An esky is an essential item for camping, fishing or a day at the beach. However, there is a rapidly increasing number of eskys on the market, which can make it difficult to know which one is best for your needs. Different ice boxes suit different situations and the best option for you will be determined by your specific needs and preferences.
To help you in your search, we’ve analysed the most popular eskys on the market and assessed them against a range of important criteria including size, weight, durability and ice retention. Use this review and comparison to find the best esky for your next trip.
Our top pick: Polar Zone Advent 55 – Wheeled Hard Cooler (52 Litres)
Size: 73 x 46 x 40.5cm
Weight: 12 kg
Warranty: 5 years
Pros: Durable, impeccable design and finish, double airlock seal, portable wheel; useful accessories
Cons: Heavy
The Polar Zone Advent 55 is a popular camping esky thanks to its high-quality design and affordable price tag. In terms of performance vs price, this is our top pick.
Something that stands out with this Techni Ice model is the dual latch system and the double airlock seal. It also has rope handles for easy transportation.
One of the key features that makes the PZ Advent 55 stand out is its roto-moulded construction that is incredibly durable and built to last. This does mean the Polar Zone hard cooler is heavier than other options, but it boasts a high-quality finish that isn’t seen on some of the lower cost ice box models.
Second Pick: Yeti Tundra 45 Ice Box (86.7 Litres)
Size: 65.41 x 41.28 x 39.07 cm
Weight: 23 Pounds
Warranty: 5 years
Pros: Excellent insulation, drainage system, durable, spacious
Cons: High price tag, heavy
While the Yeti Tundra was originally designed with America’s rafting community in mind, it is also a perfect fit for Australia’s outdoors. It is a spacious and durable esky that makes a great choice for all outdoor adventures including touring, camping, and fishing.
This esky is ideal for outdoor adventures. The design means it can be used as a seat and it has helpful tie down slots for holding it in position when on a boat or vehicle. It also has extra thick walls and an interlocking lid to lock the cold in.
As with other Yeti coolers, this one comes with a dry basket for organizing items inside. It also has heavy duty rubber latches and a vortex drain system. Although you don’t get extras such as an integrated bottle opener with this esky you get the benefit of excellent build quality and insulation. The Tundra 110 is ideal for extended trips.
Third: Other Cooler on Wheels: Coleman Extreme Wheeled Cooler (60 Litres)
Click to View Coleman Extreme Wheeled Cooler
Size: 76 x 41 x 37cm
Weight: 6.8kg
Warranty: 1 year
Pros: Lightweight, easily portable, 5-day ice retention, feature-rich
Cons: Limited warranty
The second wheeled cooler on our list is the Coleman Extreme. This wheeled esky is ideal for longer trips as it has a large 60L capacity, weighs only 6.8kg and can be moved around with ease.
Compared to many of the other ice boxes we have reviewed the Coleman Extreme model is large, lightweight, and offers more features.
This ice box offers extra insulation in the walls to provide longer ice retention, has an insulated hinged lid with cup holders built in and the box can be used as a seat too.
Unlike the Engel Cooler Drybox and the Yeti Roadie 24, the Extreme Wheeled Cooler has a drain so excess water can be removed without needing to flip the cooler upside down.
Fourth Pick: Tropical 62L icebox test
Size: 74x48x48cm
Weight: 12kg
After more than 20 years on sale, these bright orange Tropicals are a familiar sight in campsites and on boats. The thick walls and the ‘railed’ top
edge/lid design took up a fair wedge of space with a few inches wasted around the sides when packed against a wall or side of Ute, but the handles are protected. Terrific simple tonneau-style elastic latches. Can be sat on, no worries. Took all three bottle types.
Pros: Strong and tough. Captive drain plug
Cons: Getting ‘up there’ with bulk and weight