This is true of the Ozark Trail but it’s also true of all roto-molded coolers. The below test done by Lifetime coolers shows how the Ozark keeps ice a decent period of time, but doesn’t keep up with coolers like Yeti, Lifetime or Orca. Some customers report it working great and easily keep ice for 4+ days while other customers talk about it losing almost all it’s ice with just 24 hours. Given how affordable these coolers are compared to other roto-molded coolers like Yeti, none of these problems are deal breakers in my opinion. But it is still good to know about issues that may arise so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Ozark Trail is one of the most common brands we have been asked about as a potential “Yeti replacement”. We must admit that the huge price cut and supposed similar ice retention and features are tempting. Currently, you can choose between a 6-can cooler, 12-can cooler, 24-can cooler, 36-can cooler, 42-can cooler, premium backpack cooler, and premium tote cooler. There have also been some other sizes available over the years but we are going to focus on these models.
Lastly, being able to safely and comfortably transport the cooler is extremely important. And when you fill it up with drinks, food, and ice, it can weigh 100 pounds or more! You will find an overhead stainless ozark trail cooler steel handle with a comfort grip on the 26-quart model and the 52/73-quart models will come with heavy-duty side handles with comfort grips. Essentially, you can store anything you want to keep cool!
So, instead of directly jumping into this gigantic review of the brand, let us take a moment to detail our main points here. A cooler’s construction also plays a significant role in how effectively it keeps food and beverages cold. The top entry is zipper-sealed so there’s no risk of anything falling out. The side mesh pockets can hold some water bottles or snacks. It doesn’t have a drain plug so emptying it of water can be a hassle.
The walls are coated in UV-resistant material too, which helps protect your cooler from sun damage (perfect if you’re out fishing all day). Ice life refers to how long a cooler can retain the ice you place inside. Ozark Trail’s larger soft-sided coolers usually offer a maximum of one to one-and-a-half days of ice life, which is plenty for a picnic. Ozark Trail hard-sided coolers are constructed of hard, sturdy plastic that locks in cold to protect your food and drinks. The brand’s hard-sided coolers are sized according to how many quarts they hold. Hard-sided coolers are the largest ozark trail coolers and the most durable, so you’ll pay more for a hard-sided model.
Also, you will find a larger variety of layouts and cooler types. For instance, you will have the small, simple coolers that are designed to hold people’s lunch for the day as well as higher-end premium coolers for those who are after longer ice life. Its heavy-duty, injection-molded construction and premium polyurethane insulation guarantee that your ice stays frozen for days. The addition of Microban antimicrobial protection ensures that the cooler remains odor-free and easy to clean throughout its lifetime. With a capacity to hold 36 cans and a tough, portable design, this cooler is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. They sell everything to do with camping, including tents, canopies, backpacks, lanterns, and more.
The ice melted in the Coleman in 24 hours and the YETI in 48 hours. What I found most fascinating about this test is that the water in the YETI stayed cold for three additional days after the ice melted. The water was cold enough that had the gallon jugs been milk, we would have been able to drink out of them for three days after ozark trail cooler the ice melted. All-in-all, the YETI lasted for five days and the Coleman for one day. Several weeks ago we finally purchased an Ozark Trail 52-Quart High-Performance Cooler from Walmart. I was so excited to get it home and run a test to see if it really holds ice longer than my Coleman 60 Quart Performance Wheeled Cooler.
Similar to major brands, Ozark Trail also features two separate lines of products that are clearly distinct in quality as well as price. For outdoor activities like camping, picnics, beach trips, and tailgating, having the right cooler to carry your food and beverages is key to enjoying your day. If you want a cooler that’s really going to keep your groceries cool, though, it’s important to choose one from a brand with a solid reputation. Ozark Trail is known for its durable, effective, and affordable coolers.