Walmart's Best Coolers Look (And Perform) Like Much Pricier Ones

Get ready to chill. We've found coolers for all your summer festivities this year.
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Walmart
Coolers from RTIC and Igloo

Longer days have us in the mood for more outdoor activities like picnics, beach hangs, and backyard BBQs. Every amateur party planner knows that the success of these shindigs hinges on more than just the environment: The food and beverage choices can make or break your event.

You’ll want ice-cold drinks, fresh-cut fruit, delicious snacks, and even a few meats ready to throw on the grill. On these warm days, that means that you’ll need a sturdy cooler that will keep everything chilled, and if you’re on the hunt for a quality cooler, look no further than Walmart.

We rounded up some of the best options from the budget retailer ahead.

HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
RTIC 52-Quart ultra-light hard cooler
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

This RTIC cooler is very similar to a popular name brand, but it’s available at a fraction of the cost. It comes in five stylish colors perfect for camping or going to the lake. The large, 52-quart sized cooler is also 30% lighter than your average cooler for easier carrying.

Promising review: “I’m not the type of person who leaves reviews, but I felt obligated to leave one for this item. This is my first roto molded cooler and man it was amazing. I used it on my last 2 week camping trip. This cooler retained the ice even in 106 degree weather. It was easily outperforming amongst my camping crews coolers as they needed ice everyday.” David M.
2
Igloo Overland 25-quart cooler
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Looking for something a bit smaller than your standard cooler? This ice chest from Igloo is half the size at only 25 quarts, but the compact size is still big enough to hold your food and drink essentials.

Promising review: “I was looking for a cooler that kept things cold while not spending a small fortune on it. This igloo 25qt cooler definitely does the job. I use this cooler for keeping my fish iced until I clean them. Sometimes i keep them a couple of days at a time. This cooler will not let you down.” — Kennith
3
RTIC insulated tote bag
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Easy to tote around, this padded cooler has a shoulder strap so you can sling it on. While it looks smaller than your hard-sided ice chests, it’s big enough to fit the drinks and snacks you'll need for a short getaway and the performance insulation will keep them cold wherever your journey takes you.

Promising review: “When I opened the package I thought, oh I over ordered and underestimated how big this bag was - however, it is THE perfect size for a beach day, a trip to the grocery store or a day out in the boat - perfectly cold beverages and groceries as well as room for towel and pocket for phone!.” — Elizabeth J.
4
Igloo 52-quart BMX hard-sided ice chest
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Need something that can take a beating? This Igloo cooler was engineered for performance and sturdiness while still being lightweight. The color combination is also stylish while still looking rugged. It also does its main function of keeping things cold extraordinarily, as the ice chest is able to hold ice for up to five days without melting.

Promising review: “Nice!! Strong and couldn't ask for a better cooler!!” DENISE
5
Outsunny 65-liter rolling cooler with foosball tabletop
Star rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This cooler is unlike one we’ve ever seen before. It would be a great addition to any backyard barbeque because, along with keeping beverages cold and having a bottle opener on the side, it has a foosball table on top to keep guests entertained. It even has a bottom shelf to store anything extra you may want at the party.

Promising review: “Perfect color, perfect cooler! It drains really well, it seals really well. I have left ice in it overnight and it's still not melted the next morning. It's portable, and easy to assemble. It is the perfect edition to my yard decor.”Reader Rabbit
6
Arctic Zone 24-can cooler backpack
Star rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Ice chests can be heavy when you fill them with all the ice and cans, which is what makes this backpack-style cooler so helpful. It distributes the weight more evenly, making it easier to lug around. It’s also leakproof, so you won’t have to worry about any melted ice dripping on your back.

Promising review: “Omg I love this bag!! Bought a year ago for the zoo and since then have used it for picnics, tailgates, and just used it at Disney! Always keeps our drinks warm, doesn't drip and has yet to rip thankfully but for $20 I'd buy a new one each year if that was the case lol u NEED this bag!” Bree
7
Coleman 120-quart chest cooler
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

One of the largest coolers on the market, this bad boy can fit 60 lbs of ice and 102 cans. When you’re short on space, the lid also doubles as a seat and can hold up to 250 lbs.

Promising review: “I bought these after I had a power outage that ruined all the food in my freezers, 6 days without power really as not to bad. I have since used them on other power outages i have had in the past month. They work great at keeping things frozen for 5 days.”John
8
Moosejaw 55-quart rolling hard cooler
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Open up this rolling ice chest to find an extra bin for better organizing the cans and foods you’ll place in the large cooler. The cooler is also treated with Microban to stop bacteria and bad odors from forming within.

