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Choosing between a hard or soft esky depends on how you want to use it. Soft coolers are usually lighter, easier to transport and collapsible so they take up little space when not in use. This makes them handy for short or day trips, such as taking lunch to work or bringing a smoothie to the gym.
Hard eskies are more durable, offer more storage and typically keep items cold for longer, but they can be bulky. These eskies are ideal for longer trips and outdoor use. However, even if you’re taking a long trip, you might want to consider bringing a soft cooler or two in case you want to take food on day trips or hikes. When you’re not using them you can fold the coolers up so they don’t take up precious space in your car or campervan.
Esky prices range from $15 to $500 based on size, material, insulation and brand. Cheaper eskies are typically small and can only keep food cold for a few hours. These eskies are handy for short activities like afternoon trips to the beach.
If you need an esky for an extended trip, you will need to pay more for an esky that offers multiple days of ice retention.
When buying an esky, the main factors to consider, aside from cost, are the size of the esky and how long it can keep ice frozen for.
You need to look at both the internal size and storage capacity as well as the overall dimensions of the cooler. While a large esky might seem ideal to take on a camping trip so that you can bring as much food as possible, the esky will be useless if it doesn't fit in your car.
Larger eskies typically keep food colder longer because they can hold more ice, but they cost more than small coolers. Eskies also work most efficiently when they are fully packed, so choosing a size that is right for your needs is important.
The amount of ice retention you need will depend on how long you want to use the esky for and how hot the environment is where you'll be using it. Generally, look for eskies with thick insulation in the walls and lid.
If you want to take your cooler on multi-day trips, choose a cooler that can keep your food cold for a week or more when used correctly.
When choosing an esky, look for the following additional features:
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