When it comes to outdoor adventures, one of the essentials you shouldn’t overlook is a reliable cooler. Not just any cooler, but the best 20 qt cooler that can handle your thirst-quenching drinks and hunger-satisfying snacks, while withstanding the rigors of the great outdoors. Finding the right cooler can be a game-changer, keeping your food fresh and drinks cold even in the harshest of conditions.
Selecting the best 20 qt cooler isn’t just about size or aesthetics, it’s about performance and longevity. It’s about finding the cooler that maintains the right temperature, is durable enough to endure the roughest terrains, and is still light enough not to weigh you down on your adventure. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down three top picks that check these boxes, ensuring your next outdoor trip is a success.
What Features To Look for When Choosing the Best 20 Qt Cooler
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s quickly go over the key features you should consider when choosing the best 20 qt cooler for your needs.
Ice retention
The ability of a cooler to maintain its internal temperature and keep ice frozen is crucial. Look for coolers with thick insulation and quality sealing to prevent air from entering and warm air from escaping.
Durability
A cooler that can withstand the elements is a must. Consider coolers made with premium materials, such as rotomolded plastic or stainless steel.
Portability
The size and weight of a cooler are important factors to consider, especially if you’ll be carrying it for long distances. Look for coolers with sturdy handles and wheels for easy transport.
Type
When selecting a camping cooler, you’ll need to choose between a hard-sided or a soft-sided model. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a definitive answer as to which type is superior in all situations. In reality, each type of camping cooler has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to real-world performance.
Hard coolers, for instance, excel in terms of insulation and durability, but they do tend to be heavier and more costly compared to their soft-sided counterparts. If your main objective is maximum ice retention, a hard cooler would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, soft-sided coolers are often preferred for those seeking an affordable and portable food storage option for shorter camping trips.
Our Top Picks for the Best 20 Qt Cooler Reviewed in this Article
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore our top picks for the best 20 qt cooler on the market.
ORCA 20 Cooler
- Robust Construction: Crafted with durable roto-molded technology, ensuring a sturdy and resilient cooler for various environments.
- Efficient Insulation: Integrated insulation maximizes ice and cold retention, keeping your contents colder for longer periods.
- Lifetime Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty, providing assurance of the product’s quality and durability.
- Cargo Net for Added Storage: The included cargo net enhances functionality, allowing for additional storage options to keep your belongings organized.
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Known for its extreme durability, the ORCA 20 Cooler is a fan favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. With its durable rotomolded construction and thick insulation, this cooler can keep your drinks cold for up to 10 days.
It also comes with easy-grip handles and an attached cargo net for extra storage.
Introducing our durable, roto-molded cooler with integrated insulation for maximum ice/cold retention.
With a lifetime warranty and an attached cargo net for added storage, this cooler is perfect for all your outdoor adventures. Stay cool and organized with our high-quality cooler!
CAMP-ZERO 20L | 21.13 Quart Premium Cooler
- Rugged Durability: CAMP-ZERO premium coolers boast a rotomolded construction, combining a sleek appearance with rugged durability.
- Extended Cooling: The 20-liter cooler features a thick-walled design for prolonged cooling.
- Built-In Cup Holders: The cooler lid is designed with four molded-in cup holders featuring drain channels to manage condensation effectively.
- Capacity and Features: With a capacity for up to 22 cans (20 Liters, 5.28 Gallons, or 21.13 Quarts), the cooler includes molded-in tie-down channels, non-marring feet, a folding aluminum handle, and a no-lose screw-in drain plug.
- CAMP-ZERO Promise: Backed by a 5-year warranty.
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Introducing the CAMP-ZERO premium cooler – a perfect blend of style and durability. This rotomolded cooler boasts a sleek exterior and a robust hard shell, ensuring it lasts for years to come. It’s even grizzly certified, meaning it’s bear resistant when used with the right locks (locks not included).
No need to worry about condensation thanks to the four molded-in cup holders on the cooler lid. They come with drain channels, ensuring a worry-free experience.
With a capacity to accommodate up to 22 cans, the 20L cooler by CAMP-ZERO is perfect for your outdoor adventures. That’s equivalent to 20 Liters, 5.28 Gallons, or 21.13 Quarts.
It also includes molded-in tie-down channels and non-marring feet for added convenience. The cooler comes with a comfortable folding aluminum handle and a no-lose screw-in drain plug.