Promising review: “We have only used one time, so far, very satisfied. Kept ice frozen and foods cool. The locking mechanism worked great. Like the removable tray for various items. Rolled with ease. Would recommend” — Scott
9
Igloo 11-quart hard cooler with strap
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Want something that makes a statement? This adorable hard-sided ice chest comes in mint or yellow. While it’s a bit smaller than most coolers, it is big enough to hold a bottle of wine and other beverages.

Promising review: “Me and my husband love to go to Galveston. We got the fun set for the beach and now with the yellow cooler is picture perfect! Plus it fits couple beers and a bottle of rose. We ordered couple more coolers for our family members. The best purchase ever!” — olivka13
10
Igloo 70-Quart wheeled cooler
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

You get all the bells and whistles with the Trailmate Marine Cooler from Igloo. It has fishing pole holders, all-terrain wheels, a bottle opener, UV protection, and more. If you want an ice chest that does it all, you should check it out.

Promising review: “Best cooler we've bought in years! Love this cooler! It's durable and has so much space. Love the dry basket and fishing pole holders. We've tried all the yetis and rtic and love this igloo the best!” — Heather K

Before You Go

What You Need In Your Emergency Go Bag, According To Experts
A large capacity backpack(01 of25)
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Each individual in your home should have their own pre-packed pack. This military-style backpack is as durable as it is comfortable with many versatile compartments. It has two large main compartments, two smaller pockets in the front and a back pocket. The large interior pocket has an elastic strap that can keep laptops in place, while each compartment and pocket has a mesh or zipper pocket for even more organization. The Y strap at the top makes it possible to hold more items, like a sleeping pad or outer layer of clothing. It's available in seven different colors and patterns. (credit:Amazon)
A pair of emergency whistles(02 of25)
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Wilderness self-reliance educator and traditional skills practitioner Donald Dust recommended having a whistle handy in your go bag. This pair of double-tubed emergency whistles can be heard at a long distance, are made with strong aluminum alloy material, are lightweight and water-resistant. Strap them onto a lanyard or a backpack loop and you're all set. (credit:Amazon)
A portable hand crank NOAA weather radio(03 of25)
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All of our experts agreed on the importance of having a crank radio on hand. This is a combination radio and charger, which survivalist, author and television host Ky Furneaux believes is a must. She told HuffPost, "This handy gadget allows you to crank a handle to create electricity to charge it and other items. It will also give you some access to news regarding your situation if all other means of communication have failed." (credit:Amazon)
Yeti Rambler one gallon jug(04 of25)
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Having a large capacity water bottle in your bag is essential, and this Yeti option, while large, can be clipped to the exterior of a bag and is more versatile than you might think. According to Furneaux, "You can survive for about two to three days without water, but you will start to lose cognitive function before then. It’s important if you are going to be processing water that you have something to process and carry it in. It is my preference that this vessel is stainless steel, so it can also be used as a pot to boil water if that becomes the only purification method available." (credit:Yeti)
A pack of fresh undies(05 of25)
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Tuck a six-pack of underwear into your bag so you have enough to stay fresh no matter how many days you might need to be on the move or without fresh clothes. Keep it simple and easy with these options from Amazon Basics for women and Fruit of the Loom for men. (credit:Amazon)
A multitool(06 of25)
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Made with stainless steel, this multitool is versatile, strong, durable and, very importantly, easy to use safely. It's rust and corrosion-proof, and includes a variety of needlenose pliers, standard pliers, wire cutters, a multifunctional knife, a can opener, two slotted screwdrivers, a bastard file, a second file, a rope cutter, a saw and serrated knife. (credit:Amazon)
Shelf-stable camping meals(07 of25)
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Instead of loading your bag down with canned food, lightweight, small and easily packable camping meals are the way to go. They have a long shelf-life and can be reconstituted with water and made with or without the aid of fire. REI has a wide selection of meals and brands to choose from, with breakfast options like oatmeal and hearty stew dinners, and two major brands are available at Amazon as well. (credit:REI)
A rechargeable waterproof lighter(08 of25)
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This waterproof lighter is easily recharged, so you don't have to carry around lighter fluid. It's the ideal companion to the above crank radio that doubles as a charger and will ensure you are able to start a fire whenever necessary. (credit:Amazon)
Rael organic cotton pads(09 of25)
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If you are a person who menstruates, then having a pack of sanitary pads on hand is essential in every kit. These Rael pads are made of organic cotton, are unscented and have wings.
(credit:Amazon)
A neck gaiter(10 of25)
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Dust recommends having a gaiter, bandana or another kind of face covering on hand to help protect you from the elements. This set of two can be used to keep warm, shield you from dust and debris and also keep you cool on warm days. It's made of lightweight, breathable material that is moisture-wicking and versatile. (credit:Amazon)
