Small, packable cooler

[Lonestar2112]

Isn't there an inmate here selling coolers? I haven't seen his stuff in a long time so I don't know if he quit making them. They were getting good reviews at the time.

[JR356]

Originally Posted by Lonestar2112

Isn't there an inmate here selling coolers? I haven't seen his stuff in a long time so I don't know if he quit making them. They were getting good reviews at the time.

Yes,he was selling Polar Bear Coolers,but stopped a while ago.

JR356

[Iball]

I've found Someone Else's Cooler to be the best. It's always magically filled with beers and I don't have to carry it around.

[roger123]

I love my Kelty Roly 12.

[Xeraux]

Originally Posted by bigphish

I would gladly pay for thin and insulated, You have a solution???

Not that I've been able to find. But, my main concern is the performance of the cooler.

My solution is a 12-Pack from Polar Bear coolers. I use a 6-pack to carry my lunch in for work.

It packs flat, I just slip it under the bungie net on top of my dry bag (compressed it takes up virtually no room), it doesn't leak, it's insulated so well it'll keep ice all weekend, and they're made here in Atlanta. There probably isn't a better soft cooler out there. Let's put it this way, they use Polar Bear coolers to transport transplant organs. If they could use something better, they would.

Most of the small collapsible coolers designed for hiking and whatnot advise you not to use loose ice in them because they leak and keeping that cold water in there is a big component of keeping things cool.

So, if the Polar Bear is too thick for you and size is your main concern, any of the soft coolers you can get at Walmart, Target, or one of the big box sporting goods stores will be fine for your needs.

[bigphish]

Thanks for your input Xeraux. If the Polar really packs flat I'm in

[dutchjohn]

open on its side

now with a bunge wrapped around it

[scrambled beezer]

My local grocery store (Ingles) sells soft sided cold bags they get about $2.00 for them.

They are just a light insulated reusable bag for groceries. They fold down to about 4" x 4" x 6" and fit in a little tupperware i have strapped to the back of my DR for if i need to stop at the store.

The bag will fit a 12 pack of bottles and still close. I then just bungee it to the back of the bike.

If one gets either sun or wind beaten, develops a tear or the zipper craps out i just get another one.

The one i have now has been in rotation for about three months now and is still going.

[Kaanan]

Originally Posted by scrambled beezer

My local grocery store (Ingles) sells soft sided cold bags they get about $2.00 for them.

They are just a light insulated reusable bag for groceries. They fold down to about 4" x 4" x 6" and fit in a little tupperware i have strapped to the back of my DR for if i need to stop at the store.

The bag will fit a 12 pack of bottles and still close. I then just bungee it to the back of the bike.

If one gets either sun or wind beaten, develops a tear or the zipper craps out i just get another one.

The one i have now has been in rotation for about three months now and is still going.

That was going to be my advice. Velcro closure and handles. Can't beat the price. You can buy them at Aldi if you have one around.

[Xeraux]

Originally Posted by scrambled beezer

My local grocery store (Ingles) sells soft sided cold bags they get about $2.00 for them.

They are just a light insulated reusable bag for groceries. They fold down to about 4" x 4" x 6" and fit in a little tupperware i have strapped to the back of my DR for if i need to stop at the store.

The bag will fit a 12 pack of bottles and still close. I then just bungee it to the back of the bike.

If one gets either sun or wind beaten, develops a tear or the zipper craps out i just get another one.

The one i have now has been in rotation for about three months now and is still going.

...And they keep things cold for about an hour or two. Just enough time to get your groceries home and into your fridge or freezer. which is what they're designed for. If that's all you're looking for is a cold sack to get some groceries from the store to the camp, they're perfect. But if you're thinking about using them as a cooler, you're going to be disappointed.

A Polar Bear Cooler or the other soft sided coolers and these US$2.00 cold sacks aren't even in the same ballpark, much less the same league.

[rockydog]

I purchased a 12 pack Polar Cooler from an inmate in here 4-5 years ago, tough, quality cooler. I was curious about 'compressed ' size, so I laid it on it's side,folded the bottom and top flat, then folded the top over the bottom, put some velcro straps around it. It's approx 4"X5"X17", full size is 7"X14"wideX12"high. Straps go all the way around the cooler for strength, liner is leakproof so you can haul water if needed(which I've done). Good piece of kit... hope this helps somebody

[lddave]

Polar Bear coolers which I have several of keep items cool but they do not pack down well . Their warranty is worthless also I have a 24 can that leaks and after numerous calls and emails no response I gave up on them .


Dave

[Xeraux]

Originally Posted by lddave

Polar Bear coolers which I have several of keep items cool but they do not pack down well . Their warranty is worthless also I have a 24 can that leaks and after numerous calls and emails no response I gave up on them .


Dave

You called them and they didn't pick up?

I'm having a hard time with this one. Every time I've called them, whether it was to buy a cooler, check on some embroidery, check the size of a cooler or whatever question I've had, they've answered the phone.

Edit: In fact, now that I think about it, every Polar Bear cooler I've bought, two for myself and several I had personalized for gifts for other riders, I've ordered by phone.

[GH41]

I also had no trouble reaching them on the phone. GH

[lddave]

Called number on webpage left messages and emailed no reply . Just relaying my experience with them .