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Solo Stove vs Bushbuddy

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Bushbuddy (see image) offers ultra-lightweight stoves that any backpacker would obsess over.

Portable wood-burning stoves have come a long way over the years. Nobody knows this better than Solo Stove and Bushbuddy. These two brands have built up a huge fan base thanks to their efficient, lightweight, portable stoves. But which brand is better?

Bushbuddy has been around for decades, handcrafting quality ultralight backpacking stoves. Their lightest offering weighs a mere 4.5 ounces. Meanwhile, Solo Stove has blown up since their initial Kickstarter. And so has their product line. They produce everything from lightweight backpacking wood-burning stoves to cookware.

Backstory

Solo Stove

Founded by brothers Jeff and Spencer Jan, Solo Stove was born in Dallas, Texas, in 2011. Since the launch of their first Kickstarter campaign, they’ve built up quite the cult following.

The Jan brother’s motivation came from the desire to create an ultralight backpacking stove that could boil water in minimal time. That and create one that uses sticks as fuel.

This sparked the creation of the Solo Stove Lite. This was the first in a line of many products geared toward outdoor enthusiasts.

Bushbuddy

Bushbuddy has been around since 1999. The company was founded in Canada by a man named Fritz Handel.

At the time, Handel had been using a wood stove that ran on batteries. Not exactly ideal for the backcountry.

Handel decided to improve this shortcoming by designing a portable wood stove with no batteries required. He handcrafted numerous models before developing what would become the Bushbuddy Stove.

Although Handel is now retired, Bushbuddy still handcrafts all their stoves. Today, they operate out of an off-grid workshop in Alaska.

You can find out more about the creation of Bushbuddy and Handel’s fascinating story here.  

Product Lineup

Both Bushbuddy and Solo Stove use a double-wall design constructed from stainless steel. That said, the Solo Stove (see image) products have a thicker wall.

A quick glance at the product lineup, and you’ll notice Solo Stove has quite the offerings. Their products range from portable wood-burning camp stoves to fire pits to grilling accessories.

They’re also now offering a cookware line. I purchased the Solo Stove 2 Pot Set about a year ago and am loving it.

This set is compatible with the Lite and Titan. I find it also works with a standard propane camping stove. Due to the size, I wouldn’t recommend taking the 2 Pot Set backpacking.

Bushbuddy is much more limited in products. Yet what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality.

Their stoves are all handmade in the USA. Currently, they offer two wood-burning camp stoves with matching pots. These are the Bushbuddy Mini and the Bushbuddy Stove.

The Mini is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for the solo backpacker. 

Even the Stove is exceptionally small. Small enough that it nests inside the Snow Peak 900 and TOAKS 15mm.

Design

There is controversy about whether Solo Stove ripped off Bushbuddy’s design. 

While I can’t attest to whether there’s any truth behind this claim, I can attest to the similarities in design.

Solo Stove and Bushbuddy both feature rocket stove technology. If you’re unfamiliar, the idea behind a rocket stove is that fire will burn more efficiently with less smoke. This is achieved by using an insulated simple combustion chamber.

To the naked eye, Solo Stove and Bushbuddy camp stoves look almost identical. However, Solo Stove has updated the air intake holes along the bottom of their newer models, giving products a more distinct look.

Both Bushbuddy and Solo Stove use a double-wall design constructed from stainless steel. That said, the Solo Stove products have a thicker wall.

Solo Stove uses 304 stainless steel to make their products. Bushbuddy products are “made from a high-quality stainless steel.” The Mini is specifically made from lightweight titanium.

Weight

Bushbuddy (see image) has been around for decades, handcrafting quality ultralight backpacking stoves. Their lightest offering weighs a mere 4.5 ounces. 

Bushbuddy is superior in weight. Their lightest stove is the Mini which is only 4.5 ounces. No joke!

Solo Stove’s lightest option, the Lite, weighs a bit more at 9 ounces. That’s still heavier than even the 6.4 ounces Bushbuddy Stove.

This isn’t that big of a deal if you’re transporting the stove from car to camp.

But for backpackers, ounces quickly add up to pounds. You’ll appreciate the lighter Mini on a multi-day backpacking or thru-hiking trip.

Price

Bushbuddy is the pricier brand of the two. 

While their price point isn’t vastly different, those who don’t have specific brand loyalty are more likely to opt for Solo Stove. Solo Stove has a very similar design and works just as efficiently.

That said, if you prefer handcrafted goods, Bushbuddy is a better buy. Especially if you’re a backpacker, their stoves will save you weight and space in your pack.

Who It’s For

Solo Stove (see image) is targeted more toward the general outdoor community. This includes campers, backpackers, beachgoers, picnickers, barbecue lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Both companies are for any outdoor enthusiast looking to burn sustainably. What defines them are their differences in process, product, and mission.

Bushbuddy is pure craftsmanship. They state they don’t rely on “aggressive advertising.”

Peruse their website, and you’ll get the feeling they're geared toward the survivalist, bushcraft, and backpacking crowd. That and anyone who can appreciate products handmade in the USA

Solo Stove is targeted more toward the general outdoor community. This includes campers, backpackers, beachgoers, picnickers, barbecue lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Which brand is right for you is purely a matter of lifestyle and preference. Personally, I dig the Bushbuddy Mini for backpacking but love the Solo Stove Bonfire for camping.

Conclusion

Bushbuddy and Solo Stove both offer terrific portable wood-burning stoves. Each produces quality products that burn efficiently, creating less smoke.

Which is better is a matter of lifestyle choices. Bushbuddy offers ultra-lightweight stoves that any backpacker would obsess over. Meanwhile, Solo Stove offers more products and accessories tailoring to your activity-specific outdoor needs. Each filling a niche worthy of building a fire.  

Solo Stove Lite vs Titan

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The Solo Stove Titan (see image) is also very portable. It clocks in at 16.5 ounces and 7.9 inches tall. 

The moment I tested my first Solo Stove, I was sold. From efficient burning to smoke reduction, Solo Stove makes some incredible wood burning stoves. The Solo Stove Lite and Titan are no exception. These are both quality options, but don’t put off as much heat as a traditional fire pit. For that, you’ll want to go with the Solo Stove Bonfire.

