Skip to content
Beach Setup

🧊 Igloo Trailmate Cooler

April 4, 2025

If you’re someone who loves the beach, camping, or any kind of outdoor adventure without giving up ice-cold drinks and comfort, let me introduce you to the king of all-terrain coolers: the Igloo Trailmate Cooler.

I’ve personally tested it on sand, grass, gravel, and even dirt trails — and I can honestly say there’s no cooler that rolls smoother or keeps things colder this long. This beast on wheels has changed the way I do outdoor days.

Igloo Trailmate Journey 70Qt Wheeled Cooler, Insulated Hard Shell...

Igloo Trailmate Journey 70Qt Wheeled Cooler, Insulated Hard Shell…

  • Spacious 70-quart capacity fits up to 112 cans
  • Tackle sand & other challenging terrain with the superior traction & ground clearance of 10-inch, never-flat, smooth-rid…
  • Pull your load 50% easier thanks to the comfort & leverage of our horizontal dual-trigger steel Glide handle that has lo…
$249.99
Buy on Amazon
Index

    Igloo Trailmate Cooler: Best for Sand

    I’ve brought a lot of coolers to the beach over the years, but few can match the Igloo Trailmate Journey Cooler 70 QT. The massive 10-inch wheels are built specifically to glide over sand like it’s nothing. I’ve crossed entire beaches loaded with drinks, ice, and food for the whole family — without breaking a sweat.

    This is the kind of cooler that lets you focus on relaxing, not struggling. No dragging. No lifting. Just roll and go.

    Key Features of the Igloo Trailmate Cooler

    After multiple outings in different environments, here are the top features that truly make a difference:

    • 70-quart capacity (fits up to 112 cans)
    • Ultratherm® insulation in the body and lid for up to 4 days of ice retention
    • All-terrain 10” wheels
    • Glide™ telescoping handle that reduces pull force
    • Built-in butler tray with cup holders
    • Dedicated wine bottle holders
    • Dry storage compartment for valuables
    • Integrated accessory holders
    • Umbrella or fishing pole holder
    • Built-in bottle opener
    • Sturdy lid doubles as a seat

    Personally, I love how secure the lid feels and the fact that I can store my wallet, keys, and phone in the dry compartment. No more plastic bags or worrying about splashes.

    📊 Igloo Trailmate vs Similar Coolers: Comparison

    CoolerCapacityAll-Terrain WheelsIce RetentionExtrasPrice
    Igloo Trailmate 70 QT70 QT✅ Yes (10”)Up to 4 daysTray, holders, dry box💲💲💲
    Coleman Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler50 QT❌ Basic wheelsUp to 5 days❌ None💲💲
    Yeti Tundra Haul55 QT✅ Solid wheelsUp to 7 days❌ None💲💲💲💲
    RTIC 65 Wheeled65 QT✅ YesUp to 5 days❌ None💲💲💲

    ➡️ From my experience, the Igloo Trailmate Cooler gives you the best balance of capacity, mobility, and useful features. If you want something easy to roll, spacious, and packed with bonuses, this one wins.

    ✅ Pros and Cons of the Igloo Trailmate Cooler

    ✅ Pros ⚠️ Cons
    Huge storage capacity Takes up space in small cars
    Wheels handle sand and rough ground easily Heavy to lift without help
    Includes dry storage and organizers May not fit in all trunks
    Built-in tray and cup holders Price may be high for casual users
    Glide handle makes pulling easy
    Super durable and rugged design
    Built-in bottle opener
    Great for groups and families

    Top Advantages of the Igloo Trailmate Cooler

    • Rolls over sand and dirt with ease
    • Holds up to 112 cans
    • Pull-out tray for snacks and drinks
    • Dry storage keeps personal items safe
    • Umbrella and wine holders built in
    • Strong enough to sit on
    • Lid locks tight, no shaking
    • Ideal for camping, beach, tailgates, sports, or parks

    🎁 Extra Benefits That Make the Igloo Trailmate Stand Out

    One of the features I love is how it becomes a portable picnic station. Slide out the tray, set drinks in the holders, stash your phone in the dry box, and you’re good to go.

    Also, small touches like the built-in bottle opener and umbrella holder make it feel like it was designed by actual outdoor people.

