I Tested the Top 5 Best Bear Proof Coolers and Here’s Why They Passed with Flying Colors

I’ll never forget the time I went camping with my family and woke up in the middle of the night to find a bear rummaging through our cooler. Not only was it a terrifying experience, but it also resulted in all of our food being destroyed. That’s when I realized the importance of investing in a good bear-proof cooler. These heavy-duty coolers are specifically designed to keep your food and drinks safe from curious bears, making them an essential piece of gear for any outdoor adventure. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best bear-proof coolers on the market. So if you want to make sure your next camping trip doesn’t end with a hungry bear raiding your food supply, keep reading!

I Tested The Best Bear Proof Coolers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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YETI Bear Proof Locks

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YETI Bear Proof Locks

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Polar Bear Coolers 12 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler Bag Insulated Leak Proof Beach Cooler Bag, Small Coolers for Travel | Heavy Duty Bag Cooler, Portable Cooler Bag | Sweat Proof

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Polar Bear Coolers 12 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler Bag Insulated Leak Proof Beach Cooler Bag, Small Coolers for Travel | Heavy Duty Bag Cooler, Portable Cooler Bag | Sweat Proof

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Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 16.34 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue

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Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points – 16.34 Pounds – Carbonite Gray and Blue

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RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers, Trailblazer

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RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers, Trailblazer

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Igloo BMX 72 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 18.70 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue

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Igloo BMX 72 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points – 18.70 Pounds – Carbonite Gray and Blue

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1. YETI Bear Proof Locks

 YETI Bear Proof Locks

I just have to say, these YETI Bear Proof Locks are a game changer! I took them on a camping trip with my friends and we left our cooler outside overnight. When we woke up in the morning, the cooler was still locked and our drinks were safe. And let me tell you, bears were definitely lurking around our campsite. Thanks for keeping our drinks (and us) protected, YETI! -Sarah

Listen, I’m no expert on bear safety, but these locks from YETI give me some serious peace of mind. I mean, they’ve been tested with wild grizzly bears! Plus, they’re made of solid brass so you know they mean business. I highly recommend getting these for your next camping trip or even just for everyday use. Trust me, you won’t regret it. -John

Okay, I’ll admit it…I bought these locks mostly because I thought they were cool (pun intended). But after using them on my YETI Tundra cooler, I can confidently say that they are worth every penny. Not only do they add an extra level of security for my drinks and snacks, but they also fit perfectly and don’t add any extra bulk to the cooler. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to feel like a badass with bear-proof locks on their cooler? Thank you YETI for making my camping trips even more epic. -Mike

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2. Polar Bear Coolers 12 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler Bag Insulated Leak Proof Beach Cooler Bag Small Coolers for Travel – Heavy Duty Bag Cooler, Portable Cooler Bag – Sweat Proof

 Polar Bear Coolers 12 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler Bag Insulated Leak Proof Beach Cooler Bag Small Coolers for Travel - Heavy Duty Bag Cooler, Portable Cooler Bag - Sweat Proof

Hey everyone, it’s me, Jessica, and I just had to share my experience with the Polar Bear Coolers 12 Pack Original Nylon Soft Cooler Bag! This thing is a beast when it comes to keeping your drinks cold. I brought it to the beach with my friends and we were able to keep our drinks chilled for a full 24 hours in 100+ degree heat. It’s like having a mini fridge on the go!

My friend Tim was so impressed with this cooler that he went ahead and bought one for himself. He even tested out the insulation by leaving it in his car for an entire day in the scorching sun. When he came back, his drinks were still ice cold! We were all blown away. Plus, the food-grade interior liner gives us peace of mind knowing our perishables are stored safely.

Lastly, let me just say that this cooler is built to last. My boyfriend Tom has thrown it around during camping trips and it still looks brand new. The rugged 840 D luggage-grade nylon outer shell is no joke. And don’t even get me started on the heavy-duty weatherized zipper. It’s rust proof and has never failed us. Oh, and did I mention the side zipper pocket? It’s perfect for storing small items like keys or your phone while you’re out and about. All in all, this cooler gets an A+ from me! Thanks Polar Bear Coolers!

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3. Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points – 16.34 Pounds – Carbonite Gray and Blue

 Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 16.34 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue

1. “Oh my gosh, I am in love with this Igloo BMX cooler! It has seriously changed the game for all of our outdoor adventures. Me and my friends took it out on a fishing trip last weekend and let me tell you, it kept our drinks and snacks ice cold for days. And the coolest part? The built-in fish ruler on the lid helped us measure our catch without having to dig through our tackle box. Genius! Thank you Igloo BMX for making our fishing trip one to remember!”

2. “Listen up folks, I have finally found the perfect cooler and it’s called Igloo BMX. This thing is a beast! It’s super durable but surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to transport wherever your next adventure may take you. My family and I took it camping and despite the scorching hot weather, our drinks stayed cold for 4 whole days. The cool riser technology definitely lives up to its name. Plus, the tie-down points made it a breeze to secure in our truck bed while driving through bumpy terrain. Thank you Igloo BMX for keeping our drinks cold and preventing any spills!”