If you’re looking for a portable wood burning stove you can’t go wrong with either the Solo Stove Lite or Titan. The Solo Stove Lite is the OG Solo Stove. It weighs less than 1 pound and can boil water for 2 people in under 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the 16.5 ounce Solo Stove Titan can feed up to a group of 4 people.

Cooking 

For warmth, the Solo Stove Lite is about as good as a hand warmer for a solo camper. But that’s not what it’s technically made for.

The Solo Stove Lite can feed about 2 people. Light the fire and you’ll have water boiling in about 6 minutes.

You could even fit a 12 inch cast iron skillet on top and not worry about stability. Keep in mind you’ll need to keep the stove burning.

The smaller size means you need to add wood constantly. For this reason, it’s better for cooking quick meals.

With the Solo Stove Titan, you’ll be able to add some more fuel to the fire. This makes it better for feeding up to 4 people.

As for boiling time, this will take about 10 minutes. Considering the wind is on your side.

Obviously, neither of these are ideal for feeding large groups. Or keeping the family warm for that matter.

To find the right size to suit your needs, the Solo Stove fire pit finder can help.

Portability

The Solo Stove Lite (see image) is the OG Solo Stove. It weighs less than 1 pound and can boil water for 2 people in under 10 minutes.

Call me biased, but I love the Solo Stove Lite.

The compact size is highly portable and weighs less than a single pound. I mean, you could carry it with a single finger if you really wanted to.

I dig that you can stuff the Solo Stove Lite in a backpacking pack and still have space for other gear. The entire stove is less than 6 inches tall.

The Solo Stove Titan is also very portable. It clocks in at 16.5 ounces and 7.9 inches tall. Switch it out for a traditional propane car camping stove and you’ll save some space.

Either way, both options have excellent portability.

Use

Solo Stove Lite was designed with backpacking in mind. This ultralight stove is super lightweight.

Plus, there is no need to carry or refill gas canisters. All you need is to find some twiggy stuff lying around. This is like music to the ears for the sustainable, ultralite crowd.

I always pack my Solo Stove Lite on camping trips. It’s good for a quick morning at camp while you’re getting ready to explore.

The Solo Stove Titan is also an option for backpacking if you’re hiking with a larger group.

But if you’re the type to saw off your toothbrush handle to save weight, you’ll want to go with the Solo Stove Lite.

Aside from that, the Solo Stove Titan is excellent for car camping. Or cooking outdoors anywhere you can have an open flame. You can feed a couple of friends at a small gathering or use it for some ambiance.

Speaking from experience, both of these are great backup options if you run out of propane or the power goes out at home.

Just keep in mind neither of these will be an option during a burn ban.

Value

The Solo Stove Titan (see image) is excellent for car camping or cooking outdoors anywhere you can have an open flame. You can feed a couple of friends at a small gathering or use it for some ambiance.

Are the Solo Stove Lite or Titan worth the price? I’d say hell yes they are!

The Solo Stove Lite and Titan are well built, durable, and feature phenomenal technology. They output less smoke than other wood burning stoves. They also offer a more complete burn.

You can fuel them with twigs, sticks, or pinecones which reduces fuel on the ground and saves money on gas. The downside is you need to find a ton of dry sticks to keep these stoves burning.

Bearing all that in mind, the Solo Stove Lite and Titan come at a great price.

The Solo Stove Lite will save you more money, space, and weight. Go with the Solo Stove Titan and you can enjoy more heat and feed more people.

Either way, you’ll be awestruck by the cool dancing patterns of the flames once the stove gets roaring.

Conclusion 

There are numerous reasons to invest in a portable wood burning stove. And even if there weren’t, the Solo Stove Lite and Titan are reason enough.

The Solo Stove Lite is an ultralight option that can feed a couple of backpackers within minutes. That way, you can get back on trail. Plan a trip with another couple and the Solo Stove Titan will be the better choice.

Whether you pack super light or just light, both of these stoves can be added to your gear collection for a reasonable price.

Cabela’s Cooler vs YETI

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Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 100-Quart Cooler is very close to what we would call the "standard cooler anatomy". 

Cooler is the men’s best friend outdoors, and it’s common to get confused on what to get with so many brands out there. 

In this comprehensive comparison of Cabela’s Cooler vs YETI, I will get into the details to help you to choose the suitable one for your needs.

In summary, both YETI and Cabela’s Hard Coolers provide great ice retention and they both are bear-proof, high-end coolers, differences are the small features such as YETI’s Tie-down slots or Cabela’s integrated bottle opener T-Latches. 

That is NOT the case with soft coolers though. YETI makes high-end, durable soft coolers that offer a minimum of a day of ice retention whereas Cabela’s soft coolers are less durable and offer lower ice retention capacity but they’re more budget-friendly. 

  • USEFUL YETI TOOL! The Cooler Finder:

https://www.yeti.com/en_US/cooler-finder?cooler_finder=launch 


Highly recommended before you spend your hard earned money. 

Quick Histories of Both Brands

History of YETI

Although YETI is the market leader now, the brand wasn’t even in the market up until roughly 15 years ago. The brand was founded by two outdoor enthusiast brothers in 2006 and because YETI coolers offer the ‘whole package’, the brand, now is the decision-maker in the cooler market.

History of Cabela’s

Cabela’s history goes back to the ’60s and unlike YETI, Cabela’s is not only popular for its coolers, but the brand also offers a wide range of outdoor products.

Cabela’s history starts in 1961 with 45$ purchase of 3000 hand-tied fishing lures and in 60 years, it grew into a 3 billion-dollar company. It is now one of the biggest players in the outdoor, fishing, and sports market.

YETI Coolers Review

The brand is famous for its coolers and therefore offers a size and type for every condition. So here are the most popular series of YETI.

YETI Tundra Review

YETI Tundra 45, the most popular YETI cooler, offers ice retention for up to 5 days and can be used as a stand or chair.

