Podster by Orca
Weight: 3.6 lbs
Volume: 13.5 liters
Price: $199.99
Ice Retention: 3/5
Durability: 4/5
Portability: 3/5
Utility: 3/5
The Orca is super durable and small and still boasts decent ice retention, making it great for short and rough trips. This little guy survived falling off the back of a four-wheeler and being dragged through a big mud puddle multiple times.
Thanks to plenty of MOLLE webbing all over the outside, lashing it down is a snap. A waterproof German TIZIP zipper provides access to the main compartment. Its primary limitation: capacity. There are two small retainer straps on each side, which I found a little annoying—they prevent the lid from opening all the way. The inner compartment (made from BPA-free, FDA food-grade, anti-microbial lining) is an odd kidney-bean shape; it restricted what I could squeeze in the 13.5-liter space.
The backpack straps are adequate, though a bit thin. It can be a little awkward, depending on where it falls on your back. (I’m pretty tall, so this short, wide cooler rides a little high, which I found slightly uncomfortable.
At 13.5 liters, it’s ideal for short trips where you won’t need to carry it on your back for long—maybe a day at the beach with your better half, or a lakeside catfishing session with your pal. And at the smallest price point of the bunch, it’s an excellent option for the economic outdoorsman.
[$199.99, orcacoolers.com]
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Back to top
