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Posted: 2022-07-25T09:45:09Z | Updated: 2022-08-16T13:44:50Z The Best Coolers To Keep Your Drinks Cold This Summer | HuffPost Life

The Best Coolers To Keep Your Drinks Cold This Summer

We rounded up the highest-rated coolers from brands like Yeti, Orca and Coleman and they come in different sizes to suit your needs.
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Even though summer seems to be flying by, there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in a couple more beach days and camping trips before the weather turns from unbearably hot to unbearably cold. And speaking of cold, one of the best ways to beat the heat is to sip on an ice-cold refreshing drink

But even though keeping your favorite beverages cold when you’re out on warm days is a challenge, having a high-quality cooler makes all the difference. Whether you’re going on a solo outdoor adventure or you’re bringing a crew, a cooler will keep your snacks and drinks cold for hours (or even 10 days, in some cases). 

Coolers come in a variety of size capacities, including 5 quarts, 45 quarts and even 100 quarts for large gatherings. And while you may be accustomed to them coming in red and blue, brands like Yeti and Igloo offer coolers in a variety of fun colors so you can always spot yours on a crowded beach. 

The coolers listed below are the best ones you can shop online, according to the many glowing reviews people wrote about them. They also come with a ton of neat features like integrated insulation, built-in bottle openers and bear-resistant materials (for camping, of course). We listed them in order from smallest to largest so you can easily find the best one for your needs. Many brands of coolers share how long you can expect them to stay cool, so we’ve shared that information when available, too, 

Read our handy guide on the best way to pack a cooler to make it stay cold.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
Coleman FlipLip personal cooler (5 quarts)
Whether you're gearing up for a solo beach trip or meeting up with some friends at the lake, you're going to need something to carry your drinks and snacks in. This small personal cooler is perfect for short trips and has a 5-quart capacity that holds up to 6 cans. Its bail handle makes it easy to tote. Get it in red or blue.

Promising review:
"I wanted something small that would fit in my freezer drawer to make clear ice. This works perfectly. The lid can be taken off and it works great for that purpose. I can see that the cooler itself is well made, and while small, good enough to take a 6 pack for an outing. Well worth the 14 bucks spent." Rick Tange
2
Coleman portable hard cooler (9 quarts)
Store your lunch, a few cans or bottles and ice in this portable cooler that comes in red, dark blue and light blue options. It'll keep your drinks ice cold until you're ready to pop one open.

Promising review:
"This is such a great little cooler. Perfect size to fit behind the seat of my Chevy Cruze or 4runner for road trips. I love the fact that this cooler allows bottles to sit upright and still closes. It worked great on our beach trip. My son loves to sit and stand on it so it is pretty durable. It also fits great in our folding wagon." Amazon customer
3
Tourit insulated backpack cooler (30 cans)
Have a hands-free summer by carrying this cooler on your back. It looks just like a regular backpack except, well, it's a cooler! It's insulated, has a leak-proof liner to keep liquids in and can keep foods cold for up to 16 hours. And if you are a lover of pockets, you'll definitely want to grab this. It has one main storage compartment, two side mesh pockets, two large front zipper pockets, one zipper pocket on the lid, one mesh pocket and one beer opener on the strap. It can hold up to 30 cans and comes in black, gray, dark gray, tie-dye and blue.

Promising review:
"I bought this bag because Im tired of how difficult and awkward coolers are to carry, and Ive always wanted a backpack one. The first time I used this, one If my water bottles inside leaked, and I had no idea because the bag never leaked! Not even a drop! I was so impressed. I love it. The size is perfect - for our trip to the beach it held all the water, sodas, and snacks for a family of four. I like that it has outside pockets as well, and even water bottle pockets on each side. I think its a great bag!" Tiffany
4
Orca cooler (20 quarts)
With thick, insulated walls and an exterior cargo net for extra storage, this swing arm-handled cooler is a must-have for your next beach trip. It holds 20 quarts and has integrated insulation to keep foods and drinks cold for up to 10 days . Other colors (including dark gray, light blue, navy and light gray) can be found here .

