Coleman’s Coastal Xtreme is a widely popular cooler that’s simple, cheap, and has the right construction to keep its contents chilled for long periods of time. In this review, we’ll dive into a couple specific categories to see what makes the Xtreme a bestseller.

Design

The Xtreme is shaped like most rectangular coolers but lacks the forward facing T-latches. Instead, the lid is flattened with the exception of four holes that act as cup/can holders.

Because of the lack of T-latches, it’s easier to accidentally open or leave the lid slightly open. You’ll want to make sure the lid is shut tight whenever you open it. I’m a big fan of T-latches and the security they bring, but the Xtreme will still close tight if you maintain and clean the area around the rim of the lid. Since its safe to sit on, your own weight can act as that extra sense of security.

This cooler has a larger overall depth and can hold an astonishing 70qt worth of contents, or the equivalent of 100 cans. If you decide to fill up the Xtreme to full capacity, you can bet you’ll need two people to carry it. The comfort handles have extended supports connecting them to the cooler. This way, you won’t be crushing your hands against the cooler or get a bad grip.

 

Compared to Other Brands

Through the combination of carrying weight and price, the Xtreme actually fairs better than most Yeti, RTIC, and ORCA coolers of similar size. Most companies price their coolers in the hundreds of dollars, even with the smallest capacity.

The Xtreme is dirt cheap, plain and simple. You could buy two or three Xtremes for the price of one of the larger coolers from Yeti, RTIC, or ORCA. On the other hand, it lacks the high-quality roto-molded construction that keeps ice and contents cooled for up to ten days. The Xtreme is only rated to chill contents for up to five days.

 

What are Others Saying?

Currently, the Xtreme holds a very high rating almost everywhere on the internet. Among the biggest compliments are the insulation properties in 90°F weather and of course, the incredibly low price compared to other brands.

Among the fan hype are people who have bought multiple Xtreme’s over the years, whether to replace one or simply have multiple. As we mentioned earlier, two or three Xtreme’s can cost less than one full cooler from Yeti, RTIC, and ORCA. For some, that is an almost unbeatable bargain.

One noticeable complaint is the hinges on the back that connect the lid to the rim. Some people have had problems with these lids breaking off in one way or the other. While they can be replaced, we can see how it can be an inconvenience to people who travel far and don’t have the means to replace them right away.

 

Overall

While the problem with the hinges is sure to make some question the Xtreme’s long-term durability, rest assured that it’s not a very common problem. While it does lack a full ten-days insulation like many of Yeti, RTIC, and ORCA coolers, that means the Xtreme is perfect for shorter trips.

In the end, we’re very satisfied with just about every aspect of the Xtreme. It’s nothing fancy but still has an above average carrying capacity. Click here to check its current price.

 

 

 

ORCA (Outdoor Recreational Company of America) is another popular cooler maker that rivals Yeti and RTIC. Their designs are identified by the whale-fin shaped rubber T-locks on all of their coolers. Also based in the U.S., ORCA is a very wide selection of colors and schemes on all their coolers. Below are the best coolers on ORCA’s catalog.

 

Classic

ORCA’s most popular product by far is the Classic cooler and it comes in the following sizes-20, 26, 40, 58, and 70qt. The Classic’s design is not too dissimilar from Yeti or RTIC’s best-selling products, as it is roto-molded and has four small pegs at the bottom for stability wherever you place it. There is also a small cargo net on the backside for small items and foods.

The side handles are what separate the Classic from Yeti or RTIC coolers of similar construction. They are extendable rather than bolted into the side of the cooler, allowing one or more people to distribute the carrying load easier. Larger versions of the Classic cooler will be considerably expensive, but that’s to be expected.

The Classic and its selection of higher capacity versions are great for larger parties and gatherings. While its prices are greater than Yeti and RTIC in some cases, you’re still getting the high-quality roto-molded insulation. Click here to check current prices. You can find the 40-quart version of the Classic cooler here.

 

ORCG020

The ORCG020 is ORCA’s smallest cooler on the market and is only available in the 20qt size. Its size allows for an overarching stainless steel handle so the person carrying will have an easier time. Similar to the classic version, there is a cargo net on the back for smaller items or valuables.

