WANTED: Small cooler for M/C adventuring

jpachard

Adventurer
Hello All,
Can anyone recommend a nice small cooler for adventure riding? I'm looking for something to store 3 beers or so and some cream cheese. I'd prefer soemthing collapsible if possible.

What is everyone using? I'm open to ideas, just want a way to keep some brews cold for the camp:)

Cheers, James
 

Christophe Noel

Expedition Leader
I'm in the process of compiling a comprehensive review of soft coolers for the ExPo home page. So far, the IceMule cooler seems like it might be right up your alley. The gold standard thus far is the Yeti Hopper 20, but it might be more than you're looking for. I also was really impressed with AO Coolers from a value standpoint.
 

jpachard

Adventurer
I'm in the process of compiling a comprehensive review of soft coolers for the ExPo home page. So far, the IceMule cooler seems like it might be right up your alley. The gold standard thus far is the Yeti Hopper 20, but it might be more than you're looking for. I also was really impressed with AO Coolers from a value standpoint.

Thanks for the heads up Christophe, I don't need anything until mid-September so I have some time. Looking forward to the review.

Cheers, James
 

MarcFJ60

Adventurer
+1 on the Polarbear coolers. They have 2 for 1 deals a couple times per year. I was going to say that helps offset the cost, but compared to that IceMule, it's already a bargain. And compared to the price of the Yeti :Wow1:.

I'm curious to see the Expo soft cooler review. Though I can't imagine anything being significantly better than the Polarbears to justify much of a price increase.
 

TenaciousTJ

Explorer
Subscribed, as I'm also in the market. I picked up a Polar Bear "12 pack" cooler based on reviews from Amazon saying the 6 pack size is too small. Well the 12 pack arrived and it's way too big for one person on a motorcycle, in my opinion. I plan on sending it back and trying the smaller version or something else. The cooler appears extremely well made though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

FAW3

Adventurer
Ok, speaking as a KLR rider:

I just reuse insulated shipping envelopes. These are typically reflectix type bubble wrap in silver or white. I have a couple that are about 1' wide x 2' long. They fold & weigh nearly nothing when packed empty. I fill with some ice, add food/bev, fold over top and place upright in my luggage (which adds even more insulation value).
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
I use one of the cheap soft coolers from Wal-Mart.
 

jkam

nomadic man
I've had my Polar Bear cooler for at least 10 years now.
It still looks almost like new and has been very durable.
Keeps food or whatever cold a long time and fits on the bike nicely.
I've used it on 3 different bikes and will probably never need another small cooler again.
 

jkam

nomadic man
I have the 12 pack version. It is big, but it can be lashed down easy enough and it is nice having more room for cold things.
 

cwvandy

Adventurer
Tried the Ice Mule small classic cooler and it worked extremely well. A couple of observations after a 4 day trip with the cooler.
1. It is very compact and folds up into a very small package when empty. There is actually an air chamber between the inner and outer "skins" which can be deflated for packing and re-inflated to create the insulation space when used as a cooler. Nice design feature. When shopping day to day, town to town, market to market which is often the case when traveling, this is very useful.
2. We were able to put in 8 cold beers (cans and bottles), some cheese, sandwich makings, and about 1/3 bag of ice. We kept the food and beer cold for almost 3 days in 70+ degree temps.
3. Roll-down, dry bag closure system works well. If closed carefully the cooler does not leak even when carried on its side.
4. The shape makes the cooler a bit tricky to tied down. We ended up carrying the cooler horizontally in the space created between the right side pannier rack and the passenger seat rack (w/ Mosko Moto bags on '15 BMW GSA WC with right side exhaust). What is nice is the size shrinks as you use the contents and drain the melted ice.
I am really looking forward to your test Christophe. I will be interesting to hear how this product stacks ups against the Polar Bear and OA coolers. Beauty is none of these coolers will break the bank.
 

hollaback55

Explorer
Good info on the ice mule coolers. I've been looking at adding a cooler to my 800gsa for some time now but haven't found anything that would work for my needs. I wish yeti would make a hopper 10 but I am going to seriously consider the ice Mule classic. Deflating and re-inflating is a great design feature and something easily done with my small compressor that I carry for airing my tires up and down or if I run a flat.

He small size seems to be all I would need as I'm a solo rider and really just want a cold beer at the end of a long day in the saddle.
 

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