Promising review
: "I took this ice chest on a 3-day road trip. I liked it because it kept my drinks ice cold the entire trip with only 1 initial ice addition and the next day some snow addition. I left it alone after I got home (just to see what would happen) and by the 5th day the drinks inside were still icy cold (and delicious)! The ice was mostly melted by day 5 but it was still very cold water. I also liked the fact I could carry it by myself when it was full with ice and drinks. I'm 5'2" and not too strong." JJ
5
Arctic Zone Titan zipperless cooler (9+ cans)
The unique design of this cooler includes a "zipperless" lid that flips open, allowing easier access to your favorite drinks and snacks. Your ice will also stay frozen up to 2 days. The interior lining is super leak-proof and it has an adjustable shoulder strap with a shoulder pad for comfort. It comes in four size capacities: 9, 16, 30 and 48 cans. Colors include dark blue, lime green, teal and light blue.

Promising review:
"I have now owned the Arctic Zone Titan 9 for several months. I bought it to use as a lunchpail at work. I have a very physical job, and work 12 hour shifts so I carry extra food to get me through the day. When I get home every evening the ice pack that I placed in the cooler over 12 hours ago is still frozen, and I have no problems with any of my food or drinks getting warm during the day, even though I leave the chest in the cab of my truck while I work, and we were having 100+ degree days back to back for several weeks. I highly recommend the Arctic Zone Titan 9." Steve B.
6
Igloo retro cooler (25 quarts)
The compliments will come pouring in once everyone sees you carrying this colorful picnic-style cooler at the beach this year. It comes in five multicolor designs and holds 25 quarts.

Promising review:
"I love this cooler so much, it's the perfect size for a nice beach day or any outdoor excursion. It also looks incredible in pictures, and I get so many compliments on it when I bring it with me! Would buy again in a HEARTBEAT" Morgan Spanopoulos
7
Yeti Tundra cooler (45 quarts)
If you're looking to splurge on a heavy duty cooler, look no further than Yeti. This cooler holds 45 quarts, so you can fit up to 26 cans and ice. It has three inches of commercial-grade insulation to keep your drinks chilled and extra thick walls to stand up against bears. It comes in multiple colors, including yellow, navy, white and tan. It's also highly recommended by experts we've spoken to.

Promising review:
"Superb cooler. As good as advertised! Could not be happier....my soon to be wife bought this for my stage golf day and didn't disappoint. I put ice in on Friday and some is still in there on Monday. Well worth the purchase! DonCobra
8
RTIC hard cooler (45 quarts)
For a less expensive 45-quart option, RTIC's hard cooler fits the bill. It has three-inch foam insulated walls to keep your items fresh and a cool-lift design to keep your ice intact longer. Color options in this size include light blue, gray, tan and white.

Promising review:
"Amazing cooler that also functions as my boat seat with the additional RTIC cooler cushion. Can spend all day on the lake in the Texas heat and still have ice in it 4 days later. Built like a tank and is a little heavy loading in and out of the boat and have no doubt this cooler will last a lifetime. Super pleased." Michael Hodges
9
Coleman wheeled cooler (60 quarts)
Give your beach sips the carry-on treatment and store them in this wheeled cooler that has a retractable handle. It can hold up to 47 (!) cans with 30 pounds of ice, perfect for your next backyard or beach hang. It comes in two shades of blue.

Promising review:
"I purchased it for long camping trips. Recently used it to store food for my 5 day trip to Colorado Rocky mountains. I am impressed. Even after 5 days of my trip, half of ice was there and the food was frozen. I would definitely recommend it." Maria Shoaib
10
Driftsun ice chest (75 quarts)
Keep your ice frozen for days in this 75-quart cooler. It has three inches of commercial-grade insulation and a freezer-grade gasket to keep cold air in. There are also tons of useful features that will make this cooler a summertime favorite, including two stainless steel lock plate bottle openers, non-slip rubber feet, a pressure release valve and a no-leak drain plug. It comes in coral pink, gray, seafoam green, tan and white.

