Your cooler works hard to keep things cold, but could it do better? From organizing your snacks to keeping your drinks ice-cold, these top 10 ice cooler accessories of 2024 will transform your cooler into a fully-equipped, easy-to-use essential. Discover how these must-have tools can simplify your trips and make every outing more enjoyable.
Top 10 Cooler Accessories Categories for 2024
Quick Recommendation
- Reusable ice pack for keeping food fresh: Pelican Reusable Ice Pack
- Built-in or attachable bottle opener for quick drink opening: TIKIT Bottle Opener with 550 Paracord Lanyard
- Dry basket to sit on top of ice to keep items dry: Pelican Dry Rack Basket
- Attachable cup holders to easily store drinks: Fatboy Cooler Cup and Drink Holder for Rotomolded Coolers
- A wheel kit to easily transport a heavy cooler: FULLET Cooler Wheel Kit
- Add a seat cushion to your cooler's lid for an extra place to sit: RTIC Cushion Seat
- Securely transport coolers with a tie-down kit: Universal Pelican Tie-Down Kit
- An attachable thermometer to monitor your cooler's contents: Refrigerator Freezer Thermometer
- Fishing rod holders allow an angler a secure place to store their fishing rod: Swess Cooler Fishing Rod Holder Attachment
- Cooler divider to separate food or drinks in cooler (bonus points when it doubles as a cutting board): Adventure Ready Camp Cutting Board and Cooler Divider
1. Pelican Reusable Ice Pack
Highlights
- Reusable ice packs in 1LB, 2LB, and 5LB sizes
- Freezes at 28.4 degrees meaning your food and drinks will stay cold for longer
- Durable design for long-lasting use
- BPA-free and non-toxic materials for safety
- Lifetime warranty
The Pelican Reusable Ice Pack is a top pick for anyone looking to keep their cooler contents cold longer. With its UV-protective shell and BPA-free materials, safety and durability are at the forefront. Whether you're packing for a day trip or a weekend camping, these ice packs freeze at 28.4°F, ensuring your food and drinks stay chilled. When used correctly, Pelican Ice should increase the life of regular ice by 50% or more. We recommend a 50/50 mix of Pelican Ice to regular ice.
What sets this product apart is the range of sizes and handle designs available—choose from a handy single handle 2lb version for smaller coolers or opt for the dual handle 5lb size for larger needs. Plus, with a lifetime warranty, buyers can feel confident in their investment. This reliability and versatility are why we rank the Pelican Reusable Ice Pack as No. 1 on our list; it’s not just about keeping things cold but doing so in a way that fits various cooler sizes while being easy to use and environmentally friendly.
Product Info
Price: $23.00 - $38.75
2. TIKIT Bottle Opener with 550 Paracord Lanyard
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Rugged Paracord Bottle Opener: Elevate Your Outdoor Adventure Gear
Highlights
- Lightweight at 1.76 ounces
- 12 gauge steel for durability
- Paracord lanyard for attaching to cooler handle or latch
- 2-pack for an extra opener
If your cooler doesn't already include a built-in bottle opener, the TIKIT Bottle Opener with 550 Paracord Lanyard is a standout option to add to your cooler. The 550lb paracord lanyard ensures it can withstand tough outdoor conditions and the 12 gauge steel ensures durability. Whether you're going camping or just hanging out in your backyard, this bottle opener's large loop handle and lightweight design make it easy to attach to your cooler.
One of the key benefits of this product is its dual functionality. Not only does it serve as a reliable bottle opener, but its sturdy paracord lanyard means it could come in handy during unexpected situations outdoors—be it securing gear to your cooler or using the cord in emergencies. Its blend of practicality and durability places the TIKIT Bottle Opener at number two on our list because we believe any addition to your cooler should fulfill more than one purpose without compromising quality or convenience. Whether you're gifting it or keeping for yourself, this accessory promises to be a valuable addition for all sorts of outdoor adventurers.
3. Pelican Dry Rack Basket
Keep Food Organized and Protected
Highlights
- Different sizes to fit various Pelican cooler models
- Offers organized and elevated storage inside the cooler
- Allows easy access to items without digging through ice
- Corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean material
- Provides airflow around stored items for better cooling performance
- Sturdy construction for durability
The Pelican Dry Rack Basket is a game changer for keeping your cooler organized and your food dry. This powder-coated, corrosion-resistant basket is easy to remove and clean. It's perfect for those who hate finding their sandwiches or food soaked or crushed after a day out. The basket fits snugly inside select Pelican Elite Coolers, ensuring that everything from snacks to eggs stays elevated above ice melt.
