GoKawiilEvery Prime Day, I find myself surprised by the random categories that seem to be prominently featured. You always expect a headphone deal or some other discounted tech. But you might not anticipate seeing heavily discounted coolers. I'm the lead tester for our guide to the Best Coolers, which means my entire apartment would be completely overrun if I didn't have my colleagues taking up space in their basements, garages, and camper vans to help me test them out. We've been testing our top picks for years and are always evaluating new options. Our old standbys and recent favorites are both on sale for Amazon Prime Day. Find our top picks below.
Be sure to check our list of the Absolute Best Prime Day deals for more can't-miss discounts, or come hang out at our live blog where we're sharing real-time commentary and lots of bad jokes.
Yeti Hopper Flip 18 for $225 ($75 off)
Yeti's rotomolded cooler deals keep going out of stock, but we still like its other offerings. This Hopper Flip isn't so big that it's unwieldy, but it still has more room than your average small cooler. It's the perfect companion for a boat or bike, but you can also lug it with you to the beach or backyard.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Cooler for $215 ($24 off)
Photograph: Martin Cizmar
Courtesy of Amazon Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist RTIC Ultra-Tough Cooler $239 $215 (10% off) Amazon
Our favorite Yeti dupe is usually affordable in comparison, but $215 is a steal. Some colors are even less expensive, but the stock is fluctuating. This isn't the very best deal we've seen, but it comes close. Like the Yeti, the RTIC is heavy even when empty; however. it does a really good job at retaining ice for over a day (we're working on getting specific numbers with our testing methodology). The inside is also pretty roomy.
Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler for $250 ($50 off)
This cooler is unique because it has a little drawer in the bottom that can keep items cool and dry simultaneously. It has chunky wheels, a short handle, and a roomy interior to boot. I don't love the drain plug, but I do love being able to pack fresh fruit, pastries, and cheese without fretting over them becoming soggy.
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