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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Tim Gee

The five best portable coolers in the US: testing hard- and soft-shelled picks for your next adventure

A group shot of portable coolers
Don’t endanger your back and spend a small fortune on a plastic coffin that makes you feel like you’re packing for an expedition into uncharted territory. Photograph: Tim Gee/The Guardian

When you’re shopping for a cooler, you’ll find plenty of giant, hulking chests designed to keep a family fed for a week or a frat party buzzing until the cops show up. But most of the time, all you need is a grab-and-go box to keep a couple of cans of soda cold for a road trip, or to get some popsicles to the beach without turning into puddles.

Don’t endanger your back and spend a small fortune on a plastic coffin that makes you feel like you’re packing for an expedition into uncharted territory. The right portable cooler can be convenient, lightweight and not need three bags of ice to get it cold. I tested 15 to find the best you can buy.

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