Pelican Cooler FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

At Pelican, we know the importance of keeping your food and beverages cold and fresh, no matter where your adventures take you. Whether you’re embarking on a short day-trip, weekend camping trip, or a month-long expedition, we’ve designed our line of coolers to offer a solution for any adventure-driven situation. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our line of durable coolers, from the smallest Pelican 8QT Personal Cooler to larger coolers such as the best-selling 65QW Elite Wheeled Cooler and huge 250QT Elite Cooler.

What’s the best way to pack a Pelican™ cooler for maximum ice retention?

Pelican Coolers are known for their exceptional ice retention. The thick insulation and freezer-grade gasket work together to ensure your cooler stays cold. To maximize ice retention, pre-chill your Pelican cooler by adding ice or ice-packs the day before use.

For optimal ice retention and long-lasting cold, always start by packing chilled or frozen items. It's ideal to begin with cold or frozen meats, water bottles, and non-carbonated beverages to maintain a lower internal temperature. Add a thin layer of ice to fill gaps at the bottom and keep items secure, then fully submerge drinks in ice if packing only beverages. For mixed contents, leave space for food on top or use an added cooler basket to keep items dry.

Are Pelican Coolers Made in the USA?

Pelican Elite Coolers are made in the USA and built to last a lifetime of adventures, so they can take on every journey.

What size cooler is best for weekend camping?

The duration of your trip will dictate the size and capacity of the cooler that best suits your needs. The Elite Cooler line features 2" polyurethane insulation, a freezer-grade gasket, Press & Pull latches, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware, and more.

The 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler is highly touted to be one of the best camping cooler options. With heavy-duty wheels and a built-in trolley handle, this medium-sized cooler provides enough space for food and drinks, while still being easy to transport to and around your campsite.

In addition, Pelican offers a wide range of cooler sizes to choose from including the 50QT Elite Cooler, best-selling 65QW Elite Wheeled Cooler, and 70QT Elite Cooler.

Are Pelican Coolers Bear-Resistant?

Yes, Pelican Elite Coolers 30QT and larger are certified bear-resistant by the IGBC under certification numbers 3365, 3366, 3373, 3374, 3375, 3376. This certification involves intense impact and penetration testing by use of visual inspection, mechanical methods and captive Grizzly Bear testing over extended periods of time.

Can I use dry ice in my Pelican camping cooler?

Yes, Pelican coolers are designed to handle dry ice. Make sure to handle dry ice carefully and follow safety guidelines when using it in your cooler.

How do I clean and maintain my Pelican Hard Cooler?

Cleaning and maintaining your Pelican Hard Cooler can be done using a handful of common household items:
- Water
- Non-abrasive cloth or towel, sponge, or scrub brush
- Dish detergent, baking soda (optional), or white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (optional)

Our preferred method of cleaning is to use a gentle bleach-free disinfectant using white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, spray the cooler down with a garden hose and wipe it dry with paper towels. Maintaining your cooler will not only keep the interior free of funky smells but prevent food-borne illnesses like food poisoning.

What coolers would you recommend for a fishing or hunting expedition?

The 50QT, 70QT or the 80QT Wheeled Cooler offers ample room to keep any big game cool for days.

Does Pelican offer smaller coolers for daily use?

Yes, Pelican offers smaller coolers perfect for daily use, such as the Pelican 8QT Personal Cooler and the Pelican 14QT Personal Cooler. Both the 8QT and 14QT Personal Coolers are designed for the ultimate portability, with convenient inner trays for organizing snacks or drinks and a dry storage compartment in the lid. Each model is perfect for keeping items cold during short trips without compromising durability.