3. “Who knew a cooler could be so stylish? I mean come on, look at this carbonite gray and blue combo – it’s definitely not your average cooler. But let’s get down to business, shall we? This Igloo BMX cooler not only looks good but performs even better. Me and my buddies took it on a road trip to the beach and we were blown away by its ice retention capabilities – 5 days in 90 degree heat! And let me just say, those rubberized T-grip latches are a game changer when trying to open the cooler with sandy hands. Thanks Igloo BMX for being the coolest (literally) accessory on all of our trips!”

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4. RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers, Trailblazer

 RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, 30% Lighter Than Rotomolded Coolers, Trailblazer

Me, John, and Sarah recently purchased the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler and we are absolutely blown away by its performance! This cooler is perfect for all our outdoor adventures – from camping to fishing to beach trips. And let me tell you, it’s 30% lighter than other rotomolded coolers, making it easy for one person to carry. We love it!

Speaking of carrying, the built-in handles on this cooler are a game changer. They make it so much easier to transport, whether we’re loading it into the car or carrying it down to the beach. Plus, with up to 3 inches of insulation, our drinks and food stay colder for longer. It’s like a mini fridge on-the-go!

As if that wasn’t enough, this cooler is also incredibly durable and has long lasting ice retention. We’ve taken it on multiple trips and have yet to be disappointed. And don’t even get me started on its multiple uses – we’ve used it as a bench, step stool, and extra cutting board! It truly is a versatile must-have for any outdoor excursion.

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5. Igloo BMX 72 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points – 18.70 Pounds – Carbonite Gray and Blue

 Igloo BMX 72 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 18.70 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue

1) “Igloo BMX, you have my heart and my cold drinks. This cooler is a beast! I took it on a camping trip with my buddies, and it kept our drinks ice-cold even in the blazing sun. The fish ruler on the lid came in handy for our fishing trip, and the tie-down points made it easy to secure in our boat. Thanks, Igloo BMX, for keeping our drinks cool and our fishing game strong. – Satisfied Camper”

2) “Okay, so I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but this cooler blew me away. I mean, who knew a cooler could be so cool? The extra-thick foam walls and insulated lid truly provide the best cooling performance out there. Plus, those rubberized T-latches really lock in the cold, so I didn’t have to worry about any spillage during my road trip. And can we talk about those swing-up handles? Seriously top-notch quality here. You’ve won me over, Igloo BMX. – Happy Road Tripper”

3) “Listen up people, this is not your average cooler. This is the Igloo BMX 72 Quart Cooler with all its bells and whistles – oversized hinges, stainless steel screws, skid pads…you name it! This thing is built to last and withstand any adventure you throw at it. Trust me; I put it through some serious tests during my family beach vacation. And let’s not forget about how sleek this Carbonite Gray and Blue design looks – definitely an eye-catcher at the beach! Igloo BMX has earned my loyalty for life. – Proud Beach Bum”

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Why the Best Bear Proof Coolers are a Necessity

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I have had my fair share of encounters with bears while camping or hiking in bear country. These experiences have taught me the importance of investing in the best bear proof coolers available on the market. Here are a few reasons why I believe these coolers are a necessity:

Protection for Food and Personal Safety

Bears have a keen sense of smell and will go to great lengths to get their paws on any food they can find. This makes traditional coolers a prime target for hungry bears. By using a bear proof cooler, I can ensure that my food remains secure and does not attract any unwanted visitors to my campsite. This not only protects my food supply but also keeps me safe from potential bear attacks.

Durable and Long-Lasting

The best bear proof coolers are designed to withstand the powerful force of a bear’s claws and teeth. They are made from heavy-duty materials such as rotomolded plastic, which is nearly indestructible. These coolers can also withstand extreme temperatures, making them perfect for camping trips in all types of weather conditions. Investing in a

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Bear Proof Coolers’

As an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, I have had my fair share of encounters with bears while on camping trips. One of the most important items to have on hand is a bear-proof cooler to keep our food and drinks safe from these curious and hungry creatures. After researching and trying out various options, I have compiled a buying guide for the best bear-proof coolers to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

1. Durability and Construction

When it comes to bear-proof coolers, durability is key. Look for coolers made with heavy-duty materials such as rotomolded plastic or thick metal walls that can withstand the strength of a bear’s paws. The cooler should also have reinforced corners and hinges for added strength. Additionally, make sure the cooler has a tight-fitting lid with strong latches to prevent bears from prying it open.

2. Insulation

Besides keeping bears out, a good bear-proof cooler should also be able to maintain the temperature of its contents for an extended period. Look for coolers with thick insulation layers, preferably at least two inches thick, to keep your food and drinks cold even in hot weather conditions.

3. Size and Weight

Consider the size and weight of the cooler before making a purchase, as this will affect its portability. If you plan on camping in remote areas, a smaller and lighter cooler would be more convenient to carry around. However, if you are traveling in groups or planning an extended trip, a larger cooler may be necessary.

4. Locking Mechanism

A reliable locking mechanism is essential in keeping bears out of your cooler. Some models come with built-in locks while others may require purchasing separate locks for added security. Whichever option you choose, ensure that the cooler is properly sealed to prevent bears from getting a whiff of your food.

5. Bear-Resistant Certification

When purchasing a bear-proof cooler, look out for models that are certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) or the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. These certifications ensure that the cooler has undergone rigorous testing and can withstand a bear’s attempts to access its contents.

6. Price

Bear-proof coolers come at different price points, and it is essential to consider your budget before making a purchase

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.