The YETI Tundra series is the most popular and convenient hard cooler series of the brand. If you hear someone talking about his or her YETI Cooler there’s a big chance he or she is talking about a YETI Tundra.

Although it depends on a variety of factors the Tundra series offers ice retention for up to 5 days.

Due to its construction and the material it’s made of, the YETI Tundra Series are bear-proof, you can use it as a stand or as a chair without worrying about bowing the lid. And of course, the coolers, therefore, are perfect for extreme outdoor adventures.

From 20.8 quarts to 402.4 quarts of YETI offers a big variety of hard cooler sizes. Due to their convenient sizes and capacities, the most popular ones in the line are YETI Tundra 45 and 65 (my review or price on Amazon).

Fun fact: Unlike most brands, with YETI coolers, the number at the back doesn’t refer to the capacity of the coolers, YETI Tundra 45 actually offers 37.6 quarts of volume.

Key Features of YETI Tundra Series

  • FatWall Design: The series has thick walls filled with insulation material to increase ice retention.
  • Permaforst Insulation: To minimize heat loss, polyurethane (a very quality material that is also used in refrigerators as well) is used as a filling material.
  • ColdLock Gasket and InterLock Lid System: Tundra Series has a gasket and a fine design to decrease the heat loss via air.
  • Rotomolded Construction: Due to the fine material the series is made of, the coolers offer great longevity and durability, hence the bear-proof.
  • NeverFail Hinge System: With cheap coolers, hinges tend to break very often, you generally need to buy the hinges separately and change them very often, but the YETI Tundra series features NeverFail Hinge System to prevent hinges from breaking down.
  • T-Rex Lid Latches: YETI Lid Latches have a unique design to keep the lid as tight as possible but I must say that it kind of makes the lid a little bit hard to open.
  • Vortex Drain System: The Tundra Series has a leakproof drain system.
  • Non-Slip Feet: The Series has a Non-sliding bottom to prevent the cooler from sliding around in your trunk.
  • Locking Holes: Tundra series features locking holes to keep your beverages safe.
  • Tie-down Slots: The series features tie-down slots on the top right and top left sides to place the cooler tightly.

Specs of YETI Tundra Series

COOLER

OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS

INSIDE DIMENSIONS

CAPACITY

HOLDS

YETI Tundra 35

  length: 21"


  width: 16"


  height: 15 1⁄2"

  length: 14"


  width: 9 1⁄2"


  height: 10"

28.8 quarts

    20 cans


    28 lbs. of ice

YETI Tundra 45

  length: 25 1⁄2"


  width: 16"


  height: 15 1⁄2"

  length: 18 3⁄8"


  width: 9 1⁄2"


  height: 9 7⁄8"

37.6 quarts

    26 cans


    35 lbs. of ice

YETI Tundra 65

  length: 30 1⁄2"


  width: 17 1⁄2"


  height: 16"

  length: 23 3⁄8"


  width: 10 3⁄4"


  height: 10 1⁄8"

57.2 quarts

    39 cans


    56 lbs. of ice

YETI Hopper Flip Review

YETI Hopper Flip 12 stands out among other soft coolers because of its great ice retention, durability, and cool features with a low weight.

For those who’re in the market for soft coolers, the YETI Hopper Flip series is the most popular and convenient soft cooler series in YETI’s line.

Among the other soft coolers in the industry YETI Hopper Flip series stands out by providing great ice retention, durability, and cool features with a low weight.

Even though ice retention depends on a lot of factors, YETI Hopper Flip 18, Hopper Flip 12, and Hopper Flip 8 provide approximately 40 hours, 30 hours, and 24 hours of ice retention, respectively.

Although the Hopper Flip series are not bear-proof like the Tundra series, they still are considered very durable, and mostly used in extreme outdoor sports where you need a light cooler to keep your perishables fresh and cold, like kayaking or doing ATV safari.

Key Features of YETI Hopper Flip Series

Hydro-Lock Zipper: Hopper Flip series neither leaks nor gets water inside due to the Hydro-Lock Zipper design. The Zipper also features a U-Dock, it’s the terminal at the end of the Hydro-Lock Zipper that ensures a leakproof seal to maximize the ice retention.

DryHide Shell: Both the interior and exterior fabric of the coolers are made of DryHide Fabric, not only it’s highly durable but also the liner is anti-microbial, mildew resistant, FDA food-grade.

ColdCell Insulation: Hopper Flip Series features ColdCell foam insulation, and offers up to 40 hours of ice retention (which is considered very high for a soft cooler).

HitchPoint Grid: Hopper Flip Series features tie-down loops for both easily attaching anything you want to the cooler (such as Molle Bottle Opener) and tying down the cooler to your vehicle. Also, it’s important to mention that Hopper Flip 12 features 3 grids, Hopper Flip 18 on the other hand features 4 grids (check out my extensive review of YETI Hopper Flip 12 vs 18).

Hopper Flip 12 (on the top) has 3 grids while Hopper Flip 18 (on the bottom) has 4 grids.


Handles: Another cool thing that makes YETI Hopper Flip stand out is its convenience and portability. YETI Hopper Flip Series features a top handle, a back handle, side handles, and a shoulder strap for easy portability.

YETI Hopper Flip 12 has top handle, back handle, side handles, and shoulder strap.


Specs of YETI Hopper Flip Series

COOLER

OUTSIDE DIMENSION

CAPACITY

HOLDS WITH 2:1 ICE TO CANS RATIO

YETI Hopper Flip 8

  length: 11 1⁄2"


  width: 8"


  height: 10 1⁄2"

10.2 quarts

8 cans

YETI Hopper Flip 12

  length: 12 5⁄8"


  width: 10"


  height: 11 1⁄2"

16.7 quarts

13 cans

YETI Hopper Flip 18

  length: 15 2⁄3"


  width: 10 1⁄5"


  height: 12 3⁄5"

24.9 quarts

20 cans

Cabela’s Coolers Review

Unlike YETI, Cabela’s don’t have plenty of options, for those who are in the market for a hard cooler the brand features Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Series, and if you’re looking for a soft cooler, the brand features Cabela’s Soft-Sided Cooler series.

Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Review

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 25-Quart Cooler is the smallest you can go with Cabela's Coolers. It has very thick walls with foam for insulation.

From 25 qt to 100 qt, the series offers several different sizes, but the biggest you can go with Cabela's is 100 qt. If you need a bigger one I suggest you take a look at YETI Tundra 125 (actually offer 121.4 quarts).

Even though it depends on lots of factors, it’s fair to say that Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer series provide ice retention for up to 5 days. But that does come with a price, Cabela’s coolers have very thick walls (that has foam inside for insulation), and therefore they take up a big space in your trunk, and built-in handles don’t help at all, they even widen the space the coolers take up.

But if you’re looking for a “let’s say a 60 qt cooler”, I’m guessing how big of a space the cooler is gonna take up wouldn’t be the first thing that you consider. So let’s dive into what you should be looking for, the features of the cooler.

Key Features of Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Series

  • Construction: Polar Cap Equalizer Series are made of very durable material and constructed well enough to make them bear-proof. You can stand on the cooler without worrying about bowing the lid.
  • Not-Skid Rubber Feet: The Series features rubber feet to prevent sliding around in your trunk, and this is an essential feature especially for the fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts out there who would like to use the cooler as a stand as well.
  • T-Latches: For the locking system, T-Latches are used in the design to ensure a tight seal, but that is used in most of the high-end coolers, what makes Cabela’s cooler stand out here is the T-Latches themselves feature an integrated bottle opener.
  • Pressure-Release Valve: Even though you can see most of the features on other brands, Pressure -Release Valve is unique to the Polar Cap Equalizer, this valve allows you to equalize (hence the name) the air pressure to open the lid easier.
  • Locking Holes: The Polar Cap Equalizer Series features two locking holes at the top right and top left corners to allow you to secure your perishables.
  • Rope Handles: Rope handles feature “glow in the dark tracers” which helps you to find your cooler at night.
  • Built-in Handles: This might be the only con of the series, although they’re tough and make the carrying process much easier, they take up more spaces than they should be.
  • Dolly-Pin: The Polar Cap Equalizer design features a dolly-pin latch retainer in case you want to dolly your cooler to your boat or Cabela’s Dolly.
  • Drain Plug: The coolers feature a leak-proof drain plug that is actually attached to the cooler with a wire, so you don’t have to worry about losing it. The wire and screw of the drain plug are made of stainless steel so it wouldn’t rust even in seawater.
  • Rubber-Gasket: To increase the ice retention by preventing hot air from coming in, Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Series features a Rubber-Gasket, and it’s important to mention that the brand claims 7 days of ice retention.

Specs of Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Series

COOLER

INSIDE DIMENSIONS

OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS

WEIGHT

CAPACITY

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 25 qt

  length: 15"


  width: 10"


  height: 11"

  length: 26"


  width: 17"


  height: 17.5"

18

25 quarts

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 40 qt

  length: 19"


  width: 11.5"


  height: 11.5"

  length: 32"


  width: 18"


  height: 18.5"

24

40 quarts

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 60 qt

  length: 24"


  width: 11.5"


  height: 13"

  length: 37"


  width: 19.5"


  height: 19"

30

60 quarts

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 80 qt

  length: 24.25"


  width: 14"


  height: 14"

  length: 40"


  width: 20.5"


  height: 20.5"

40

80 quarts

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 100 qt

  length: 29.5"


  width: 14"


  height: 15"

  length: 43.25"


  width: 22.25"


  height: 21.5"

46

100 quarts

Cabela’s Soft Sided Cooler

Cabela's 12-Can Soft-Sided Cooler is cheap and budget-friendly coolers but not very good at ice retention.

The thing is, Cabela’s Hard Coolers are considered high-end coolers but Cabela’s Soft Sided Coolers are not high-end, they’re actually cheap, budget-friendly coolers, they definitely don’t offer lifetime longevity.

So comparing Cabela’s Soft Sided Coolers to YETI Hopper Flip Series wouldn’t make sense, since the price difference is hundreds of dollars, YETI Hopper Flip Series are a much better option in every term (ice retention, durability, weight, etc.).

But for those who’re on a budget and looking for a budget-friendly cooler here’s the key features and specs of Cabela’s Soft-Sided Coolers.

Key Features of Cabela’s Soft Sided Series

Durability: Cabela’s Soft Sided Coolers feature a 600-denier polyester body and 1,200-denier polyester bottom for better longevity.

Coating: The Soft Coolers of Cabela’s features thick PVC outer coating to increase the ice retention (not very good at ice retention though).

Pockets: The cooler has an external mesh and zipper pockets to keep your belongings.

Carrying: For easy portability, the Cabela’s Soft Sided Coolers have a padded shoulder strap and a webbed carry handle.

Specs of Cabela’s Soft Sided Cooler Series

COOLER


DIMENSIONS


WEIGHT


CAPACITY


Cabela's 12-Can Soft-Sided Cooler

  length: 11.2"


  width: 6.5"


  height: 8.3"


1.1 lbs

25 quarts

Cabela's 18-Can Soft-Sided Cooler

  length: 12.2"


  width: 6.7"


  height: 8.3"


1.4 lbs

40 quarts

Cabela's 30-Can Soft-Sided Cooler

  length: 12.2"


  width: 8.7"


  height: 11.4"


1.6 lbs

60 quarts

Features: Cabela’s Cooler vs YETI

Colors

The color might not be your first priority when looking for a cooler, but there is a big difference between YETI and Cabela’s Coolers in the color department.

YETI Tundra series offers ten different colors (depends on the size), Cabela’s Cooler on the other hand only offers three colors.

Before jumping into the color options of the brands, one thing I should mention is, since dark surfaces get much hotter when they’re directly exposed to the sun, lighter color coolers are better in terms of ice retention.

YETI Tundra Color Options

YETI Tundra 45 is available in different colors such as white, sagebrush green, desert tan, navy, coral, high country, sea foam, chartreuse, charcoal, and river green.


Here are the color options for YETI Tundra 45 (the most popular size of the series). You can check the latest price and availability on Amazon below.

