Rotomolded cooler vs cheap cooler: Rotomolded wins for five-day ice retention

Rotomolded coolers (Yeti, Pelican, Orca, Engel, RTIC) use thick polyurethane foam and a rubber gasket to keep ice for five days in 90-degree heat. Cheap coolers like the Coleman Xtreme leak cold and only last two to three days even with pre-chilling. The real difference is price — Yeti costs $400, but the performance is the same across brands.