If you’re an avid camper, tailgater, or outdoor enthusiast, you know the importance of having a high-quality cooler. A standard foam cooler just won’t cut it if you need ice retention for days out in the wilderness or at a 3-day festival.
That’s where rotomolded coolers like the Coho 55 quart come in.
Rotomolding creates a premium, durable cooler with incredible ice retention. But is the Coho 55 worth the investment over other roto-molded options like the Yeti or RTIC?
I put the Coho 55 through extensive testing to find out. Keep reading for my full hands-on review.
Overview of the Coho 55 Quart Rotomolded Cooler
Coho is a relatively new cooler company started in 2019 by the founders of Hydro Flask.
Using the same focus on quality, their goal was to create a rugged rotomolded cooler with better ice retention than the competition.
The Coho 55 is the mid-sized option in their lineup, with a 55 quart interior capacity.
It measures 23.5″ long x 16.5″ wide x 17.75″ high on the exterior. Empty weight is 22 lbs.
This size is great for weekend trips or small group adventures. It fits up to 36 cans with a 60 lb ice payload. The 55 quart offers their best balance of portability and storage space.
- Construction and Build Quality
Right out of the box, you can tell this is a premium cooler. The Coho 55 has a rugged rotomolded construction just like Yeti and RTIC. The plastic shell is made in one seamless piece, making it virtually indestructible.
I’m impressed by the attention to detail with the stainless steel hardware. The hinges, latches, and handles feel overbuilt and durable. Rubber latches keep the lid tightly closed. Integrated tie-down points help lock it down securely.
The freezer-grade gasket provides an excellent seal. Coho also added a recessed, slope-sided drain plug. Little touches like this are what set it apart.
One issue I noticed is a bit more plastic flash around the edges than other brands. Not a huge deal but something I’d improve. Overall, the Coho 55 still has an extremely solid build.
- Ice Retention Ability
Of course the main job of any cooler is keeping things cold. This is where rotomolded construction really shines.
In my ice retention tests, the Coho 55 kept ice for 5-6 days in 90+ degree ambient weather. This was with a 60/40 ice to contents ratio and only opening it once a day.
6 days is equally as good as the leading brands like Yeti and RTIC. I’m thoroughly impressed with the ice retention ability, especially given the price. The extra-thick plastic walls and gasket seal work as advertised.
One tip is to pre-chill the cooler before packing it. This helps it maintain lower temps. But even without pre-chilling, the Coho 55 performs just as well as $400+ coolers for hundreds less.
- Ease of Use
Despite its rugged build, the Coho 55 still manages to provide a user-friendly experience.
Starting with the handles – they’re wrapped with a comfy rubber grip that makes lifting and carrying easy.
I like that the drain plug is off-center.
This allows you to easily drain one side or the other when on uneven ground.
The lid opens smoothly on the stainless steel hinges. Coho designed it to be interchangeable for right or left handed opening.
Storage versatility is excellent. The interior offers a flat bottom with just a small drain sump. There are integrated tie-down points to secure your contents.
Overall, Coho made this cooler very easy to transport, drain, and organize. Little touches like the rubber latches make a difference using it in the real world.
- Cost and Value
The Coho 55 quart retails for $299.99 direct from their website. That’s $100+ cheaper than brands like Yeti and RTIC for a comparable 55-65 quart rotomolded cooler.
Considering the excellent ice retention, durable build, and competitive warranty – I think the Coho provides incredible value. It even includes bonus features like the rubber latches and interchangeable lid.
Yes you can find cheaper coolers, but nothing with this level of quality and construction under $300. For the performance, the Coho 55 is a downright bargain compared to other roto-molded options.
In my opinion, this is one of the best coolers for the money. If you want premium ice retention at a fair price, the Coho 55 is easily worth the investment.
Also Read: Differences Between Moosejaw And Lifetime Coolers.
Features and Accessories
The Coho 55 comes loaded with features…
- Rotomolded single-piece construction
- 2 inches of insulation in the walls and lid
- Freezer-style gasket for optimal seal
- Rubber T-latches lock the lid closed
- Stainless steel hardware is overbuilt for durability
- Molded-in tie-down points help secure contents
- Sloped drain plug with attached tether
- Non-slip rubber feet keep it in place
- Lid is interchangeable for right or left opening
- Integrated lid lock points for a customer lock
I also want to mention the warranties…
- 5 year limited warranty
- 60 day “worry-free” trial period
- Lifetime replacement on stainless steel hardware
These are on par with other premium cooler brands, giving you confidence in the product’s quality.
