As summer heats up and outdoor adventures call, every camper, boater, tailgater, and outdoor enthusiast knows that a reliable cooler is mission critical to a good time. No one wants lukewarm drinks or soggy sandwiches when celebrating at the lake!
In the world of coolers, Moosejaw and Lifetime both reign as heavy hitters. But should you plunk down your cool cash on one of these brands over the competitors for your chilling needs? I’ll compare the key specs, features, real owner experiences, and more between these two models to crown a winner.
Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Moosejaw | Lifetime |
| Types | Hard and soft coolers | Hard coolers only |
| Sizes | Multiple sizes from personal to large | Multiple sizes from personal to extra large |
| Ice Retention | 3-10 days | Up to 7 days |
| Insulation | Commercial grade insulation | Foam insulation |
| Features | Telescoping handle, drainage plug, tie-down points, bottle opener | UV-protected exterior, steel latches, cup holders, cutting board |
| Weight | Varies by model | Varies by model |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | 5 year limited warranty |
Cooler Brand Breakdown
First, what exactly are the Moosejaw and Lifetime brands all about? Getting to know the vibe behind these labels helps decipher whether they cater to your lifestyle.
- All About Moosejaw
With serious financial backing from giant retailer Walmart behind the scenes, Moosejaw burst onto the outdoor gear scene in 1992 in Michigan.
Right from the gecko, vibrant branding and zany marketing campaigns blended with technical apparel and equipment for climbers, skiers, campers and more to carve a niche.
Their signature Moose logo adorns men’s and women’s clothing plus tents, backpacks, hiking boots – you name it.
Entertaining videos on their website highlight customers and employees braving wild activities like plungers in a hot tub in below-zero temps.
Moosejaw wants their products to push the boundaries of performance so outdoor diehards can push their own limits. Their coolers hold up to the extreme testing.
When it comes to pricing, Moosejaw sits at the high end as a premium label but often runs sales. They frequently offer free 3-day shipping as an extra perk even without needing a membership.
- All About Lifetime
The Utah-based Lifetime Products company may not have the cheeky persona of Moosejaw, but still ranks as a powerhouse. Since 1986, they’ve made it their mission to offer affordable, innovatively engineered products directly to the masses instead of retailing through stores.
You’ll spot their basketball hoops in driveways across America.
They also produce outdoor furniture, sheds, kayaks along with coolers for conveniently hitting the water or stadium without draining your bank account.
Volume sales keep their prices low.
Rather than sponsoring wacky PR stunts, Lifetime directs dollars into registering their 5-year warranties and expanding their 800,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. Their focus rests squarely on function over flash.
Now that you know a little backstory on both brands, let’s pit them head-to-head in the key cooler performance categories. May the best box win!
Moosejaw And Lifetime Coolers Compared
Get the nitty gritty details on how these cooler lines stack up across the specifications that matter most:
Types of Coolers Available
- Moosejaw: Offers hard shell coolers plus soft-sided models
- Lifetime: Only sells hard-sided coolers
Moosejaw gives you flexibility if you prefer the lightweight portability and collapsibility of a soft cooler backpack for hiking or other activities. Lifetime doesn’t provide this kind of versatile option.
Advantage: Moosejaw
Size Variety
- Moosejaw: Ranges from personal 28-quart to massive 110-quart
- Lifetime: Spans personal 28-quart to extra large 94-quart
Both brands provide a spectrum of cooler sizes to accommodate everything from a six pack with snacks for solo fishing to keeping a horde of hungry tailgaters satisfied. You’re covered either way.
Advantage: Tie
Insulation Type
- Moosejaw: Commercial grade polyurethane insulation
- Lifetime: Foam insulation
Moosejaw relies on thick, commercial grade insulation you’d expect in restaurant fridge walls to create serious chilling power. Lifetime takes a budget approach using basic foam insulation without the same density.
Advantage: Moosejaw
Ice Retention Duration
- Moosejaw: 5-10+ days retention.
