Keeping drinks cool and fresh at a campsite or a beach party on a hot summer day can be difficult without a cooler. This Igloo Trailmate Review covers all aspects that can help you determine if this wheeled, all-terrain cooler fits your needs.
The Igloo’s Trailmate series featured three models, but the recently discontinued Igloo Trailmate Liddup is no longer available. So, you can either opt for the Igloo Trailmate Marine or the Igloo Trailmate Journey that has almost identical features to the Marine model.
Besides being among the best coolers for camping, the Igloo Trailmate coolers are a great fit for nearly all other outdoor activities. Our Igloo Trailmate Review will take you through all of the most important features of these all-terrain coolers and provide you with several alternative options.
Fish or boat anywhere with the ultimate all-terrain marine cooler. Whether traversing beach dunes, rocky shores, bumpy boat docks or slick decks, you're in good company with the Trailmate.
The biggest wheeled cooler on the market. It’s got enough room for pretty much anything, but you don’t need to lug it around in your arms, just tow it along. It’s perfect for hunting and fishing, but you can also use it for anything else.
Table of Contents
Key specifications of the Igloo Trailmate Cooler
| Storage capacity | 70 quarts or 112 12oz cans |
| Ice retention | Up to 4 days |
| Wheel size | 10-inches |
| Insulation type | Ultratherm insulation technology |
| Interior dimensions | 23 x 19.7 x 23.61 inches |
| Exterior dimensions | 34.59 x 19.7 x 23.16 inches |
| Weight | 34.7lbs |
| Latest price | Check the latest price here or here |
Igloo Trailmate Review
Core features of the Igloo 70 qt Trailmate Roller Cooler
The BMX, Leward, Seadrift, or Reactor are just a few among numerous collections of soft and hard coolers the Igloo brand offers. The models from the Trailmate series come with a number of features that enable you to use them on different types of terrains.
Unlike the brand’s coolers from other soft and hard cooler collections, the Igloo Trailmate Marine and Igloo Trailmate Journey are fitted with a pair of oversized wheels that give a significant boost to their portability.
Check out the Igloo Sportsman Cooler vs Yeti Tundra comparison to find out how these products from two industry-leading brands compare to each other.
Design and storage capacity
Fish or boat anywhere with the ultimate all-terrain marine cooler. Whether traversing beach dunes, rocky shores, bumpy boat docks or slick decks, you're in good company with the Trailmate.
All models from the Trailmate collection look alike and it is very hard to differentiate between them just by looking at them.
All internal and external metal components of these coolers are either made of marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel which makes them both corrosion-resistant and very durable.
The maximum capacity of these coolers is the same as they cannot hold more than 70 quarts or 112 12oz beverage cans. The Marine and Journey models offer excellent storage features, as both coolers have a modular butler tray with two built-in cup holders.
Besides the beverage storage options, these coolers are equipped with an internal food basket and a dry storage space that lets you keep your personal belongings in a lockable box that features an anti-leak gasket.
A storage pocket, an accessory holder, a mobile device stand, and two built-in bottle openers are also among the items that come with the Marine and Journey coolers. There are only a handful of color options to choose from for each of these models from the Trailmate series.
Ice retention capacity
Despite lacking the rotomolded design and a freezer-grad gasket, the Igloo Trailmate Journey and Marine cooler have excellent ice retention capabilities.
The main reason for this are the thick walls that are insulated using the Ultratherm technology that prevents the cold air from escaping the interior of this cooler.
Also, all models from the Igloo Trailmate series are equipped with the Cool Riser Technology™ that reduces the transfer of heat from the surface on which the cooler is placed onto the cooler.
This technology ensures a constant airflow underneath the cooler that helps retain the temperature inside the cooler at the same level.
The manufacturer claims that both Trailmate Journey and Marine coolers can retain ice for up to four days, but the ice retention capacity of these coolers depends on a number of factors. Direct and prolonged exposure to the sun will most likely affect the ice retention capabilities of the Igloo’s coolers.
It is also worth noting that the amount of ice in the cooler can also have an impact on the ice retention capacities of the Trailmate and Marine coolers.
Portability
Large 10-inch wheels are among the most distinctive features of coolers from the Igloo 70 qt Trailmate roller cooler series. These never-flat wheels enable you to move these coolers with ease regardless of the terrain, and their performance won’t be impacted by sand or rocks.
The no-slip grip aluminum stands these coolers use allow you to place them onto an uneven surface without having to worry about their stability.
The Igloo designed telescopic aluminum handle makes towing or pulling the Trailmate Journey or Marine coolers an effortless process and you won’t need anyone’s assistance to move them.
