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Travel Coolers That Make the Journey Easier

Coolers are, dare we say it, a CORE camping essential. (See what we did there?) No one relishes the idea of lugging big, boxy coolers to the tailgate or campsite. That’s why we developed our travel coolers, so you can chill without the hassle of an awkward plastic box.  At CORE, we’re all about making memories outside. Our products are designed to remove the hassle, making it easier to get outside and focus on what really matters. Everything we build is shaped by real-world feedback from people who spend serious time outdoors. You can rest easy knowing that your CORE gear is designed to perform where it actually matters. From long days on the trail to laid-back afternoons in the backyard, you can trust that our products are up to the test. CORE gear is made for everyone, from hardcore hikers and weekend adventurers to everyday people who just want to enjoy a little fresh air. Backyard birthdays, road trips, sunsets on the porch... whatever your version of “outside” looks like, we’re here to help you make the most of it. From camping to tailgating to weekends spent lakeside, our high-performance coolers are a travel essential. With adjustable carrying straps, leakproof design, and our proprietary MagSnap magnetic lid technology, our coolers go the distance. This blog is your go-to resource for travel cooler wisdom. We’ll share packing tips, cooler hacks, and more to help you get the most out of every adventure. From choosing the right cooler to using it in ways you may not have thought of yet, you’ll find practical insights and gear designed for how people actually travel. Coolers That Make Travel Seamless Whether you’re chasing sunsets at the beach, floating down a lazy river, packing the car for a weekend getaway, or heading out on a long road trip, a good travel cooler makes all the difference. It’s more than just a place to stash drinks,it’s what keeps the day running smoothly, brings people together, and lets you stay out longer without sacrificing comfort or convenience. A well-packed cooler can elevate any outdoor experience. Instead of relying on overpriced convenience stores or settling for junk snacks, you can have cold drinks, fresh food, and easy access wherever you go. That means more time enjoying the moment and less time worrying about logistics. Reliable, Portable Coolers The perfect portable cooler might feel like the holy grail, but we’re pretty sure we’ve nailed it. Between our Backpack Coolers and other size options (including sizes big enough for wine bottles ), we’ve got every travel scenario covered. We know there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to outdoor needs. That’s why our travel coolers come in multiple sizes and styles to fit your lifestyle. Versatile Styles Our Backpack Coolers are perfect for day hikes, beach walks, or any situation where hands-free mobility matters. With ergonomic shoulder straps and a padded, lightweight design, you can carry everything you need easily and ergonomically without sacrificing performance. Prefer something more classic? Our box coolers come in multiple, versatile sizes, each equipped with detachable shoulder straps. Throw it over your shoulder for a hike into camp or remove the straps and use the built-in side handles for a quick lift out of the car or boat.  Stylish Colors & Size Options Whether you’re packing lunch for two or drinks for a crew, there’s a size that fits your needs. Our 12-can and 18-can coolers are perfect for picnics, and our 36-can box cooler is tall enough to fit wine bottles, too! And let’s talk style: our CLIMAKEEP and FlipBack coolers come in a range of modern colors with a sleek, minimalist design that look as good on a dock or picnic table as they do in the back of your truck. Function doesn’t have to mean bulky or boring. These coolers are made to look sharp, wherever your adventure takes you. Explore Our Other Camping Essentials Affordable Travel Coolers That Don’t Sacrifice Quality Just like we might gather around water coolers at work, we gather around travel coolers on the go, making them a key part of bringing people together. It makes sense that you want one that’ll work and last, without breaking the bank. At CORE we create products that are budget-friendly without cutting corners, so you and your family can use them year after year. We make it easy to find an affordable travel cooler that doesn’t compromise on quality. Instead of creating oversized designs or unnecessary extras, we focused on creating travel coolers that match how people actually use them. The truth is that a compact, well-built cooler can outperform a larger, cheaper model that leaks or loses cold quickly.  With CORE Equipment, you get dependable performance, long-lasting durability, and everyday convenience—all at a price that makes sense. Because the best moments are meant to be shared. The Magic of a Magnetic Cooler No more stuck, broken, or missing zippers! With our flip-top magnetic closure, there’s no fumbling, tugging, or awkward unzipping—whether you’re floating down the river, sprinting between sand volleyball serves, or juggling a drink in one hand and snacks in the other. And best of all, there’s no chance of realizing too late that someone forgot to zip the lid and let all the cold escape into a blazing summer day. We’ve designed our travel coolers with intuitive magnetic closures that work just like your refrigerator door. The MagSnap™ magnetic lid opens effortlessly when you need it and seals itself shut the moment you let go. While our FlipBack coolers removed the zipper entirely, our CLIMAKEEP coolers do come with a leakproof zipper in addition to the magnetic closure, but our coolers will hold the cold just as well zipped or unzipped. No reminders. No second-guessing. Just a secure, reliable seal every time.  