I don't think this is a topic we've broached before, but my son is doing a cross country car trip and the used cooler he bought isn't working well, so he's looking to upgrade. Obviously everyone sings the Yeti's praises but I actually won a soft-sided one through a work contest and while it's nice from a convenience standpoint, I honestly can't say I think it really insulates noticeably better than my old Oscar. It is more convenient to pack and carry with it being soft sided, but they claimed it would hold ice for a weekend, and I've never experienced that. Don't really have much experience with any bigger "box" style cooler beyond Igloos or Colemans. I did find a couple other premium brands called RTIC and Kenai that both look similar to Yeti's but a good bit cheaper. The Kenai especially looks good to me: lifetime warranty (says vs 5 years for Yeti and 1 year for RTIC) and free shipping.
So, what is your preferred cooler style and brand and what has your experience been? I must say the Yeti is super convenient and since I don't regularly do multi-day camping trips, it's great. What I use it for most this time of year is to strap it in to a tube when I go tubing and for that it's excellent, same for concerts, day outings, etc... Much easier to carry and access than a box style like my old Oscar, which is still my sentimental favorite for a cooler... and it's great because it makes a nice seat or reverse the lid and have a small table top with drink holders!
So, what is your preferred cooler style and brand and what has your experience been? I must say the Yeti is super convenient and since I don't regularly do multi-day camping trips, it's great. What I use it for most this time of year is to strap it in to a tube when I go tubing and for that it's excellent, same for concerts, day outings, etc... Much easier to carry and access than a box style like my old Oscar, which is still my sentimental favorite for a cooler... and it's great because it makes a nice seat or reverse the lid and have a small table top with drink holders!