Both coolers from the Trailmate series weigh 34.7lbs which means that their portability depends entirely on their wheels and aluminum handles. Also, the exterior dimensions of the Journey and Marine models are 34.59 x 19.7 x 23.16 inches, so finding storage space for them may be an issue.
Other noteworthy features
Even though the Trailmate Journey and Marine cooler have almost the same features, there are a number of differences between them.
Most notably, the Trailmate Marine has UV inhibitors that enable you to leave the cooler in the sun without having to worry about damaging it.
The Trailmate Journey doesn’t have this feature, and for that reason, you shouldn’t leave it exposed to the sun for too long. Also, cleaning the Trailmate Journey cooler is more difficult because it doesn’t have the Antimicrobial Liner that is featured on the Trailmate Marine model.
This feature eliminates the odors and stains caused by bacteria and makes it easier to keep the cooler in perfect condition. Both of these coolers have a drain plug that is compatible with standard hoses which allow for easy maintenance.
It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions closely in order to avoid damaging the components of the Igloo Trailmate coolers.
Additional accessories
Besides the Glove Box for Trailmate coolers, the manufacturer offers very few other accessories for these coolers. Hence, you can choose from a broad range of baskets that allow you to store food or anything else you want to keep cold.
Also, replacement parts for the Trailmate Journey and Marine are available, and you can get a skid rail, a telescoping handle, or the new set wheels in case any of these parts on your cooler breaks down.
Range of applications
Coolers from the Igloo’s Trailmate series are ideal for camping trips that last up to three days, but you can also take them to cool drinks for an open-air party or while spending a day at the beach.
The rugged design of the Tralmate Journey and Trailmate Marine models enables you to use them on all types of terrains but you should keep in mind that their performance can be affected by weather conditions.
Although in most cases these coolers can retain ice for 4 days, you should bear in mind that in certain contexts these Igloo’s wheeled cooler models won’t be able to retain ice for more than two days.
Cost and warranty
Coolers from the Igloo’s Trailmate series are considered affordable, as you won’t have to spend more than $300 to get the Journey or the Marine model.
The price of these two-wheeled hard coolers is the same which means that you won’t have to pay extra for the additional features offered by the Trailmate Marine cooler. The manufacturer offers a limited one-year warranty for all of its cooler models.
Such a short warranty period isn’t an indication of the quality of these coolers as they can last for much longer than just 12 months.
The pros of the Igloo 70 qt Trailmate Roller Cooler
Highly portable
The 10-inch never-flat wheels and the telescopic aluminum handle allow you to move Igloo Trailmate coolers with ease on all types of terrains. These coolers weigh 34.7lbs which makes them relatively lightweight.
Excellent storage capacity
With the maximum storage capacity of 70 quarts, these coolers enable you to keep more than a hundred 12oz cans at the same time. Besides storing beverages you can also use the Igloo Trailmate coolers to keep your food fresh.
Wide range of accessories
A pair of bottle openers, a mobile device stand, or a butler tray are among the accessories that come with Igloo’s Trailmate Marine and Trailmate Journey models. These coolers are also equipped with tie-down loops that enable you to keep them safely in one place.
Sturdy construction
These coolers are not prone to corrosion as they are made from aluminum and stainless steel. Also, the Igloo Trailmate coolers can withstand moderate impact so you don’t have to worry about damaging them accidentally.
Affordable
The models from the Igloo’s Trailmate series cost less than $300, which makes them less expensive than most coolers with similar sets of features.
The cons of the Igloo Trailmate cooler
Limited ice retention capacity
Igloo Trailmate coolers don’t have a rubber gasket or the rotomolded design and as a result, they cannot maintain the same temperature over a long period of time.
Although the manufacturer claims that these coolers have a 4-day ice retention capacity in most real-life situations, ice in these coolers will melt after two or three days.
Short warranty period
Despite an affordable price tag, the one-year warranty period seems underwhelming. Competing brands offer warranties that last for up to five years for cooler models that are slightly more expensive than coolers from the Igloo’s Trailmate series.
The best alternatives to the Igloo Trailmate cooler
The fact that Igloo Trailmate coolers are available in just one size can make it difficult to opt for them as they can either be too small or too large to meet all your needs.
Besides the size, relatively limited ice retention capacity or a basic latch system can also be reasons why you want to consider some of the Igloo Trailmate cooler alternatives.
We selected several coolers that can offer similar performances like the coolers from the Tailmate series, so let’s take a closer look at what they have to offer.
RovR RollR Cooler
You can choose between 45, 60 and 80-quart versions of the RovR RollR Cooler and all versions of this cooler offer excellent ice retention features.
The 80-quart model can offer between 7 and 10 days of ice life expectancy, while the smaller 45-quart model can keep food and beverages cold for up to 5 days.