Paired with CORE HYPERCOLD™ insulation, the MagSnap™ system keeps cold air locked in while making your drinks and snacks easy to grab on the go. You get the best of both worlds: fast, one-handed access and dependable temperature retention. The result is a cooler that works with you—not against you—so you can stay focused on the moment instead of babysitting your gear. More Features to Love! Once you try a magnetic cooler, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one, but the magnetic lid is just the beginning.  With unbeatable convenience, reliable performance, and rugged construction, our travel coolers are ready for anything. Every CLIMAKEEP cooler is built for serious performance in real-world conditions with features like: Advanced Insulation: High-performance EVA foam insulation paired with layered heat-reflective film helps lock in cold for longer, even in hot, sunny conditions. Our coolers can keep ice frozen for up to 2 days! Fully Welded & Leakproof: No seams, no drips, no mess. Your cooler stays watertight so melted ice never becomes a problem. Floats on Water: Yes, really. Whether you’re tubing, boating, or hanging at the lake, your cooler floats and performs just as well on water as it does on dry land—no more soggy sandwiches or lost drinks. Waterproof Storage Pockets: Keep your phone, wallet, keys, or other essentials safe and dry in dedicated waterproof pockets designed for peace of mind. Built-In Bottle Opener: Because no one wants to hunt for an opener when it’s time to crack open a cold one. Looking for a standout gift or branded giveaway? We can customize your cooler with your company name and brand colors—perfect for company retreats, client gifts, or team events. They also make unforgettable takeaways for large family reunions or group trips. (Minimum order of 25 units.) What Are Our Travel Coolers Best For? Our travel coolers are built for versatility, durability, and effortless access—making them the perfect companion for just about any outing. Here’s where they truly shine: Camping From weekend campouts to multi-day adventures, our portable camping coolers keep food and drinks cold without constant babysitting. The magnetic lid makes it easy to grab what you need while cooking or relaxing by the fire, and the leakproof design means no mess in your tent, truck, or campsite. Tailgating Game day moves fast, and so should your cooler. Whether you’re hosting the tailgate or hopping between friends, our coolers open and close effortlessly—even with one hand. They keep drinks cold for kickoff and beyond, and the built-in bottle opener ensures you’re always ready to celebrate. Beach Days Sun, sand, and surf are no match for our CLIMAKEEP travel coolers. They’re leakproof, float on water, and resist heat, so your snacks stay fresh and your drinks stay ice-cold all day. Waterproof pockets keep your phone and valuables safe, while the magnetic lid prevents warm air from sneaking in between dips. Picnics Perfect for parks, concerts, and outdoor lunches, our coolers make picnicking easy and mess-free. Quick-access magnetic closures mean no wrestling with zippers, and reliable insulation keeps everything fresh from the first bite to the last. Ski Trips Cold outside doesn’t mean your food and drinks should freeze solid. Our travel coolers are perfect for ski days and mountain getaways, keeping snacks fresh, drinks cold (but not icy), and everything easy to access—even with gloves on. Toss it in the car, lodge, or cabin and enjoy leakproof performance that handles snow, slush, and long days on the mountain. You can also skip the ice inside your cooler if it is below freezing outside! Float Trips Designed for life on the water, our CLIMAKEEP travel coolers truly shine on float trips. They’re fully leakproof, float when dropped in the river, and feature a magnetic lid that snaps shut automatically—no zippers to fight while you’re drifting. Grab a drink, let go, and relax knowing your cooler stays sealed, dry, and right by your side. Business Travel Built for movement and long days, our coolers are a smart companion for business travel, too. Whether you’re heading to a conference, sales meeting, or on-the-road workday, they keep meals, snacks, and drinks fresh without relying on vendors or hotel fridges. The compact, leakproof design fits easily in your car while the easy-access lid lets you grab what you need between meetings without slowing down.  Wherever You Want to Go Wherever you’re headed, our travel coolers are designed to keep things convenient and carefree, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the outdoors with the people you love. Unexpected Uses for Your Cooler Beyond Food & Drinks A travel cooler might start as a place for cold drinks, but it doesn’t have to stop there. With reliable insulation and a leakproof design, your CORE cooler can become one of the most versatile pieces of gear you own. On hot days, it’s the perfect place to store sunscreen or skincare products that need to stay cool. Heading to the lake? Use it to keep electronics, towels, or spare clothes dry and protected from splashes. Coolers also shine during long road trips. Keep wet swimsuits or muddy gear contained on the drive home, or store ice packs for sore muscles after a hike or workout. At campsites, a cooler can even double a temporary storage bin for items you want to keep critter-free. Whether you’re organizing gear, protecting valuables, or improvising outdoor solutions, a well-built travel cooler quickly proves it’s more than just a drink holder—it’s an adventure essential with endless possibilities. More Travel Cooler Hacks Travel coolers are full of untapped potential—and a few clever hacks can make them even more useful. One simple trick is using frozen water bottles instead of loose ice. They keep things cold longer and give you drinkable water as they melt.  Packing items in layers—ice packs on the bottom, frequently used items on top—helps maintain temperature and cuts down on opening time. Pre-chill your cooler to ensure best possible performance and fill any empty space with ice to keep warm air out and maximize ice retention. Need a quick cleanup station? A cooler filled with ice water makes a refreshing hand-wash or foot soak after a beach or trail day.  