Review of The Best 3 Ozark Trail Coolers of 2025
Are you in the market for a new cooler but don’t want to take out a second mortgage to afford one? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve been testing out Walmart’s Ozark Trail coolers, and boy, are we impressed! These coolers have been quietly disrupting the market with their premium features at budget-friendly prices, making us wonder how they manage to pull it off.
If you’ve been following our cooler reviews, you know we’re always on the hunt for that perfect balance of performance and affordability. And that’s exactly what Ozark Trail seems to be aiming for – giving the average Joe access to high-end cooler features without breaking the bank.
So, what makes these coolers stand out in a market saturated with options? Let’s dive into our top 3 picks from the Ozark Trail line that have seriously impressed us during our testing.
The Best Ozark Trail Coolers
1. Ozark Trail 26-Quart High-Performance Cooler
When it comes to compact, premium coolers that won’t weigh you down, the 26-Quart High-Performance model is our go-to recommendation. This little powerhouse is the perfect companion for day trips, fishing expeditions, or as a supplementary cooler when your main one is packed full.
Why We Love It:
The rotomolded construction on this 26-quart beauty gives it that premium durability we’ve come to expect from coolers costing twice as much. The walls are approximately 2.5 inches thick, providing impressive insulation that the manufacturer claims can retain ice for up to 4.5 days – pretty remarkable for a cooler of this size!
What really caught our attention was the comfortable overhead handle, making it easy to carry even when loaded up. The T-handle latches – similar to what you’d find on those high-end coolers we all know – create a tight seal with the freezer-grade gasket, keeping your ice solid and your drinks frosty.
The stainless steel locking plate (which doubles as a handy bottle opener) is a nice touch, and the two molded drink holders on the lid mean you’ll always have a place to set your beverage. For the fishermen out there, the built-in fish ruler will save you from having to carry a separate measuring tool.
What Could Be Better:
Color options are limited, with just white and silver available. We’d love to see some more vibrant options in the future. The drain plug works well but could be a bit larger for faster draining when you’re in a hurry.
Perfect For:
- Weekend warriors heading out for 1-2 days
- Fishing trips where you need to keep your catch fresh
- Tailgating events where portability matters
2. Ozark Trail Premium 24-Can Cooler
Not every cooling need requires a hard-sided beast, and that’s where the Premium 24-Can Cooler comes into play. This soft-sided champion offers exceptional versatility while maintaining impressive cooling performance.
Why We Love It:
While not as rugged as its hard-sided counterparts, this soft cooler surprised us with its durability. The 600 denier outer coating is not only tough but also incredibly easy to clean – a major plus when you’re dealing with the inevitable spills and outdoor grime.
The expandable top gives you an extra three inches of storage when needed, which can be the difference between fitting that extra six-pack or leaving it behind. The padded shoulder strap makes carrying comfortable, even when fully loaded.
We’re big fans of the numerous storage options on this model. The zippered front pocket is perfect for keeping utensils, bottle openers, or snacks, while the mesh side pockets are ideal for items you need quick access to.
Ice retention isn’t on par with the rotomolded models, of course, but it still manages to keep things cold for a solid day – more than enough for most day trips or picnics. The EVA compression molded base adds structure and protection, preventing your drinks from getting crushed.
What Could Be Better:
The zipper, while functional, doesn’t feel as premium as the rest of the cooler and might be the first thing to wear out with heavy use. We’d also love to see a waterproof pocket option for keeping electronics safe.
Perfect For:
- Day trips and picnics
- Commuters who pack lunches
- Beach days where sand might be an issue
3. Ozark Trail 52-Quart High-Performance Cooler
When you need serious cooling power for extended trips or group outings, the 52-Quart High-Performance model is our top recommendation. This mid-sized beast strikes the perfect balance between capacity and manageability.
Why We Love It:
The 52-quart size hits the sweet spot for most outdoor adventures – large enough for a weekend camping trip with friends but not so unwieldy that you need a forklift to move it. The rotomolded construction with approximately 3-inch thick walls provides exceptional durability and insulation.
According to Ozark Trail, this model can retain ice for up to 7 days, which puts it squarely in competition with coolers costing three times as much. While we haven’t quite hit the 7-day mark in our testing (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t open their cooler regularly?), we were still impressed with 5+ days of ice retention under real-world conditions.
The side rope handles with comfortable grips make carrying this hefty cooler manageable between two people. Inside, you’ll find a wire basket – a premium feature that many brands charge extra for – which is perfect for keeping sandwiches and other items dry above the ice.
This model comes with four cup holders molded into the lid, an oversized drain plug compatible with garden hoses for easy draining, and anti-skid feet to protect your truck bed or deck. The IGBC certification as bear-resistant gives extra peace of mind when camping in bear country.
Available At Amazon
What Could Be Better:
At this size, wheels would be a welcome addition for solo travelers. The color options are still limited to just silver and white, which seems to be a theme across their high-performance line.
Perfect For:
- Weekend camping trips
- Fishing expeditions where catch storage is needed
- Parties and gatherings where you need to keep food cold all day
Ozark Trail vs. The Competition
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – how do these budget-friendly coolers compare to the industry leaders like Yeti? If we’re being honest (and we always are), the premium brands might have a slight edge in terms of absolute ice retention and bombproof durability.
However, the performance gap is nowhere near as wide as the price gap. We’re talking about getting 80-90% of the performance at 30-40% of the price. For most of us regular folks who don’t need to drop our coolers from helicopters or keep ice frozen during desert heat waves, Ozark Trail coolers provide tremendous value.
Ozark Trail Coolers: The Bottom Line
Ozark Trail coolers represent one of the best values in the cooling world today. Whether you’re looking for a compact companion for solo adventures (26-Quart), a flexible soft-sided option for everyday use (Premium 24-Can), or a substantial cooler for group outings (52-Quart), there’s an Ozark Trail model that fits the bill without emptying your wallet.
Are they perfect? No cooler is. But the question isn’t whether they’re perfect – it’s whether they provide enough value to justify their price point. And on that measure, these three Ozark Trail coolers earn our enthusiastic recommendation.
So the next time you’re browsing through Walmart and spot that distinctive Ozark Trail logo, don’t hesitate to give these coolers a closer look. Your cold drinks (and your bank account) will thank you!
Have you tried any of these Ozark Trail coolers? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
