I received a gift card to there from all of my former shift mates earlier this year. Although I could easily put it towards a gun, there is nothing I want that bad to overcome how dirty feeling their prices on guns make me feel, plus having to deal with a 45 minute (at least) checkout/background check process.

As such I have decided to put the gift card towards a large, hard sided roto-molded style cooler. Would be a bonus if it was made in USA as well. The idea is that we can have it for trips but also to keep food from going bad if I am making a supply run over the summer as its about 20 miles to the largest city in the area.

I see they have both Cabelas and Bass Pro branded polar cap models, anyone here have one?
I've been unable to determine if they are made in USA and how the overall quality is, and if any parts are needed how easy are they to get.

Other options I see they carry are a few Orcas and Igloo which appear to be made in USA but maybe not as big as I would like and a lot from Yeti..

I know they have really good marketing and from a parts standpoint are carried at a lot of other stores which is nice, but I was under the impression all of their coolers are imported, which seems tough to swallow when they are priced the same or more as something made here.

Any insights anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated!

quote:

Other options I see they carry are a few Orcas and Igloo which appear to be made in USA but maybe not as big as I would like and a lot from Yeti..

I have the RTIC, based on recommendations here. It was half the price of the Yeti.

RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
A mid-sized, durable cooler built to handle years of rugged adventures.

https://rticoutdoors.com/45-QT...TEAQYBSABEgJkevD_BwE

Let me offer an alternative.

Not knowing the value of your gift certificate let me suggest a 12V cooler like these listed here.

https://www.cabelas.com/Search...q=12%20volt%20cooler

I have the 41 qt Blizzard Box and we use it all the time when we do a Sam’s or Costco run, no to mention when we go camping. We’ve had ours for almost 5 years and it’s still going strong.
Unfortunately most, if not all, of these aren’t made in the USA.

I bought a Yeti cooler once and they threw in a free 38’ 5th wheel toy hauler to carry it.

Apparently, the Yeti Tundra series are made either in the USA or the Philippines. It’s luck of the draw which you get. In the pictures on Cabela’s website, the two Bass Pro coolers have Made in the USA stickers in them. I didn’t see any of the Igloo rotomolded coolers on Cabela’s website.

I have a Yeti, Rtic, and several non-rotomolded Igloos. The rotomolded ones will stand up to abuse, but they are heavy before loading them with ice and food or drinks. The runner feet on the bottoms will help prevent sliding around in the truck bed, but really you should have them tied down as the will roll when you hit the brakes.

I’ve settled on the Igloo Trailmate style coolers. They hold ice almost as well as my two fancy ones, they weigh less, and take up less space for their footprint. The Yeti and Rtic both have way oversized lids and openings where the Igloos sides are just vertical including the lid. If you need the exercise, 5 days of ice instead of 4, don’t want to tie down your loose cooler in your truck bed, or have a problem with grizzlies and don’t carry 10mm, then the rotomolded coolers are for you.

The Igloos were inexpensive enough that I bought two just to leave in Michigan and two to leave in Florida so I don’t have to keep dragging those other coolers back and forth.

quote:

If you need the exercise, 5 days of ice instead of 4, don’t want to tie down your loose cooler in your truck bed, or have a problem with grizzlies and don’t carry 10mm, then the rotomolded coolers are for you.

I don’t carry 10mm...

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:

quote:

Other options I see they carry are a few Orcas and Igloo which appear to be made in USA but maybe not as big as I would like and a lot from Yeti..

I have the RTIC, based on recommendations here. It was half the price of the Yeti.

RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
A mid-sized, durable cooler built to handle years of rugged adventures.

https://rticoutdoors.com/45-QT...TEAQYBSABEgJkevD_BwE

Yes, I love RTIC and they are much cheaper than yeti. Not sure if Cabelas carries them. If not I would get whatever store brand they carry in the size you want as most of them are very similar now and everyone has caught up on the performance.

Igloo extreme or rtic

I have a few, they are heavy. I almost always use my Igloo extremes. Light and do about the same job. I will probably make one of the Rtic a permanent ice box in my camper. They are just to heavy to use for my liking.

I bought the blaze orange 40 quart ORCA for a trip to Moab last year. It kept ice for 4 days inside the truck. Also has a nice mesh organizer on the back for plates, napkins etc. Most importantly to me, made in the USA.
If you’re going that large of a cooler, look at those with wheels and handles. Fully loaded your back will know it !!

I've had good luck with Cabelas branded stuff in the past, I'd not have any reservations about buying their offering.

I have an ORCA. Had it for 10 years. Made in TN. Solid as a rock and will keep ice for days. I’ve gone down to the gulf on a Thursday, fished on Friday and come home on Sunday with everything still frozen. Impressive piece of gear. You’ll never outlive it. Highly recommend.