As far as accessories, Coho sells removable tray dividers, bottle openers, tie-down kits, and more. I’d recommend getting the $20 divider tray – it makes organizing much easier.
Their accessories are a bit cheaper than other brands too. There are more to it, so watch the video to have a better understanding.
Pros and Cons of Coho 55 Quart Rotomolded Cooler
Here’s a quick rundown of what I liked and didn’t like about the Coho 55 cooler…
Pros:
- Excellent 5-6 day ice retention
- Durable roto-molded construction
- Quality materials and hardware
- Superior insulation technology
- Easy to carry and maneuvers well
- Drain plug functionality is very good
- Excellent warranty and customer service
- Lower price than comparables
Cons:
- Some plastic flashing around the edges
- Divider tray not included
- No wheeled model available
- Only comes in one color option
Overall I was very happy with both the performance and value offered by the Coho 55. The pros far outweigh the cons for most users.
Where to Buy the Coho Cooler?
As a newer brand, Coho coolers are not as widely available yet compared to big names like Yeti. For now, the main place to buy a Coho is directly from their website at CohoCoolers.com.
The good news is that Coho offers free shipping on all coolers. Plus you get their 60-day trial period and satisfaction guarantee when buying directly.
Coho also sells on Amazon, but I noticed some third-party sellers mixed in there with inflated prices. I recommend buying directly from Coho to get the best deal and ensure warranty coverage.
They frequently run 10-20% off sales around major holidays too. Sign up for their email list to get notified of discounts and new releases.
Coho 55 Quart Vs. Yeti 65 Quart
To help with buying decisions, let’s compare the Coho 55 side-by-side with the popular Yeti Tundra 65…
| Aspects | Coho 55 Quart | Yeti 65 Quart |
| Capacity | 55 quarts | 63 quarts |
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 16.5 x 17.75 in | 24 x 17.5 x 16 in |
| Weight | 22 lbs | 26 lbs |
| Ice Life | 5-6 days | 5-7 days |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Price | $299.99 | $399.99 |
As you can see, the specs are very comparable between these similar sized high-end coolers. The biggest differences are:
- The Coho 55 is slightly smaller and more portable
- It’s 4 lbs lighter than the Yeti 65
- You save $100+ with the Coho’s cheaper price
Performance is essentially equal, but you get better value with Coho. This brand is a genuine Yeti alternative if you want premium features for less.
Also Read: Comparison of Coho And RTIC Coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, rotomolding creates far superior coolers compared to cheap plastic models. The plastic is thicker, more durable, and insulated better. Rotomolded coolers can maintain ice 5-7+ days compared to just 1-2 days for regular coolers. They also have more features and better build quality. The extra cost is worth it for serious outdoor use.
In my testing, Coho performs just as well as the top brands in ice retention, quality, and features. They offer excellent coolers at a more affordable price. Their 5-6 day ice life matches up with Yeti but for $100+ less. Overall, Coho ranks among the best rotomolded cooler brands on the market.
Yes, Costco actually has some very nice rotomolded cooler options for the money. They sell the Lifetime and RTIC brands which offer similar construction and insulation to Yeti at lower prices. The 55-65 quart Lifetime cooler is a Costco bestseller for only $200. Just know their selection varies by location.
A 55 quart cooler will typically hold about 40-45 pounds of ice. The general rule is 0.75-1 pounds of ice per quart of storage space. And you want a 2:1 ice to contents ratio. So in a 55 quart cooler, ideal ice capacity is around 40-45 lbs or 4-5 bags. This allows room for 25-30 quarts of drinks/food. Adding more ice extends the cold life.
Final Thoughts
After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the Coho 55 quart cooler. It provides virtually the same quality and performance as the leading brands for $100+ less.
From its durable roto-molded construction to 6-day ice retention, the Coho 55 excels in every category. Clever bonus features like the interchangeable lid and offset drain show Coho’s attention to detail.
While not yet a household name like Yeti, Coho proves they deserve a spot among the best cooler brands. If you want an affordable rotomolded cooler without sacrificing performance, the Coho 55 quart is a top choice. It provides outstanding value for the money.
