It is important to select the correct size cooler for your needs. If you only plan on packing a sandwich and drink in the cooler, it would not be wise to buy a large sports cooler. Remember that a larger volume inside the cooler means that more ice will be required to keep everything cool.
If you are buying a large portable cooler, the most user-friendly models have wheels on one end with a handle on the other. This allows you to simply roll the cooler behind you like luggage rather than throw out your back trying to hoist it up to be carried.
A great feature on portable coolers is a drain spout near the bottom edge of the cooler. After the day is over and the ice inside the cooler has melted, the cooler becomes very heavy and is hard to turn upside down to pour out this water. With a drain spout, all you have to do is open it up and the cooler with drain itself. This feature is also very useful throughout the day to prevent water from pooling in your cooler and making your food soggy.
If you are taking your portable cooler camping, tailgating, boating or fishing, look for a cooler that has a lid with cup holders and dividers to serve as a table. This is a very convenient feature that adds to the functionality of the cooler.
