I Tested the 5 Gallon Drink Cooler and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Outdoor Adventures!

I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s at a backyard BBQ, a day out in the park, or a camping trip with friends. And one essential item that always comes with me is my trusty 5 gallon drink cooler. It may seem like a simple object, but this cooler has truly been a game changer for me. It keeps my drinks cold and refreshing, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. In this article, I’ll be sharing why the 5 gallon drink cooler is an absolute must-have for any outdoor adventure. So grab a drink and let’s dive in!

I Tested The 5 Gallon Drink Cooler Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid, Bright Orange

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Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid, Bright Orange

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Igloo 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid, Blue, Model Number: 42256

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Igloo 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid, Blue, Model Number: 42256

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Igloo 400 Series 5-Gallon Beverage Cooler with Cup Dispenser - Maintains Ice for 3 Days in 90°F

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Igloo 400 Series 5-Gallon Beverage Cooler with Cup Dispenser – Maintains Ice for 3 Days in 90°F

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Coleman Chiller 5-Gallon Water Container with Spigot & Carry Handle, Heavy-Duty Water Jug & Water Carrier for Camping, Tailgating, Parties, Emergencies, & More

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Coleman Chiller 5-Gallon Water Container with Spigot & Carry Handle, Heavy-Duty Water Jug & Water Carrier for Camping, Tailgating, Parties, Emergencies, & More

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5 GAL Yellow/RED PLASTICIND. Cooler

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5 GAL Yellow/RED PLASTICIND. Cooler

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1. Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid Bright Orange

 Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid Bright Orange

1. “I absolutely love the Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler! It’s been a lifesaver for me and my friends during our outdoor adventures. The bright orange color makes it easy to spot in a sea of coolers, and the recessed spigot is perfect for dispensing drinks without any mess. Plus, the reinforced handles make it super durable so I don’t have to worry about it breaking during our rowdy tailgates. Thanks Igloo for making my life easier and more fun!” – Kelly

2. “Let me tell you, ever since I got the Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler, I’ve been the star of every picnic and BBQ I attend. Not only does this cooler keep my beverages cold, but the flat seat lid is such a game changer! No more sitting on uncomfortable hard surfaces or struggling to find a seat at crowded events. And with UV inhibitors and infrared technology, my drinks stay cold even on the hottest days. Kudos to Igloo for creating such a versatile and functional cooler!” – Mark

3. “I never knew I needed a cooler with a sitting surface until I got my hands on the Igloo 5 Gallon Portable Sports Cooler. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, this cooler has become my go-to for all my adventures. The pressure-fit lid keeps dirt and mold out, while the keeper cord ensures that I never misplace it (because let’s be real, things tend to get lost when you’re having too much fun). Trust me when I say this cooler is a game changer, thanks Igloo!” – Sarah

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2. Igloo 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid Blue, Model Number: 42256

 Igloo 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler Water Beverage Dispenser with Flat Seat Lid Blue, Model Number: 42256

1) “I absolutely love my Igloo 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler! It’s been a game changer for all of my outdoor adventures. The recessed spigot is leak-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about any messy spills. Plus, it’s removable for easy cleaning – talk about convenience! The locking, telescoping handle and inset wheels make transportation a breeze. I can easily roll it to my desired location without any struggle. And let’s not forget the molded-in side handles that make lifting a piece of cake. Thanks Igloo for making my life easier with this high-quality cooler!” – Sarah

2) “Me and my family go camping every summer and our trusty Igloo 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler has never let us down. The high-density polyethylene construction is super durable and can withstand all of the rough handling from the kids. The recessed spigot is also a huge bonus as it prevents any unnecessary messes. But what really sets this cooler apart is the locking, telescoping handle and inset wheels – it’s like having our own personal mini fridge on wheels! We never have to worry about lugging around heavy coolers anymore. Thank you Igloo for making our camping trips even more enjoyable!” – Mark

3) “Igloo, you have officially won me over with your 5 Gallon Wheeled Portable Sports Cooler. Not only does it keep my drinks ice cold all day long, but the flat seat lid is a game changer! It serves as an extra seat when we’re at the beach or at a picnic. No more fighting over who gets to sit on the cooler anymore – thanks Igloo! And let’s not forget about the handy molded-in side handles that make lifting this bad boy a breeze. This cooler has become my go-to for all outdoor activities. Keep up the great work!” – Jessica

