What Makes Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models Stand Out?
The Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models is Pelican’s offering in the premium, personal-sized cooler market, promising extreme ice retention and legendary durability. It aims to bring the same rugged protection Pelican is known for in their cases to a cooler perfect for day trips, tailgating, or keeping vital supplies cold in the field. This cooler’s cement/white color scheme also sets it apart, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic compared to some of the more utilitarian-looking coolers on the market.
I needed a compact, durable cooler that could actually keep ice for extended periods during hot summer months on the range, and my cheap coolers were failing miserably. I was specifically looking for something smaller than my larger rotomolded cooler, but with similar performance in terms of ice retention. This Pelican cooler seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
The Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, well-protected with packing materials. My initial impression was that the cooler felt incredibly solid, almost over-engineered for its size. The cement/white color scheme looked great, and the latches felt robust and secure.
I considered the Yeti Roadie 24 and the RTIC 20qt cooler. Ultimately, I chose the Pelican due to Pelican’s reputation for extreme durability, their lifetime guarantee, and the integrated cup holders. The Yeti was appealing, but the price was higher and the RTIC felt slightly less robust.
I was definitely excited, yet cautiously optimistic. Having been burned by “high-performance” coolers before, I was hoping the Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler would live up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler on a sweltering summer day at the outdoor shooting range. I pre-chilled the cooler overnight with a bag of ice, then packed it with 12 cans of soda, a few water bottles, and a 5lb bag of ice. The cooler sat in direct sunlight for approximately 6 hours, with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even in the extreme heat, the ice retention was impressive. After 6 hours, most of the ice was still solid, and the drinks were ice-cold. The Press & Pull Latches were easy to operate, even with gloved hands.
I didn’t need any time to get used to it. The cooler is straightforward and intuitive. I did notice that the white exterior showed dirt relatively easily from being on the range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler has proven to be remarkably durable. I have used it for everything from weekend camping trips to fishing expeditions and it still looks nearly new. The exterior has held up well, with only minor scuffs and scratches.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The latches still function perfectly, and the freezer-grade seal remains tight. It’s very easy to clean; a quick wipe-down with soap and water is all it takes.
It definitely outperforms any of the cheaper coolers I’ve owned in the past. My old coolers would have completely failed in the conditions the Pelican thrives in.
Breaking Down the Features of Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models
Specifications
- Capacity: 20 Quarts (approximately 19 Liters). This provides enough space for a day’s worth of drinks and snacks for one or two people.
- Color: Cement/White. The two-tone color scheme provides a modern aesthetic compared to single-color coolers.
- Drink Capacity: 15 Beverage Cans. This allows packing a decent amount of drinks.
- Construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene. Rotomolding creates a seamless, incredibly durable cooler body.
- Insulation: 2 inches of Polyurethane Insulation. This thick insulation is key to the cooler’s exceptional ice retention.
- Latches: Press & Pull Latches. These latches are secure and easy to use, even with gloves.
- Tie Downs: Molded-In Tie Downs. These provide secure attachment points for securing the cooler in a truck bed or boat.
- Feet: Non-Skid & Non-Marking Raised Feet. These prevent the cooler from sliding around and protect surfaces from scratches.
- Warranty: Guaranteed for Life. Pelican’s lifetime guarantee offers peace of mind and reflects their confidence in the product’s durability.
- Cup Holders: Integrated Cup Holders. Provide added convenience for holding drinks.
These specifications translate directly into real-world benefits. The rotomolded construction and thick insulation ensure exceptional durability and ice retention. The integrated cup holders and tie-downs add convenience and versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler performs exceptionally well at its primary job: keeping contents cold. The ice retention is genuinely impressive, often exceeding 24 hours even in hot conditions. The Press & Pull Latches create a tight seal, further enhancing its insulating capabilities.
There is nothing that needs significant improvement. It’s easy to use, reliably keeps things cold, and feels indestructible. It meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler is well-designed and feels solid in hand. The cement/white color scheme is aesthetically pleasing. The latches are easy to operate.
The build quality is excellent. The materials feel durable. The weight is reasonable for a cooler of this size and construction.
Durability & Maintenance
This cooler is built to last a lifetime, thanks to its rotomolded construction and robust components. It’s also incredibly easy to maintain. A quick wash with soap and water after each use is all it takes to keep it clean and looking its best.
The lifetime guarantee from Pelican further reinforces the expectation of long-term durability. Replacement parts, if ever needed, are generally available through Pelican.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler doesn’t come with many included accessories, but it doesn’t really need them. The built-in cup holders and tie-down slots are a nice touch. Aftermarket accessories like cooler dividers or baskets could be added for enhanced organization.
The cooler’s design is fairly standard, meaning it’s compatible with most universal cooler accessories from various brands. No specific modifications are really necessary.
Pros and Cons of Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models
Pros
- Exceptional Ice Retention: Keeps contents cold for extended periods.
- Extreme Durability: Rotomolded construction can withstand serious abuse.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Offers peace of mind.
- Secure Latches: Ensures a tight seal.
- Integrated Cup Holders: Adds convenience.
Cons
- White Exterior Shows Dirt: The white color can get dirty easily.
- Price: It’s more expensive than budget cooler options.
Who Should Buy Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models?
This cooler is perfect for hunters, anglers, campers, tailgaters, and anyone who needs a compact, durable cooler with excellent ice retention. It is especially useful for day trips or situations where space is limited. Pro anglers would benefit from the cooler’s ice retention to keep the day’s catch fresh.
Someone on a tight budget or who only needs a cooler for occasional use might skip this product. If you only need a cooler to keep things cold for a couple of hours, a cheaper option might suffice.
A must-have accessory is a cooler divider or basket for better organization of contents. Consider also a good quality ice pack for supplemental cooling.
Conclusion on Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models
The Pelican Im 20Qt Elite Cooler, Cement/White, – 1 out of 2 models is a premium cooler that delivers on its promises of extreme ice retention and exceptional durability. While it’s more expensive than some competitors, the lifetime guarantee and superior performance justify the price.
The value proposition is excellent if you need a cooler that can withstand abuse and keep contents cold for extended periods. Cheaper coolers simply cannot compete with the Pelican’s performance and build quality.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, compact cooler that’s built to last. If you’re tired of replacing cheap coolers every year, invest in a Pelican and never look back.