First Thoughts on the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone promises to be more than just a simple ice chest. With its large capacity and all-terrain wheels, it’s designed for hauling serious amounts of food and drink across any landscape. The Igloo brand has been a staple in the cooler market for decades, so I was eager to see if this model lived up to the hype and addressed some common pain points of lugging coolers around.
I’ve spent countless hours hauling coolers across beaches, through campsites, and over uneven terrain. My biggest frustrations have always been small wheels that get stuck, uncomfortable handles, and insufficient storage space for extended trips. The promise of “never-flat” wheels and a telescoping handle on the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone immediately caught my attention.
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone arrived in a large cardboard box. My initial impression was that it was bigger than I expected, but not overwhelmingly so. The “Bone” color is a nice, neutral off-white. The build quality felt sturdy, with a robust plastic shell and thick insulation. Compared to my old rolling cooler with flimsy plastic wheels, this felt like a significant upgrade. I was choosing between this and the Yeti Tundra Haul, and the Coleman Rugged A/T Wheel Cooler; the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone won because of its combination of features and lower price point, though the Yeti’s ice retention is legendary, and the Coleman is known for its affordability.
I was excited to put the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone through its paces. I was optimistic that it would solve my cooler-hauling woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone on a weekend camping trip to a state park with rough, unpaved trails. It was immediately apparent that the 10-inch wheels lived up to their “never-flat” claim. The cooler rolled effortlessly over rocks, roots, and sandy patches that would have stopped my old cooler dead in its tracks.
The telescoping handle proved to be a back-saver. The handle’s horizontal design allowed me to pull the cooler with much less strain. One minor issue I noticed was that the handle, when fully extended, had a bit of wobble. This didn’t affect its functionality, but it was noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone has held up remarkably well. The plastic shell shows no signs of cracking or warping, despite being subjected to bumps and scrapes. Cleaning the cooler is relatively easy. A quick rinse with a hose and a wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes.
The ice retention, while not quite on par with higher-end coolers like Yeti, is still impressive. On a typical summer weekend, I found that ice lasted for about three days with minimal melting, provided I kept the cooler out of direct sunlight. It outperforms my older coolers significantly.
Breaking Down the Features of Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone
Specifications
- Capacity: 70 quarts, fitting up to 112 cans. This is a significant amount of space, perfect for extended trips or large gatherings.
- Wheels: 10-inch, never-flat, smooth-ride wheels. These wheels are the key to the cooler’s all-terrain capabilities.
- Handle: Horizontal dual-trigger steel Glide handle with locking and telescoping functions. The handle provides superior leverage and comfort, making it much easier to pull.
- Insulation: THERMECOOL foam in body & lid. THERMECOOL foam offers good ice retention while being environmentally friendly.
- Tie-Down Hooks: Located on the lid for securing additional cargo. These hooks add versatility, allowing you to carry items like chairs or towels.
Performance & Functionality
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone excels at its primary function: keeping contents cold while being easy to transport. The large capacity and rugged wheels make it ideal for situations where you need to move a lot of refreshments over challenging terrain. The ice retention is adequate for most weekend trips, although serious adventurers might want to supplement with extra ice packs in extreme conditions.
One potential area for improvement is the handle wobble when fully extended. It doesn’t hinder functionality. It just feels less refined than some higher-priced alternatives.
Design & Ergonomics
The cooler has a functional and utilitarian design. The Bone color is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with outdoor environments. The handle is comfortable to grip. It feels well-balanced when pulling a fully loaded cooler.
The cooler’s size might be a drawback for some. It’s not the most compact option.
Durability & Maintenance
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone appears to be built to last. The thick plastic shell can withstand considerable abuse. The wheels seem durable enough to handle years of use. The cooler is easy to clean with standard household cleaning products.
The handle mechanism might be the most vulnerable part, but it feels solid and well-constructed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone doesn’t come with many accessories. The tie-down hooks are compatible with standard bungee cords. Aftermarket accessories like cooler dividers or cup holders could enhance its functionality. Unfortunately, Igloo doesn’t offer specific custom accessories for the Trailmate Journey.
Pros and Cons of Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone
Pros
- Excellent all-terrain mobility thanks to the large, never-flat wheels.
- Comfortable and ergonomic Glide handle reduces strain when pulling.
- Large 70-quart capacity provides ample storage for extended trips.
- THERMECOOL insulation offers good ice retention for its price point.
- Tie-down hooks add versatility for carrying extra gear.
Cons
- Handle can wobble slightly when fully extended.
- Ice retention is not as long-lasting as premium coolers like Yeti.
- The cooler is fairly large. It might be difficult to store in smaller vehicles.
Who Should Buy Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone?
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone is perfect for:
- Campers who need to transport food and drinks across uneven terrain.
- Tailgaters who want a cooler that can handle parking lot surfaces.
- Anglers who need to keep their catch cold on the way back from the lake.
- Anyone who wants a large-capacity cooler that is easy to move around.
Who should skip this product?
- Those prioritizing ultimate ice retention over portability.
- Individuals with limited storage space who need a compact cooler.
A must-have accessory is a set of high-quality bungee cords for utilizing the tie-down hooks. Consider adding cooler dividers if you want to organize the interior space more effectively.
Conclusion on Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone is a well-designed and functional cooler. It successfully addresses the challenge of transporting large quantities of food and drinks across difficult terrain. The price of $295.99 is justified by its features and build quality. It offers a compelling balance of performance, durability, and convenience.
I would definitely recommend the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-move cooler. It’s a great choice for camping, tailgating, fishing, and any other outdoor activity where you need to keep your refreshments cold and accessible. Invest in the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone and make hauling your gear a breeze.