COLOR
YETI TUNDRA 45
Sagebrush Green
Yes (Latest Price)
Desert Tan
Yes (Latest Price)
White
Yes (Latest Price)
Navy
Yes (Latest Price)
Coral
Yes (Latest Price)
High Country
Yes (Latest Price)
Sea Foam
Yes (Latest Price)
Chartreuse
Yes (Latest Price)
Charcoal
Yes (Latest Price)
River Green
Yes (Latest Price)

Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler Color Options

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 100-Quart Cooler is available in colors: white, tan, and orange.


Here’re the color options for Cabela’s Coolers, Orange is an option for only 80 quarts size of the series. Other sizes are only available in White and Tan colors.

COLOR
FEATURED SIZES
White
All Sizes
Tan
All Sizes
Orange
Only 80 qt Size

Latches

Both brands feature T-Latches which are great for keeping the lid tightly closed, but Cabela’s coolers’ latches have a bottle opener in the middle of the T-Latches, and not only it’s very easy to use and unique it also saves you from paying extra bucks for a bottle opener.

That is not an option for YETI Coolers, you need to buy one separately, check out the YETI Molle Bottle Opener on Amazon.

Tie-Down Slots

For those who’re going for boating or extreme outdoor activities, tying down the cooler securely is important, and YETI Tundra Series offers two Tie-Down Slots on each side, with Cabelas Polar Cap Equalizer this is not an option.

But the good thing about Cabelas Cooler’s is you don’t actually need special slots like Yeti Tundra. A huge plus of the handles is you can run a strap around the handles and pull them down with the straps, they hold up just fine when securing that way too.

Dolly Pin

Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Series features two dolly pin latches at the back and front, so if you want to upgrade your cooler with wheels, it’s very easy.

YETI Tundra series doesn’t feature a dolly pin latch, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use them with a dolly though, Cabela’s dolly pins just make the securing cooler to the dolly process much easier.

Pressure-Release Valve

As you can see from the name, Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer has a Pressure Equalizer valve. By using this valve, the external pressure and the internal pressure of the refrigerant are equalized and then it is much easier to open the lid.

It’s not a must-have feature if you ask me, but it makes the lid really easy to open.

Sizes

Cabela's Polar Cap Equalizer 80-Quart Cooler built-in handles are convenient to use but take up plenty of space.

Last but not least, the sizes, YETI is the clear winner in the size department, it has a much convenient design, and the main reason is Cabela’s coolers’ built-in handles.

They take up plenty of space that is a big con but it’s also important to mention that these handles do make the carrying process easier.

YETI Tundra 45 has much more convenient design and are better for saving space.

So it’s all up to your priorities if carrying easily is a more important factor for you then Cabela’s is the better option, if not taking up unnecessary space is a more critical factor for you then the YETI is the superior one in this department.

Hydro Flask 32 oz vs 40 oz

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Hydro Flask 32 oz wide mouth is more popular than Hydro Flask 40 oz wide mouth because of it's more convenient size.

No doubt, one of the essential things for an outdoor activity is packing the right amount of beverages, and if you’re looking for a quality flask for that purpose, it’s very common to end up searching for the Hydro Flask. In this article, I will be reviewing and comparing Hydro Flask 32 oz vs 40 oz wide mouth to help you to pick the most suitable size for you.

In summary, the main differences between the two sizes are their capacity and height, 40 oz model is 1.8″ taller than the 32 oz. So, If you’re not thinking of carrying your bottle in your backpack all day long, Hydro Flask 40 oz is great, you don’t need to refill it three times a day, but Hydro Flask 32 oz is the more popular and the main reason is it’s a more convenient size, it offers enough capacity for taking with you to the gym or a hike without the need of refilling again.

Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth Review

Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth offers optimum capacity for one-day activities, thus making it very popular over the last years. 


  • VOLUME: 946 mL
  • MOUTH DIAMETER: 2.26″ / 5.74 cm
  • DIAMETER: 3.58″ / 9.09 cm
  • HEIGHT: 9.4″ / 23.87 cm
  • EMPTY WEIGHT: 15.2 oz / 430 gr

Since it offers the optimum capacity for daily sports or one-day activities Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth has become very popular over the last years, it’s very common to see it in the hands at the campus, at your gym, and even during hiking outdoors (even though it’s a little bit heavy for hiking adventures).

The reason is, not only it offers enough amount of capacity (32 oz) for one-day activities, but also it’s durable enough to last a lifetime (offers a lifetime Warranty) and does a great job keeping your beverages at your desired temperatures, and let’s face it, it looks darn good.

And also, Hydro Flask features Tempshield insulation technology to keep your beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours.

I can hear you say that “But these are already offered in all Hydro Flask products. In what conditions should you buy the 32 oz size?”

  • Hydroflask 32 oz offers large enough volume to avoid having to stop halfway through to refill your bottle while exercising.
  • Likewise, if you’re into hiking long miles, Hydro Flask 32 oz offers enough capacity to keep you hydrated for a long lime but keep in mind that it’s a bit heavy for hiking especially when it’s fulled, so if you like to hike in places where you can access water and refill your bottle easily 32 oz Hydroflask would be unnecessarily big for you, but if you like to hike in places where accessing water is not very easy, then 32 oz Hydro Flask is what you should go for.
View Hydro Flask 32 oz at Amazon


Hydro Flask 40 oz Wide Mouth Review

Hydro Flask 40 oz Wide Mouth is keeps hot beverages hot up to 12 hours, and cold ones up to 24 hours.

  • VOLUME: 1.182 mL
  • MOUTH DIAMETER: 2.26″ / 5.74 cm
  • DIAMETER: 3.58″ / 9.09 cm
  • HEIGHT: 11.2″ / 28.45 cm
  • EMPTY WEIGHT: 17.6 oz / 500 gr

The second biggest bottle after the Hydro Flask 64 oz, Hydro Flask 40 oz also has a wide mouth as well and it’s the perfect option for those who need more than 1 Liter of liquid.