- Lifetime: Up to 7 days maximum retention.
Considering the less advanced insulation, it makes senses Lifetime coolers top out at about a week of ice retention in optimal conditions. For serious off grid trips, Moosejaw can potentially keep things frosty for over a week before needing to top up ice.
Here is little demo for you.
Advantage: Moosejaw
Mobility & Convenience Features
- Moosejaw: Models like tailgate series have giant wheels and telescoping handles for transporting heavier loaded weight. Some also have cargo nets and removable fabric partitions. Higher-end touches like bottle openers or drainage spouts cost extra.
- Lifetime: Many models integrate molded-in cup holders, lid rulers, and cutting boards at no extra charge. Wheeled options available on some large models but not telescoping handle.
It’s nice not needing to remember a separate bottle opener thanks to built-ins on Lifetime models. But the oversized treaded tires and retractable wagon-style handles on select Moosejaw rollers make moving a giant icy load no sweat. Toss up!
Advantage: Toss Up
Durability & Construction
- Moosejaw: Rotomolded construction with commercial grade gasket seal, stainless steel hardware, and durable exterior materials.
- Lifetime: Single piece construction polyethylene shell, UV-resistant exterior treatment, steel reinforced top latches.
Both brands build burly coolers designed for adventure rather than flimsy lunch boxes prone to cracking. Expect years of all-weather performance. Slight edge to Moosejaw for offering tough textile exterior options less vulnerable to scratching on their soft styles.
Advantage: Moosejaw
Style & Color Options
- Moosejaw: Vibrant and playful color and pattern selections including camo prints. Bold branding.
- Lifetime: Mostly neutral colors focused on discrete outdoor performance rather than flashy looks. Subtle embossed branding.
Moosejaw lets youexpress personality through everything from patriotic flag prints to faux wood grain and camouflage. Lifetime uses low key earth and primary tones to blend into surroundings.
Advantage: Moosejaw
Warranty Protection
- Moosejaw: Limited lifetime warranty
- Lifetime: 5 year limited warranty
Both companies stand by their coolers with excellent warranty coverage compared to the industry average. Still, Moosejaw edges out by promising materials and workmanship for the usable life of the product as long as you stick to rules.
Advantage: Moosejaw
Price Tag
- Moosejaw: Typical prices range $250+ for hard shells and $100+ for soft coolers.
- Lifetime: Mostly under $150 for their largest models and many under $100.
Given the commercial grade insulation and components, Moosejaw coolers definitely fall into the premium price tier. Lifetime keeps costs low by focusing budget materials on nailing straight forward chilling needs for bargain hunters.
Advantage: Lifetime
And the Winner Is…It Depends!
We’ve covered a ton of comparative ground between Moosejaw and Lifetime.
So who takes the trophy for best cooler?
In truth, the right brand for YOU really depends on matching attributes to your preferences and budget.
Moosejaw Coolers: More Features, Higher Cost
For shoppers wanting supremely engineered cold retention metrics and highly durable materials standing up to frequent use and abuse, Moosejaw delivers performance worthy of the price tag. Unique stylish looks don’t hurt either.
Lifetime Coolers: Gets the Job Done for Less
If you just need a basic cooler for casual, shorter adventures that won’t break the bank, Lifetime gives you what you need at the lowest price. Sometimes simple works great!
Also Read: How YETI And Coho Coolers Stack Up?
Still Deciding Your Cooler Brand?
Let’s dig even deeper into actual customer experiences with either Moosejaw or Lifetime coolers firsthand to hear unfiltered feedback. This can prove invaluable as you ponder your big decision.
Real User Reviews: Moosejaw Cooler Feedback
Plenty of brands spit shiny marketing buzzwords making huge promises. But do Moosejaw coolers ACTUALLY live up to hype on the trails, water, backyard, and open road based on user reviews? Let’s investigate!
