Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler Review

First Impressions of Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler

The Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler promises to redefine what we expect from portable refrigeration. Manufactured by Rugged Road, this cooler boasts an impressive combination of ultralight construction and extreme durability, thanks to its Rigorite coating—a technology initially developed for military applications. I was immediately intrigued by the claim of superior ice retention at nearly half the weight of comparable coolers, which if true, would make it a game-changer for anyone needing serious cooling power without the back-breaking burden.

I’ve lugged my fair share of coolers through the backcountry, from hunting expeditions to week-long fishing trips. The constant struggle of balancing ice retention with manageable weight is always a compromise. My aging Yeti Tundra 75, while a beast at keeping things cold, feels like it weighs half a ton before I even load it. The promise of a lighter, equally capable alternative is what piqued my interest in the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler.

Unboxing the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler was a surprisingly pleasant experience. The first thing that struck me was the weight – or lack thereof. It felt significantly lighter than my Yeti, even empty. The textured exterior, the Get-A-Grip finish, felt secure and confidence-inspiring. The Kick Flip Lid, a detachable and reversible design, also looked like a practical innovation.

I considered the Orca 75 Quart Cooler and the RTIC 65 Quart Cooler before settling on the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler. While the Orca boasts exceptional build quality and the RTIC provides a more budget-friendly option, neither offered the same combination of lightweight design and heavy-duty construction promised by the Rugged Road. The military-grade Rigorite coating sealed the deal, providing a unique selling point that offered something different.

My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a cooler this light truly deliver on its promise of superior ice retention and rugged durability? I was eager to put the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler to the test and see if it could live up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler came during a three-day fly fishing trip in the high Sierras. The cooler was tasked with keeping food and drinks cold in temperatures ranging from 40°F at night to 75°F during the day. I packed it with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio, including pre-chilled drinks and frozen meals.

The cooler handled the varied conditions surprisingly well. The Get-A-Grip exterior provided a sure grip, even when wet from river spray, and the lightweight design made it much easier to carry over uneven terrain compared to my older, heavier coolers. The Kick Flip Lid also proved useful, providing a flat surface for preparing lunch by the river. No time was needed to become acquainted with it; it was simple and intuitive from the start. I did notice, however, that the drain plug seemed a bit less robust than those on other high-end coolers, giving me a cause for future concern.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler has become my go-to cooler for everything from weekend camping trips to transporting temperature-sensitive game meat after a successful hunt. The ice retention is consistently impressive, often lasting four to five days with minimal ice melt, even in warmer climates.

The Rigorite coating has proven remarkably durable. Despite being bumped, scraped, and even dropped a few times, the exterior shows minimal signs of wear and tear. Cleaning is also a breeze; a quick rinse with soap and water is usually all it takes to remove any dirt or stains. Compared to my Yeti, which is prone to scuffs and scratches, the Rugged Road cooler appears to be holding up much better over time. The lighter weight and comparable ice retention have definitely outperformed what I was hoping for.

Breaking Down the Features of Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler

Specifications

The Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler boasts a range of impressive specifications designed for both performance and durability. It’s designed around the Ultralight Patented Titan Shell Construction which sets the stage for its lightweight build. The cooler features the signature Rigorite Blast Resistant Coating, promising exceptional durability.

The Fridgite High-density ice-retaining core is designed to provide superior insulation and ice retention. With its Heads-Up Floatability, the cooler will float upright in water, which is an added safety feature. The Kick Flip Lid offers unique detachable and reversible functionality. The Cavernous Cooler Space offers the ability to hold 85 12-ounce cans. The exterior utilizes “Get-A-Grip” Non-slip exterior finish to provide additional hold, and the Double Up Handle System creates easy carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler excels at its primary job: keeping contents cold. The Fridgite core effectively minimizes heat transfer, maintaining consistent temperatures for extended periods. The ice retention is on par with, or even slightly better than, many high-end coolers in its class. The non-slip finish helps prevent the cooler from sliding around in the back of my truck, and the Double Up Handle System makes it easy to carry, even when fully loaded. The only real weakness I’ve encountered is the aforementioned drain plug, which feels less robust than the rest of the cooler.

The cooler exceeds my expectations for a lightweight cooler. The durability, ice retention, and ease of use make it a standout product in a crowded market.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler prioritizes functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. The materials feel high-quality, and the overall construction is solid. The Get-A-Grip finish provides a secure and comfortable grip, even with wet hands. The rectangular shape maximizes internal storage space, and the Kick Flip Lid adds a touch of versatility.

The cooler is user-friendly with no steep learning curve. The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to the Rigorite coating, the Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler is built to last. It can withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. Maintenance is simple: just rinse with soap and water after each use. While I haven’t needed to repair anything yet, the straightforward design suggests that any potential repairs would be relatively easy to manage.

The cooler seems like it will last for years to come. The build quality is tough and reliable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler doesn’t come with a ton of accessories, focusing instead on core functionality. The Kick Flip Lid can be used as a cutting board. The cooler is compatible with standard cooler accessories, such as ice packs and dividers, from various brands. The lack of proprietary accessories might disappoint some, but it also allows users to customize their cooler setup with products they already own.

Pros and Cons of Rugged Road 85 Cans Version 2 Hard Cooler