Finding the right cooler for your camping trip can make or break your outdoor fun. Pelican coolers are known for their extreme ice retention that keeps food and drinks cold for days.

This guide will help you pick the perfect pelican cooler for camping based on size, features, and your needs. Your next camping trip just got cooler.

Key Takeaways

• Pelican coolers keep ice frozen for up to 10 days, even in hot weather.
• The 45QT model works well for family trips and kept drinks cold for five days.
• Prices range from $69.95 for the small 8QT cooler to $786.95 for the large 150QT model.
• The 50QT Elite Cooler ($299.95) is ideal for 3-4 person camping trips.
• Clean your cooler after each trip with mild soap to prevent odors and stains.

Key Features to Consider in a Pelican Cooler for Camping

Size matters a lot when picking your perfect Pelican cooler. Small 20QT models work great for day trips with the family, while huge 250QT coolers can handle week-long camping trips.

Our family brought the 45QT model on our last forest trip, and it kept our drinks cold for five days straight! The ice stayed frozen even when we left it in the sun. Most Pelican coolers have press & pull latches that kids can’t open by accident, which saved our ice cream from my curious 5-year-old.

Ice retention is the star feature of these storage boxes. Pelican coolers can keep your food and drinks icy for up to 10 days! The elite cooler models come with built-in bottle openers, heavy-duty wheels, and cup holders that won’t spill your drink on bumpy trails.

We love the wheeled coolers for family camping since they roll easily from the truck bed to the campsite. The hard coolers take more abuse than the soft ones, but both types work well for outdoor fun.

Now let’s check out the most popular Pelican cooler models for your next camping trip.

Popular Pelican Cooler Models for Camping

Pelican offers several cooler models perfect for family camping trips. My family tested these coolers during our summer adventure in Yellowstone, and they kept our drinks cold even in 90-degree heat for days. Each model serves different needs based on trip length and group size.

Our family found the 50QT model ideal for our four-person trips. The kids loved helping pack it with juice boxes and snacks. Dad appreciated the sturdy latches that stayed closed despite curious little hands. Now that you know the popular models, let’s explore how to keep your cooler in top shape during your outdoor adventures.

Tips for Maintaining Your Pelican Cooler During Camping Trips

Now that you’ve picked the perfect Pelican cooler for your camping needs, let’s talk about keeping it in top shape. Your cooler will last longer and work better with these simple care tips.

1. Clean your cooler right after each trip with mild soap and water to stop smells and stains.
2. Dry your cooler fully before storage to stop mold and mildew from growing inside.
3. Store your cooler with the drain plug open and lid slightly cracked to let air flow through.
4. Check the press & pull latches often for dirt or damage that might affect how well they seal.
5. Apply a small amount of food-grade silicone to gaskets once a year to keep the seal tight for extreme ice retention.
6. Use ice packs or frozen water bottles along with loose ice to make your ice last up to 2 days in the 20QT model or longer in bigger sizes.
7. Keep your cooler in the shade at camp to help ice last longer, even in the Elite cooler models.
8. Place a layer of cardboard under your cooler if it sits on hot surfaces like truck beds or roof racks.
9. Save your receipt and register your cooler online to keep your lifetime guarantee valid.
10. Pack items in layers with ice between each layer for the best cooling of food and drinks.
11. Use the built-in bottle opener and cup holders for their proper jobs only to avoid breaking them.
12. Fix small scratches with a plastic polish made for outdoor gear to keep your cooler looking new.
13. Load your cooler last before a trip and first when you reach camp to cut down on ice melt time.
14. Toss a towel on top of your cooler for extra sun protection during hot days at the campsite.
15. Keep your cooler locked when not in use if you camp in areas with wild animals.

Conclusion

Picking the right Pelican cooler makes all the difference on your camping trips. These tough boxes keep your food cold and fresh while you enjoy the outdoors. From small personal models to huge 250QT beasts, there’s a perfect size for every family trip.

Your cooler will last for years with basic care like proper cleaning and smart packing. The best part? Pelican stands behind their products with a lifetime guarantee – a true mark of quality camping gear that’s worth every penny.

FAQs

1. What makes Pelican coolers good for camping trips?

Pelican coolers have extreme ice retention that keeps food cold for days. They’re built tough with press & pull latches that won’t break in the wild. Plus, they come with a lifetime guarantee if anything goes wrong.

2. How do I pick the right size Pelican cooler?

Think about how long your camping trip will be and how much food you’ll pack. Small cases work for day trips, while medium or large cases are better for weekend trips. Don’t forget to check if it fits in your truck bed or roof rack.

3. What’s the difference between Elite coolers and regular Pelican coolers?

Elite coolers have better ice retention and fancier features like integrated cup holders. They cost more but keep ice frozen longer than regular models. The extra money gets you premium outdoor gear that lasts forever.

4. Do Pelican coolers come with different interior options?

Yes! You can get coolers with solid foam, no foam cases, or special dividers. Some campers love the pick n’ pluck foam that lets you create custom spots for drinks. The padded dividers help organize your camping food better.

5. Can I use my credit card to buy a Pelican cooler online?

Absolutely! The checkout process on their website takes all major credit cards. Their customer service team can help if you have any payment issues. Many outdoor stores also sell Pelican products if you prefer shopping in person.

6. Are there accessories I can add to my Pelican cooler?

Tons! You can get a mount kit to secure your cooler in your vehicle. Case accessories like extra latches or replacement parts are available too. Some campers even add TrekPak organizers inside their coolers for better storage.