Renegade Cooler 20L Gray Review

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray Made a Bold First Impression

As someone entrenched in the world of outdoor and tactical gear for over a decade, I’ve seen countless coolers promise the impossible: extreme ice retention, bombproof durability, and innovative features. The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray, manufactured by Renegade, aims to deliver on all three, and its unique features like the FLOODLIGHT LED drain plug immediately piqued my interest. I needed a compact, rugged cooler for weekend camping trips and transporting sensitive equipment to remote locations, and the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray seemed like a strong contender to replace my aging (and frankly, underwhelming) cooler.

Unboxing the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray was an experience in itself. The Gray finish looks sharp and professional, and the cooler felt incredibly solid, hinting at the Toughskin roto molded construction. It was heavier than I expected for a 20L cooler, but that reinforced my impression of robustness and insulation capabilities.

I considered several other options before choosing the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray. The Yeti Roadie 24 was a strong competitor, known for its ice retention and brand recognition, but the higher price point and lack of innovative features like the LED drain plug made it less appealing. The RTIC 20 was another option, praised for its affordability and ice retention, but its overall construction seemed less robust than the Renegade. Ultimately, the combination of features, perceived durability, and a competitive price tag led me to choose the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The build quality felt top-notch, the ANCHORLOK latch design seemed secure, and the integrated LED drain plug was a clever and practical addition. I was excited to put the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Renegade Cooler 20L Gray to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray was a weekend camping trip in the Cascade Mountains. I packed it with ice, drinks, and perishable food for two people, and subjected it to varying conditions. The daytime temperatures hovered around 70°F, while nighttime temps dipped into the low 40s.

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray performed admirably. Everything stayed cold and fresh throughout the entire weekend. I especially appreciated the EZ-LIFT rope handles; they made carrying the cooler, even when fully loaded, surprisingly comfortable. I found the cooler easy to use. The latch design worked flawlessly even with gloved hands. My only initial issue was the slightly smaller interior space than I anticipated, but that was an easy adjustment with smart packing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. I’ve taken it on numerous camping trips, fishing expeditions, and even used it to transport temperature-sensitive medical supplies on a remote volunteer mission. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scuff marks, which is a testament to the Toughskin roto molded construction.

Cleaning the cooler is a breeze. The smooth interior surface wipes down easily, and the FLOODLIGHT LED drain plug makes draining melted ice incredibly convenient, especially in low-light conditions. Compared to my previous cooler, the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray offers significantly better ice retention, superior durability, and more practical features. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Renegade Cooler 20L Gray

Specifications

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray boasts a number of impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance and usability.

• Capacity: 20 Liters (21 Quarts) – Provides ample space for food, drinks, or equipment for a day trip or weekend adventure.
• Construction: Toughskin roto molded construction – Ensures exceptional durability and resistance to impacts, abrasions, and UV damage. This is a vital spec for protecting the cooler and its contents in harsh environments.
• Insulation: Fully insulated – Provides EXTREME multi-day ice retention, keeping contents cold for extended periods. This is a crucial feature for extended outdoor adventures.
• Latches: ANCHORLOK latch design – Provides a secure and reliable closure, preventing leaks and maintaining a tight seal. This prevents spills and maintains temperature.
• Handles: EZ-LIFT rope handles with oversized grips – Offers comfortable and secure carrying, even when the cooler is fully loaded. These handles make transport easy.
• Drain Plug: FLOODLIGHT 100 Lumen white LED drain plug light – Provides convenient illumination for draining the cooler in low-light conditions. This feature is innovative and extremely useful.
• Lid Design: FREEZSEAL lid design – Creates an airtight seal to maximize ice retention. This is a critical factor for maintaining cold temperatures.
• Feet: GUARD non-skid feet – Prevents the cooler from sliding around in your vehicle or on uneven surfaces. These feet offer stability and prevent damage.
• Hinge: DURAHINGE stainless steel lid hinge – Provides durable and reliable lid operation, resisting corrosion and wear. This feature ensures long-term reliability.
• Dimensions: 20.9″ L x 12.4″ W x 13.8″ H – Compact and portable size that fits easily in most vehicles. The compact size is advantageous for smaller vehicles.
• Removable Tray: Included – Helps to organize contents and keep items dry. This feature greatly improves the versatility of the cooler.
• Corner Tabs: Padlock compatible – Provides added security for protecting valuable contents. This offers increased peace of mind.

