Cooler co-champions: Coleman Esky 55

The Esky 55 has a cutting board tucked under the bottom of its lid. The board and the box interior are treated with an antimicrobial additive to discourage odors.
The Esky 55 has a cutting board tucked under the bottom of its lid. The board and the box interior are treated with an antimicrobial additive to discourage odors.

The Esky is taller and more square than the Igloo Sportsman 55 and Orion 65.

About the cooler

MSRP $300

WEIGHT 29 pounds

ORIGIN USA

WARRANTY 6 years

Its actual capacity is 57.2 quarts, and it weighs 29 pounds. It measures 27.5 x 17.5 inches at the lid. Its footprint is 24.5 x 19.25 inches. Such a small footprint in relation to its capacity is ideal for canoe camping.

The box is tough and scratch resistant, but it is not Certified Bear Resistant. It lacks stylistic scallops or fluting that reduce or create narrow points in the insulation.

Esky’s walls contain 2 inches of foam insulation, and the lid — where insulation is most important — contains 2.5 inches. Like other premium coolers, it has an airflow barrier.

The box is dry ice compatible and is made with a UV inhibitor to prevent sun damage. It also comes with a removable cutting board that’s tucked under the lid, an integrated fish ruler and a dry storage basket. The ruler is only 13 inches, which limits its usefulness to anglers. The liner and cutting board contain an antimicrobial additive that resists odor, mold and mildew.

Because of its square shape, the Esky’s dry goods basket is longer than those that come with more rectangular coolers. That means you can put more stuff in it, and that’s a big plus.

The Esky has dual drains. The smaller hole is threaded for a standard garden hose to enable power washing. The 2-inch hole facilitates fast draining. It also has a lock slot and tie-down points, as well as non-skid feet. Locking ports facilitate long-shank padlocks and a MasterLock security cable that you can secure to a tree or picnic table.

Like other coolers in this class, it contains a freezer grade gasket seal that contains a connecting seam. We consider the seam a weakness. Its rubber latches are attached to the box and secure the lid with an upward pull, which is opposite of other coolers. Working the latches takes some practice and considerable hand strength. Because of this, the Esky is not suitable to those with hand strength limitations.

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