The ORCG020 has the same construction as the classic (roto-molded), so its durability and insulation properties are assured for up to ten days. While it only comes in one capacity of 20qt, there are numerous designs and color schemes available to fit your liking. Click here to check current prices.

 

LiddUp

The LiddUp is Orca’s latest and most advanced design of cooler that combines aspects of the Classic. It comes with an additional middle lid gasket for an enhanced seal around the rim. The most noticeable upgrade is the inclusion of LED lights in the interior that light up whenever you open the lid. This can be extremely helpful especially at nighttime when you’re searching for particular foods or cans. Keep in mind that these lights run on 4 AA batteries that will need to be routinely replaced.

It has the same extended handles as the Classic, so two people can carry it with ease and avoid having their fingers crushed against the side of the cooler. Like its predecessors, the LiddUp has a cargo net on the back and an easy drainage plug.

Since the LiddUp is a new design, it is only available from the ORCA website. It is more expensive than the ORCG020 but less expensive than the highest capacities of the Classic cooler. In our minds, its extra gasket and LED lighting are well worth the price in an increase from the ORCG020. At the moment, it only comes in one size of 35qt, which again forms a sort of middle ground between the Classic and ORCG020. Click here to check current prices.

RTIC  is a strong competitor to Yeti when it comes to the best coolers on the market. Based in the U.S., RTIC specializes in making quality coolers and strives to keep overallcosts low. In this guide, we’ll explore many of RTIC’s bestselling coolers to see which ones you should purchase for which situation.

Roto-Molded

 

RTIC’s roto-molded coolers are its most popular version of cooler. Roto-mold is a tough and durable construction that makes these coolers almost impervious to damage from drops and dings. As RTIC’s bestselling cooler, this version comes with 3″ insulated walls and a quick drainage system for when the ice melts. On average, this cooler keeps ice cool for up to ten days in a row. Its able to do with this with rubber T-latches that keep the top hatch tight and secure.

While the larger versions of this cooler are a tad bit pricey, the smaller ones are pretty affordable. They pretty much beat or tie Yeti when it comes to price as far as the smaller capacities are concerned.

This cooler comes in sizes of 20, 40, 45, and 60, (defined by the number of normal sized cans it can carry) with all featuring different prices. It also comes in different colors, so you have a little room to personalize. Click here to see current prices.

 

SoftPak

The SoftPak coolers may not be as big or have the same construction as the Roto-Molded coolers, but they are widely popular. Since they are smaller and more portable, people have found them easier to place in kayaks and trucks. The over-the-shoulder strap makes it easier for one person to carry as opposed to the two handed roto-molded versions.

Unlike the hardened walls of the roto-molded coolers, the SoftPak uses 2″ thick foam insulation on the top and 1″ thick on the sides. This insulation keeps ice-cooled for about five days, which is incredible for a cooler of this size and construction. There are also a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.

The SoftPak comes in sizes of 20, 30, or 40, with additional sizes available as they come back in stock. The Softpak routinely sells out especially in the summertime, so make to pick yours up as soon as possible. Click here to see current prices.

 

Day Cooler

RTIC’s day coolers are the company’s most inexpensive and easy to handle coolers. As the name suggests, the cooler keeps contents chilled for up to twenty-four hours. This makes it the ideal cooler to take on day-long trips or the average outdoor job. This cooler can double as a lunchbox and can fit the equivalent of 6 or 8 cans worth of food, drink, and ice. Another neat feature about the day cooler is that the lining of the interior is built with anti-odor and anti-mold properties, making it easy to clean after each use.

These coolers only come in two sizes because of the size, but on the brighter side-they’re dirt cheap and come in a handful of colors. The outside of the cooler is outfitted with extra pockets to fit water bottles and smaller foods that don’t require cooling. Click here to see current prices.

 

Backpack Cooler

The last primary cooler in RTIC’s arsenal is the backpack cooler. This cooler is designed to operate like any normal backpack but can actually hold 40 cans worth of items or 8 gallons worth of liquid. For some, a backpack will be easier to carry as opposed to a shoulder or two-handed design.

This cooler is a fairly new product, so the only way you can get it is through RTIC’s website. It only comes in one size and two different color schemes, but that’s likely to change as they gain popularity. Click here to check current prices.