12 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Camping Cooler

There are some essential items you just don’t leave home without when you’re planning a camping trip.

Right up there with the important stuff like the tent and sleeping bag is your camping cooler, and if you want to go into the outdoors the right way, you’ll never want to be without one.

What are the camping cooler benefits that these portable fridges offer?

A modern camping cooler can heat and cool, they make it easier to organize and transport your food, and they’re lightweight but durable at the same time. They can be fully customized to your needs and the type of camping you enjoy, with plenty of features to choose from.

Whether you need something that takes ice and will last for days or prefer a power source that keeps your cooler cold, there’s one out there that will do it.

We’ve compiled a list of the ultimate camping cooler benefits for you to read so you can get yourself equipped with this essential piece of gear if you haven’t done so already.

If you’d like to see a graphical breakdown of the reasons to invest in a camping cooler, we’ve got you covered:

#1: They’re Easy to Carry

When you think of a camping cooler, you probably imagine yourself lugging something heavy through the outdoors just to enjoy a few cans of cold beer, and wondering if it’s really worth it.

However, modern camping coolers are made to be easy to carry, and they’re incredibly lightweight thanks to materials like plastic and polyurethane foam.

Some models come with transport extras like wheels or handles that let you pull them along, so they’re a lot easier to take with you than you realize.

#2: They Can Feed an Army

If you’re in charge of bringing along the camping cooler, you want to be sure it’s one with enough space to feed the masses.

The good news is, camping coolers come in some impressive sizes with over 50 gallons of capacity or more. There’s ample space for everything you need and enough room to store the food and beverages for everyone on your camping trip, so one is all you have to take along.

#3: You Can Enjoy a Range of Foods and Drinks

Camping without a decent cooler is more of a punishment than a good time, and you’ll be severely limited in the types of food and drinks you can enjoy.

Good food means a good camping experience, and with your cooler, you’ll be able to fit fresh meat, cheeses, milk, cold sodas and beers, and just about anything you want to take from your fridge at home to enjoy in the great outdoors.

#4: They’re Cheaper Than You Think

People are put off investing in a camping cooler because they think the price is going to be exorbitant.

A good camping cooler starts at around $100 for an insulated model and a couple of hundred for an electric or battery-powered one, with these prices reaching into the thousands if you were so inclined.

If you’re someone who camps a lot or enjoys time outdoors and away from home, they’re a savvy investment and one that will pay for itself after just the first time you use it.

#5: They Double as Transport

A cooling camper with wheels can help bring more than just your food along.

These are like rolling luggage that you can place a backpack or other heavy camping gear on top of and wheel to your site.

Better yet, get the kids to sit on top and give them a ride they won’t forget, all the while, your food and drinks stay cool inside.

#6: Your Food Stays Organized

Camping is all about organization, and when you have the cooler packed just right it’ll make a huge difference.

Modern camping coolers come with different compartments for storing everything separately, or you could organize it into the foods you’ll be eating each day. This means less thinking and more enjoying your camping trip.

#7: You Can Take Them More Than Just Camping

A camping cooler might be named as such, but that doesn’t mean it has to be confined just to camping trips.

You can take a quality cooler along to fishing trips, picnics, and even backyard barbecues, or anywhere you’re headed that requires ice-cold beverages and food.

These coolers are a great investment for the individual or family who likes to get into the outdoors but doesn’t want to miss any of the creature comforts of home.

#8: They Make a Great Seat

Rather than bringing along a camping chair and adding more to your gear that you have to pack, you can transform your cooler into your very own seat.

These coolers are durable enough to be used as a camping chair, and even the smaller sizes have ample space for you to sit on, with some even being perfect for two to enjoy.

As an added bonus, you’ll never be far away from your next cold beverage at any given time.

#9: They Last a Lifetime

A quality camping cooler made of durable materials can last a lifetime, literally, so it’s a wise investment.

You’ll be able to hand down your favorite cooler to your kids to enjoy for themselves due to the heavy-duty nature of these portable fridges.

Thermoelectric coolers are built to last structurally as well, but will only run as long as their internal mechanisms do, with many having warranties of a few years or more.

#10: They’re Durable and Weatherproof

A camping cooler needs to be as tough as the outdoors to survive, and that’s one of the biggest benefits they offer.

Compared to other forms of food storage used for camping, a cooler can withstand harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and even water in most cases.

You won’t have to worry about protecting your food, as the cooler will do that for you, and it’s one of the most durable pieces of camping gear you’ll ever own.

#11: They Can Cool and Heat

The modern camping cooler is more than just a cooler, it’s a heater as well.

Some brands of coolers have two compartments that operate at different temperatures. You’re able to use the power of insulation to keep the cold stuff cold and the hot stuff hot, and those that operate with thermoelectricity do an even better job of it.

Most people only rely on their camping cooler for cooling, but it’s nice to know the option is out there if you ever wanted to store some leftovers or hot coffee and keep it at the ideal temperature.

#12: They Keep Your Food Cold

This one might sound a little obvious, but it’s the biggest benefit a cooler has to offer, so we couldn’t leave it out.

A camping cooler keeps your food cold, and with some of the more modern brands that run without any power, that can mean up to five days of freshness.

Without a cooler, you’d be eating dry packets of freeze-dried food and drinks that were warm and unrefreshing.

Related Questions

Camping coolers have been around for many years, but none that look and operate like modern styles.

If you’ve never owned a camping cooler and want to know what the fuss is about, we’ve answered some basic questions about how they work to show you what makes them so great.