Lightweight coolers vs rotomolded hard coolers: Soft coolers work for two days with proper prep, but rotomolded is overkill

Lightweight coolers (Yeti Hopper, Engel, Pelican 20QT Elite) hold ice 48 hours if you pre-chill and use block ice instead of cubes. Rotomolded hard coolers are built for five days and overkill for two. The tradeoff: lightweight coolers dent easier and soft ones can leak at the zipper, but they’re fine for car camping or weekend trips. Don’t expect two days from a $30 Walmart bag.