LOCAL LIFE GO DEEP
Coolers
WE TESTED THESE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO. // BY LILA EDYTHE
DOMETIC CFX3 POWERED COOLER
Tested in the extreme heat and rugged conditions of the Australian Outback, Dometic’s CFX3 series are the coolers to rule all coolers. Thanks to a VMSO3 compressor, they freeze down to -7 °F using less energy than a 60-watt light bulb.
Taiga’s 27-quart Terra cooler is the first high-performance cooler made using bio-plastics. (Its polypropylene walls are filled with a 25 percent hemp-based insulation instead of a conventional fossil fuel based polymer.)
WHAT'S COOL?
You don’t need ice to keep this cooler cool, and it has an integrated ice-making compartment. Also, don’t worry about it draining your car’s battery; it monitors battery power and turns itself off when low voltage is detected. It can also be charged with a 100-watt solar panel.
Taiga is a veteran-owned company that manufactures in the U.S., and its coolers are highly customizable; through the company’s custom cooler shop, you can upload a photo that can be made into a UV-protected, vinyl lid graphic.
NOT COOL?
If you’re looking to feel like you’re leaving the world and technology behind, a cooler that connects to your phone with WiFi or Bluetooth and is controlled by a mobile app will harsh your buzz. Also, powered coolers do not come cheap.
The cooler smelled a little funny for the first couple of weeks, and the seams on both side handles were rough and required we file them down. As big as the Taiga’s footprint is, it can only hold twenty-four cans (and one bag of ice).
BEST FOR?
Being a conversation starter wherever you take it.
Those looking for an Americanmade premium cooler.
DETAILS
Dometic CFX3 coolers are available in sizes from 25 to 100 liters. From $839.99; dometic.com
The Taiga’s exterior dimensions are 23”x 15.5”x 15”, and its dry weight is 20 pounds. $199; taigacoolers.com
1 ORCA WALKER 20 TOTE
WHAT IS IT? A burly, waterproof, leakproof softsided tote cooler with a capacity of 20 liters and 50 pounds. WHAT’S COOL? The Walker Tote is the exact perfect height to accommodate wine bottles. Also, it has a water-resistant dry bag front pocket, an oversize top zipper opening that allows easy access to the tote’s interior, and a removable padded shoulder strap. NOT COOL? While this cooler’s construction can handle a 50-pound load, neither the magnetic split handle nor the shoulder strap make carrying that amount of weight comfortable. BEST FOR? Keeping post-adventure drinks and snacks cold in the car while you’re out playing. DETAILS. The Walker Tote weighs 3.6 pounds when empty and has exterior dimensions of 15”x 9.5”x 15.25”. $179; visit orcacoolers.com to find a
local retailer
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SUMMER 2021 | JACKSON HOLE
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WHAT IS IT?
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TAIGA TERRA 27