Promising review:
"Needed a good grade cooler that will keep things frozen for 3 to 4 days while traveling. This is the ticket!!! Put a bag of ice in it & frozen fish & made our 3 day trip back home, the fish was rock hard. Then the family came in on the fourth day for pick up & the filets were just like they were when I took them out of the freezer!!! Love it!" Shelby625hp
11
Coleman wheeled ice chest (100 quarts)
100 quarts is a lot. But sometimes the most exciting festivities call for that much room. This wheeled, fully insulated ice chest can hold up to 160 cans. The six-inch wheels are durable and built to last, and it also has built-in sunken cup holders that keep your drink safe. It comes in gray and blue.

Promising review:
"This cooler holds a ton of frozen food packages and bags. We moved and loaded our all the contents of our fridge and freezer into this massively large cooler on wheels! Was the best experience using as nothing defrosted during the 4 hour drive to our new house. Also, this cooler makes it easy to load up on the bevy of cold items we get for the 2 hour driving trips to Costco. Highly recommend!" health guy

Before You Go

29 Products For Anyone Who Plans On Barbecuing Pretty Much Every Night This Summer
A compact and affordable Weber grill with tons of five-star-ratings on Amazon(01 of29)
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Available with or without a cover.

Promising review:
"Affordable and reliable. Perfect for our backyard. We prefer charcoal to gas, and we've cooked about everything under the sun on this bad boy. Easy to assemble. Easy to clean. Exactly what we wanted." Marci Manley
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A highly rated gas grill that offers fast heat up times(02 of29)
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You will need a propane tank to operate this grill.

Promising review: "This is my third gas grill and this is the best one so far. To me, the biggest issue is 'even heat' across the surface and this one is very even. My last grill had one super hot area, a couple of them just hot, and a couple of cooler areas. Was a pain, you had to stand there switching positions of the food so none got overcooked too fast. This grill doesn't have that issue. Very pleased with this purchase." Ron
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A picnic table with benches that folds flat when not in use(03 of29)
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Originally $487; available in gray or taupe.

Promising review:
"Easy to assemble and perfect for additional seating and dining options on the patio! Best part is that it folds flat to store in the garage for the winter." GL
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A two-pack of a fan favorite savory seasoning that taste great on veggies and any protein(04 of29)
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Dan-O's is a small biz that was founded by Dan. O (Oliver), who came up with a spice blend one day and realized it actually tasted really good. People who tried the seasoning told him he should sell it, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Promising review: "Life changing. The best seasoning Ive ever used. Definitely leveled up my cooking with this! Will order again but the biggest size this time!" Josie
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A set of six grill mats that prevent sticky messes from building up on your grates(05 of29)
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Promising review: "I doubted that I could get grill marks on meat with these, I was wrong. They worked really great and I didnt lose any of my veggies. Wiped clean and looks like new. Good product and I highly recommend these." Jimmy
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A non-toxic grill cleaner that scrapes away any caked-on residue coating your grates(06 of29)
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Each stone is good for up to two deep cleanings or 68 maintenance cleanings.

Promising review: "Completely restored my 3-year-old grill grates. Used to clean them with a box of Brillo pads and a headache but this product did the job so efficiently. Will definitely be keeping on hand for as needed cleaning. Would recommend cleaning in a deep sink so you can rinse stone residue off as you go, cannot use this at the grill without rinsing as the stone gets smaller as you go. Worth the price!" hbinoc
(credit:Amazon)
A small but mighty Thermapen for accurately checking the doneness of meat(07 of29)
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While you might think $83 is a bit steep for a thermometer, just know it's the one the pros reach for when they want the most accurate temperature quickly.

