Summer picnics and outdoor adventures wouldn't be the same without a reliable esky to keep your drinks cool and your food fresh. When choosing the perfect esky, it’s essential to consider brands that combine durability, insulation capabilities, and user-friendly designs. From enduring classics to innovative newcomers, some brands have consistently stood out in delivering top-notch coolers for every need. To discover the best esky brands that blend functionality and style, dive into our detailed list below.
Illustration of esky
Best brands of esky in 2025
Coleman
Coleman, a leading brand under Newell Brands, has demonstrated significant growth and dominance in the outdoor recreation sector, particularly in the camping cooler market. In 2021, Coleman drove a 14.9% increase in revenues for Newell's Outdoor & Recreation segment, with core sales rising by 23.9% in the fourth quarter alone. This growth was fueled by strong consumption and key product innovations such as the Coleman Peak 1 Butane/Propane Stove and the Coleman 1900 30-Can Soft Cooler Tote. As of 2017, Coleman held a market share of 17.03% in the camping cooler market, positioning it among the top three manufacturers alongside Igloo and YETI. Learn more about how Coleman drives Newell's Outdoor Recreation growth in 2021.
Yeti
Yeti Holdings Inc. stands as a leading producer of premium coolers and outdoor products, boasting a total revenue of USD 1.70 billion for the twelve months ending March 30, 2024, with a 5.79% year-over-year growth. The company's Coolers & Equipment segment saw a significant 31% increase in sales to $205.9 million in the second quarter of 2024, driven by strong demand for soft coolers and bags. Yeti's direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales rose by 12% to USD 187.8 million, contributing to the company's healthy gross margins of around 57%. International sales also surged by 35% in the same period. With a market capitalization of USD 3.14 billion as of June 26, 2024, Yeti continues to solidify its position in the market. For more information, visit Yeti's official website.
Engel
ENGEL, a leading manufacturer of injection molding machines, has demonstrated exceptional growth and strategic prowess, particularly in sectors like Automotive, Medical, and Packaging. In the fiscal year 2022/23, ENGEL achieved a record turnover of 1.7 billion euros, a 13% increase from the previous year. Although the company experienced a slight decline in turnover to around 1.6 billion euros in the 2023/24 fiscal year, it still managed to gain market share in a shrinking market. ENGEL's focus on customer-specific automation solutions and its global expansion strategy have been key drivers of its success. The company's after-sales business also saw a significant surge of almost 15% in the 2023/24 fiscal year. For more details, you can read about ENGEL's highest turnover in the company history.
Dometic
Dometic is a leading producer of high-quality coolers and esky solutions, known for its innovative products and strong market presence. In 2022, Dometic achieved record-high net sales of SEK 29.8 billion, with a significant 16 percent organic sales growth and an improved EBITA margin. The company's Food and Beverage segment, which includes cooling solutions, showed stability driven by products like cooling boxes and RV cooling compartments. Dometic's acquisition of Igloo in 2021 further enhanced its position in the market, contributing to strong performance and brand recognition. The company's focus on mobile power and cooling solutions has driven a net sales CAGR of 22 percent in the mobile power segment since 2019. For more detailed information, you can refer to their Dometic Annual Report 2022.
Pelican
Pelican is a renowned brand in the camping cooler market, celebrated for its rugged durability and innovative features. In 2017, Pelican launched the Pelican Elite, a 48-can soft side cooler featuring sweat-proof interior fabric, a detachable padded shoulder strap, and high-density closed-cell foam insulation, earning it a 5-star rating for durability. Made in the USA, Pelican coolers boast stainless steel hardware, setting them apart from competitors like Yeti. The brand's coolers excel in superior ice retention, often outperforming Yeti in tests, and offer a lifetime warranty at a competitive price. Though specific market share percentages for recent years are not readily available, Pelican's market presence remains significant due to its commitment to quality and innovation.
Igloo
Igloo is a leading brand in the cooler market, known for its high-quality and durable products. As of 2017, Igloo held a market share of 21.02% in the camping cooler segment, making it one of the top three manufacturers alongside YETI and Coleman. The company, founded in 1947, has a strong presence in over 90,000 retail stores globally and posted net sales of $401 million in the year preceding its acquisition by Dometic in 2021, representing a 24% growth from the previous year. Igloo's products are renowned for their ice retention capabilities and are even grizzly-resistant, meeting the standards set by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. With its extensive product range and robust manufacturing capabilities, Igloo continues to be a dominant player in the outdoor products market.
Ozark Trail
The Ozark Trail brand has emerged as a strong competitor in the outdoor cooler market, offering high-performance coolers that rival more expensive brands like Yeti and Pelican. These coolers are known for keeping ice for extended periods, such as up to 4 days in cooler temperatures and around 48 hours in hot summer conditions. Made from heavy-duty polyethylene, they are virtually unbreakable and feature amenities like built-in bottle openers, fish rulers, and anti-skid traction pads. Ozark Trail coolers are also bear-resistant and leakproof, making them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite being a fraction of the price of premium coolers, they deliver impressive performance. For an in-depth review, check out this Ozark Trail cooler review.
Esky
The Esky brand, now owned by Coleman, is renowned for its high-quality portable coolers, recognized as the first official portable cooler in the world. By 1960, Esky coolers were present in 500,000 Australian households, a significant penetration in a country with approximately 3 million households at the time. Esky coolers are integral to Australian culture, particularly in outdoor activities and sporting events. In 2017, Coleman (Esky) held a market share of 17.03% in the camping cooler market, solidifying its position among top manufacturers like Igloo and YETI.
Techniice
Techni Ice is renowned as one of the best producers of eskies, boasting an impressive ice retention capability of 8-19 days, as seen in their 60L Signature Series model. This Australian-owned company, operating since 1984, has been globally awarded for its ice keeping performance and has supplied products to significant events like the Atlanta and Beijing Olympic Games. Their coolers feature high-density polyethylene outer casings, 70mm thick walls, and a unique double-sealed air lock system, ensuring optimal cooling. Techni Ice products are used by various high-profile organizations, including the Department of Defense and several airlines, due to their reliability and performance. The company's commitment to quality is further highlighted by its lifetime warranty on certain models.
K2 Coolers
K2 Coolers, founded in 2011, is a leading brand in the portable coolers market, known for its durable, heavy-duty, and lightweight coolers that provide maximum ice retention. Based in Covington, Louisiana, K2 Coolers generates $7 million in revenue and employs 6 people. The company focuses on delivering real value and keeping contents real cold, making it a preferred choice for activities like fishing, hunting, and camping. As part of a growing market, the global portable coolers industry is expected to reach $10.73 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2024 to 2032.
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