The dry storage bin enables you to keep food away from the ice and allows you to organize food within different compartments. The RovR RollR cooler features a pair of 9-inch never-flat wheels that let you move it through different types of terrains without any difficulty using the foldable dual handle.
Optionally, you can get a bicycle attachment for this cooler if you want to keep the supplies you get at the market fresh. The manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty for all versions of the RollR cooler, which somewhat justifies the steep price.
When it comes to innovative functionality, the RovR RollR is tough to beat. It’s quite possibly the best cooler (and camping accessory) you never knew you needed. (And if you have a little more to spend, the 80-quart option is worth the splurge.) 
Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler
Excellent ice retention and corrosion-resistant hardware are among the reasons why Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler is among the best coolers you can find on the market. The manufacturer offers 45 and 80-quart versions of this cooler so that you can select the size that fits your needs.
This Pelican model has 2-inches of polyurethane insulation as well as a 360-degree gasket that enables it to retain ice for up to ten days.
You can pull this cooler using the molded-in handles that feature a built-in trolley handle, while the heavy-duty wheels enable you to move the cooler over all terrain types.
The manufacturer’s Custom Color program ensures that you can choose from a variety of colors and pick the option that best fits your style. Also, the Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler has the bear-resistant certification which means that a bear cannot open its 3-inch locking hatches.
The biggest wheeled cooler on the market. It’s got enough room for pretty much anything, but you don’t need to lug it around in your arms, just tow it along. It’s perfect for hunting and fishing, but you can also use it for anything else.
Coleman Rolling Xtreme Cooler
You don’t necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars on a wheeled cooler, as options like the Coleman Rolling Xtreme Cooler offer great storage capacity at an affordable price. This cooler can store up to 50 quarts of food and beverages, and retain ice for a maximum of five days.
However, you shouldn’t expect to find advanced features like the rotomolded insulation or thick rubber gasket on this cooler. Even so, its wheels and telescoping handle are sturdy enough to enable you to move the cooler with ease over most surfaces.
The lid of the Coleman Rolling Cooler has four built-in cup holders and it can withstand 250lbs of pressure, which enables you to sit on it without any risk of damaging it. The manufacturer offers only a few color options and you can only choose between black or blue models.
If you are looking for a new, large cooler, then the Coleman Xtreme could be well worth considering. This 50-quart cooler is a large-capacity cooler that is suitable for car camping and road trips due to its prolonged ice retention.
Final thoughts – Are Igloo Trailmate Coolers better than their competition?
A wheeled cooler reduces the amount of energy and effort you have to spend on keeping your food fresh and your drinks cool. Whether you want to spend time at a beach or in a forest you will be able to take all your supplies with you and keep them at an optimum temperature for days.
The Igloo Trailmate Marine or Igloo Trailmate Journey are stacked with features that make your outdoor activities more enjoyable. Besides an excellent storage capacity, these coolers are highly portable and you can move them with ease over all types of terrains.
We recommend opting for either of these models if you need a cooler you can use over a weekend as they can’t retain ice for more than a few days.
Getting the Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler or the RovR RollR Cooler may be a better decision if you need a cooler that can keep your supplies fresh for more than a week.
Was our Igloo Trailmate cooler review useful? Share your opinions with us in the comments or go through our guide to the best alternatives to Yeti coolers.
Fish or boat anywhere with the ultimate all-terrain marine cooler. Whether traversing beach dunes, rocky shores, bumpy boat docks or slick decks, you're in good company with the Trailmate.
The biggest wheeled cooler on the market. It’s got enough room for pretty much anything, but you don’t need to lug it around in your arms, just tow it along. It’s perfect for hunting and fishing, but you can also use it for anything else.
FAQs about the Igloo 70 qt Trailmate roller cooler
Answer: It is advisable to clean your Igloo Trailmate cooler after every use as it will help you get rid of odors and bacteria that accumulated inside the cooler.
Answer: An Igloo Trailmate cooler merely keeps the temperature at the same level so you must either fill it with ice or use the manufacturer’s MaxCold ice packs to create a low temperature inside the cooler.
Answer: Yes, you can, but you should keep in mind that neither of the coolers from the Trailmate series can retain ice for more than four days.
Answer: These wheeled coolers are made from durable materials, but the latch system doesn’t provide a tight seal which causes the Tailamate coolers to lose some of their ice retention capabilities over time.
David is a strong advocate of outdoor-related activities and has many years of experience backpacking and hiking around the world, including the Italian and Austrian Alps in Europe as well as central and southern Asia.
Locally, he has also led many groups cycling through Vermont, Nova Scotia, and Wisconsin. David constantly uses and tests the latest gear for the outdoors, which in turn allows him to help others make more informed buying decisions. He’s excited to share more of his knowledge and to see others enjoying the great outdoors more because of his advice and recommendations.