RTIC 20 QT Hard Cooler
- Extreme Durability: The RTIC Hard Cooler is crafted for impact resistance, durability, and prolonged ice retention.
- Impressive Insulation: Featuring up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this cooler excels in maintaining extreme temperatures.
- Extended Ice Retention: Designed for portability, the cooler is equipped with heavy-duty rope handles, allowing you to take it anywhere.
- Versatile Cooling Solution: Whether you need an ice cooler, drink cooler, travel companion, beer cooler, camping essential, beach cooler, boat companion, or barbecue partner.
- Range of Sizes: Available in 20 qt, 45 qt, 65 qt, 110 qt, and 145 qt sizes, this outdoor cooler offers versatility. It can also serve as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or an additional cutting board.
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Meet the RTIC Hard Cooler – a must-have for those seeking extreme performance. Designed for impact resistance, durability, and unmatched ice retention, this cooler is built to withstand any adventure.
With up to 3 inches of insulation, your food and beverages will stay colder for longer, no matter where you go.
Its heavy-duty rope handles make it highly portable, making it the perfect companion for camping trips, beach outings, or barbecues.
Versatile and reliable, this cooler is not just for keeping drinks cold, but also for storing food and meat. Experience the ultimate cooling power with the RTIC Hard Cooler.
Common Questions About Best 20 Qt Cooler
Let’s wrap up with some common questions about the best 20 qt cooler to help you make an informed decision.
What is the storage capacity of a 20-quart cooler?
Typically, a 20-quart cooler has the capacity to hold anywhere from 15 to 30 standard 12oz drink cans, along with ice. It’s important to note that the exact number can vary significantly depending on the internal dimensions and layout of your specific 20qt cooler.
All 20-quart coolers should have a minimum capacity of 18 cans, while certain brands like RTIC can hold up to 22 cans. It’s worth noting that if you fill your 20-quart cooler with 22 cans, there won’t be any space left for other items, including ice.
For a 20 quart cooler, a small bag of ice is sufficient. It is suggested to use 3-5 pounds of ice to fill the cooler optimally.
Is a 20 qt cooler too small?
If you’re in need of a cooler for a weekend getaway with two people, a 20 qt cooler may be too small. 20 qt coolers are better suited for overnight trips, day trips, and solo camping adventures. If you’re planning on anything more extensive than that, I highly recommend opting for a 40 qt cooler.
What is the ideal cooler size for you?
One of the most challenging aspects of shopping for a cooler is determining the ideal size for your needs. Since most of us don’t naturally think in quarts, it is often simpler to gauge cooler capacities based on the number of standard 12oz (354mL) cans they can accommodate. By using this approach, it becomes easier to grasp the storage capacity of different cooler models.
Here are some approximate estimates for the carrying capacity you can expect from the most common cooler sizes available in the market:
- 20 qt: Approximately 15 to 30 cans
- 25 qt: Around 20 to 40 cans
- 30 qt: Typically holds 40 to 60 cans
- 45 qt: Provides space for approximately 60 to 80 cans
- 60 qt: Offers ample room for 80 to 100 cans
Which Brands Can You Trust When Purchasing a Cooler?
When investing in a camping cooler, it’s crucial to have confidence in the brand you choose. While all the coolers on our list are sourced from reputable brands, the following companies are renowned for their commitment to producing high-quality and durable products:
- Yeti
- Igloo Coolers
- Grizzly Coolers
- Orca Coolers
- Pelican
- RTIC
Rest assured, these brands prioritize excellence in both craftsmanship and performance.
Video REVIEW: RTIC 20 quart cooler
If you want to see the RTIC 20-quart cooler in action, check out this video review and witness how the cooler can keep food and beverages cold for a full week while camping and share their overall thoughts on its construction and features. It’s an informative and entertaining way to get a closer look at one of our top picks for the best 20 qt cooler.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best 20 qt cooler incorporates several factors – durability, insulation, portability, and, of course, value for money. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the top choices available, such as the ORCA 20 Cooler, CAMP-ZERO 20L, and RTIC 20 QT Hard Cooler, each offering unique features that cater to different needs. Remember, your cooler’s capacity should align with your outdoor activities’ nature and duration. Brands like Yeti, Igloo, Grizzly, Orca, Pelican, and RTIC are hallmarks of excellence in this market. Whatever your choice, investing in a quality 20 qt cooler is a game-changer for your outdoor adventures, ensuring your goods stay cool and fresh, wherever you roam.