A pair of signal mirrors(11 of25)
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Furneaux listed signal mirrors on her list of survival pack must-haves, like these from Amazon. They're durable and compact, made with high-quality acrylic material that won't crack or fray. It's a handy distress tool that could alert others to your location if necessary that won't take up much space at all in your pack.
(credit:Amazon)
A LifeStraw(12 of25)
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Furneaux recommended using a LifeStraw filter for your water bottle. It can take even the grimiest water and filter it so it's drinkable. You can get these individually or in sets of two, three or five. It can protect against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt and more.
(credit:Amazon)
A set of headlamps(13 of25)
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Furneaux recommends keeping a pair of adjustable headlamps like these at Amazon in your go bag. They're powerful, hands-free LED lights that can last up to 10 hours with three AAA batteries (not included). A USB-rechargeable pair is also available. They're lightweight, washable and easy to use. (credit:Amazon)
A portable LED flashlight(14 of25)
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If you prefer to keep a flashlight on hand, then this compact, zoomable model is a great option. It's water-resistant, bright and long-lasting. Best of all, it has a zoom feature so you can focus on a single spot or flood an entire area. Three AAA batteries are included. (credit:Amazon)
A first aid kit(15 of25)
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A simple first aid kit is absolutely vital, all our experts recommended it. You can tuck your prescription meds into it along side these essentials that help with small cuts and wounds, minor pain and even GI issues. It comes with 298 pieces but is remarkably small and can be tucked into place with ease. It's worth having one on hand. (credit:Amazon)
A flint fire starter(16 of25)
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Furneaux told us that "lighters will eventually run out of fuel and have moving parts that can malfunction, so ferro rods are also a must, with the average rod offering between 8,000 and 12,000 sparks or possible fires and being impervious to weather conditions." This one comes with a lanyard handle and striker, and is just as small as it is mighty. (credit:Amazon)
A pack of water bottles(17 of25)
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If you're prepping a larger, more long-term kit like the kind that Fox mentioned, having a case of water will make life much easier. This 24-pack of Essentia water should live in your car, garage, shed or emergency storage box. (credit:Amazon)
A four-pack of emergency mylar blankets(18 of25)
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All of our experts recommended having emergency blankets in your kit. These space blankets are reflective, heavy-duty and extremely packable and compact. According to Furneaux, emergency blankets are "amazing for containing body heat, should temperatures plummet or water immersions occur." (credit:Amazon)
A pack of batteries(19 of25)
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Slip some batteries into your pack to keep your gear going. Just make sure that they are compatible for whatever battery-operated devices you have in your kit. (credit:Amazon)
A solar-powered charging bank(20 of25)
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Made with silicone rubber and durable ABS PC material, this durable charging station can be charged either via outlet or the sun. It is compatible with a large number of smartphones, tablets, cameras and other devices and is water, shock and dust resistant. It even has a flashlight. (credit:Amazon)
A set of duct tape rolls(21 of25)
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Dust recommends having either duct or electrical tape in your pack. It can be used for repairing your blanket, pack, clothing, shoes and myriad other issues that might arise. This pack includes five rolls that are strong, flexible, weather-proof and can be torn by hand. (credit:Amazon)
A field compass(22 of25)
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If you need to make your way via a paper map, having a compass handy will help a lot. This manual magnet compass has a ruler scale for precise route mapping and is a small, yet essential piece of survival gear. It has its own little lanyard so you can hang it on your pack with ease.
(credit:Amazon)
A waterproof tarp(23 of25)
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Furneaux noted that a tarp is "great for shelter building, keeping in body warmth, general water-proofing and also as a carrying tool." This Amazon Basics tarp is made with durable, rip-stop fabric and has strong rust-resistant grommets on the outer edge so it can be securely tied down. (credit:Amazon)
A road atlas(24 of25)
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It's probably been a while since most of us have had a physical paper atlas or map but you're definitely going to want one in your go bag. This National Geographic road atlas is clear, with up-to-date road maps for all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. (credit:Amazon)
Hand sanitizer(25 of25)
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You'll want to take the opportunity to disinfect your hands or gear whenever possible, and having some hand sanitizer in your bag can make that much easier and help to keep you and your loved ones healthy. This six-pack of Amazon Basics sanitizer is enough to stock each family member's kit and have some leftovers for around the house. (credit:Amazon)

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