Gone are the days when a cooler was just a clunky box to keep your drinks cold, and a storage case was merely a plastic bin to hold gear. In today’s world, the “modern outdoor lifestyle” demands accessories that look as good as they perform—and these essential travel companions have undergone a remarkable transformation as a result.
Sleek and colorful designs, thick-walled rotomolded constructions, stainless steel handles, and all-terrain rubber tires. Innovative features like these were the stuff of dreams a mere decade ago. Now, they’re practically standard equipment.
But which design elements are worth the extra investment, and which are just icing on the cake? Parts Via is here to help you unpack these impressive features to find the coolers and storage cases that best suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a premium setup with all the bells and whistles or something more straightforward, we’ve got you covered with the insight needed to make an informed purchasing decision.
Evolutions (and Revolutions) in Design
Before exploring the standout features of modern coolers and storage cases, it’s important to understand their primary purposes and how they have evolved.
Modern coolers might tip their cap to old-school ice chests with retro-inspired boxy designs, but the materials used to construct them are significantly more advanced. As a result, they do much more than keep the beer cold. With serious insulation, they can keep ice frozen for days, allowing you to bring more ingredients and supplies on your outdoor adventures. You can also take these premium coolers on longer trips further off-grid, thanks to their rugged constructions built for harsh conditions.
Storage cases have seen a similar evolution, transforming from cheaply made plastic bins into sophisticated, heavy-duty solutions for organizing and protecting your gear. From complete truck bed drawer systems to durable carrying cases with ergonomic handles and interlocking designs, this segment can turn any trunk or truck bed into a stylish statement of outdoor living, all without sacrificing an ounce of functionality or versatility.
Key Features to Look for When Shopping
When choosing coolers and storage cases, consider these key features to ensure you get the best performance and value for your needs:
Durability and Construction
Whether you're embarking on an outdoor adventure or simply need reliable storage, durability is paramount. Heavy-duty plastics and stainless-steel exteriors offer impact resistance as well as weatherproofing, ensuring what’s outside stays outside and what’s inside stays protected. Plus, with a sturdy lid, your cooler or storage case can double as an extra seat in a pinch.
A term you’ll frequently encounter when shopping for these products is “rotomolding.” It refers to the process used to create one-piece hollow parts or double-walled containers out of plastic. Rotomolded coolers and storage cases are known for their superior strength and durability, as the method produces thick, uniform walls and corners that can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
This technology is particularly beneficial for keeping your items safe from impact and water or dust intrusion, making it a worthwhile investment for serious adventurers. Be aware, however, that rotomolding also makes a product heavy. So, if having a cooler or travel case that’s easy to lift and move is more important than keeping everything inside sealed up tight, consider a more lightweight, “injection molded” option.
Insulation and Ice Retention
In addition to its structural benefits, rotomolding technology allows for superior insulation placement within coolers, ensuring optimal temperature retention for extended periods of time. However, it’s not the only option to keep things cool.
Vacuum insulated coolers, which work like a traditional Thermos, create a natural vacuum-sealed space between two layers of material, typically stainless steel or plastic. While this eliminates the need for thick foam walls and reduces overall size and weight, it often comes with a higher price tag.
If you’re opting for a foam-insulated cooler, pay attention to the type and thickness of the foam used. Generally, premium coolers will use polyurethane, which is denser and more effective than cheaper styrofoam. It also sets harder, adding a little extra durability. Additionally, look for coolers with thicker foam insulation, around 3 inches, for optimal cooling performance. If you can, try to get the specs on the cooler’s lid—some cheaper models won’t insulate that panel.
While storage cases may not typically require insulation, some models feature insulated compartments for transporting temperature-sensitive or delicate items, like camera equipment or firearms. This is something to keep in mind while you’re shopping, as retrofitting insulation after purchase could be a hassle.
Portability and Ease of Use
Portability is a key feature for both coolers and storage cases. While some features, like rubber all-terrain tires, might seem like overkill, they could be a real gamechanger for someone who regularly camps in remote locations with rough terrain.
Consider how often and under what conditions you’ll be using your cooler or travel case to best determine what kind of portability you require. From there, you can better assess what kind of features are “worth it” for you.
Regardless of how mild or wild you plan to get with these products, we do recommend you seriously consider the following conveniences:
Comfortable Handles: Strong, sturdy handles ensure a secure grip, making it easier to lift and carry your cooler or storage case even when fully loaded.
Heavy-Duty Wheels: Rolling your cooler over uneven terrain like sand or gravel becomes significantly easier with rubber or plastic wheels, saving you from the hassle of lifting and carrying.
Shoulder Strap: Wheels aren’t always the best transport solution, especially when hiking. A quality carrying strap distributes weight evenly across your body, freeing up your hands for other tasks.
Drain plugs: As noted earlier, many modern coolers are rotomolded – meaning they’re heavy, even when empty. A good plug makes draining melted ice a breeze, eliminating the need for heavy lifting and awkward tilting.
Clutch Latches: Secure closure with easy-to-operate latches keeps your belongings safe and prevents accidental openings.
Secure Locking Mechanisms: You may not need to keep the perishables under lock and key, but travel gear and sporting accessories are valuable and worth protecting.
Stackable, Interlocking Designs: These maximize storage space and stability when transporting multiple storage cases or coolers.
Exterior Design and Novelty Features
Obviously, coolers and storage cases have come a long way in terms of construction and functionality—but they’ve also evolved in visual design. Today, you can find a variety of styles to suit different tastes and preferences. From sleek and minimalist designs to bold and vibrant colors, brands are incorporating aesthetics into their products like never before, largely to appeal to various consumers and their outdoor lifestyles.
Additionally, many premium coolers feature innovative extras like built-in bottle openers, cup holders, even cutting boards, while storage cases offer customizable interiors with foam inserts and adjustable dividers. Waterproof and dustproof options are also common, ensuring your items stay protected in any environment. These novel features not only add convenience but also enhance the overall user experience, making your outdoor adventures more enjoyable and hassle-free.
If you're ready to upgrade your own outdoor gear, explore the wide range of premium coolers, storage cases, and other travel accessories available right here on Parts Via.