Collapsible Coleman C006 Soft 40-Can Cooler

While the Coleman brand is still one of the most well-known in the outdoor industry, and they sell a variety of coolers, they aren’t exactly known for producing the best-performing, highest-quality gear these days.

While this soft 40-can collapsible cooler is no exception, there are a lot of things we like about it, and it’s extremely useful if used for the right purposes and with the right expectations.

Expect to find a more packable or collapsible ice chest than this one for the size (14″ x 11.4″ x 12.3″ – holds up to about 40 cans). It folds down to the size of a small telephone book, making it ideal for travel or limited storage space.

We were also surprised to see that it’s made of heavy-duty 420D nylon for the price – don’t worry about it tearing even if you’re carrying it loaded down with ice and drinks.

On a hot day, don’t expect this cooler to hold ice for more than about three hours. And don’t be surprised if the ice begins to melt and leaks a little water through the bottom.

Red, Navy, and Grey are the three colors available.

Kelty Cooler (Folding)

In terms of quality, this one is a step up from the Coleman C006. It was made of closed-cell foam with a 600D ripstop polyester exterior, and it held ice for about 4-6 hours without leaking, unlike the Coleman.

It’s a little bulkier and more awkward to carry than the Coleman because it has a more rigid top and bottom. The increased rigidity, on the other hand, allows for some cool extra features like built-in can holders on the lid and the ability to use it as a footrest while relaxing in your camping chair. This one draws the line perfectly between soft coolers and hard coolers.

This would be an excellent folding cooler for picnics or car camping, where portability is essential but performance and added functionality are desired.

Instructions for unfolding:

To open the cooler, release the toggles and unzip the collapsed cooler.

Inside foam panels, fold upward and velcro together.

Pull the waterproof liner up and secure it with velcro.

Pull up the exterior fabric and secure it to the foam panels with velcro.

Models and sizes available:

40 or 70 cans can be stored in a 25 or 45-liter container, respectively.

Models with a slightly different design (probably an earlier iteration) are available in 17, 27, or 55-liter capacities. The smallest one holds approximately 18 quarts, measures 16.5′′ x 9.5′′ x 12.5′′, holds up to 20 cans with room for ice and weighs 3 lbs 4 oz / 1.5 kg. The largest one is approximately 38-QT, measures 19.3′′ x 10.5′′ x 14′′, holds up to 36 cans with room for ice, weighs 4lb 3.5oz / 1.9kg, and measures 19.3′′ x 10.5′′ x 14′′.

Check out our in-depth Kelty folding cooler review for more information.

Oh, and one of our favorite features is that it includes two Kelty can cookies!

What good is a hard-sided cooler if you have to burn all your beer money to buy it—and if said beer makes it too heavy to carry? Get the Camp Cooler and chill your stuff without the fuss. This lightweight, soft-sided cooler has been redesigned to deliver even more bang for your buck, with improved insulation, more cup holders and festival-ready colors. Even better: when empty, the Camp Cooler collapses to a height of 4”—so you can reclaim your space on the ride home.

• Chill your drinks without freezing your assets
• Ice retention: 36+ hours
• Comes in two sizes (45L and 25L) to fuel any kind of adventure
• Superior insulation for cold beers after your hike (or nap)
• Collapses for easy storage when not in use with semi-rigid sides
• 45L holds 70 cans of beer; 25L holds 40 cans of beer (ice not included)
• Easy carry handles and 4 strategically placed cup holders, bc #priorities

25 L:

• Weight: 3 lb 7 oz / 1.56 kg
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 13 x 11.5 in / 37 x 33 x 29 cm

45 L:

• Weight: 4 lb 2 oz / 1.87 kg
• Dimensions: 20.5 x 14.5 x 13.5 in / 52 x 37 x 34 cm