The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan Made a Bold First Impression
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan promises rugged durability and exceptional ice retention, a siren song to any outdoor enthusiast. Pelican is a brand synonymous with quality and resilience, and this cooler aims to deliver on that reputation. My interest was piqued by its robust design and the promise of keeping provisions cold for extended periods in the field.
I’ve always struggled with keeping food and drinks adequately chilled during extended hunting trips in the back country. Standard coolers often fail, leading to wasted food and warm beverages. I needed a cooler that could withstand the rigors of the outdoors and keep its contents cold for several days, a challenge I hoped the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan could meet.
Upon unboxing, the cooler’s build quality was immediately apparent. The injection-molded construction felt incredibly sturdy, and the hunter green/tan color scheme gave it a tactical, outdoorsy aesthetic. Its substantial weight hinted at the thick insulation within, further fueling my expectations of superior performance.
Compared to my older Coleman cooler and a smaller Yeti I own, the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan stood out due to its seemingly bombproof construction. While the Yeti focuses on premium aesthetics and the Coleman prioritizes affordability, the Pelican appeared to strike a balance between durability and practicality. I chose it because of Pelican’s reputation for producing gear that can withstand serious abuse, something critical for my adventures.
My first impression was one of guarded optimism. The cooler looked and felt like a high-quality product, but the true test would be its performance in the field. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan on a four-day fishing trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northern Minnesota. The cooler needed to keep food and beverages cold with only a single initial ice load. We subjected it to hot days, cool nights, and the constant jostling of canoe travel.
The cooler performed exceptionally well in the BWCAW. Even after four days of exposure to the elements, a significant amount of ice remained, and the food and drinks were refreshingly cold. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan easily handled the demands of a remote wilderness setting.
Using the cooler was straightforward, though its size and weight required two people to comfortably carry it when fully loaded. I did not experience any unexpected issues beyond what you’d anticipate from a cooler of this size. Its robust latches and non-slip feet instilled confidence in its dependability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan has proven to be exceptionally durable. It has accompanied me on numerous camping trips, hunting expeditions, and even backyard barbecues. It has shown no significant signs of wear and tear.
The cooler’s construction has held up incredibly well. There are no cracks, dents, or other damage despite rough handling and exposure to harsh conditions. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is built to last, even with frequent use.
Cleaning the cooler is relatively easy. The smooth interior surfaces wipe down quickly, and the drain plug efficiently removes melted ice water. Maintaining the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is a breeze.
In comparison to my previous coolers, the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan far outperforms them in ice retention and durability. It has exceeded my expectations, making it a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan
Specifications
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Color: Hunter Green/Tan. This color scheme offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing look for outdoor use.
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Dimensions: 36″X20.3″X21″. This size provides ample storage space while remaining manageable for transportation.
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Material: Injection Molded. This manufacturing process creates a strong and durable cooler body.
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Size: 70 Quart. This capacity can accommodate a large amount of food and beverages, suitable for extended trips.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the cooler’s performance and user experience. The injection-molded construction ensures the cooler can withstand rough handling, while the 70-quart capacity makes it ideal for multi-day adventures. The hunter green/tan color blends well with outdoor environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan excels at its primary function: keeping contents cold for extended periods. Its thick insulation and tight seal minimize ice melt, ensuring food and drinks stay fresh for days. It is a reliable and capable cooler.
One strength is its exceptional ice retention, even in warm weather conditions. A minor weakness is its considerable weight when fully loaded, requiring two people for comfortable carrying. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan largely meets its advertised performance claims, making it a solid choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan features a rugged and functional design. The heavy-duty latches, molded-in handles, and non-slip feet are thoughtfully designed and well-executed. Its build quality is outstanding.
The cooler is user-friendly, requiring no special knowledge or skills to operate. The drain plug is easily accessible, and the interior is simple to clean. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan has a minimal learning curve, and its ergonomic design enhances usability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is built to last for many years. Its injection-molded construction and robust components ensure long-term reliability. Investing in a high quality product like this is key.
The cooler requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning after each use and occasional lubrication of the hinges will keep it in good working order. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is designed for durability and ease of maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, focusing instead on core performance. Some users might consider adding aftermarket dividers or baskets to optimize internal organization. The cooler itself accepts no specific custom modifications.
While Pelican offers various accessories for their coolers in general, compatibility with the IM 70 Quart Elite should be verified prior to purchase. The absence of extensive customization options is not a significant drawback, given the cooler’s inherent capabilities. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is intended to be a standalone, highly functional cooler.
Pros and Cons of Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan
Pros
- Exceptional ice retention capabilities. The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan keeps ice frozen for days, even in warm weather.
- Extremely durable injection-molded construction. The cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions without damage.
- Rugged and functional design. Heavy-duty latches, molded-in handles, and non-slip feet enhance usability.
- Easy to clean and maintain. The smooth interior surfaces and drain plug simplify cleaning.
- Tactical hunter green/tan color scheme. The color provides a practical and aesthetically pleasing look.
Cons
- Significant weight when fully loaded. The cooler can be difficult to carry alone when filled with ice and contents.
- Relatively high price point. The cooler represents a significant investment compared to less durable options.
Who Should Buy Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan?
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is perfect for hunters, serious campers, and fishermen who need reliable, long-lasting ice retention. It’s ideal for anyone who values durability and performance above all else. Those who need a cooler that can withstand harsh conditions would greatly benefit from this cooler.
Casual picnickers or those who only need a cooler for short trips might find the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan to be overkill. Lighter, more affordable coolers would likely suffice for their needs. Those concerned about weight and cost might prefer a smaller, less robust option.
Must-have accessories would include ice packs for optimal cold retention, and potentially interior dividers for organization.
Conclusion on Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan
The Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan is an outstanding cooler that delivers on its promises of durability and ice retention. While its weight and price might be deterrents for some, its performance justifies the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Pelican’s long-standing reputation for quality holds true with this cooler.
The price is indeed justified if you need a cooler that can truly withstand abuse and keep contents cold for extended periods. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run, especially compared to frequently replacing cheaper coolers.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan to anyone who needs a reliable and durable cooler for demanding outdoor activities. If you’re tired of coolers that fail to perform, this is the solution. Upgrade your outdoor experience today with the Pelican Cooler IM 70 Quart Elite Hunter Green/Tan.