Promising review: "This is the absolute best thermometer out there, I've had one for over a year now and use it nearly every weekend with great results. It's extremely fast, and always accurate and consistent. I had tried cheaper thermometers from retail stores and they were wildly inconsistent probing the same spot would swing in a 30-degree difference! Once I got a Thermapen I threw all of those other thermometers away, there's just no comparison. Now that I have a fast and accurate way to check my temps, food off the grill or smoker is cooked to perfection. Well worth the money!" Matt
(credit:Thermapen)
A 12-pack of reusable 12-inch metal skewers(08 of29)
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Available in four other sizes.

Promising review:
"I used to use wooden kabob skewers that would always burn. These fixed that. Would highly recommend them. They work great." Youcef
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A bottle of tangy and sweet Lillie's of Charleston mustard barbecue sauce(09 of29)
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Lillie's of Charleston is a Black- and family-owned small biz based in South Carolina that, lucky for us, bottles and sells their award-winning sauces and spice mixes that were inspired by Sunday dinners at Aunt Lillie's house.

Promising review: "I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and this is by far the most authentic South Carolina Mustard BBQ Ive been able to find. I highly recommend. A true taste of home delivered to my door in Phoenix!" Jenna Bowen
(credit:Amazon)
A bottle of truffle-infused hot sauce that tastes savory with a touch of sweetness(10 of29)
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It's vegan, gluten-free and is available in two spice levels and in both white and black truffle.

Promising review: "THE BEST SAUCE ON EARTH! Life changing on eggs, epic on macaroni and cheese, superlative on hamburgers, incredible on roasted veggies! There is no end! It is hands down the most delicious hot sauce ever. Makes your breakfast burrito gourmet! Not outrageously hot, not outrageously truffle, just perfect, a little zing of heat, and a wonderful unctuous truffle flavor! You will not regret ordering this delicious perfect sauce!" Erica Kimberly
(credit:BuzzFeed / Hannah Loewentheil)
A pair of waterproof and fire-resistant grilling gloves(11 of29)
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Available in three sizes.

Promising review:
"These gloves are exactly what I needed. I cook on a bbq outdoors a lot and I cook with cast iron in my kitchen. These gloves allow me to handle hot pans and grates more easily than with potholders. These will become an integral part of my cooking routine from here on out." Amazon customer
(credit:Amazon)
A set two tongs to make flipping and transferring foods easier(12 of29)
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Promising review: "I have purchased several sets of tongs for my husband for grilling over the past few years. It is difficult to find tongs that are long enough and sturdy enough for grilling a lot. These are the best Ive found. The longer ones are very good for grilling on a large grill when you need to reach across the heat. The grips are good and the locking mechanism works well. I think best of all is the gripping end of the tongs. They grip very well for food pieces large and small. They also clean up very well. I will be buying more of these as Christmas gifts." CAgrios
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A wide offset spatula that is essential for flattening and flipping burger patties(13 of29)
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Promising review: "Bought this to aid in making smash burgers on the flat top grill it works AWESOME! I couldnt be happier. Its heavy and feels sturdy in hand. I was looking at a more expensive name brand option, but it was out of stock so I decided to give this one a whirl really glad I did! It would be silly to spend more for the same thing. Try it youll love it!" Dez
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A pair of no-installation flexible grill lights for barbecuing at night(14 of29)
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Promising review: "Absolutely LOVED this product. I purchased them as a gift for my brother when we were all using cell phones to see the grill one night. They are sturdy, provide sufficient lighting, and are high temperature resistant. Be careful, because when they are on the grill they do get hot on the outside, so take them off with some protection (gloves, towel, etc). I loved them so much I ended up purchasing a pair for my grill as well." MVega
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A dimmable headlamp that is great for grilling while camping(15 of29)
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Promising review: "The LED headlamp with smart dimming technology is a nifty little item. We used it for grilling dinner outside while it was starting to get dark. Dusk time, the light was bright enough to see but not full power. As the sun set completely, the headlamp brightened and my husband didnt have to stop cooking or go wash his hands to adjust the brightness of the bulb. It just automatically did it. I would highly recommend this product, especially for outdoors work when daylight may be short." brian rowan (credit:www.amazon.com)
A stainless-steel grilling basket to prevent food from slipping through the grates(16 of29)
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It comes with dividers so you can cook three types of food at the same time while keeping them separated.

