Best Cooler's to Bring to the Sandbar

Heading to the sandbar for a day of relaxation is the perfect way to spend a hot summer day. That being said, you’ll want to bring a portable cooler that isn't a pain to lug around. When heading to a sandbar, you generally need to account for three things: hauling gear across sand, wading through water, and keeping things out of the sand.

1. Rugged Road 45 V2 Cooler: This is arguably the ultimate sandbar cooler. It is ultralight (less than half the weight of traditional rotomolded coolers), making it easy to carry off the boat. More importantly, it is guaranteed to float upright in the water even when fully loaded with 45 cans and ice. You can leave it floating right next to you while you hang out. It also boasts up to 7 days of ice retention and a reversible lid with built-in cupholders.

1. YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Hard Cooler: Carrying a fully loaded rotomolded cooler through deep sand is a nightmare. The Tundra Haul solves this with its “Neverflat” solid, single-piece polyurethane wheels that are tough enough to traverse boat ramps and rough terrain. It holds 55 quarts, features Yeti’s legendary pressure-injected Permafrost insulation, and serves as a great sturdy seat once you reach your spot.
2. YETI Roadie 32 Wheeled Hard Cooler: Getting drinks, food, and ice from the boat or parking area to the sandbar can be a hassle, especially when the cooler is fully loaded. The Roadie 32 makes the trip easier with puncture-resistant NeverFlat wheels and a retractable Periscope handle for pulling it across packed sand, docks, and boat ramps. Its Permafrost insulation, ColdLock gasket, and InterLock lid system help keep everything cold during a full day on the water, while the rugged RockSolid construction stands up to bumps and rough handling. It also fits most wine and two-liter bottles upright, includes a dry-goods basket, and features tie-down slots for securing it in the boat or truck bed.

1. YETI Hopper M30: If you have to anchor the boat and wade waist-deep to reach the sandbar, a soft-sided shoulder cooler is much easier to manage than a hard-sided box. The M30 holds 30.5 quarts and features a wide mouth with an ultra-strong magnetic closure that creates a leak-resistant seal, meaning if you accidentally drop it in the water, your ice and drinks are safe.

1. Igloo Trailmate Backpack Soft Cooler: Carrying a bulky cooler from the boat or parking area to the sandbar can be awkward, especially when your hands are already full with chairs, towels, and other gear. The Trailmate Backpack Cooler keeps drinks and snacks cold while leaving both hands free, making it much easier to climb on and off the boat or walk along the shoreline. Its adjustable padded straps, breathable back panel, and sternum strap help distribute the weight comfortably, while the durable 600D exterior resists sand, dirt, and splashing water. MaxCold Ultra insulation helps keep everything chilled throughout the day, and the built-in bottle opener means you can crack open a cold drink as soon as you reach the water.