Rugged Road 25 Cooler Review – Lightweight, Durable, and Built for Adventure

If you’re in the market for a high-quality, portable cooler, the Rugged Road 25 Cooler might just be the perfect fit for your outdoor escapades. With a capacity of 24 cans or a 20-pound bag of ice and weighing only 5 pounds, this cooler is compact but tough, designed to keep your drinks cold and withstand the elements.

Rugged Road 25

What we liked:

Lightweight and Portable: At just 5 pounds, it’s easy to carry, even when filled with drinks and ice.
Reversible Lid: The option to use a ruler or cup holders is clever, catering to both anglers and casual users.
Floats Upright: Great for those who want peace of mind on water-based outings.
Size: It’s not overly large, making it ideal for smaller vehicles and limited spaces.
Bonus Bottle: The surprise addition of an 18-ounce bottle tucked inside was a nice touch!

What we didn’t like:

Price: Priced at over $200, the Rugged Road 25 is a premium cooler. While it offers durability, insulation, and a unique design, it’s significantly more expensive than basic generic coolers.

Specifications

Capacity – 25 cans with ice or a 20 lb bag of ice
Weight – 5 lbs
Dimensions – 18.2″ x 13.8″ x 11.9″

Video Review

Key Features of the Rugged Road 25 Cooler

Rugged Road gave us their new 25 cooler to try out. The 25 is a new compact design but still has all the features of their larger coolers, including advanced insulation and durability.

Let’s dig into the details of the Rugged Road 25.

1 – 25 Can Capacity

The Rugged Road 25 is named for how many cans it can carry. It can hold up to 24 cans with ice or a full 20-pound bag of ice. It’s lightweight construction makes it easy to carry around. It weighs in at 5 lbs empty.

It is big enough to carry enough drinks for a small Apres Ski or Bike get together without taking up the whole car.

The removable snack tray means you can keep some sandwiches and snacks from falling into the melted ice.

2 – High Performance Insulation To Keep Ice For 7 Days

Rugged Road claims this cooler can keep ice for up to 7 days under ideal conditions. We put that claim to the test. We filled up the cooler with a bunch of drinks, some ice packs, and a 5 lb bag of ice. We opened the cooler each day to see how long the ice would last.

In our test, it kept ice solid for three days. By the time we checked it at the end of day 4 all the ice had melted. The water temperature was still at a cool 55F. While it didn’t keep ice for a full week, you’ll still enjoy cold drinks for several days, which is perfect for weekend trips or short outdoor adventures.

2 – Durable and Rugged

Made from a resilient plastic material with a painted-on coating for extra durability, the Rugged Road 25 is built to last. Rugged Road refers to the coating as Rigorite. It gives the cooler a nice non-skid finish while at the same time making it tough and scratch resistant. It’s durable enough that you can use the lid as a cutting board without risking damage to the surface.

2 – Reversible Lid

One unique feature is its reversible lid—one side includes a fishing ruler (for those who like to catch and measure fish on the go) as well as a cutting board surface. The other side has cup holders and a handy tray area. So whether you’re fishing, camping, or picnicking, the lid design offers versatility. It only takes a few seconds to snap the lid off and flip it.

3 – Compact Size and Portability

One of the standout features of the Rugged Road 25 is its size. It’s compact enough to fit easily in the back seat or even the front seat, leaving plenty of space for other gear. It’s a convenient size that doesn’t take up too much room, making it easy to transport in your car, canoe, kayak, or even the back of a boat.

4 – Floats Upright

According to Rugged Road, this cooler floats upright, which can be a lifesaver if it falls overboard. You also use it as a swim up cooler while you hanging around the lake or beach with friends. We tested it, and it does indeed float right-side-up, even when it’s empty. A bunch of cans or bottles will act as ballast, making it more stable in the upright position.

This is a great feature for anyone who likes to take their cooler on the water.

4 – Detachable Handle and Tie-downs

For those who like options, the cooler comes with a detachable handle, which you can remove with a hex wrench. It also has loops where you can attach a shoulder strap if you prefer hands-free carrying. A shoulder strap is not included. These loops can also be used to tie down the cooler in your boat or car or wherever to keep it from bouncing around.

Conclusion

Overall, the Rugged Road 25 Cooler is a well-thought-out, high-performance cooler perfect for those who want a durable, portable, and compact option. It’s built to last, keeps drinks cold for days, and offers smart features like a reversible lid and detachable handle. While the price may be a drawback for some, the quality and convenience it offers make it worth the investment for avid adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.