Best Pelican Coolers for Every Adventure
Pelican 14-Quart Personal Cooler
We found this cooler perfect for beach outings and short hikes, offering a compact size that’s easy to transport.
- Internal storage for six cans plus two ice packs is handy for day trips.
- Features a magnetic bottle opener and a dry storage compartment for essentials.
- While it keeps items cool for up to 36 hours, it may not suffice for longer excursions.
Pelican Cooler Sling
This cooler bag is ideal for those on the go, easily slinging over the shoulder for quick access.
- Puncture-resistant nylon keeps the cooler safe during outdoor adventures.
- 12 hours of ice retention ensures your drinks stay cool.
- Some users found the zippers challenging to operate, which can be frustrating.
Pelican Elite Cooler with Wheels
This bear-resistant cooler is great for camping, providing ample space for beverages and food.
- Built-in tie-downs and roller wheels make transportation easier.
- Airtight lid with locking latches enhances insulation efficiency.
- Its weight of over 37 pounds can make it cumbersome for some users to move.
Choosing the Right Pelican Cooler
When embarking on camping trips, beach days, or fishing adventures, having a reliable cooler can make all the difference. While a simple backpack with ice bricks might work in a pinch, a sturdy Pelican cooler is designed to keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled for the duration of your outing. However, selecting the right cooler can feel daunting due to various factors, including ice retention capabilities and size. We recommend considering the Pelican 14-Quart Personal Cooler for most casual outings.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Pelican Cooler
Types of Pelican Coolers
Pelican offers two main types of coolers: hard-sided and soft-sided. Your choice will depend on your specific needs.
Hard-sided coolers are the traditional options most people envision. These robust units are built to last and provide excellent insulation, making them ideal for beach trips or camping. Conversely, soft-sided coolers are lightweight and convenient, easily carried over the shoulder or as a backpack. They typically feature a leak-resistant zipper and a waterproof seal.
Capacity Requirements
When choosing a cooler, its capacity is crucial, especially if you’re catering to larger groups or families. For instance, opting for a sling cooler that only accommodates six cans might leave you short on space for food, snacks, and ample water. Larger coolers range from 80 to 150 quarts, suitable for extended trips, while mid-sized models generally hold around 11 to 16 gallons. Compact coolers can manage between 9 and 21 quarts.
Cooling Efficiency
The most critical feature of any cooler is its ability to keep contents cold. This capability largely depends on insulation thickness and materials used. Pelican coolers, even the smaller models, contain nearly an inch of polyurethane foam. Larger models boast even thicker insulation, allowing them to maintain ice for up to four days, which is essential for preventing premature thawing of your food.
Features to Look for in a Quality Pelican Cooler
Maneuverability with Roller Wheels
Many of the larger Pelican coolers can be heavy and unwieldy, with some weighing over 60 pounds. Therefore, having roller wheels is a practical feature that facilitates easier transport, especially on flat surfaces. While they may not be ideal for hiking, they certainly ease the burden on casual outings.
Airtight Lid Seals
The functionality of a cooler relies heavily on its lid. A well-sealed lid is essential to keep your food fresh and drinks cold. All Pelican hard-sided coolers, except for the soft-sided options, feature press and pull latches to ensure a reliable airtight seal, preventing odours from escaping while keeping contents frozen.
Bear-Resistant Certification
If your adventures lead you into bear country, a bear-resistant cooler is a must. While not all Pelican models have this certification, the Elite series does. These coolers undergo rigorous testing to ensure that bears cannot access their contents.
Price Range for Pelican Coolers
The cost of Pelican coolers varies based on size and functionality. Smaller hard-sided models start at around £100 to £110, while the larger ones can range from £600 to £800. Soft-sided coolers, including backpacks and sling models, typically fall between £170 and £270.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelican Coolers
What accessories are available for Pelican coolers?
A. A range of accessories is available to enhance your cooler experience, including tie-down kits, dry rack baskets, and additional ice packs. You can even opt for a lid replacement with a built-in cushion.
Are Pelican coolers waterproof?
A. Yes, Pelican’s injection-moulded coolers are waterproof to a depth of 3.3 feet for up to 30 minutes, provided the lid is sealed properly. They also come with a lifetime guarantee against breakage or defects, ensuring durability.
Our Recommendations
Best Overall Pelican Cooler
Pelican 14-Quart Personal Cooler
Summary: This cooler is just the right size for beach outings or short hikes.
Key Features: It comfortably holds six cans and two ice packs, plus it includes a dry storage compartment and a magnetic bottle opener.
Consideration: Its cooling capacity lasts up to 36 hours, which might limit its use for longer trips.
Best Value Pelican Cooler
Pelican Cooler Sling
Summary: This cooler bag is perfect for those who need quick access to drinks.
Key Features: It has a puncture-resistant shell, offering 12 hours of ice retention and can hold up to six cans.
Consideration: Some users find the zipper difficult to operate.
Alternative Worth Considering
Pelican Elite Cooler with Wheels
Summary: A bear-resistant cooler that can accommodate 28 cans, featuring built-in tie-downs for secure transport.
Key Features: It has an airtight lid with locking latches, a durable pull handle, and two roller wheels, along with two inches of insulation.
Consideration: At over 37 pounds, it can be challenging to move for some users.