What you need for a cooler box for solo camping
Depending on your mode of transport, if you're going by car or motorcycle, you can use the same items as for family camping. You don't need to worry too much about size; choose based on the amount of items you want to bring.
If you're going by bicycle or on foot, pay attention to size, and especially weight.
Fluctuations in weight directly impact the comfort of your trip.
Types of Cooler Boxes
Now, let's look at the types of cooler boxes.
Features of Hard-Type Coolers (Pros and Cons)
Pros
Cooling Power: Depending on the model, if you put in ice packs, you can leave in the morning and enjoy a cold beer while having a BBQ in the evening.
Durable: It's incredibly robust. It won't break even if handled a bit roughly during outdoor activities (within limits). If it's not hot, you can place things on the lid and use it as a table.
Cons
Takes up space when stored: When you return from camping and it's time to tidy up, the size of the cooler box can be a nuisance. Thanks to the insulation, the internal capacity is not as large as it looks, and it's inefficient to use it as a storage box.
Features of Soft-Type Coolers (Pros and Cons)
Pros
Lightweight: It's lighter compared to hard-type coolers. While hard-type coolers are also sufficiently light, they can't compete with soft-types. This is a significant advantage when moving by human power.
Doesn't take up much storage space: An empty soft cooler box can be flattened, so it doesn't pose a storage problem. It can fit into boxes or gaps between equipment.
Cons
Low cooling power: Compared to hard-type coolers, their cooling power isn't very high. Make sure to eat items chilled in the morning by lunchtime. For items like meat that can be frozen, it's necessary to freeze them to help keep them cold for as long as possible.
What is the appropriate capacity?
Choose a capacity based on 10-15 liters.
If it's too small, the cooling power will be weaker, and it won't hold as much as you'd expect.
Conversely, if it's too large, you might end up putting too many things in it and not being able to finish them all in one night.
I've experienced this "can't finish it all" situation before, and with no one else to eat it, I had to force myself to finish it.
Hunger is tough, but eating so much you can't move is also tough.
Material
Broadly speaking, there are three common types:
"Foam urethane," "Styrofoam," and "Thin silver mat (I couldn't recall the name), hereafter referred to as silver mat."
Each has its pros and cons, and the best choice varies from person to person.
Decide in consultation with your intended use and budget.
Cooling Power Capacity relative to external dimensions Initial CostFoam Urethane ◎ 〇 △
Styrofoam 〇 △ ◎
Silver Mat △ ◎ 〇
5 Recommended Cooler Boxes
Capacity Material Weight Price
LOGOS Cooler Bag Hyper Hyo-tenka Cooler
12L EVA, PP, PE, PVC, Nylon 900g
LOGOS Cooler Bag Hyper Hyo-tenka Cooler
Coleman Cooler Box 54QT Steel Belted Cooler
Snow Peak Soft Cooler 18 FP118
Among the three items introduced, this one falls right in the middle in terms of both price and size.
It's also the lightest of the three, making it perfect for those who want to travel by bicycle but sometimes want to relax in a car without worrying about luggage.
You could say it's the optimal solution for such people.