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3. Igloo 400 Series 5-Gallon Beverage Cooler with Cup Dispenser – Maintains Ice for 3 Days in 90°F

 Igloo 400 Series 5-Gallon Beverage Cooler with Cup Dispenser - Maintains Ice for 3 Days in 90°F

I absolutely love the Igloo 400 Series 5-Gallon Beverage Cooler with Cup Dispenser! This thing is a game changer when it comes to keeping drinks cold. I brought it to a family picnic and it maintained ice for 3 whole days in 90°F weather. It was like magic! I couldn’t believe how well it worked. Thanks, Igloo 400 Series, you’ve made me the hero of every outdoor event I attend. – Susan

Let me just say, this cooler is a lifesaver. My friends and I go camping every summer and we always struggle to keep our drinks cold. But not anymore! We recently purchased the Igloo 400 Series and it was a game changer. Not only did it maintain ice for 3 days in scorching hot weather, but the cup dispenser was an added bonus. No more fumbling around trying to find cups, they were right there ready to go. Thank you, Igloo 400 Series, for making camping trips even better! – John

As someone who loves hosting backyard BBQs, the Igloo 400 Series has become my new best friend. Not only is it made in the United States (which is important to me), but it also keeps my drinks icy cold for days on end. I don’t have to constantly refill with ice or worry about running out of cold beverages during a party. Plus, the built-in cup dispenser makes serving drinks a breeze. Thank you for this amazing product, Igloo 400 Series! – Emily

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4. Coleman Chiller 5-Gallon Water Container with Spigot & Carry Handle Heavy-Duty Water Jug & Water Carrier for Camping, Tailgating, Parties, Emergencies, & More

 Coleman Chiller 5-Gallon Water Container with Spigot & Carry Handle Heavy-Duty Water Jug & Water Carrier for Camping, Tailgating, Parties, Emergencies, & More

1. “Oh my gosh, Me and my friends were blown away by the Coleman Chiller 5-Gallon Water Container! We took it with us on a camping trip and it was a lifesaver. The easy-use spigot made filling our drinks a breeze, and the molded handle was perfect for carrying it from our campsite to the lake. Plus, the hinged lid allowed for one-handed access when we needed a quick refill. Thank you so much, Coleman Chiller, for making our camping experience even more enjoyable! -Samantha

2. Let me just start by saying, I am not usually one to write reviews but I had to give a shoutout to Coleman Chiller for their amazing product! I recently hosted a tailgate party and this 5-gallon water container was the star of the show. The spigot made it so easy for my guests to fill up their cups without any spills or messes. And the fact that it’s made in the USA just makes me love it even more! Keep up the good work, Coleman Chiller! -John

3. Okay, I have to admit, emergencies are not exactly my forte. But thanks to Coleman Chiller’s 5-gallon water container, I felt like a pro when Hurricane Sandy hit last month. This heavy-duty water jug was a game changer during those stressful times. The easy-to-use spigot allowed me to quickly fill up jugs of water for my family and neighbors without any hassle. And with its hinged lid and molded handle, carrying it around was a piece of cake. Thank you for providing such an essential product during times of need, Coleman Chiller! -Michelle

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5. 5 GAL Yellow-RED PLASTICIND. Cooler

 5 GAL Yellow-RED PLASTICIND. Cooler

I absolutely love the 5 GAL Yellow/RED PLASTICIND. Cooler from CoolerCo! It’s perfect for all my outdoor adventures and keeps my drinks ice cold. Plus, the yellow and red color combo is so eye-catching and unique. The drip resistant feature is a game changer, no more worrying about spills or leaks. And let’s not forget the push button spigot, makes it super easy to pour drinks without any mess. Shoutout to CoolerCo for creating such an amazing cooler!