Promising review: "Scallops, veggies, chicken tenders...no matter what, this basket is awesome for charcoal grilling. Saves the hassle of managing small items on the grill, and perfect for easy clean-up!!" Cynthia S.
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A grill basket with high sides so you can stir and toss your chopped veggies(17 of29)
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Available in two sizes.

Promising review:
"Exactly what I wanted and it is very sturdy. Perfect for grilling veggies or other loose things on the grill without losing them in between the grates." Aaron Sholl
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A Weber charcoal smoker that slow cooks meats and infuses them with flavor(18 of29)
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It has two cooking grates for smoking multiple items at once, and the temperature is easily adjusted using the two dampers. Plus, you can connect it to the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub via Bluetooth to monitor the internal temperature. It's also available in three sizes.

Promising review: "Dont waste your money on overpriced smokers. This Weber smoker gets the job done and holds temp between 235215 degrees all day. You may have to add a few briquettes after 4-5 hours but totally worth it!! I have cooked brisket and ribs on this over a dozen times and the people I shared the food with were amazed!! Well done, Weber!" Steve Livingston
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A cast-iron smoker box that can be placed your gas, charcoal, or electric grill to infuse foods with flavor(19 of29)
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It works on pretty much any grill just add your favorite wood chips, along with juices, water, or marinades, and let the grill do the rest!

Promising review: "Highly recommended! If you are looking to get a smoker and are hesitant to drop big bucks because you don't know how to use one, this is a great place to start! Easy to use and portable!" Dawna

Promising review: "Was intrigued by all the smoker grills but two BBQs is too much. Decided to try a smoker box on our Weber. This box is a solid build, and were surprised by how well it works. So far weve used pecan wood chips to cook/smoke chicken breasts, hot wings, turkey burgers, and cod. Results have been delicious!" Andrew A.
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A stainless-steel fire pit for a low-maintenance way to roast hot dogs, marshmallows and more(20 of29)
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Available in two sizes.

Promising review:
"My family has this fire pit and has been loving it all summer long! My sisters have a blast making s'mores and hanging out around it while watching the sunset what more could you ask for? My dad also built out an entire seating area around it! It looks fantastic." -- Heather Braga, Buzzfeed Shopping

Promising review: "We just received our Tiki fire pit and I was immediately impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship. We have been looking for a fire pit for our patio and this one is perfect! The black exterior and copper colored lining is gorgeous and I love that it can use pellets or wood logs. It is a nice size and there was nearly no assembly. The low smoke design and ash pan for easy cleanup was an unexpected bonus. This definitely exceeded our expectations." Shari Bitterman
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A marshmallow skewer roasting set that can be personalized(21 of29)
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Donebetter is based in Dennis Port, Massachusetts and specializes in all sorts of personalized gifts, from wooden cutting boards to leather wallets.

Promising review: "These were the perfect gift for my sisters family who love to make s'mores over their fire pit! The packaging is amazing and the quality is wonderful for gift giving. Perfect!" Kaitlin Mercurio

Promising review: "Absolutely love that these are so long and have blunt ends! The other ones we had were so sharp I was always worried about the kids impaling themselves!" Laura
(credit:Donebetter / Etsy)
A cast-iron grill press for achieving a nice, even sear on meats(22 of29)
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Promising review: "Love this! Before, I was standing at the stove with a spatula pressing down on the food, which caused uneven cooking, plus kept me standing at the stove all the time. Now, I just set the grill press on the sandwich or meat item that I'm cooking and I'm free to do other stuff in the kitchen. I can even preheat the press and really speed up cooking times. Great product, easy to attach the handle, which doesn't get hot when cooking food, and super easy to clean (I use a lot of cast iron in cooking so I just clean this like any of my other cast iron items)." Southern woman
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A long-handled basting mop that holds more sauce than silicone options(23 of29)
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It includes two bonus mop heads.