Once you start thinking outside the icebox, your travel cooler becomes one of the smartest, most adaptable tools you bring along. How to Clean & Maintain Your Travel Cooler for Long-Term Use Keeping your travel cooler clean and well-maintained not only extends its lifespan but also ensures it performs at its best every time you use it.  Cleaning Basics After each trip, start by emptying the cooler completely and allowing it to air out. This prevents lingering moisture that can lead to odors or mildew. A simple mixture of warm water and mild dish soap is usually all you need to clean the interior. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down surfaces, paying extra attention to corners and seams. For tougher odors, a solution of baking soda and water can help neutralize smells without damaging insulation. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can break down materials over time. Once done, rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing. For coolers with zippers, it’s also good practice to make sure to lubricate your zipper track to keep it functioning well.  How to Store Your Cooler When not in use, store your cooler with the lid slightly open to promote airflow. This small habit goes a long way in preventing trapped moisture and unwanted smells.  With regular cleaning and a little care, your travel cooler will stay fresh, functional, and adventure-ready for years to come. Common Travel Cooler Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) A packable travel cooler can be one of the most useful pieces of gear you bring along on any trip if you use it correctly. Unfortunately, a few common mistakes can lead to melted ice, soggy food, and unnecessary frustration. The good news? Most of them are easy to avoid with a little planning. Mistake #1: Putting Warm Items Directly Into the Cooler One of the biggest mistakes is loading your cooler with room-temperature food and drinks. Warm items melt ice faster. To avoid this, pre-chill everything before packing, including drinks, snacks, and even reusable containers. Starting cold helps everything stay cold longer. Mistake #2: Over-Opening the Cooler Every time the lid opens, cold air escapes. Digging around or leaving the cooler open while deciding what you want quickly raises the internal temperature. Pack with intention—place frequently used items on top and keep the lid closed as much as possible. Our quick-access magnetic closures make a big difference here. Mistake #3: Relying on Loose Ice Alone Loose ice melts quickly and creates water that can soak food and packaging. Instead, use frozen water bottles or ice packs to reduce mess and improve longevity. They keep temperatures stable and double as cold drinking water later. Ice packs work, too! Mistake #4: Ignoring Proper Storage & Cleaning Failing to clean and dry your cooler after use can lead to odors, mold, and material breakdown. Always empty, rinse, and fully dry your cooler before storing it with the lid slightly open. By avoiding these simple mistakes, your travel cooler will perform better, last longer, and make every trip easier and more enjoyable. The CORE Difference At CORE, we’re more than just a camping gear company. We’re campers and explorers, too! That means you’ll catch us using our products out in the wild all the time. We believe the best products start with real people. From our industrial designers to customer support reps, every member of our team brings passion, creativity, and a lot of trail miles to every detail—so you can enjoy the outdoors without overthinking your setup. “Designed to be Together” is more than a slogan at CORE, it’s what drives us. Because the best outdoor experiences are always shared. Our mission has always been simple: make getting outdoors more comfortable and more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or someone who just wants to enjoy a weekend in the fresh air without the hassle, our products are designed for you.  Explore More CORE Essentials We design our products to work together, so you can spend less time worrying about ice and more time enjoying moments with family and friends. Pair your cooler with tables, chairs, and canopies for the ultimate outdoor hangout. And when the sun goes down, complete your setup with a tent and sleep system for a cozy night under the stars. Tents & Shelters Not all camp shelters are created equal. That’s why we’ve designed a full range of tents to meet the needs of every camper, from solo backpackers to large families. With easy setup, durable materials, and thoughtful features, CORE tents deliver comfort and simplicity, wherever you like to hang out. Shop Tents & Shelters Chairs & Camping Tables The perfect camp setup can’t be beat, whether you're hosting a tailgate, setting up in the wilderness, or hosting a family BBQ in the backyard. Our camp seating and table options are made for comfort and convenience. Shop Camp Furniture Sleep Systems At CORE, we offer simple, comfortable sleep solutions thoughtfully designed with both comfort and durability in mind. Our sleep systems for camping provide maximum relaxation on nights spent under the stars so you can get the rest you need to enjoy your trip, whether it’s in the deep woods or your own backyard. Shop Sleep Systems Effortless Cooling, Built for Adventure With magnetic convenience, rugged performance, and thoughtful details throughout, CORE’s magnetic travel coolers are designed to keep things cold, dry, and easy—no matter where the day takes you. From laid-back beach days and family picnics to road trips, float trips, and everything in between, these coolers are made to perform in real-world conditions. Every detail is designed with convenience in mind, so you can focus on the adventure instead of managing your cooler. Wherever you’re headed next, our FlipBack and CLIMAKEEP travel coolers are ready to go right along with you. Shop Our Coolers