Yeti

[Deuce]

I know it's been discussed ad nauseum, but I thought I'd share my thoughts on the cooler situation. These days it just seems there is no middle ground and one is forced to choose between disposable and expensive. I finally grew tired enough of "disposable" coolers to pony up for a 120 quart Yeti, and I couldn't be happier. It's tough as nails and keeps stuff cold. It was expensive and it weighs a ton, but to me those two cons are more than outweighed by the pros. At the rate I was going through cheap coolers I figure it will have paid for itself within four years.

[okieboater]

I agree, I purchased a yeti 120 qt about six years ago. Been on a lot of trips and beat up pretty hard. Still working great and keeping ice longer than most. I glue at least an inch of closed cell foam from the foam factory on top of the lid. also use a half inch pad of the same foam on top of the ice and goods to reduce the air space as stuff gets used.

[Clif]

My what I thought was a midgrade has developed a big crack. Been looking for something. I guess this might have to be the ticket? Nothing I have seen in stores looks anywhere near solid enuff

[Deuce]

My what I thought was a midgrade has developed a big crack. Been looking for something. I guess this might have to be the ticket? Nothing I have seen in stores looks anywhere near solid enuff

Clif, I'm really sold on my Yeti, but there's a "new" line called Canyon that looks really good and seems to be pleasing folks. I put the new in quotes because the line started way back when as Icee Kool, then became Galaxy, then ended up Canyon. The Canyon guys seem to have it together and will hopefully make a go of it. I almost got one but ended up going with a Yeti for several reasons, none of which had to do with anything against Canyon. They just announced a sale today. Might want to check them out if you're ready to drop some coin.

[okieboater]

Having multiple rafts and looking for the best coolers over the years, I tried the Galaxy brand and it was good. On a GC trip I was on a year or so ago, we had several of the bigger Galaxy coolers and they kept ice for weeks. The distributor was sketchy. I think Canyon Coolers more or less brought him out as he was giving the brand a lot of bad press on Mt Buzz. I had a Icey Kool as well and it was ok. When Canyons came along I recently purchased one of their 60 quart models for use in my truck when it is just me and so far it has been a winner. If you want a Canyons, they just announced they have a discount going on for the next week or so. I recommend you take a look at them. Based on the unit I have, the build quality looks as good as the others and prices seem to be a bit more reasonable.

Engel also makes a high quality cooler. May well be the best of the bunch based on thickness of the insulation. I do not have a Engel but have a rafting bud who does and he is happy with it. From looking at the web site, Engel might well be a bit more expensive.

If you are looking for one of the high end coolers (none of which are cheap) I suggest you take a look at Canyon Coolers while the special discount is going on.

[Clif]

Thanks, those should do nicely... doing some more digging
HEY JEREMY???

[Deuce]

Here you go Clifster.
http://www.mountainbuzz.com/forums/f38/ ... 40654.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TBC]

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-TE4Rnq ... ata_player" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TBC]

Oops posted twice

[Deuce]

I have one of those Coleman "Extremes". I'm not sure what the test conditions were, but I can promise you mine has never held ice for seven days, and forget about dragging a loaded one up a gravel bar or standing on it to get in a perfect cast or even sitting on the lid. Mine has spots where the very thin layer of plastic has worn away to expose the insulation, and I've had to replace several hinges on it. I also have a 120 quart Igloo and several other coolers of varying sizes, and I just don't think there's anything durable available for less than the Engels, Yetis et al cost. Trust me; I've searched extensively. I dragged my feet for years because I didn't want to drop 450 bucks on a cooler, but I'm so glad I finally did. In this case (at least in my experience) the old axiom applies; buy nice or buy twice (or ten or twelve times). Wish I had back the money I've spent on junk coolers. I could buy an Arkota.

[okieboater]

I agree with Deuce

[Eric Esche]

I have an older slightly smaller than in the comparison video, IRP - Iowa Roto plastics, and I like it's more rugged construction, stainless steel latches and hinge and brass water valve drain. It still is not as good as a Galaxy used to be, but with Block Ice, Prechilling it before my use or dry ice, it will go a week, being openned every day. It is heavy, but it keeps ice and is bombproof. Using mylar bubble foam bags inside also helps keep ice longer if you can afford the volume loss. Taping foam over the brass drain valve on both sides helps too.

I got it used at a very good price. They do not make the same model today, but I would still consider getting one of the newer ones today if I had to replace it. I'm guessing it is 10 years old now, and I'm guessing it will still be around in 10 more years, maybe 20 if not stolen and kept inside. Mine's been outside for the last 2 years and I can tell the aging on it from using it as a footstool. It cleans out well and does not show stains in the grey.

I like the new IRP designs even better, but they still do not make one optimized for canoe shapes.To fit the majority of canoes it needs to be 34" outside width, and deeper rather than taller to get the volume desired while still makeing walls thick enough to retain the ice.

Got a link somewhere for IRP if you need help finding them.

Eric Esche

[TBC]

I roll with the Coleman Extreme cooler. I usually don't get the chance to stay on the river for more than a few days. The cooler seems to be fine. Yes its rough and the hinges are broken but its got cup holders!

[okieboater]

I had a Coleman Marine Extreme cooler. Gave mine away. Not a bad cooler for a few days, the Yeti or Engel will easily keep ice many days longer. Not saying the Coleman Extremes are not worth the money for a couple days trip just in my experience the Yeti and Engels are worth the extra money for length of service and if you want ice on 7 plus day river trips. No matter what cooler you buy check the specifications even on the hi dollar units. There is a bunch of difference in the thickness of the insulation on even the hi dollar units. That is one reason I like the Yetis compare the lid thickness of theirs with others. Also after years of hard use river trips I broke off my drain plug (left it dangling during derig) called up the manufacturer and even tho they did not currently make the model I had, the shop foreman looked around the parts department and found me a couple which he sent at no charge. Was glad to hear his old cooler was still doing the job.

[TBC]

I had a Coleman Marine Extreme cooler. Gave mine away. Not a bad cooler for a few days, the Yeti or Engel will easily keep ice many days longer. Not saying the Coleman Extremes are not worth the money for a couple days trip just in my experience the Yeti and Engels are worth the extra money for length of service and if you want ice on 7 plus day river trips. No matter what cooler you buy check the specifications even on the hi dollar units. There is a bunch of difference in the thickness of the insulation on even the hi dollar units. That is one reason I like the Yetis compare the lid thickness of theirs with others. Also after years of hard use river trips I broke off my drain plug (left it dangling during derig) called up the manufacturer and even tho they did not currently make the model I had, the shop foreman looked around the parts department and found me a couple which he sent at no charge. Was glad to hear his old cooler was still doing the job.

Awesome! That is how I feel about our canoes if anyone ever were to bring one in years from now I would totally help them get it fixed up. Just happy to keep it floating on.

I have looked at better coolers before but have never pulled the trigger. One of these days maybe.