winds. Vestibules will also be larger, meaning you can stash all of your kit outside the sleeping quarters.

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent ($1,050) is at the upper end of this range, but we think it’s the best value out there for a tent with a serious lineage. The five pole design is very sturdy against hard blows, and the spacious interior is larger than most other 2-person shelters to accommodate large sleeping bags. You’ll also see more special use-case tents here, like the ski trip-worthy MSR Access 2 Tent ($800), and the on-route bivy style SlingFin HotBox ($750).

Premium

If you need the absolute best in protection, look for brands such as Samaya and Hilleberg. These $1,000+ shelters use cutting-edge materials and designs and are tested at the bitter edge to ensure they last. Hilleberg’s Black Label tents are made with the brand’s Kerlon 1800 fabric, which is coated on both sides with silicone to create an uber-tough fabric, while the Samaya 2.5 Tent ($1,200) uses Dyneema Composite Fabric — a superlight waterproof textile.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you shop for a four-season tent, you should first consider your preferred capacity for your size, any potential partners, and the equipment. Take a close look at each tent’s width, length, height, and volume in the central space and vestibules.

After you determine tent size, consider how far and often you’ll need to haul the shelter and if you’d appreciate fewer pounds versus a larger footprint and room to shuffle gear around or lounge. Another consideration of a four-season tent is how well-ventilated the design is and if it’s suitable for the amount of time you’ll be posted up in your tent.

When you examine the finer features, it’s nice to have interior storage space — pockets and loops — to help organize gear items and apparel.

A three-season tent is generally lightweight and breathable for activities like backpacking in the spring, summer, or fall. These versatile builds provide protection against insects, wind, and rain. Typically these packages have a tent body and a fly, so they’re a double-wall setup.

The weight varies from tent to tent, including a segment that serves ultralight trekkers. To learn more, check out The Best Ultralight Tents, According to Thru-Hikers buyer’s guide.

A four-season tent has more substantial, hardy shapes and materials to block snow, ice, harsh wind, hail, or even rock. As a result, mesh is not commonly featured in the body of the tent in order to maintain warmth and security. However, these tents still need ventilation, which is strategically placed on the main body and fly to help prevent the uncomfortable buildup of condensation inside.

Many four-season tents have one or two vestibules to help protect gear from the elements. Lighter weight models are single-wall for efficiency of setup and ease of travel.

Check the overnight lows and make sure your sleeping bag and pad are rated for the temperature swing. For extra comfort and protection from the cold, you can stack two closed-cell pads or layer a foam pad with an inflatable pad.

Dress in layers and don’t let yourself get too hot or sweat, which will become a downward spiral of getting cold. Keep a warm pair of socks for tent use only to prevent lounging or sleeping in damp socks, which can lead to serious foot health issues.

Make sure to eat a hearty dinner and hydrate well. Before dinner, you can top off with a cup of hot chocolate for calories your body can burn throughout the night. You can also fill a Nalgene bottle with hot water and put it inside your sleeping bag for a boost of warmth.

If you find yourself venturing to high-altitude, alpine, or remote environments in the shoulder seasons or during winter, it’s a good idea to invest in a shelter that will protect you in a blizzard. If you’re pursuing a winter hunting trip, polar expedition, or mountaineering adventure, a four-season tent is an obvious good choice.

A three-season tent is typically constructed with a mix of mesh and the structure is not engineered to withstand the weight of snowfall or extreme wind.

Our top pick Arc’teryx Beta AR is the most well-rounded hardshell we’ve worn to date; (photo/Erika Courtney)

" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/DSC7325-scaled.jpeg" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/04/DSC7325-scaled.jpeg" />

Apparel

The Best Hardshell Jackets of 2025

After months of testing in the harshest of conditions, these are the best hardshell jackets to brave the alpine with in 2025.

Are you going solo, with a partner, ultralight, comfort-oriented? Lots to consider when choosing the best backpacking tent for your adventure; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/DSC06461-e1669075092306.jpeg" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/DSC06461-e1669075092306.jpeg" />

Backpacking

The Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Whether you’re looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or stick to a tight budget, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2025.

Camping | GearJunkie

Warmth Meets Wiggle Room: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag Review

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: Review

First Impressions

Field Testing in the Western Slope of Colorado

Insulation & Warmth

Additional Elements

Kelty Wayback 20 Sleeping Bag Review: A Flannel Throwback for the Most Cushy Camps

Versatility & Size Options

Areas of Improvement

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: Conclusion

The Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2025

YETI Roadie 24 Review: YETI Makes a Great Cooler Even Better

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler Review

Cold, Hard Facts: Ice Retention

Build Quality

Portability

Capacity

Room for Improvement

Final Thoughts

Hide and Sip: YETI Drops Dog Toys and Camo Drinkware

Dometic Recon Cooler Review: Smart Design With Real-World Usability

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Dometic Recon 41L Cooler: Review

Cold That Mostly Lasts

14 Years Old and Still the King of Coolers: YETI Tundra 45 Review

Dometic Recon: Built Light, Packed Right

Functional Features That Think for You

Room for Improvement

Dometic Recon Cooler: Final Thoughts

The Best Coolers of 2025-2026

BOTE Kula 5 Magnepod Review: The Cooler That’s Cooler Than You’d Expect

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

BOTE Kula 5 Magnepod Cooler: Review

Ice Retention: Cold for a Day, But Not a Weekend

Designed for Your Lifestyle

Instagrammable eCooler Is Built Like a Tank: TRAVOCA Rigel 25 Dual Zone Review

Space for What Matters

Room for Improvement

BOTE Kula 5: Final Thoughts

The Best Coolers of 2025-2026

The Best Coolers of 2025-2026

The Best Coolers of 2025-2026

Best Overall Cooler

Best Budget Cooler

Best Wheeled Cooler

Best Recyclable Cooler

Best Lightweight Cooler

Best Small Cooler

Best Modular Cooler

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Rating Details

Specifications

Pros

Cons