Introduction to the Grizzly Drifter 20
When it comes to adventure and outdoor gear, few brands have the reputation and rugged reliability of Grizzly. The Grizzly Drifter 20 soft-sided cooler is no exception, offering a versatile and portable solution for keeping your food and drinks cool on-the-go. Built for everything from beach days and camping trips to tailgates and picnics, the Drifter 20 is a compact yet high-performance cooler designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, build quality, and overall value of the Grizzly Drifter 20. By the end, you’ll know exactly what makes this cooler a top contender in the realm of portable coolers.
Key Features of the Grizzly Drifter 20
The Grizzly Drifter 20 is packed with features that aim to enhance your outdoor experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable features:
- 20-Quart Capacity: The Drifter 20’s 20-quart size is perfect for day trips or weekend adventures, holding up to 24 cans with ice.
- High-Density Insulation: With a thick layer of EVA foam, this cooler keeps ice solid for extended periods, helping to keep your contents cool even in high temperatures.
- Durable Soft-Sided Design: Made from puncture-resistant, water-resistant materials, the Drifter 20 is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions while being lighter and easier to carry than traditional hard coolers.
- Removable Shoulder Strap and Carry Handles: Designed for portability, the cooler includes a padded, adjustable shoulder strap and durable carry handles, giving you flexibility in how you transport it.
- MOLLE Webbing and Bottle Opener: Equipped with MOLLE webbing for attaching accessories, plus an integrated bottle opener, the Drifter 20 is versatile and convenient for any outing.
- Leakproof Liner: With a durable, waterproof inner liner, this cooler prevents leaks, even if the ice begins to melt.
These features make the Grizzly Drifter 20 a well-rounded cooler designed to handle everything from rugged outdoor adventures to casual family gatherings.
Cooling Performance: Impressive Ice Retention
The cooling performance of the Grizzly Drifter 20 is where this cooler truly shines. Equipped with high-density EVA foam insulation, it keeps ice solid for 24-36 hours, depending on external conditions and how often it’s opened. While soft coolers generally aren’t known for extreme ice retention, the Drifter 20 exceeds expectations, making it a solid choice for day trips and overnight outings.
Day Trips and Short Outings
For shorter trips, such as a beach day, picnic, or afternoon hike, the Grizzly Drifter 20 performs excellently. Packing it with a combination of ice packs and drinks, users report that the cooler keeps contents refreshingly cool for an entire day, even in hot weather. The thick insulation ensures that items like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks stay chilled without requiring frequent ice refills.
Extended Ice Retention for Overnights
While soft coolers usually lag behind hard coolers in ice retention, the Drifter 20 stands out for its ability to hold ice for up to 36 hours under ideal conditions. For overnight camping trips or two-day outings, this cooler can keep essential items cool, making it a convenient and lightweight alternative to bulkier hard coolers. However, for trips longer than two days, a hard-sided cooler may be a better option if ice retention is critical.
Design and Build Quality: Durability Meets Functionality
The Grizzly Drifter 20’s design combines rugged durability with practical functionality. Its soft-sided construction is made with high-quality materials, including a puncture-resistant outer shell and a waterproof, leakproof liner. This build quality ensures that the cooler can handle rough use and unpredictable outdoor conditions without compromising performance.
Lightweight and Portable
One of the biggest advantages of the Drifter 20 is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry. Weighing in at only 3.5 pounds (when empty), this cooler is a breeze to transport, even when fully loaded. The padded shoulder strap provides comfortable carrying over longer distances, while the sturdy side handles allow for easy lifting in and out of vehicles or onto picnic tables.
Practical Additions: MOLLE Webbing and Bottle Opener
The Drifter 20 also includes thoughtful extras like MOLLE webbing and a built-in bottle opener. The MOLLE webbing allows you to attach accessories, such as water bottles or utensil holders, making the cooler versatile for various activities. The built-in bottle opener, located on the front of the cooler, adds an extra layer of convenience for those who like to keep drinks handy during outings.
Leakproof and Easy to Clean
Grizzly has designed the Drifter 20 with a fully leakproof liner that prevents melted ice from leaking out, even if the cooler tips over. This is a crucial feature, especially for users transporting the cooler in vehicles. The interior liner is also easy to wipe down and keep clean, making post-trip maintenance simple and hassle-free.
Capacity and Usability: Just Right for Small Groups
The 20-quart capacity of the Drifter 20 is perfect for small groups and single-day outings. Here’s a breakdown of how this cooler can be used for different types of adventures:
- Day Trips: With room for up to 24 cans (or 18 with a generous amount of ice), the Drifter 20 is ideal for keeping drinks cool for a small group on a day trip.
- Family Picnics: The cooler can hold enough food and drinks for a family picnic, including space for sandwich containers, fruits, and beverages.
- Beach Outings: Its lightweight design and ample storage make it easy to carry the Drifter 20 onto the sand, where it can keep drinks cool under the sun.
- Camping and Hiking: While not designed for multi-day camping trips, it’s a convenient option for overnight stays or hikes, where every ounce of weight matters.
In terms of usability, the Drifter 20’s compact shape and intuitive design make it straightforward to load, carry, and access items inside. The zipper is durable and easy to open, allowing quick access to snacks and drinks.
Pros and Cons of the Grizzly Drifter 20
Pros:
- Excellent Ice Retention: Impressive for a soft cooler, keeping ice for up to 36 hours.
- Durable Build: Puncture-resistant material and leakproof liner offer lasting durability.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry with padded shoulder straps and side handles.
- Functional Features: MOLLE webbing and integrated bottle opener enhance convenience.
- Compact Size: Perfect for day trips, small groups, and short adventures.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Multi-Day Use: Limited ice retention beyond two days, making it less suitable for extended trips.
- Moderate Capacity: May not provide enough storage for larger groups or longer outings.
- No Hard Shell Protection: Lacks the rigid protection of a hard cooler, which may be a downside for certain uses.
Customer Feedback and Popular Opinions
Customers generally praise the Grizzly Drifter 20 for its portability, cooling performance, and thoughtful design features. The combination of lightweight construction, solid ice retention, and durable materials makes it a favorite among those who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. Many users find it perfect for single-day excursions and overnight trips, appreciating its compact size and comfortable carrying options.
The MOLLE webbing and built-in bottle opener are often highlighted in reviews as standout features, adding versatility and convenience to the cooler. Some customers have noted that, while it’s suitable for short adventures, it may not meet the needs of extended camping trips or larger groups, due to its 20-quart capacity and soft-sided construction.
Final Thoughts: Is the Grizzly Drifter 20 Worth It?
The Grizzly Drifter 20 is an excellent choice for adventurers seeking a portable, high-performance cooler with versatile features. Its lightweight build, solid ice retention, and convenient design make it an ideal companion for day trips, picnics, and overnight stays. While it may not replace a hard-sided cooler for extended use, it offers a great balance between portability and functionality.
With the Drifter 20, Grizzly has created a soft-sided cooler that delivers where it matters most for quick outings and small gatherings. Whether you’re heading to the beach, hiking, or setting up a family picnic, this cooler is a reliable and convenient option for keeping your essentials cool. Overall, the Grizzly Drifter 20 stands out as one of the top soft coolers in its class, offering durable quality and impressive performance for outdoor enthusiasts on the go.