I tested the V2 over bumpy roads to see if the marketing claims are true

The Rugged Road 45 V2 Ultralight High Performance Cooler is marketed as a lightweight alternative to the bulky, heavy coolers we typically use on our adventures. But is it durable, and does it live up to its claim of maintaining ice for up to 7 days? Keep reading my honest Rugged Road 45 V2 review to see how well (and not so well) it has worked for me this spring and summer.

Rugged Road 45 V2 Specs and Features

• 9 pounds empty
• Holds up to 45 12oz cans and ice
• 31 qt capacity
• 27″L x 16″W x 13″H
• Strong for Life: Lifetime Warranty
• Ultralight: half the weight of the competition
• Heads Up Floatability: Floats straight every time
• Ice for multiple days: Load it to hold ice for up to 7 days
• Kick Flip Lid™: Removable and reversible lid with cupholders
• Cavernous interior: less plastic, more ice and drinks
• “Double-up” handle system: two options for carrying
• MSRP: $325

Testing methods and conditions

I’ve had the Rugged Road 45 V2 for about 6 months and have taken it on family camping trips, off-grid turkey hunting trips, all-day fishing/lake trips, and training for summer wrestling practices. It’s had hours of camping gear stacked on top of it, bounced around in the back of my friend’s truck, and exposed for long periods of time in Oklahoma’s spring storms and summer sun. Temperatures ranged from the low 50s to the mid-90s during my tests, so I feel like I had a wide variety of conditions to fully test this high-performance cooler.

First impression of the bumpy road 45

When I first picked it up before unboxing I was surprised at how light this cooler was. I have smaller coolers that weigh more than this. While I was a little worried about how durable it would be since it weighs so little, once I unboxed it and saw how well built it was, my concerns about durability vanished. My biggest initial disappointment was when I tried to stack 16-ounce water bottles in it upright, and the cooler lid wouldn’t close.

Rating: 8/10

ice retention and cooling performance

While Rugged Road marketing claims up to 7 days of ice retention with the Frigidaire insulating technology, that should be true under perfect conditions without opening the lid, as I’ve only had 3 days of ice retention at 80-85 degrees during regular use (opening and closing the lid). My wrestlers love it when I bring it because it keeps water and popsicles cold throughout practice, even when the temperature is 90+ degrees (yes, our local wrestling room does not have AC).

Rating: 7/10

Durability, materials and build quality

Despite how light this Rugged Road cooler is, it’s also very durable. I had no problems stacking gear or standing on top of it (I weigh ~160 pounds). The Rigorite coating is believed to have been developed for military use and is blast resistant. I’m not entirely sure what this means (I haven’t tested it by blasting it), but it doesn’t scratch or scratch easily. I like the Get A Grip non-slip surface because it doesn’t slip off the back of the truck or my kayak, even if the surface is wet.

Rating: 9/10

Handling and ergonomics

Carrying this cooler with one hand when it is empty is not a problem, as it weighs only 9 pounds. Even when it is filled with ice, drinks and food, it is still easy to carry. However, I’m not a fan of rope handles on anything, although I have found them useful when towing behind a truck or SUV. I prefer to carry it using the solid handle. The kick flip lid is a great, unique feature. I like that there are cup holders on one side and the other side makes for a great seat when kayaking and paddleboarding. The lid is also very easy to flip.

Rating: 9/10

what’s that for

This is a great cooler for camping, hunting, and fishing, but it shines for those who live on the water. It’s lightweight (so much so that it floats upright) and will keep your drinks and food cold. Although it’s less expensive than some competitors, it’s still not a cheap cooler, so it’s definitely not for those on a budget.

Value and price-to-performance

At $325, this is not a cheap cooler. Rugged Road literally calls it a high-performance cooler, so the high price isn’t a surprise. However, instead of copying what other expensive coolers are doing, Rugged Road introduced a unique product. If you’re tired of carrying your empty cooler with you to workouts, the Rugged Road 45 V2 is worth a look.

Rating: 8/10

Pros and cons

professional:

• lightweight
• durable
• Removable/reversible lid
• two carrying options
• swims straight
• lifetime warranty

Shortcoming:

• expensive
• I’m not a fan of rope handles
• Reversible lid does not seal completely but latches when slightly overfilled with ice
• Drain leaks if not tightened too tightly
• Too shallow to hold water bottles upright

Verdict: Rough Road 45 V2 Review

I am very impressed with the Rugged Road 45 V2. There are a few small things I would like to see changed and improved at this price point, but it held up when I needed it to and hasn’t failed on any of my adventures so far. I will be using it throughout the rest of the summer and fall as it is the lightest cooler I have and works well for all my upcoming plans.

Overall Rating: 8.2/10