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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1451520
OtterBox does more than insulate your phone from drops, nicks, and damage, they also make products to insulate your food and drinks from thermal degradation—you know, getting hotter or colder than you want them. The OtterBox portfolio features a full complement of traditional hard coolers as well as the Trooper line of soft coolers. Available in a 20 quart and 30 quart capacity—each with its own unique design—these soft coolers are built to last and keep your drinks cool for up to 3 days. “Soft” in this sense does not mean fragile or squishy. These coolers hold their shape when empty and stand up on their own. They won’t serve as an extra seat around the campfire, and you won’t be folding them up to pack into your suitcase on your next flight, either. However, compared to their hard-shelled brethren, the Trooper series are more flexible and forgiving. Just because they come with a softer shell, however, does not mean that these coolers skimp on performance. Pre-treated and packed properly, the Trooper LT 30 Soft Cooler can keep drinks cold for up to 3 days, lasting as long as any other 30 quart soft cooler on the market. This makes the Trooper LT 30 perfect for weekend camping trips or boat trips. Admittedly, I use mine mostly for day trips to the beach and picnics, but the premium grade thermal insulation means that I need less ice to keep my drinks ice cold throughout the day. The thick insulation is covered in a food grade liner on the interior. In the Desert Oasis colorway, the liner is neon orange for high visibility, making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for inside the cooler. The outside of the cooler is rugged and tough, as you would expect from anything bearing the OtterBox name. A durable nylon coating feels like something from a military expedition, providing leak and puncture protection. On the base of the cooler, an extra layer of protection is added to ensure a long life around campsites, beaches, and rocky trails. While the insulation is the star of the show, there are a few other aspects of the Trooper LT 30 Soft Cooler that set it apart from its competition. The most obvious is the innovative opening. A unique hard plastic and metal latch system keeps the LT 30 sealed tight when not in use; and while it takes a little bit of finesse and getting used to, it ultimately is operational with a single hand, so grab what you need and close up the cooler without putting your drink down! The beauty of the custom opening design is super wide access usually not found on backpack soft coolers. Loading and unloading the LT 30 becomes a breeze. You won’t need to hold open the cooler with one hand while loading with the other, or figure out how to prop it open to maneuver large items inside. This loads just like a traditional hard case cooler with full access. It also makes fishing through ice for your choice microbrew that much easier. Another really nice aspect of the Trooper LT 30 is the well-thought-out backpack carry option. Wide straps and added support on the back of the cooler means that even fully loaded, the LT 30 sits well one the back without tugging painfully at your shoulders. Fully loaded, this thing can get heavy, so a comfortable fit is appreciated, and makes longer journeys a reasonable option (or, in my case, frees up my hands for beach chairs). And unlike some other implementations of a backpack carry option, there are not a lot of loose straps dangling about to get caught on car doors or otherwise get in the way. And when not on the back, the wide and generously padded shoulder strap makes trips to and from the car a comfortable endeavor. In addition to its premium insulation, awesome opening, and comfortable carry options, the Trooper LT 30 Soft Cooler includes a few additional features that you may grow to appreciate. Two leak proof zipper pockets adorn the front of the cooler to keep your valuables safe, and Duraflex tie down points can be used to secure the cooler to your boar, car, or RV when necessary. There are also two external OtterBox mounting points on the cooler, though admittedly, your options are limited in what you can mount here—really either adjustable drink holders or a small storage pouch. The Trooper LT 30 Soft Cooler from OtterBox offers top notch insulating performance in an attractive package. With features designed to add comfort and ease, the LT 30 really feels like a step above the boxy ice coffins that have defined coolers for generations. For your next hiking trip, overnight boat excursion, or day at the beach, trust the Trooper LT 30 to keep your favorite snack and beverages cold and refreshing. For more information, visit: www.otterbox.com/en-us/trooper-lt-30/soft-cooler/otr63-cooler-30.html