Camping coolers are an essential accompaniment for anyone heading off on an outdoor adventure this summer. The modern cooler market has come a long way too — there are now options in all shapes and sizes, to fit any kind of summer activity. That includes hiking down a windy path to the beach, strolling along a road to reach a nearby park, and hosting a BBQ or picnic in your back garden.
One of the best coolers I've used in recent years is the Ninja HydroGo. It's a backpack cooler, which helps if you need to travel any distance with your food or drinks, but boasts chunky, effective insulation — with dedicated spaces for ice packs — to keep things cool. In fact, its sturdy enough to sit on when you reach your destination.
As a former Outdoor Editor, I'll always gravitate towards camping brands like Coleman and Vango for outdoor kit. They can be relied upon for effective insulation and strong build quality — these guys are making tents, so they know their way around performance construction. And of course, the Yeti hard cooler is a design classic for a reason. It's pricey, but extremely effective if you're looking for a long-term hot weather solution.
If you want something more casual, the best-looking options I've come across this year are at John Lewis. The brand's Coastal Picnic range of soft coolers use stripes, colour blocking and retro detailing for some unmistakable beachy cool.
Cool cases for chilled treats
