First Thoughts on the Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket might seem like a simple accessory, but for anyone serious about cooler organization and food preservation on outdoor adventures, it’s a potential game-changer. Pelican is a name synonymous with rugged durability and reliable performance, and I was eager to see if this relatively inexpensive add-on lived up to the brand’s reputation. This isn’t just a basket; it’s a system for keeping your precious provisions high and dry.
My fishing trips had become a soggy sandwich graveyard. I was tired of pulling out waterlogged cheese and mushy bait from the bottom of my cooler. The promise of elevated, dry storage within my Pelican cooler was incredibly appealing. I was searching for a way to prevent my essential lunch and bait from being destroyed during my outings, and this seemed like a promising solution.
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Upon removing it, the powder-coated finish immediately impressed me. The basket felt sturdy and well-constructed. It seemed like it could easily withstand the rigors of outdoor use. I was also pleased by its light weight – it wouldn’t add much to the overall load.
I considered a few other options before settling on the Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket. Some generic plastic bins were cheaper, but felt flimsy and weren’t designed specifically for cooler use. Others were similar wire baskets, but lacked the durable powder coating I wanted for corrosion resistance. The Pelican offered the best combination of quality and functionality for the price.
Initially, I was optimistic but also a little skeptical. Could something this simple really make a difference in my cooler management? The build quality was promising, and the design seemed well-thought-out. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to the Pelican name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket was on a weekend fishing trip to the local reservoir. I placed it inside my Pelican 70 QT cooler and loaded it with sandwiches, cheese, and my favorite fishing bait. The cooler was subjected to sun, splashing water, and the usual bumps and jostles of being transported in the back of my truck.
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket performed admirably. It kept the food and bait elevated above the melting ice, exactly as advertised. Accessing the contents was far easier than rummaging through a cooler filled with ice and water. No more soggy sandwiches!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket continues to impress. It has accompanied me on numerous fishing trips, camping adventures, and even a few picnics. It has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my cooler setup.
There are virtually no signs of wear and tear. The powder coating has held up perfectly, showing no signs of rust or corrosion. The basket itself remains structurally sound. Cleaning is incredibly easy; I simply hose it off after each trip.
Compared to my previous cooler experiences, the Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket is a significant upgrade. It keeps my food and bait dry and organized, extending their shelf life and preventing waste. It far outperforms just throwing things into the cooler.
Breaking Down the Features of Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket
Specifications
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket is designed specifically for use in Pelican 70 QT coolers. It has a simple, yet effective design. Key specs include:
- Fits 70 QT coolers: Designed to precisely fit within Pelican 70 QT coolers, ensuring a secure and stable placement.
- Powder coated: The durable powder coating provides excellent resistance to corrosion, rust, and scratches, ensuring longevity and reliable performance in harsh environments.
- Removable and washable: The basket is easily removable for cleaning and can be washed with soap and water, making maintenance a breeze.
- Corrosion resistant: Constructed with materials that resist corrosion, making it ideal for use in marine environments or areas with high humidity.
- Keeps food or bait elevated and dry: Elevates the contents above the ice and water at the bottom of the cooler, keeping them dry and preventing spoilage.
These specifications are crucial for maintaining the quality of food and bait inside the cooler. The powder coating is essential for preventing rust. Proper fit ensures stability and prevents the basket from shifting during transport.
Performance & Functionality
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket performs its primary function flawlessly. It keeps the contents of the cooler elevated and dry. This drastically reduces the risk of food spoilage and bait contamination.
The basket’s design is straightforward, making it easy to use and access the contents. The only thing to improve would be offering different sizes. Different sizes would allow users to customize their dry/cold storage ratio. Overall, the performance greatly exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket has a simple, yet effective design. The materials used are high-quality. It is also easy to handle and maneuver within the cooler.
The open wire design allows for adequate airflow. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooler. There’s no learning curve; it’s intuitive and practical.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket is built to last. Its durable powder coating and sturdy construction ensure that it can withstand years of use. Regular maintenance is minimal; simply wash it with soap and water after each trip.
The basket is unlikely to require any repairs. The construction ensures a long lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket is a standalone product. There are no included accessories or customization options. However, it is compatible with all standard Pelican 70 QT coolers. This does include divider accessories.
Pros and Cons of Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket
Pros
- Keeps food and bait elevated and dry.
- Durable powder-coated finish resists corrosion.
- Easy to remove and clean.
- Perfect fit for Pelican 70 QT coolers.
- Simple, effective design.
Cons
- Only fits Pelican 70 QT coolers.
- No customization options (size, configuration).
Who Should Buy Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket?
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket is perfect for: pro anglers, avid campers, hunters, and anyone who frequently uses a Pelican 70 QT cooler. It’s ideal for those who want to keep their food and bait dry and organized. Anyone needing to prevent spoilage and contamination will benefit greatly.
This product might not be necessary for those who rarely use their cooler. People who only transport drinks may not have any benefit from the product. It’s also not suitable for coolers other than the Pelican 70 QT model.
A must-have accessory is the Pelican 70 QT cooler itself!
Conclusion on Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket
The Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket is a simple yet highly effective accessory. It is perfect for anyone who wants to maximize the functionality of their Pelican 70 QT cooler. It’s a durable, reliable, and easy-to-use solution. It will keep food and bait dry and organized.
At $27.49, the price is more than justified for the added convenience and peace of mind it provides. The price pays for itself by preventing wasted food/bait.
I would absolutely recommend the Pelican Dry Rack Wire Basket to anyone who owns a Pelican 70 QT cooler. It is the only way to go. Upgrade your cooler experience today – you won’t regret it!