Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone Review

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve encountered countless coolers promising peak performance and rugged durability. The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone, however, piqued my interest with its claims of superior traction, effortless pulling, and eco-friendly insulation. It’s a cooler designed for the journey, not just the destination.

My trusty old cooler, while reliable, lacked the mobility needed for beach trips with soft sand and uneven terrain. I needed something that could handle the challenge, so I went looking for a cooler with larger wheels and a comfortable pulling system.

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone arrived in a sizable box, and unpacking it revealed a well-constructed unit. The “Bone” color gave it a clean, modern look, and the substantial wheels hinted at its all-terrain capabilities. The Glide handle felt sturdy and well-engineered.

Compared to standard coolers with small, hard plastic wheels, the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone stood out immediately. I considered the Yeti Tundra Haul, but its price point was significantly higher. I also looked at the Coleman Xtreme Wheeled Cooler, but its wheels appeared less robust. The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone seemed to offer the best balance of features and value.

My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise and excitement. This wasn’t just another cooler; it felt like a mobile basecamp ready for adventure. I was eager to load it up and put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test for the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone was a weekend fishing trip to a remote beach access point. The terrain consisted of soft sand, grassy dunes, and a rocky shoreline. I loaded the cooler with ice, drinks, and enough food for two days.

The large, never-flat wheels performed admirably on the sandy sections where other coolers would have bogged down. Pulling the loaded cooler across the soft sand was surprisingly easy thanks to the leverage provided by the Glide handle. There were no issues with stability, even on slightly uneven surfaces.

The handle’s locking and telescoping features provided a comfortable grip, and I quickly adjusted it to my preferred height. After the first use, I noticed some minor scuff marks on the plastic body, but nothing significant.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. I’ve taken it on camping trips, tailgates, and even used it as a mobile workstation for outdoor photography shoots.

The cooler has endured exposure to sun, rain, and even a light dusting of snow without any degradation of its performance or structural integrity. While the exterior plastic shows minor scratches and blemishes from regular use, the insulation remains effective. Cleaning the cooler is simple; a quick rinse with soap and water is usually sufficient.

Compared to my previous coolers, the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone offers superior mobility and better ice retention. The larger capacity means fewer trips to the store for ice, and the all-terrain wheels make previously inaccessible locations reachable.

Breaking Down the Features of Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone

Specifications

• The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone boasts a spacious 70-quart capacity. This allows for storage of up to 112 standard 12-ounce cans, perfect for extended trips.
• It features 10-inch, never-flat, smooth-ride wheels. These wheels provide superior traction and ground clearance on challenging terrains like sand and gravel.
• The cooler has a horizontal dual-trigger steel Glide handle. This handle locks, telescopes, and reduces pulling effort by 50%.
• THERMECOOL foam is used as insulation in the body and lid. This eco-friendly insulation delivers superior ice retention performance.
• Tie-down hooks are included for securing additional gear. These hooks allow you to haul towels, chairs, or surfboards, adding versatility to your outings (bungees/ropes not included).

Performance & Functionality

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone excels at its primary function: keeping contents cold for extended periods. The THERMECOOL foam insulation is remarkably effective.

The large wheels and Glide handle make transporting the cooler across various terrains surprisingly easy. The cooler is stable and the handle feels comfortable, even when fully loaded. The tie-down hooks provide welcome versatility for carrying extra items.

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone exceeds expectations in terms of mobility and ease of use. The ice retention is competitive with other high-end coolers in its class.

Design & Ergonomics

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone is constructed from durable, high-impact plastic. Its weight is manageable, considering its size and features.

The Glide handle is ergonomically designed and comfortable to grip, even for extended periods. The cooler is relatively user-friendly; however, figuring out the handle’s locking mechanism takes a minute.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust construction of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone suggests it will withstand years of use. The never-flat wheels eliminate the risk of punctures or air leaks.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wash with soap and water is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The UV inhibitors in the plastic help prevent fading and cracking over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone does not come with many additional accessories. However, third-party accessories such as cup holders and cutting boards can be purchased separately.

The tie-down hooks allow for securing various types of gear, effectively expanding the cooler’s carrying capacity. The standard design is compatible with many generic cooler accessories available on the market.

Pros and Cons of Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone

Who Should Buy Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone?

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone is perfect for: outdoor enthusiasts, campers, tailgaters, anglers, and anyone who needs a mobile and spacious cooler. It excels in scenarios where traditional wheeled coolers struggle.

Those who prioritize lightweight portability over all-terrain capabilities might want to consider a smaller, non-wheeled cooler. Individuals who rarely venture off paved surfaces may find the large wheels unnecessary.

A must-have accessory is a set of bungee cords or rope for utilizing the tie-down hooks effectively. A good ice pack alternative can help extend ice retention even further.

Conclusion on Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone is a well-designed and highly functional cooler that delivers on its promises. Its superior mobility, spacious capacity, and impressive ice retention make it a valuable asset for any outdoor adventure.

At $295.99, the price is justified by the cooler’s robust construction, all-terrain capabilities, and overall performance. It offers a compelling alternative to higher-priced competitors.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70QT Cooler – Bone to anyone seeking a reliable and versatile cooler for their outdoor pursuits. Get yours today and elevate your next adventure!