The $80 Ozark Trail 26 Qt Cooler | Ice Test & Real World Test

[@jefffefferson8339]

If you can place your cooler in a freezer for a couple of days before you have to use it, you will get an extra day's worth of cold. Insulating the outside of the cooler works, too.

[@jeffdavis1795]

Lifetime is the better Budget cooler!

[@Bushcraft242]

Not a bad price

[@quickcalsgarage4782]

I'm looking at getting one of these coolers. I need it to fit in a metal frame that I have so it needs to be a certain size. Would you be able to give me the measurements at the very bottom please. Side to side and front to back. Thanks.

[@nate0954]

Ice is still present... ice water is actually still 32 degrees cold. Cold enough to keep your drinks and food safe :) I would be happy with it. At least you have cold drinks and food :)

[@chrissaenz6213]

This is not true. If water is 32 degrees it is ice, not ice water.

[@whitewolf4016]

Once they cool down they hold

[@stevesanderson8360]

Newest variation of this cooler has heavy duty buckles instead of those rubber straps, and it also has a drain plug now. Just picked up a few of them for $30 on clearance at WM

[@ofacekillah]

I got the same cooler for $38 on a return. For that, it's the best bang for the buck cooler I've ever owned. My real world test is keeping a load of drinks and lunch cold for me and another guy on the job site, in 100+ weather all day, with maybe 5 pounds of ice. It works for me.

[@noahrane5721]

Heck yeah that's a great deal man!

[@DoritosResidue]

I also did a 2 day test with the newest ozark 26 qt against the lifetime 28. The lifetime kicked its ass so i returned the OT back to walmart. Also just took the lifetime to a 4 day trip to San Diego and there was still ice in it after 5 days. It outlasted my trip. Lifetime is pretty damn good. I also have a roadie 24 as well along with yeti soft coolers.

[@nicasioyumul1799]

Damn I just bought the OT 26 at Walmart a few mins ago 😭 I was thinking it’s the same price as the Lifetime 28, but a little more compact, more robust since it’s rotomolded, and anti-microbial, if that even matters lol. So I was like, why not ☹️

[@rildn7]

I have this cooler in South Florida, perfect weekend cooler even in FL summer !

[@SwissNoobWatches]

😮😮sadly in 2024 Walmart does not $$sell this yeti clone Cooler😢😢😢6

[@joselemans49]

Aren't you supposed to "pre-chill" the cooler before filling it with food?

[@robertmoffit1135]

I don’t get pre chill. It’s a cooler. If have to pre chill the cooler what’s the point

[@careyclendenny1907]

Guys will never bat an eye for a 60k truck. But God forbid for 300 buck cooler

[@1234y7-t]

I wad almost gonna get one if the ozark in case of a power outage etc in winter but I have seen the lifetime 28 and 55 quarts do well in reviews also. I have been looking for a review in nIcehard rotor molded cooler or campers as well for cost wise yeti and rtic are well too but soooo expensive. but there have been some igloo coolers too that finally have the lid gasket I want yo see how reviews go as well realize use to compare the ice test and etc so hopefully something will come that would be awesome to have on hand in case but yea showing it used for camping was a real user as for the ice melting for camping awesome

[@C-2-t-M]

Just picked one up at Walmart for $45! What a steal! Looks like they might be changing this model out so no one should sleep on this one. Especially if you can get one cheap right now.

[@chrisny12]

Where can I get one for that price?

[@C-2-t-M]

@@chrisny12 Walmart on sale right now!

[@chrisny12]

@@C-2-t-M thank you

[@C-2-t-M]

Outdoors with Gio You're welcome!

[@jhooton75]

Your second half of the video was much better. Testing real world use is what matters. So many videos do like your first test, fill with ice and open once a day. That really tells us nothing about how long it will keep ice when actually using it.

[@noahrane5721]

Appreciate the honest feedback, I'll keep that in mind if I review any more coolers. Enjoy!

[@prestonwadeslayden]

Solid review, man, thanks!

[@noahrane5721]

Thank you Preston!

I bought a nICE Cooler (that’s the brand) for $50 and it almost like but it drain and pressure release value. I have an 18 pack of bottled beer and a 10 lbs of ice, lasted 3 days in the south Texas sun ☀️. Mind you it get into high 90s -100s, so for what I paid for it I think it’s a great deal. I made polar tubes and I’m gonna see how that with a bag of ice 🧊 works out. Great video by the way.

[@noahrane5721]

I'm familiar with south Texas weather and anything that can hold ice for 3 days is definitely a solid product. Sounds like you got a good deal my friend. Thanks for watching!

[@ronvosick8253]

get the " Lifetime " cooler. and prechill.

[@seasonings2taste115]

Unless I find a good deal on an Rtic, I'm going for the ozark trail. My big test will be Pensacola in June. We're Leaving Saturday with the ozark 26 and hopefully between my house and our air bnb, we won't have to buy more ice. On a side note, if you get a double wall vacuum sealed bottle/jug (I like rtic for the price) those hold ice for 2-3 days. Get some small bottles for the kids and a couple of the gallon jugs and use those to fill with. Plus it keeps you out of the cooler and makes the ice last longer

[@noahrane5721]

Great advice! I'll keep that in mind. Hope the Ozark treats you well in Pensacola!

