Whether you’re packing for a weekend camping trip, a backyard barbecue, or a long day at the beach, a cooler with wheels can make your life a lot easier, especially when it’s full of heavy ice, drinks, and food. Experimenting with wheeled coolers over the years, I’ve learned that not all models deliver on their promises, but these do.

We tested each cooler on this list for performance, durability, maneuverability, and ice retention on trips across the country. The best models kept contents cold for over 24 hours, rolled smoothly across grass and gravel, and had thoughtful features like dry storage compartments, built-in drains, and sturdy handles.…