Unless you’re a very big, strong fellow who doesn’t mind carrying extra heavy and bulky gear, 40 oz size would be too big for outdoor activities, if you’re in the market for mainly outdoor activities then go for 32 oz Hydro Flask or maybe an even smaller size (depending on your refilling schedule).

But, this size is perfect if you’re not gonna carry it all day long in your backpack, you can fill it with hot coffee and take it with you to your boat, or in the summer you can fill it with cold beverages and take it to the beach.

I will get into details of every feature one by one below, but it’s important to mention that, just like the 32 oz version, Hydro Flask 40 oz can keep your hot beverages hot up to 12 hours, and cold ones cold up to 24 hours.

View Hydro Flask 40 oz at Amazon


Differences of Hydro Flask 32 oz vs 40 oz

Size

Important Note: Since they’re wide, neither of the sizes can fit in the vehicle cup holders, if you want to put your bottle in your cup holder the biggest size that can actually fit is Hydro Flask 24 oz Standard Mouth.

Weight

Respectfully, Hydro Flask 32 oz and 40 oz weighs 15.2 oz and 17.6 oz when empty, 47.2 oz and 57.6 oz when they’re fulled.

So Hydro Flask 32 oz may be used in hiking trips if you won’t have a chance to refill your bottle, but Hydro Flask 40 oz is too heavy for carrying around in your backpack, it’s the better option if you’re going to carry it with your vehicle.

Similarities of Hydro Flask 32 oz & 40 oz

Material

Hydro Flask 40 oz Wide Mouth is made of Durable 18/8 Pro-Grade Stainless Steel.  

Both sizes are made of Durable 18/8 Pro-Grade Stainless Steel therefore they’re extremely durable, although the prices of Hydro Flask bottles are higher compared to the industry, know that they provide lifetime longevity (hence the lifetime warranty).

Since we’re talking about the material, it’s worth noting that the bottles are very easy to clean due to this quality Stainless Steel they’re made of. After cleaning it you won’t taste the previous beverage’s flavor (which is a very common issue with cheap bottles).

One and maybe the only con about the bottles is the caps durability. Even though they’re much durable compared to their cheaper alternatives on the market, they might break if you’re too harsh on the bottle. But the good thing is you can always buy the caps and lids separately.

Powder Coat

I believe this is one of the cool features that separates Hydro Flask Bottles from the other alternatives, due to their powder coating technology, Hydro Flask Bottles are slip-free and they have a wonderful texture, if you’ve ever held a Hydro Flask bottle before you might know what I’m talking about.

They don’t feel like the cold, annoyingly smooth tin bottles, you feel the quality of the bottle when you touch it.

Thanks to this Color Last Powder Coating technology, the bottles look very good and you get a lot of color options as well.

And lastly, it’s important to mention that you can use a dishwasher for cleaning a Hydro Flask bottle.

Color

Both Hydro Flask 32 oz and 40 oz offers 11 different colors, here are your options, you can check the latest price and the availability of each color on Amazon by clicking the link below:

COLORHYDRO FLASK 32 OZ WIDE MOUTHHYDRO FLASK 40 OZ WIDE MOUTH
BlackCheckCheck
CobaltCheckCheck
FogCheckCheck
HibiscusCheckCheck
OliveCheckCheck
PacificCheckCheck
SpearmintCheckCheck
StoneCheckCheck
SunflowerCheckCheck
WatermelonCheckCheck
WhiteCheckCheck

Wide Mouth

Hydro Flask 24 oz is the nearest size that has a standard mouth.

The Hydro Flask Bottles have two different designs, Wide Mouth and Standard Mouth. With a diameter of 2.26″ Wide Mouth is 0.35″ wider than the Standard Mouth (1.91″).

And for our comparison of Hydro Flask 32 oz vs 40 oz, unfortunately, neither of the sizes comes with a standard mouth, both sizes offer Wide Mouth, If you’re interested in a Standard Mouth, the nearest size that has a Standard Mouth is Hydro Flask 24 oz.

Insulation

Due to the double-wall vacuum insulation design (which is called TempShield), Hydro Flask 32 oz and 40 oz can keep your cold beverages cold up to 24 hours and they can keep your boiling hot beverage insulated for 12 hours.

Although the temperature retention depends on a lot of factors such as the outside temperature or how many times you open the bottle, they do keep your beverages at your desired level of coldness or hotness up to given hours.

Coleman vs Igloo

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Coleman Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler 100 qt is a budget-friendly cooler with good ice retention performance and handy features.

When you’re in the market looking for a budget-friendly cooler it’s very common to be torn between Coleman vs Igloo. Both brands have features that are superior to the other. So to help you pick the most suitable cooler for you I will be covering everything you should be looking for in each brand.

In summary, Coleman is the better option for those who have a small budget but yet need a good ice retention performance and handy features such as cup holders, wheels, etc. Igloo on the other hand is the better brand for those who need a bit high-end, more heavy-duty, sportive cooler. Also, in the same price range, Coleman offers better ice retention than Igloo.

Coleman Xtreme Review

If you’re just getting started with camping or any other outdoor adventures, you shouldn’t have to go out and buy the most expensive stuff, also you shouldn’t buy the cheapest ones as well.

You should be looking for budget-friendly gear that offers good features, and Coleman Xtreme offers the perfect balance between price and features.

Coleman Xtreme series has several different sizes, here are the most popular and handy ones with their specs and key features:

COOLER

HOLDS

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

KEY FEATURES

Coleman Xtreme 50 (Wheeled)

84 Cans

- 12 lbs. 11.2 oz.


- 22" x 17.7" x 17.5"

- Wheeled and Locking Telescoping Handles


- Built-in Cup Holders


- 5 days of ice retention


Coleman Xtreme 70

100 Cans

- 11 lbs. 6 oz.