The Good Stuff
Moosejaw buyers happily report their coolers reliably keeping bounties of food and frosty drinks icy cold 5 days out in intense heat and direct sunlight while car camping or adventuring off grid without any ice additions needed. The burly wheels on bigger models earn accolades for easily transporting heavy loads on sandy terrain many cheaper brands would get stuck in.
Fans also praise Moosejaw backing up their lifetime warranty by promptly sending replacement parts or entire new coolers even years later if any manufacturing defects sneak through.
Cool Quotes: “LOADED with beer, food and ice packs, went camping for 4 days in upper 90 degree heat. Ice and food stayed frosty the whole trip.” (GeronimoJay, Moosejaw customer)
Any Gripes?
A few owners grumble about the steep prices, especially add-ons like baskets and inserts adding up quickly. There are also rare reports of broken handles or wonky zippers on the soft coolers after a season or two requiring warranty replacement.
But overwhelmingly, critical feedback focuses on delivery and shipping communication mishaps rather than durability concerns.
Critical Quote: “My only complaints weren’t about the actual item but the delivery. No updates, several days late.” (Coloradan, Moosejaw customer)
Real User Reviews: Lifetime Cooler Feedback
Next let’s peek at real comments from shoppers who bought Lifetime coolers. Do these budget-friendly workhorses perform satisfactory chilling magic based on owner experiences in backyards and on boats? Time to spill the tea!
Satisfied Stories
Similar to the Moosejaw reviews, Lifetime owners happily proclaim scoring 5+ days of ice retention on camping trips and multiday concerts thanks to their coolers. The integrated cupholders and extras like lid rulers for measuring fish don’t hurt!
Several also comment on Lifetime standing behind their 5 year warranty when malfunctions happen down the road.
Good Quote: “It kept ice for 4 days in 100+ degree heat at the lake. The cupholders come in handy.” (Michelle K., Lifetime customer)
Underwhelmed Reports
On the flip side, some Lifetime reviewers warn the plastic hinges becoming brittle and snapping after heavy usage over a couple seasons. A handful also complain the walls seem to warp inward over time, preventing forming a tight seal.
There are also rare complaints about damaged coolers arriving from shipping transit. But Lifetime offers prompt replacements.
Critical Quote: “Worked great at first but cheap plastic hinge broke making the lid cave in.” (Holli B., Lifetime customer)
Also Read: How Igloo MaxCold And Coleman Xtreme Coolers Stack Up?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some common questions shoppers have when comparing coolers:
Moosejaw doesn’t provide an official rating but markets many of its hard cooler models as keeping ice 5+ days and even up to 2 weeks for the largest 110-quart cooler with commercial grade insulation. Reviews generally rate them very effective for 1 week trips without ice replenishment.
Overall, yes – For the affordable pricing, Lifetime coolers stack up reasonably well against competitors. The insulation reliably keeps contents cold for a 3-5 day camping trip or weekend based on reviews. They lack bells and whistles but deliver on basic chilling performance.
The “best” cooler brand depends on your needs and preferences. In the high-end category, Yeti, Pelican, RTIC, Canyon, and Orca excel for rugged builds and ice retention. For budget brands, Coleman, Igloo, and Lifetime offer decent performance at friendly price points.
Moosejaw advertises 5-10+ day ice retention for its hard coolers with commercial grade insulation, with the largest 110+ quart coolers potentially keeping ice frozen for 10-14 days. Reviewers say these claims match up closely with real world usage.
Final Verdict: Moosejaw Coolers Suit Demanding Use
In the matchup between Moosejaw vs Lifetime coolers, Moosejaw comes out ahead for shoppers wanting superb insulation, mobility, and long-term durability with less price sensitivity. They are built to lock in cold and take adventures anywhere.
Lifetime coolers appeal if you need something dependable and affordable for short term chilling like backyard BBQs or kids’ sports games rather than rugged expeditions.
No matter which cooler you select, keeping refreshing drinks and tasty eats cold for hours of fun makes warm days so much easier. Stay chill out there!