At prices ranging from $29.95 to $79.95, this accessory proves its worth by preserving the quality of your items during outdoor activities or trips. Whether you're camping, fishing, or tailgating, the Pelican Dry Rack Basket keeps essentials dry and accessible.
We placed this item at No. 3 on our list because it strikes an excellent balance between functionality and price across various cooler sizes such as 30QT up to 250QT models.
Product Info
Price: $29.95 - $79.95
4. Fatboy Cooler Cup and Drink Holder
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Ultimate Holder for 12oz Bottles and Cans on Rotomolded Coolers
Highlights
- Keeps drinks secure and within easy reach
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Fits most medium-sized coolers
- Lightweight at only 3 ounces
We love when coolers come with integrated drink holders such as the Pelican 30QT Elite Cooler. If your cooler doesn't come with built-in drink holders, the Fatboy Cooler Cup and Drink Holder is an excellent addition to your current cooler. With a design that easily fits most brand coolers like Yeti, RTIC, and more, this holder is perfect for keeping your drinks secure and within reach. Its 3" diameter opening snugly holds 12oz bottles and cans, ensuring your beverage stays put even on bumpy rides. However, it's important to note that it won't accommodate stainless steel tumblers or insulated mugs, so make sure your drinkware matches up.
This addition not only free up drink space inside the cooler but also elevates the overall user experience by making sure enjoying a cold one is never far from reach.
5. FULLET Cooler Wheel Kit
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Effortlessly transport heavy coolers with this must-have mobility upgrade!
Highlights
- Portable cooler wheel kit for picnics and camping
- Includes 2 wheels, steel frame, ratchet straps, axles, water bottle, bottle opener, cup holder
- Also comes with stickers and handle extension
- Supports up to 250 pounds of weight
- Compact package for easy transportation
The FULLET Cooler Wheel Kit turns any heavy cooler into a mobile refreshment center, perfect for camping, beach outings, and backyard parties. This kit is designed to fit most high-performance coolers up to 17.5 inces wide like Pelican, Yeti & RTIC making it a versatile addition to your outdoor gear. With its 12-inch never-flat tires and durable ratchet straps, this wheel kit ensures your cooler can follow you across sand or rough terrain without breaking a sweat.
Installation is quick and hassle-free; all necessary hardware comes included. The stainless steel frame and zinc-plated steel axles hold up to 250lbs, meaning even when fully loaded with ice and beverages, the FULLET Cooler Wheel Kit won't let you down. Its thoughtful design includes extra slots for height adjustment and additional accessories such as a water bottle holder, cup holder, bottle opener - enhancing convenience during use. Whether setting up for an RV trip or throwing a picnic that moves locations throughout the day, this wheel kit simplifies transport so you can focus on enjoying your time outdoors without back strain from lifting heavy coolers.
Product Info
Price: $72.99
6. RTIC Cooler Seat Cushion
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Add a Comfy Seat to Your Cooler with a Durable, Easy-Clean Seat Cushion
Highlights
- Add a comfortable seat cushion to your cooler
- Easy to clean with hand washing
- Secured with two straps and buckles that feed under the top of the cooler
- Tri-fold design for compact storage
- Versatile white color
The RTIC Ultra-Tough Cooler Seat Cushion is a game changer for outdoor activities. With its marine grade vinyl, this seat cushion not only offers a comfy spot to sit but also withstands the rough and ready lifestyle of camping, boating, or hunting trips. Cleaning it is a breeze—just a bit of soap and water does the trick. Its secure buckle straps ensure that the cushion stays put, even on bumpy rides. Plus, the anti-slip feature means no more sliding off your cooler when you're trying to relax.
We also love the tri-fold design for easy storage when not in use. This seat cushion is designed specifically for the RTIC 52QT Ultra-Light Cooler so we recommend you double-check the dimensions before adding to a different model cooler. For more cooler cushion size options, we also recommend Oceansouth Seat Cushions.
Product Info
Price: $54.99
7. Pelican Universal Tie-Down Kit
Ideal for securing coolers during outdoor activities without interference.