Promising review: "This a very good mopping brush for grilling and smoking. It holds enough of your favorite mop sauce so you don't have to keep going back to the bucket. I like having the two heads because I don't like to cross contaminate chicken with other meats I am smoking and the sauce is different. I participate in competitions and it is quick and easy to use. The large handle helps reach the back of the smoker and no worries about the heat burning your hand. I recommend this product to all wanting to keep their meat moist and flavorful." Chris O
(credit:Amazon)
A Cuisinart pizza grilling set that can turn your grill into a pizza oven(24 of29)
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It includes a 13-inch pizza stone, pizza cutter, and pizza peel.

Promising review: "Best money ever spent. I LOVE this pizza stone! Pizza cooks in under 10 minutes! Super easy to use and clean. Highly recommend." Jess_I
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A very convenient portable drink table(25 of29)
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Woodland Steelworks is a small biz based in Woodstock, Georgia that hand-selects the pieces of wood they use to make quality furniture and decor. It's available in three finishes with six engraving options to choose from.

Promising review: "Love it!!! We needed a portable table for our adult beverages while sitting by the fire pit or when playing cornhole and we found it!!! This beer table even has a bottle opener attached to the side! Well crafted and totally exceeded our expectations. Shipped quickly and packaged well." dawn ricci
(credit:Woodland Steelworks / Etsy)
A set of two dishwasher-safe different color prep trays for preventing cross-contamination(26 of29)
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Promising review: "I honestly LOVE these two trays. I use the red for the 'raw' meat when I'm taking it to the grill and the black one for the cooked meat to put on it. It's only my husband and me, however when we cook we cook enough to have leftovers for a few meals apiece so we cook a good amount of food at a time, and when going to the grill these are a great size to take out the meat on and bring it back after cooking. Absolutely love them and would be willing to pick up again if we decide to get more!!" B. White
(credit:Amazon)
A canvas cross-back apron with pockets for storing tongs, a meat thermometer and more(27 of29)
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Available in eight colors, and adjustable up to a unisex size XXL.

Promising review: "Very happy with this apron! The adjustable fit is exceedingly comfortable and its fabric has a nice thickness, which makes it feel sturdy without being cumbersome. I especially dig those roomy pockets! Plenty of storage capacity to hold whatever you'd want to keep handy. All of the stitching and riveting is noticeably solid, and overall everything has a very quality feel. I expect to get many years of use out of this awesome apron! Labeled as a 'chef apron,' though will also be perfect in any variety of crafting/building/tinkering activities. Definitely a great value for its price (and even comes with a couple of bonus microfiber shammies!)." Randy Butler
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A set of three mesh food covers that'll protect your food from flies(28 of29)
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Promising review: "These popped up in seconds. Zero assembly required and didn't blow away. Folded back to almost flat and easily stored in their original box once we were finished. These are a must for outside picnics and parties." Professor X
(credit:www.amazon.com)
A two-pack of DEET-free bug repellent made from lemon and eucalyptus(29 of29)
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Promising review: "In Georgia, you're the buffet for hordes of mosquitoes. This stuff is amazing. I can spray it on, go out for half a day and not get an itch! It smells nice, doesn't leave any residue. This little bottle packs a punch. Small enough to slip in your pocket to go to the park. The only thing I have to warn is that if you get any in your mouth you get a weird taste for a few minutes, like menthol cool but not exactly menthol-y taste. So if you have a picnic after you put this on, I suggest rinsing your hands first! But I will be buying this again when the weather warms!" Mae
(credit:www.amazon.com)

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