- 28.1" x 17.7" x 15.5"

- Light


- Built-in Cup Holders


- 5 days of ice retention


Coleman Xtreme 100 (Wheeled)

160 Cans

- 18 lbs


- 36.5" x 18.25" x 16.75"

- 2 Way Handle and Wheeled Design


- Built-in Cup Holders


 5 days of ice retention


Coleman 120-Quart Cooler

190 Cans

- 19 lbs


- 39.8" X 19" X 19"

- Light considering its capacity


- Built-in Cup Holders


- 5 days of ice retention


Coleman Xtreme 5 days as it’s written in the name offers you 5 days of ice retention, and it’s actually the only cooler that offers this insulation in its price range (Check the latest price on Amazon), you generally need to pay hundreds of dollars for 5 days of ice retention.

But in order to get 5 days of ice retention with that price tag you need to sacrifice some features as well. And the biggest sacrifice here is the materials it’s made of.

Coleman Xtreme is not the most durable cooler out there, when compared to YETI for example, you can sit on YETI or even jump on the YETI, you wouldn’t cause any damage, but if you’re a big fellow it’s best not to use Coleman Xtreme as a spare chair, it would bow after a while. Coleman Xtreme Series’ Lid supports up to 250 lbs.

Another downside of the series is they don’t have anti-slip feet, so if you don’t place the cooler tight, it would slide around in your trunk.

Coleman Xtreme 50 Quart has no anti-sleep feet but has nice and deep built-in cup holders on the lid.

The Xtreme series come with a drain system, it’s good that they feature a drain system, but it’s not very convenient, it doesn’t have a screw-on tap, therefore, it’s not very easy to open and close.

Enough with the downsides, right?

So let’s talk about the good stuff, Coleman Xtreme features nice and deep built-in cup holders on the lid, that is a very cool feature, most of the other popular coolers out there such as Igloo Maxcold or YETI Tundra doesn’t feature a built-in cup holder, with most of them you even need to purchase a holder accessory that is attachable to the cooler and they’re usually sold separately.

Another cool thing about the Coleman Xtreme series is they feature a scale on the lid which is a very handy feature especially for fishermen out there.

The handles of the Coleman Xtreme series have a rubber coating around them, this is not a must-have feature, however, it allows you to carry your cooler more comfortably.

Last but not least The 50 qt size Coleman Xtreme has only a wheeled version, the 70 qt size is only available in a wheelless version, and the 100 qt size cooler is available in both wheeled and wheelless versions.


wHEELED

NO WHEEL

Coleman Xtreme 50 Quart

Latest Price on Amazon

Not an Option

Coleman Xtreme 70 Quart

Not an Option

Latest Price on Amazon

Coleman Xtreme 100 Quart

Latest Price on Amazon

Latest Price on Amazon

Igloo Maxcold Review

Igloo Maxcold 100 Quart have drain plugs, swing handles, tie-down loops, and dual snap-fit latches on the lid.

Another convenient gear for those who are looking for a budget cooler is Igloo Maxcold, this hard cooler has several sizes as well, here are the specs of the most popular and convenient sizes.

COOLER

HOLDS

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

KEY FEATURES

Igloo Maxcold 50 Qt

72 Cans

- 11.13 lbs


- 25.5" x 15.25" x 17.38"

- Drain Plug


- Tie down Loops


- Latches


- Swing Handles


- 5 days of ice retention


Igloo Maxcold 70 Qt

114 Cans

- 11.4 lbs


- 29.5" x 16.5" x 15.88"

- Drain Plug


- Tie down Loops


- Swing Handles


- 5 days of ice retention


Igloo Maxcold 100 Qt

145 Cans

- 17.5 lbs


- 35.25" x 17.38" x 16.75"

- Drain Plug


- Tie down Loops


- Latches


- Hatch Lid


- Swing Handles


- 5 days of ice retention

Igloo Maxcold series is advertised as 5 days of ice retention, but although it depends on many factors, I must say that if you want 5 days of ice retention you really need to be prepared before the trip (by cooling inside of the cooler before the trip and by filling it with already cold beverages, etc.) but if you’re already planning 3-day or 4-day trips, it would do the job perfectly well.

Funny thing is, not all sizes of Igloo Maxcold have the same design, all of them (50qt, 70qt, 100 qt sizes) have drain plugs, swing handles, tie-down loops. But additionally:

  • Igloo Maxcold 50 qt has a snap-fit latch on the lid to be closed more tightly
  • Igloo Maxcold 100 qt also have dual snap-fit latches on the lid, and it features a Quick-access hatch to access your beverages or foods without heating up inside of the cooler
Igloo Maxcold series are durable enough to be used as a spare chair, considering their price they’re is really sturdy.

Igloo Maxcold 100 Quart is really sturdy that is enough to be used as a spare chair.

The series has a drain valve, for those who didn’t have a cooler before, it’s a very important feature, do not even think of getting a cooler that doesn’t have a drain plug. And I must give credit to Igloo Maxcold’s drain system, it has a screw-on tap it’s a very convenient plug.

So what are the downsides of Igloo Maxcold Series?

  • They don’t have any rubber at the bottom of the cooler to make it anti-slip, so if you don’t place your cooler tightly it will slide around in your trunk
  • Although the cooler is heavy-duty, the hinges are not very quality, so you might have to change them after a while

Coleman vs Igloo Detailed Comparison

Both Coleman and Igloo have several types of coolers, but to help you to get a better idea of the brands, I’ve compared their most popular and convenient models of the brands, Coleman Xtreme and Igloo Maxcold.

Design

Coleman Xtreme series have a very even design, you almost get the same width at the bottom as at the top, and it makes it much easier to fill and stack the cooler.

Igloo Maxcold series, on the other hand, has a slightly tapered design wider at the top more narrow through the bottom, but it’s still convenient enough for easily organizing your perishables.

Beauty-wise, I must give credit to the Igloo Maxcold series, compared to the Coleman Xtreme series, Igloo Maxcolds look much better, and they look more high-end.

But beauty is a relative concept, so here is a side by side picture of both coolers:

Coleman Xtreme 70 Quart

Igloo Maxcold 70 Quart

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

Ice retention

As I’ve mentioned above, both coolers are advertised as 5 days ice retention coolers, but in this department, I have to give credit to Coleman, it does a better job when it comes to keeping your beverages cool for a longer time.

Will Coleman Xtreme and Igloo Maxcold keep your beverages cold up to five days?

