A Legendary Outdoor Brand Is the Latest Challenger to Yeti’s Cooler Crown

For many of us, playing word association with “Coleman” likely conjures up visions of banging our knees against breadbox-sized red- or blue-and-white coolers we took on picnics and to the beach as kids.

Though the brand has been around for more than 125 years — and also makes an iconic propane stove as well as tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, camp chairs and tons of other stuff — you never forget your first, and for many of us, that was it.

Coleman

Now, Coleman is banking on those blissful memories bringing you back to invest in a new collection that is significantly leveled up. 

While those childhood units were cute, the brand’s new Pro Coolers have been optimized for durability, insulation and portability in a way Coleman hopes will set a new industry standard.

Pro roto

Stepping up to challenge brands like Yeti and RTIC is no easy feat, so I am kind of glad to see that Coleman is currently focused on keeping the product line small, aiming to nail the basics before expanding.

Toward that end, there are five total pieces: a wheeled 55-quart hard cooler, a 45-quart hard cooler with handles, a 25-quart hard cooler with a shoulder strap, a 24-can soft cooler and a 16-can soft cooler.

The first three items in that list are rotomolded, which is the only type of cooler most people take seriously these days, so the brand is off to a strong if obvious start with that move.

Coleman points to their maximum ice retention, streamlined design and user-friendliness. That’s not to mention their weights, which are 30% lighter, and their prices, which are 40% lower than those of “premium competitors.”

The hard coolers boast extra thick walls and insulated, gasketted lids that promise five days of ice retention. 

Coleman

Other notable features include all-terrain rubber wheels, built-in drain plugs, non-slip feet and tie-down slots to secure your cooler in a truck bed or even padlock it for maximum security.

The hard and soft coolers each boast at least one feature that stands out from the competition a bit.

The former has a single sturdy steel latch that you can open and close with one hand — which is easier to use than the double-latching present on most Yeti coolers.

Coleman

The latter has a flat-bottomed upper compartment that is firmly sectioned off from the can-holding area, enabling you to stash your wallet, keys, sunglasses and other essentials in a safe, waterproof spot. 

With regard to the claims about weight and price, I’m not quite convinced. A quick fact check indicates Coleman’s 55-quart flagship cooler weighs 33 pounds empty.

By comparison, RTIC’s 52-quart ultralight wheeled cooler weighs 30 pounds and Yeti’s 60-quart wheeled cooler weighs 30.6 pounds.

Coleman

Prices are comparable to RTIC, which, for example, sells the aforementioned 52-quart wheeled cooler for $249 (versus $300 for Coleman’s 55-quart unit).

However, that does mean Coleman’s prices are significantly lower than those of Yeti, which sells the said 60-quart cooler for $475 and a 48-quart one for $425.

Perhaps those numbers — and nostalgia — are enough to have you considering giving Coleman another shot. Just don’t get too picky about color; the Pro Coolers are only available in light and dark blue.

Availability and pricing

The Coleman Pro line includes 25-, 45- and 55-quart hard coolers priced at $160, $200 and $300, respectively. It also features 16-can and 24-can soft coolers for $60 and $80.

Check out a few examples below and shop the whole collection here.

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