    User Reviews: What People Say About the Igloo Trailmate Cooler

    User Review Rating
    Mike C. “It rolls like a champ through sand. The wheels are amazing, and it kept everything cold for 3 days straight!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Angela L. “Perfect for our beach family days. Love the dry storage and built-in table. It’s become our favorite cooler cooler igloo trailmate.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Carlos J. “We used it for camping and it held up great. Rolls well, holds a lot, and didn’t leak even once.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❓ FAQs About the Igloo Trailmate Cooler

    Is the Igloo Trailmate a good cooler?
    Yes, the Igloo Trailmate is a highly rated cooler designed for outdoor use, especially on uneven terrain like beaches or campsites. It features oversized wheels, a telescoping handle, built-in accessories like bottle openers and storage, and offers good ice retention for a cooler in its price range. It’s a favorite among beachgoers and tailgaters.
    How long does ice last in Igloo Trailmate?
    Ice retention in the Igloo Trailmate can range from **3 to 5 days** under optimal conditions—when pre-chilled, kept out of direct sun, and opened minimally. While not on par with rotomolded coolers like YETI, it’s excellent for day trips and weekend use.
    Is an Igloo cooler as good as a Yeti cooler?
    In terms of durability and ice retention, YETI coolers generally outperform Igloo coolers due to rotomolded construction and thicker insulation. However, Igloo coolers like the Trailmate offer excellent functionality, lighter weight, and better value for casual users. It depends on your priorities: extreme performance vs affordability and convenience.
    Can you leave ice in cooler overnight?
    Yes, leaving ice in a cooler overnight is perfectly fine. In a quality cooler like Igloo or YETI, the ice will help keep contents cold for hours. To improve retention, pre-chill the cooler and keep the lid closed as much as possible.
    How long will an Igloo cooler keep things frozen?
    An Igloo cooler can keep items frozen for up to **2 days**, especially if using solid ice blocks and limiting access. However, for extended freezing (3+ days), premium rotomolded coolers or dry ice are more effective. Packing items tightly and pre-freezing everything helps too.
    Who makes a better cooler than Yeti?
    Brands like **Pelican**, **ORCA**, and **Engel** are known to match or even exceed YETI in some aspects like ice retention and durability. Pelican coolers often come with built-in wheels, strong latches, and better handles, making them popular alternatives at a similar or lower price.
    Are Igloo coolers high quality?
    Igloo coolers are generally high quality, especially models like the **Trailmate**, **MaxCold**, and **IMX series**. While they don’t offer the same ruggedness as YETI, they provide great value, thoughtful design, and performance for day trips and short-term cooling needs.
    Can you put ice in an Igloo cooler?
    Absolutely. Igloo coolers are designed to hold regular or block ice. For better performance, use **block ice** or a combination of ice packs and loose ice. Don’t forget to drain melted water periodically to preserve cooling efficiency.
    Should you put ice on top or bottom of a cooler?
    Ice should go on both top and bottom. Cold air sinks, so placing a base layer of ice helps chill from below, while a top layer keeps cold air from escaping when the lid is opened. A layered approach maximizes cold retention throughout the cooler.
    How long will food stay cold in an Igloo cooler?
    Food can stay cold for **24 to 72 hours** in an Igloo cooler, depending on ice type, packing method, and ambient temperature. Using block ice, frozen gel packs, and keeping the lid closed helps extend cooling duration for safe food storage.

    Final Verdict: Is the Igloo Trailmate Cooler Worth It?

    After months of use across beaches, camping trips, tailgates, and parks, I can confidently say the Igloo Trailmate Cooler is one of the most complete and versatile coolers on the market.

    It’s not just about keeping things cold — it’s about comfort, mobility, and thoughtful features that genuinely improve your day outside. From its smooth ride over sand to the extra tray, dry box, and massive storage, this cooler checks every box.

    Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a parent planning beach days, or someone who simply values cold drinks that last, this cooler won’t let you down.

    🎯 If you’re looking for a cooler that does more than just hold ice — one that supports your adventure lifestyle — the Igloo Trailmate is absolutely worth the investment.

    More Content Related -> Beach Cooler with Wheels: The Ultimate Buying Guide

    Products Details and Care Instructions by Igloo