These specifications combine to create a cooler that is both durable and functional, making it well-suited for a variety of outdoor and tactical applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray excels in its primary function: keeping things cold. During my testing, I consistently achieved multi-day ice retention, even in warm weather conditions. The FREEZSEAL lid design and ample insulation effectively minimized heat transfer, keeping my drinks and food chilled for longer than expected.

The FLOODLIGHT LED drain plug is a standout feature. It provides ample light for draining the cooler at night, eliminating the need for a flashlight. The ANCHORLOK latches are secure and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. The EZ-LIFT rope handles make carrying the cooler comfortable and manageable.

One area for potential improvement is the interior space. While the 20L capacity is adequate for most uses, the thick insulation walls reduce the usable space slightly. Strategic packing is essential to maximize capacity.

Design & Ergonomics

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray boasts a robust and functional design. The Toughskin roto molded construction gives it a rugged and durable feel. The Gray color is aesthetically pleasing and blends well in outdoor environments. The cooler is relatively heavy, which is a trade-off for its exceptional insulation and durability.

The EZ-LIFT rope handles are well-designed and comfortable to grip. The GUARD non-skid feet prevent the cooler from sliding around in your vehicle or on uneven surfaces. The DURAHINGE stainless steel lid hinge ensures smooth and reliable lid operation.

The cooler is user-friendly and requires no learning curve. The latches are easy to open and close, and the drain plug is simple to operate. The removable tray is a convenient addition that helps to organize contents.

Durability & Maintenance

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray is built to last. The Toughskin roto molded construction provides exceptional resistance to impacts, abrasions, and UV damage. I expect this cooler to withstand years of use in demanding outdoor conditions.

Maintaining the cooler is simple. The smooth interior surface is easy to clean with soap and water. The drain plug can be easily removed for thorough cleaning. The DURAHINGE stainless steel lid hinge is resistant to corrosion and requires no maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray comes with a removable tray to help organize the cooler’s contents. While the Renegade offers no official customization accessories, the cooler itself, being a roto-molded design, could be further modified with aftermarket cooler accessories such as cup holders or fishing rod holders.

The padlock compatible corner tabs also allow for the addition of a padlock for theft prevention.

Pros and Cons of Renegade Cooler 20L Gray

Who Should Buy Renegade Cooler 20L Gray?

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray is perfect for:

• Campers and hikers who need a reliable cooler to keep food and drinks cold on multi-day trips.
• Fishermen who need a durable cooler to store their catch.
• Hunters who need a rugged cooler to transport game.
• Anyone who needs a portable cooler for tailgating, picnics, or other outdoor activities.

Who should skip this product?

• Someone who needs a very lightweight cooler.
• Someone who needs maximum interior space and is willing to sacrifice ice retention.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A high-quality ice pack to maximize ice retention.
• A padlock for added security when storing valuable contents.

Conclusion on Renegade Cooler 20L Gray

The Renegade Cooler 20L Gray is a well-designed and durable cooler that delivers on its promises. Its EXTREME multi-day ice retention, Toughskin roto molded construction, and innovative features like the FLOODLIGHT LED drain plug make it a standout product in its class.

At $139.99, the price is justified by the cooler’s exceptional performance, durability, and features. While the interior space is slightly limited and the cooler is relatively heavy, these are minor drawbacks compared to its many advantages.

I would personally recommend the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray to anyone looking for a reliable and durable cooler for outdoor adventures. It’s a solid investment that will provide years of dependable service. Upgrade your cooling game. Get the Renegade Cooler 20L Gray today!