The huge wheels have excellent grips and, combined with the glide handle, allow you to easily tow the ice chest over rough terrain. In addition to the mobility aspect, there are tons of other awesome features that very few other coolers can say that they have. This includes things such as a butler try, storage pocket, built-in bottle openers, food basket, optional LED light, and more.
And while all models will come with the features listed above, there are a couple of additional features you will find on certain models and not on the others. Seeing how the primary way to transport this cooler is by rolling it, having a handle that is designed to allow you to tow or push it is essential. This handle is igloo soft cooler a special Igloo Glide Design that allows you to pull your load up to 50% easier. This is accomplished by the added leverage that you get from the handle. In addition, the handle locks are telescoping and adjustable. While we always prefer more size options, if we had to choose just one size, a 70-quart is pretty good.
These two round discs are the most redeeming feature of the whole cooler. At just over 35 pounds, the Trailmate is also one of the lightest wheeled models we tested. To experience the Trailmate Journey firsthand, we suggest purchasing it on Igloo’s website now before it sells out.
It is large enough to fit all of the food and drinks for a decent-sized group while still not being overly large to the point that it is a challenge to transport and store. But for someone after the maximum storage space, the 70-quart model may prove to be a bit limited. On numerous occasions, we found our hand searching for a front handle that doesn’t exist, only to latch onto the bottom of the little white box nestled on the front. Unfortunately, that little white box slides up and off the cooler as soon as you apply pressure – not a great handle, so the retracted trolley arm will have to do. Our least favorite aspect in terms of usability is the drain found in this cooler. Though it has a wide channel to help empty it of meltwater, the inside of the drain also is turned into a protruding tunnel into the interior by a white plastic tube.
We should also add that the telescoping handle doesn’t have a smooth action — it definitely doesn’t feel high quality or built to last a decade. With no latches to mess with, the Trailmate is fairly easy to open when you want some of its contents. It does require a good push down to close it all the way, but that requires less effort than many other coolers, rather a conscious thought to remember to do so before all the ice melts.
This cooler has been out a few years and we finally got our hands on one to put to the Tailgating Challenge. The Trailmate cooler claims to keep ice for 4 days and go anywhere with it’s 10 inch all-terrain wheels. We are on the quest to find the best coolers for whatever adventure life gives you, so now let’s learn more in the Cooler Review. Additionally, its telescoping trolley handle provides an ample amount of space between the front of the cooler and the backs of your heels. This added space makes the Igloo the only wheeled cooler we tested that we never hit our heels on – a pretty big deal. And while we greatly appreciate this fact, we feel that the Trailmate still can’t quite live up to the smooth ride we got from coolers with air-filled tires.
First, you have the butler tray that is built into the inside of the lid. Second, there is a removable dry storage box on the front of the cooler so you can and keep the phone/keys in there without fear of water or sand damaging then. As we mentioned in the opening, we feel the Trailmate is the best bang for the buck when it comes to wheeled coolers. This cooler others impressive ice retention, more features than most competitors, yet doesn’t break the bank. Prices are constantly fluctuating, but normally the Trailmate can be picked up for under $250. Some may find this price point to be steep, but a comparison of a similar sized roto molded cooler will reveal the value.
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We built our up-for-anything cooler so it’ll roll right over rough terrain like it’s on a paved path. The Igloo Trailmate Cooler is a new product by Igloo that aims to bring more mobility to a large cooler. By incorporating huge wheels and an intuitive glide handle, the Trailmate turns into a very easy-to-use ice chest that can go over some pretty rough terrain. In addition to this, you will find tons of great additional features and the styling isn’t bad, either. The Igloo Trailmate Journey is a burly, wheeled cooler with a 70qt capacity. Keep 112 beverage cans cold in this cooler, which has two oversized rugged wheels, a telescoping handle, and built-in bottle openers.
The Igloo managed to hold refreshing brew temperatures at or below 50º for an additional several hours, for a total of 3.4 days of cold beers. Though we aren’t totally shocked at this lackluster performance when considering the Trailmate is a relatively thin cooler, standing up to some rather thick, rotomolded competition. In which case this level of insulation will surely get you through a single warm summer’s day. The Trailmate Journey features an included dry food basket, storage compartment, fishing rod slots, and a massive interior space.