[@simplylearning25]

For me this is just fine, I’m not going to spend the money on a yeti or something like that, I’m a laborer for a company that builds houses and I can put a 10 pounds bag of ice into mine and by Friday I just bring my water jug so for me the price is perfect for what this cooler is able to do. Great review 👍🏻

[@noahrane5721]

This would definitely work perfect for something like that! Thanks for watching.

[@algurrolaful]

I had a question was the cooler hot/ warm inside when you first packed ice in it? I've heard part of the reason the yeti holds ice for longer time period is because you're suppose to "burn ice" overnight before you put your cold stuff in. Btw, thanks for the video...

[@djmcdonald5508]

I have always cooled my yeti down prior to using it, It definitely helps alot

[@noahrane5721]

Good question, the cooler wasn't pre-chilled but It was inside my apartment, so it wasn't hot either.

[@algurrolaful]

Dj McDonald has a point... I did the same with my brothers rtic, I really think it helps. Most of the time, I bring in my coolers inside from the garage, this tx heat can get pretty high

[@Mekanik_Joe]

These are now on clearance for $45 at Walmart. I got my wife one in teal and myself one in tan. I have a Isuzu Rodeo and they'll be great for weekend trips to the Texas beaches.

[@CrimsonTideJosh]

I found that same deal. I actually added a drain to mine. Works great!

[@joshuabeanblossom8371]

Good rhing to do i freeze some 1 gallon milk jugs or some drink bottles and throw then in there. It last a lot longer

[@richszlama7496]

Thanks for the test/review. This cooler is on my short list.

[@noahrane5721]

No problem my man! Thank you for your support!

[@TheKellHammer]

Voodoo ranger is awesome! I just bought the same cooler for my lunch box/camping cooler and very pleased. Good video

[@noahrane5721]

Love Voodoo! Thanks for the support William, glad you enjoyed!

[@Sneadster]

I bought this today on clearance for $45...

[@whooptydoo6256]

I got one today too for 45. And i got a 52 qt for 68. Couldn't pass em up.

[@melcoeb]

Lucked out, got one for $30.

[@noahrane5721]

Noice

[@TheOrangeCat808]

Okay might pick this up at Walmart today 👀

[@TonyB71]

Great video and beard!

[@noahrane5721]

Thanks a bunch! Appreciate the support.

[@hankjohnson8126]

Not a bad cooler for 78 bucks. The same size Yeti would be about three four hundred bucks. Crazy

[@noahrane5721]

Agreed! Definitely good for the price. A few hundred dollars for something similar is insane.

[@jorangel87]

The yeti for an extra $200 would only get you another 24hrs of ice. which for some ppl would be more than enough time with the ozark.

[@lostmywaffle8471]

Nice review! Keep in mind ice won’t last as long with frequent opening/closing the cooler. They claim 3+days and many other reviews do stay that long but bc they don’t open it as frequently. Decided to go with Igloo IMX 24qt 🙌🏼

[@jackabato6997]

Noah, I'm searching for a new cooler and have watched several of these "challenge" videos. One thing that strikes me is that the temp in the cooler is the key factor. Yes, the majority of the ice has melted after 2 or 3 days but is the slush at the bottom of the cooler holding the temp inside at 40 degrees so food won't spoil? That said, thanks for doing a real-life experiment. As you said, it's much more helpful than filling a cooler with ice and letting it sit.

[@noahrane5721]

The temperature of the slush is absolutely freezing. If you're looking to cool some beers in the slush then you need not look any further. The only concerns I would have is perishable food that shouldn't be in soaking water for extended periods of time.

[@djlarroc]

Thanks for the review. I went to Walmart tonight to grab the Lifetime 28 $78, after watching YT reviews. But it’s a lot bigger than the Ozark Trail, and space in my Jeep is tight. I almost grabbed the Ozark, but decided to wait. Gonna have to sleep on this one now lol. Btw, I’m in CO too. 🤙🏽

[@noahrane5721]

My buddy had that cooler and he enjoyed it, but you're right it's certainly very large. I appreciate the comment and support for the channel! Much love to a CO brother.

[@jheighten7568]

You can siphon water out. You can buy for 2 bucks

[@noahrane5721]

I'll look into that!

[@CLEARVISIONOVERLAND]

Great review, love Ozark Trail!

[@noahrane5721]

Ozark makes some good stuff for sure!

[@theresacolton644]

I guess it’s because with the food you were opening it more. So I guess that’s why it melted so much faster than before with just the ice. 🤔 Still seems like a decent cooler. After Hurricane Laura and being without electricity for 5 days, we ran back and forth for ice every day for days cause the coolers couldn’t keep up with the heat. Also it was hard finding ice. So looking for something that could keep our food and meats at least 3 days with ice.

[@noahrane5721]

Wow that's insane. Hope you're doing well now and glad to see you're getting prepared!