Yes, if you pre-chill the cooler and if your beverages are already cold when you stack them in the cooler, they will keep your beverages cold up to 5 days (depends on a lot of factors though, such as outside temperature). BUT with the same conditions, ices in the Coleman Xtreme starts to melt later than Igloo Maxcold.

Weight

When the same sizes of the Coleman Xtreme and the Igloo Maxcold compared, the difference in weight is negligible.

Coleman Xtreme 50 Quart Cooler weigh up to about 80-90 lbs when completely filled with ice and cans.

However, most people don’t take into account coolers’ full weight (when they’re filled with ice and cans) when buying a cooler, you should know that a 50 qt cooler completely filled with ice and cans can weigh up to about 80-90 lbs. This number will increase as the size of the cooler increases.

This weight might be too much if you are going to carry it alone. In this case, consider a wheeled cooler (I will get into details below).

Even though it is unimportant as you won’t be carrying your wheeled cooler, it is also worth noting that wheeled coolers are heavier than regular coolers.

Durability

First things first, since both are budget coolers you shouldn’t be expecting a very robust / bear-proof cooler, if that is a really important factor you should chip in a little more and go for the YETI Tundra (read my review or view on Amazon).

But if you’re on a budget, you can use both brands’ coolers for years if you’re not planning extreme outdoor adventures, you might need to change the hinges from time to time though, but the good thing is, generally both brands use the same hinges and drain valves for most of their different models, so it’s very easy to find the spare parts.

Features Comparison of Igloo vs Coleman

Drain Plug

Both Coleman Xtreme and Igloo Maxcold series features a drainage system, and both coolers’ inside are angled towards the drain, so you don’t need to lift one side of the cooler to drain the water.

Igloo Drain System

Igloo Maxcold coolers' drain plug design is much better than the Coleman Xtreme coolers. It has screw-on tapping that makes it more convenient to use.

But I must give credit to Igloo here, because it has a much better drain plug design, with screw-on tapping it’s much easier to use. Unfortunately, even though the Coleman Xtreme drain plug does the job it’s not as convenient as Igloo Maxcold’s drain system.

Leak Proofing

Neither Igloo Maxcold nor Coleman Xtreme series comes with a gasket around the lid, so they’re not leak-proof, once they turned upside down they both will leak, so when you’re arranging your trunk before leaving for your trip, make sure to tie down your cooler tightly.

Gaskets are not used only for leak-proofing though, since they prevent the hot air from coming inside, they’re an important factor for ice retention as well, so if you want to leak-proof your cooler and increase the ice retention performance you can always make your own gasket. It’s important to mention that high-end coolers such as YETI Tundra (read my review or view on Amazon) or RTIC Ice Chest Coolers (view on Amazon) come with gaskets.

Wheel System

If you didn’t have any cooler until now, you must know that coolers are heavy gear when they’re filled with cans and ices, a 50 qt cooler fully filled with ice and cans can weigh around 80 lbs or maybe even higher (depends on what you put in it), and that is a very high weight for one person to carry, therefore wheeled coolers come in very handy for those who don’t have an extra hand.

The good thing is Coleman Xtreme 50qt and Coleman Xtreme 100qt coolers have wheeled versions and they also feature a convenient handle, and they are very budget-friendly.

Igloo Maxcold series on the other hand doesn’t feature a wheel, if you want an igloo cooler with a wheel you need to increase your budget a little bit, and go for a more high-end Igloo cooler such as Igloo Trailmate, or go for a less quality cooler that doesn’t offer days of ice retention such as Igloo Ice Cube 60.

Here are the best options for Igloo wheeled coolers:

Igloo Trailmate 70 Qt

If you want a wheeled cooler that is very convenient to use, Igloo Trailmate 70 Quart is perfect for you!

  • Features Cup Holders & Bottle Opener
  • Comes with a food basket
  • 4 days of ice retention
  • Very convenient glide handle
  • Oversized wheels
  • Dry storage
  • Drain plug

If you have enough budget, Igloo Trailmate is not only very easy to carry around but also has a lot of cool features as well.

Check out the latest price on Amazon

Igloo Ice Cube 60 qt

Igloo Ice Cube 60 Quart is a good option if ice retention is not really important and you only have limited budget.

  • Features Cup Holders
  • Regular Wheels
  • Has a telescopic handle
  • Drain Plug

If ice retention is not an important factor for you and if you really need a wheeled cooler, Igloo Ice Cube 60qt would be a good option for those who’re tight on the budget.

Check out the latest price on Amazon

Non-Slip Feet

As I’ve mentioned before, since coolers are budget coolers they don’t feature non-slip feet, so they can be annoying sliding around your trunk.

But the good thing is you can always make your cooler non-slip yourself very easily with an Adhesive Anti-skid Pad.

Tie-down Slots

If you need a cooler only for your backcountry camping trips then not having a tie-down slot might not be a deal-breaker for you, but if you’re a boater or more extreme outdoor enthusiast you might need tie-down slots.

Igloo Maxcold series have one tie-down slot on each handle (not super durable but still does the job), Coleman Xtreme series on the other hand doesn’t feature tie-down slots.

Accessories for Igloo and Coleman Coolers

Freezer Blocks

Igloo Maxcold Freeze Blocks is one way to increase ice retention performance. The dimensions of the cooler is important in selecting freezer blocks. 

One way to increase ice retention performance is by using freezer blocks, they work more efficiently when they’re combined with regular ice cubes.

The thing you should consider here is to select the proper size for your cooler, so look at the interior dimensions of your cooler before you choose the proper Freezer Block, so it would fit perfectly to the bottom of your cooler (these freezer blocks generally put at the very end of the cooler for better performance).

My recommends for freezer blocks is Igloo Maxcold Freezer Blocks and YETI Ice.

Basket

To keep your food and dry goods separately you will need a basket, although it’s not a must-have accessory, it definitely helps a lot in organizing your perishables.

But again buying the right size is very important, so make sure to look at the dimensions of the basket and your cooler before you purchase one.

My recommendation for cooler baskets are Igloo Cooler Baskets.