Six Summer Coolers
Keep beverages frosty during out-of-town and inner-city adventures
Embracing the outdoors in summer heat is always easier with a cold beverage on hand. Keeping those drinks icy, however, can be a bit of a chore. Ditch that clunky old plastic box and check out the new kids on the block. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the woods or an inner-city rooftop, we’ve got a range of cooler options to keep your microbrews crisp and your fruit salad fresh.
The Grocer by ADK Packworks
Vermont’s ADK Packworks blends history with innovation with The Grocer, a wearable shopping bag with removable insulated liner inspired by Adirondacks pack baskets. A collapsable and optional internal frame gives the pack a sturdy, reliable shape while rugged 400-denier ripstop provides lasting durability in all situations. The unique strap system is the pack’s greatest advantage, allowing the user to carry the bag as a tote or wear it as a messenger sling or backpack. This wearable cooler’s hands-free ability makes it great for hiking or biking. The Grocer is available from ADK Packworks with cooler liner for $31.
Les the Cooler Bag by Millican
Millican‘s handcrafted bags are made in the English countryside, largely from organic materials sourced nearby. When setting out to make a cooler, the husband and wife duo from Cumbria looked to history rather than the latest synthetics. For insulation, the organic weather-proof canvas shoulder bag uses the wool of local Herdwick sheep, a material heralded for its insulation properties for centuries. The natural material keeps icepacks frozen for up to eight hours and looks pretty smart in the process. When the weekend’s over, the bag can be used for commuting. The padding from the wool provides impact protection and keeps electronics safe from water damage. Les the Cooler Bag is available from Millican for £95 and select retailers around the world.
Rustic Wood Igloo by Cold Creek Brewing
For the aesthetically minded cold beverage aficionado with a penchant for the old fashioned, look no further than the Rustic Wood Igloo from Cold Creek Brewing. Taking design notes from the classic Igloo cooler, the smooth-sanded pine gives the cooler a decidedly woodsy vibe that only improves with age and use. Meanwhile, a replaceable friction-fit styrofoam liner provides insulation and protection for your precious contents. The Rustic Wood Igloo is available for $55.
Travel Cooler by Orvis
For a simple yet effective cooler, the Travel Cooler by Orvis delivers. Made for easy use, the the cooler loads from the top and has a traditional zippered tote design. A ripstop nylon shell provides durability while an insulated waterproof liner keeps your nearby items dry in the unthinkable event of melting ice. With around 1,400 cubic inches of volume, there is plenty of room for ice and enough beers to go around. Swing by your local Orvis store on your way out of town or buy it online for a reasonable $30.
The Camera Cooler by Poler Stuff
Portland’s Poler Stuff, known for its camping and outdoor lifestyle goods, created The Camera Cooler with dual use in mind. The bag features a removable padded divider, that easily accommodates a full-sized SLR camera, a lens and a flash or charger. When you’re ready to cool down simply removed the divider and add ice. The liner is completely washable so your camera gear will never get funky. The Camera Cooler carries up to seven liters with a 1000D Campdura body, so when you swap for 6D for a six-pack, they’ll both be well protected. Built to last, the Camera Cooler is available in five colorways from Poler Stuff and Photojojo for $65.
Folding Cooler by Kelty
Trusted name in camping and hiking Kelty created the Folding Cooler for weekends in the woods. The Folding Cooler is larger than other pieces we considered, but its foldability makes it practical. A hardtop provides a tabletop and stability when preparing drinks and food. When the party is over, simply collapse the cooler flat for easy packing. With 27-liter capacity and reasonable price tag of $56, the Folding Cooler is a great investment for a weekend in the woods. Swing by your local Eastern Mountain Sports store or grab it online.
Images courtesy of their respective retailers