[@paulcarlin5181]

Good review! I wonder if you put some Yeti or Arctic Ice if you would have had another day of ice retention. I know Yeti recommends that for maximum benefit of their coolers. To see Yeti inside an Ozark Trail would be gold!

[@noahrane5721]

Good question, maybe I'll try that some day.

[@joshrichardson30]

I have this cooler in blue. Also have RTIC coolers. With both, adding ice blocks to the bottom of the cooler before adding ice helps a great deal with ice retention. The blocks literally refreeze the melting ice. Great review.

[@beardedyaker9767]

I use a Yeti 4 pnd ice block on the bottom of mine when on the boat. I love them because they refreeze the water to the ice block so it turns into another block of ice!

[@jeremykeys971]

I’m going to buy me one to have for the weekends I hangout with the bros

[@rotertjohn]

I have this cooler In blue. Love the performance for the money. I have a first gen taco. 2WD I know!! I love your truck wish I had one. Great content by the way. Is your truck the TRD Pro or off road edition. I heard the off road edition none has crawl control. Have you used the crawl control if you have your opinion of it would be awesome

[@rotertjohn]

Now

[@noahrane5721]

Awesome! Appreciate you supporting the channel. My truck is the TRD Off Road. It does have the crawl control features which I haven't needed yet. But I did have to use the multi terrain select in a couple different scenarios which actually did help me out. Thanks for watching!

[@samcleaver3315]

Most of my camping trips start on Friday night and end Sunday morning, I think this would do fine for that. (36 hours) I regular cooler is lucky to last 24 hours.

[@noahrane5721]

Agree 100%

[@robertmunguia250]

So is there anyway to add more insulation? My ice melted the first day.

[@noahrane5721]

Hi Robert, did you fill up the ice completely to the top of the cooler? If you don't fill it all the way it will melt faster. Additionally, you can try to keep it in the shade as much as possible.

[@robertmunguia250]

@@noahrane5721 No I only put 10lbs. In it. I'm very surprised because I have inside my home where its 75 degrees and I put ice yesterday and its already almost all water.

[@robertmunguia250]

@@noahrane5721 OK I just went to get more ice and filled it to the top. Its Thursday and see how long it will last in the shade.

[@jorangel87]

So I have both the ozark 26qt and lifetime 28qt and let me tell you that prechilling for a camping trip like you did is a must cause you get an extra day worth of ice and if you use block ice or if you can freeze some ice at home cause that gas station ice is very small and has holes which last a lot less than block ice. I freeze 3 trays in my freezer and I get a good 48 solid cubes of ice that last much longer, along with a couple of frozen water bottles and trust me you’ll get that full 4-5 days worth of ice like they advertise. If you just get the cooler out of storage and pack it with products and buy ice and throw it in you’ll get no more than 3 days max which is still awesome. I gave a regular cooler for work maybe an igloo but I know it’s orange with the big Gatorade name on it and it last 24hrs before it’s ice cold water.

[@ChoneyPony]

Try the Lifetime cooler. Its also cheap and will probably do better than this one.

[@richardzak8378]

For what it's worth, the cooler preformed pretty well. The melted ice (water) helps keep the temp down. Invest in some type of plastic container to prevent soaked food. Also purchase a thermometer to keep in the top of the cooler. This will help tell you if bacteria has a chance to grow.

[@noahrane5721]

Great advice Richard, appreciate it!

[@josephespinozabonilla7850]

But what was the temperature ? Buddy

[@ALL-AMERICANA]

I don't mean to bust your bubble, but halfway up your hand aint 7 inches.

[@whooptydoo6256]

Your eyes are bbqed in the beginning of this vid. Haha

[@noahrane5721]

hmm?

[@TheOrangeCat808]

Toasted lol 🌳💨

[@robertmunguia250]

Is that roto molded?

[@daveycrockett9447]

I would hardly call $86 budget friendly.

[@CROWOUTDOORS]

Don't like the Ozark Trail coolers at all. If I had to spend my money on a Walmart "higher end cooler", I'd go with one of their Lifetime brand coolers. They're way better than Ozark Trail.

[@tacticaltrucker1151]

Pucker up, buttercup

[@noahrane5721]

hahaha!

[@paginini]

I baught one n also not impressed

[@ronaiosa126]

So for the first test, was it 96 hours or 4 days? Because those are VERY very different

[@Unam469]

Wtf kind of results are you expecting? You sound disappointed.

[@flyingmolamola]

Hmm, I have a Yeti Rodie 20, a bit smaller than yours, but if I filled it with that much stuff and then ice, I doubt I get much more retention than yours. also recently I bought an Ozark Trail rolling 45Q. I’m figuring 3-5 days trips where I refill once, not thinking of going the entire time, just refill less often with ice. Can’t afford a rolling Yeti Tundra, plus wouldn’t want the Tundra to get stolen either. Ozark Trail is a compromise, ice retention is not as good, but way cheaper! My previous big cooler was a Coleman, I was adding ice everyday!

[@christinaalame9375]

Still aint a yeti with your walmart lifestyle lolololol

[@noahrane5721]

Christina you're gonna make me cry bro pls