The competition in the premium cooler market is beginning to heat up. On Tuesday, Otterbox — a company best known for its line of smartphone cases and dryboxes — announced it will begin shipping its own line of rugged coolers built for use in the outdoors. Like similar products from other companies, the new Venture coolers will feature a rugged injection molded design but will also give users the ability to customize their experience through the use of a number of optional accessories designed to increase functionality even further.
The Venture line of coolers will be available in three sizes: 25, 45, and 65 quarts. They are also certified bear-resistant, come with a limited lifetime guarantee, and can reportedly keep ice frozen for up to 14 days at a time. Otterbox says that the coolers have also undergone extensive drop testing on all sides, while both empty and full, to ensure that they can survive just about any kind of punishment that we throw at them.
The designers at Otterbox put a lot of time and effort in developing the Venture series and it shows. For instance, the coolers are all equipped with rugged handles that not only make them easy to carry but also double as tie-down anchors when transporting them as well. Other nice features include non-slip feet, heavy-duty latches designed to keep the lid firmly in place, and a slightly slanted interior bottom for easy drainage. A bottle opener is included with all models as well. The result is a polished package built to give Yeti a run for its money.
One feature that helps to give the Venture coolers a leg up on the competition is its ability to be customized to fit the needs of the owner. For example, each model comes with organizational slots that can be used with specially built separators (sold separately) to create a custom interior. Otterbox has also announced a line of compatible accessories that are also built to integrate seamlessly into the company’s new coolers as well. Those accessories include a cutting board, cup holders, a dry storage tray, a side table, and a drybox clip.
The Venture line of coolers will be available to purchase at otterbox.com and Best Buy stores soon in three color schemes: Hudson (blue and white, ridgeline (tan and green), and back trail (Realtree Xtra camo). The Venture 25 will sell for $250, with the Venture 45 and 65 priced at $350 and $400, respectively. Accessories will range in price from $5 to $70.
