Getting out and appreciating the warm weather shouldn't stop you from enjoying cold beverages and chilled food. Whether you fill your sunny days with camping, barbequing, picnics or treks, a cool box can keep you refreshed as the heat blazes on.
Cool boxes work as great storage for any ice, drinks and food. Some coolers even have separate storage compartments for other outdoor necessities - and they often double up as a seat! We've researched and picked out the best cool boxes out there, so read on for our favourites.
For more camping kit, discover the best family tents, reviewed by our team.
Best cool boxes to buy
YETI Roadie 24
Tall enough to fit wine bottles but slim enough to fit behind the seat of your car, the YETI Roadie 24 is one of the best-reviewed cool boxes out there. Produced using rotational moulding, the cooler is built to be both tough and lightweight - perfect for taking outdoors and carrying heavy loads.
The Roadie 24 uses polyurethane foam in the walls and lid to keep the contents cool. Don't worry about running out, as the box can accommodate approximately 18 cans of beer or 10kg of ice. Also available (but sold separately) is a seat cushion that can turn the sturdy cool box into a seat.
Dometic Cool-Ice CI 55
The Dometic Cool-Ice CI 55 promises to keep ice frozen for several days. It's an impressive feature, and one that is hugely welcomed by the campers out there. Taking this handy cooler out with you should provide a healthy dose of refreshment for any long trip to the outdoors.
It's kept cool thanks to insulation from the thick foam inside the walls and lid of the sealed container. It also has integrated polyethylene feet and tie down points around the handles.
Coleman 50QT Xtreme Wheeled Cooler
Ideal for group trips where everyone wants cold beverages, this cooler from Coleman has wheels to help with those heavy carry weights. The 50QT Extreme cool box has a maximum carry capacity of 47L so you can fit in a decent amount of food and drinks.
The cool box, which can keep stuff cold for up to four days, can double up as a seat for when you don't quite have enough camping chairs. Plus, the spacious size of it makes it a great choice for barbecues, parties and events.
Thermos Cool Box 32L
Thermos is widely known for its dedication to temperature-preserving gear. Notably the Thermos flask, so popular now that it's become almost synonymous with standard vacuum-sealed flasks.
The Thermos Cool Box should be an easy choice for keeping your food and drinks cold. As Thermos estimates its cool time is around eight hours, it's less expensive than similar options on the market. However, with some ice packs or freeze boards, it should be a solid choice for under £50. It also has a carry capacity of up to 32L and is bash-proof when travelling in the car along bumpy roads.
Camping Rigid Cooler 32L
This 32L cooler from Decathlon is a simple choice. It's said to keep its contents fresh for 14 hours in an outside temperature of up to 32 °C. Holding 32 litres, it's ideal for picnics, barbecues or days out in the sun.
Vango Pinnacle 57L
With enough room for around 75 cans, this cooler from Vango is a great group camping option. It's able to keep its contents cool for up to 80 hours as it's insulated with polyurethane foam. There's also a built-in drinks holder on the lid which is sure to come in handy.
Flexible Camping Cool Box 20L
For something a bit less robust, this cooler could be a lightweight and flexible alternative. It can double up as a bag that should make it easier to carry and, for under £25, the promised nine-hour cool time is impressive.
Looking for more essential camping gear? Check out our roundup of the best camping chairs - tested and reviewed.