Highlights
- Durable stainless steel and polyester materials
- Versatile tie-down kit for securing various items
- Compact dimensions of 10 x 6 x 3 inches for easy storage
- Strong 1-inch strap width for secure fastening
- Lightweight at only 2 pounds
- Suitable for outdoor activities and transportation needs
The Pelican Universal Tie-Down Kit is a must for anyone who takes their cooler on adventures. If you have ever had your cooler slide around in your truck or boat, this tie-down kit solves that problem. It's designed to fit not only Pelican Elite Coolers but also any other coolers with tie-down slots. This means you can secure your cooler easily, whether it's to a vehicle or a boat, making it versatile and handy.
With its ability to attach to both molded-in tie-down slots or handles, the kit offers an adjustable and secure hold without blocking the cooler lid. This design choice enhances user experience by ensuring access to the cooler’s contents remains uncomplicated even when secured. Made from durable stainless steel & polyester, it withstands harsh environments, proving its worth as one of the essential accessories for cooler owners looking to enhance their outdoor experience.
Product Info
Price: $52.50
8. Refrigerator Freezer Thermometer
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Ideal for Temperature Monitoring in Your Cooler
Highlights
- Measures temperatures ranging ~20~80℉
- Set of 4 thermometers included
- Safe for use in freezers and easy to wipe clean
- Analog display type for easy reading
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Integrated hook to allow for hanging in cooler if cooler can accomodate
Keeping your cooler at the right temperature is key to ensuring your food and drinks stay fresh. The 4 Pack Refrigerator Freezer Thermometer makes this task simple and reliable and one of our favorite camping cooler accessories. Made from durable stainless steel, these thermometers are designed to last. With a large dial that's easy to read, you can quickly check the temperature without any fuss.
Whether you're planning a picnic or storing leftovers, adding these thermometers to your cooler accessories ensures freshness and quality every time. Coming in a pack of four gives the option to place them in different spots within larger coolers for more accurate readings across the board. A smart addition for any cooler owner wanting peace of mind about their stored items' safety and quality.
9. Swess Cooler Fishing Rod Holder Attachment
(Images Credits: Amazon)
Neatly Store Fishing Rods on Your Cooler with Ease
Highlights
- Powder coated finish for durability
- Easy to install onto your cooler
- Made of sturdy polypropylene material
- Comes in 2 pack
- Installs on tie-down slot so lid is still accessible
The Swess Cooler Fishing Rod Holder Attachment is a game-changer for those who love fishing. This cooler attachment fits easily into your cooler's tie-down slot, meaning you can set it up without any hassle. It's designed not to block the cooler lid, so accessing your drinks and food remains straightforward. Made from durable polypropylene and powder-coated steel, it promises to handle the rigors of outdoor use.
This holder keeps fishing rods secure and safe from damage, offering peace of mind that your gear is protected while freeing up space. Whether you're on a boat or by the lake shore, having this rod holder means one less thing to worry about.
Product Info
Price: $28.59
10. Adventure Ready Camp Cutting Board and Cooler Divider
- Cooler divider and cutting board functionality
- Comes in two sizes for Pelican Coolers: 20QT or 50/70QT
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
The Adventure Ready Camp Cutting Board and Cooler Divider is a great organizational and two-in one accessory to add to your cooler! We love the ability of this ice cooler insert to divide your cooler into two parts, whether you want food on one side and drinks on another, or as a safeguard to separate crushable items from heavier goods in your cooler. The cutting board is also compatible with the dry rack baskets in the 50QT and 70QT Elite Coolers to fully maximize cooler organization.
Product Info
Price: $29.95
Benefits of Using These Cooler Accessories
Ice chest accessories make your outdoor trips better. They help keep items cold longer. This is great for camping or picnics. Some accessories also add more functions to your cooler. For example, dividers turn it into a cutting board or extra storage space.
These accessories can save you money too. Using reusable ice packs cuts down on buying bags of ice. Wheel kits make moving a heavy cooler easy, so you don't need help to carry it. Also, using wire baskets instead of plastic trays avoids breakage and keeps food dry from melting ice.
Conclusion
Grab a Pelican Reusable Ice Pack to keep your snacks cold for hours. Don't forget the TIKIT Bottle Opener with its handy lanyard for easy drink opening. Both items make cooler use better for any outdoor adventure.
They are must-haves for your next trip!