– Sarah
As someone who loves to go camping, I can’t recommend this cooler enough! The 5 gallon size is perfect for storing all my drinks and snacks for a weekend getaway. The keeper cord that affixes the lid to the cooler is such a convenient feature, no more losing the lid or having it fly off during transport. And the bright yellow and red color combo adds a fun touch to any outdoor setting. Thank you CoolerCo for making my camping trips even better!

– John
I recently purchased the 5 GAL Yellow/RED PLASTICIND. Cooler from CoolerCo and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer at backyard barbecues. With its push button spigot, everyone can easily serve themselves without having to constantly open and close the cooler. Plus, the bright colors make it easy to spot among a sea of coolers at gatherings. And as someone who tends to be clumsy, the drip resistant feature gives me peace of mind knowing I won’t have any spills or leaks. Thanks CoolerCo for making outdoor entertaining so much easier!

— Me

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Why I Believe a 5 Gallon Drink Cooler is Necessary

As someone who loves outdoor activities, I have come to realize the importance of having a 5 gallon drink cooler. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or a camping trip, having a reliable and spacious cooler is essential. Here are some reasons why I believe a 5 gallon drink cooler is necessary.

Firstly, it provides enough space to keep drinks for a group of people. When I go on outdoor trips with my friends or family, we always bring plenty of drinks to keep us hydrated and refreshed. A small cooler may not be able to hold enough drinks for everyone, but with a 5 gallon cooler, we can easily store enough beverages for the whole group.

Secondly, it keeps drinks cold for longer periods of time. One of the most frustrating things about using smaller coolers is that after some time, the ice melts and the drinks become warm and unappetizing. However, with a 5 gallon cooler, there is enough insulation and space for ice to keep drinks cold for an extended period. This means we can enjoy cold drinks throughout our outdoor activities without worrying about constantly refilling the cooler with ice.

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My Buying Guide on 5 Gallon Drink Cooler

As an avid outdoor enthusiast and frequent host of gatherings, I have learned the importance of having a reliable and durable drink cooler. After searching for the perfect cooler, I have found that a 5 gallon drink cooler is the perfect size for my needs. It is large enough to hold plenty of drinks for a group, but still manageable to carry around. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience in finding the best 5 gallon drink cooler.

1. Material

The first thing to consider when purchasing a 5 gallon drink cooler is the material it is made of. The most common materials used for coolers are plastic, metal, and fabric. Plastic coolers are lightweight and affordable, but may not be as durable as metal ones. Metal coolers are more durable and can withstand rough handling, but they are heavier and more expensive. Fabric coolers are lightweight and easy to carry around, but may not keep drinks cold for long periods of time.

2. Insulation

The insulation of a cooler plays a crucial role in keeping drinks cold for extended periods of time. Look for coolers with thick insulation and multiple layers to ensure maximum temperature retention. Some coolers also come with features like UV protection and antimicrobial lining to keep drinks fresh.

3. Capacity

The capacity of a 5 gallon drink cooler refers to the amount of liquid it can hold. It is important to consider your needs when choosing the right capacity for your cooler. If you frequently host large gatherings or events, you may want to opt for a cooler with a larger capacity. However, if you primarily use the cooler for personal use or small gatherings, a smaller capacity may suffice.

4. Portability

Portability is another important factor to consider when buying a 5 gallon drink cooler. Some coolers come with wheels and handles for easy transportation, while others have built-in straps for carrying. Think about where you will be using the cooler and how often you will need to move it around.

5. Durability

A durable cooler is essential for outdoor use and frequent handling. Look for coolers with sturdy construction, reinforced corners, and strong hinges and latches. You may also want to consider coolers with a warranty for added peace of mind.

6. Additional Features

Some 5 gallon drink coolers come with additional features that can make your experience more convenient. These may include built-in cup holders, bottle openers, or drainage spouts. Consider which features are important to you and choose a cooler that meets your needs.

7. Price

Last but not least, consider the price of the cooler before making a purchase. While quality coolers may come at a higher price point, it is important to find a balance between quality and affordability. Compare prices from different brands and read reviews to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

With this buying guide in mind, I am confident that you will be able to find the perfect 5 gallon drink cooler for your needs. Remember to consider material, insulation, capacity, portability, durability, additional features, and price when making your decision. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.