Igloo has been making coolers since 1947, and their current lineup spans everything from a $10 biodegradable single-use to a premium roto-molded marine cooler that competes with Yeti at a lower price. Choosing the right one depends on how you use it, where you store it, and how long you need ice to last. This guide covers the real Igloo product lines available at West Marine and helps you match the right cooler to your needs.
- IMX: Premium Injection-Molded Marine Coolers
- BMX: Heavy-Duty Hard-Sided Coolers
- Trailmate: All-Terrain Rolling Coolers
- MaxCold: High-Capacity Value Coolers
- Marine Ultra and Marine Elite Lines
- Recool: Biodegradable Cooler
- Which Igloo Cooler Is Right for You?
- FAQs
IMX: Premium Injection-Molded Marine Coolers
The IMX is Igloo’s top-tier hard-sided cooler and the one that competes most directly with premium brands like Yeti and RTIC. The key distinction is the construction process: injection-molded construction creates a seamless, thick-walled body with consistent insulation and no gaps for cold air to escape. Combined with Ultratherm insulation in both the body and lid and Cool Riser Technology (feet that elevate the cooler off hot surfaces to reduce heat transfer from the ground), the IMX delivers up to four to five days of ice retention.
The marine-specific details set this cooler apart for boating use:
- Marine-grade rubberized lid T-latches lock down the lid and resist corrosion in salt air
- Stainless steel locking plate and lockable lid loops for securing the cooler aboard
- Non-slip steel braided cable side handles for carrying on a heaving deck
- Anti-skid feet to keep the cooler from sliding on a wet surface
- Four self-draining cup holders built into the lid
- Built-in stainless steel bottle opener
- Fish ruler molded into the lid for measuring catches at the boat
- Removable interior wire food basket to keep designated items dry above meltwater
- Threaded drain plug with hose hookup for easy draining at the dock
The IMX is available in 70 qt at West Marine, which holds approximately 105 12-oz cans. It’s the right choice if you’re looking for the best possible ice retention, you take your cooler offshore or on extended trips, or you want a premium cooler that doubles as a fishing cooler with dedicated marine features.
Shop Igloo IMX coolers at West Marine ›
BMX: Heavy-Duty Hard-Sided Coolers
The BMX sits one tier below the IMX and offers a compelling combination of rugged construction and practical features at a lower price point. BMX coolers use injection-molded construction with Thermecool insulation — an environmentally friendly foam formulation — and a reinforced stainless steel base that protects the bottom on rough surfaces.
Standout BMX features include:
- Dry storage compartment with a separate lid for keeping phones, keys, and snacks away from ice water
- Two integrated cup holders sized for standard cans and bottles
- Legs on the base that elevate the cooler off hot surfaces and allow ventilation underneath (similar to Cool Riser Technology)
- Ultratherm housing insulation for extended temperature retention
- Rugged construction rated for rough handling on jobsites, fishing trips, and camping
The BMX is available at West Marine in 72 qt. For anglers who want a capable cooler with a dry storage box for electronics and tackle, the BMX is an excellent mid-tier choice. Reported ice retention is up to five days under controlled conditions.
Shop Igloo BMX coolers at West Marine ›
Trailmate: All-Terrain Rolling Coolers
The Trailmate exists to solve a specific problem: getting a loaded cooler from your car or truck to wherever you actually want to be, across terrain that defeats standard wheels. The Trailmate Journey (available in 50 qt and 70 qt at West Marine) uses 10-inch never-flat wheels with superior traction and ground clearance specifically designed for sand, gravel, grass, and uneven terrain.
Key Trailmate features:
- 10-inch never-flat wheels: Large-diameter wheels with significant ground clearance. Where a standard cooler on small wheels buries itself in beach sand immediately, the Trailmate rolls through it. “Never-flat” means solid construction — no air to leak, no flats at the water’s edge.
- Glide handle: Locking, telescoping, horizontal handle that allows you to pull the cooler alongside you rather than behind you, reportedly reducing the effort by approximately 50% compared to a trailing handle.
- Lockable dry storage box: A separate compartment with an anti-leak gasket for phones, keys, wallets, and sunglasses. Water-resistant and lockable. Stays dry even when the main compartment is full of ice water and being pulled through surf.
- THERMECOOL insulation: In both the body and lid for multi-day ice retention.
- 70 qt capacity: The Journey holds approximately 112 12-oz cans.
The Trailmate is the right choice for anyone who regularly carries a loaded cooler across sand or rough terrain — beach days, sand bar trips, boat ramp areas, or anywhere that standard wheels are useless. It is heavier and larger than a non-wheeled cooler, so it’s not ideal for situations where you need to carry the cooler rather than roll it.
Shop Igloo Trailmate coolers at West Marine ›
MaxCold: High-Capacity Value Coolers
The MaxCold is Igloo’s value-oriented line for situations where you need volume rather than premium construction. Ultratherm insulation in both the body and lid delivers solid ice retention for the price point. The MaxCold is available at West Marine in sizes up to 165 qt — one of the largest cooler capacities available — making it the right choice for large group gatherings, multi-day camp setups, or anywhere you need a lot of cold storage without spending premium-cooler money.
The MaxCold Latitude line adds a wheeled option with a telescoping handle, making it easier to move the larger sizes. The 90 qt Maxcold Latitude EcoCool Rolling Cooler also incorporates eco-friendly insulation materials.
What the MaxCold trades for its lower price: the construction is not injection-molded, which means slightly less insulation consistency and durability than the IMX or BMX. For a day at the dock, a weekend on the hook, or a large family gathering, the MaxCold performs well. For extended offshore trips in rough conditions where the cooler is being thrown around and needs to hold ice for five days, the IMX is a better investment.
Shop Igloo MaxCold coolers at West Marine ›
Marine Ultra and Marine Elite Lines
Igloo’s dedicated marine lines are designed specifically for use aboard boats. The Marine Ultra (available in 25 qt and 100 qt at West Marine) and Marine Elite feature the same marine-grade latches, UV-resistant construction, and drainage systems as the IMX but in a more traditional styling. The Marine Ultra’s white finish reflects heat and is the most common color choice for offshore and sportfishing applications where ice retention in direct sun is a priority.
The Tag Along Too (11 qt) is the small-end marine option — a compact personal cooler designed for keeping drinks and lunch accessible on a day boat without taking up cockpit space. At 11 qt it holds approximately 12 cans and is sized to fit in a rod holder or small storage locker. One of the highest-rated Igloo coolers in West Marine’s catalog.
Shop Igloo marine coolers at West Marine ›
Recool: The Biodegradable Cooler
The Recool is genuinely unique: the world’s first cooler made from biodegradable materials. It is designed as a reusable, environmentally responsible alternative to single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam coolers. Foam coolers break down into microplastics, are banned in an increasing number of municipalities, and produce toxic residues when they degrade. The Recool is made from materials that biodegrade within approximately two years and produce no toxic residues.
Practical performance: 12 hours of ice retention and five days of water retention. Empty it, let it air dry, and reuse it for multiple trips. At 16 qt and under $10, it is not a multi-day offshore cooler — it is a day-use cooler for beaches, picnics, and on-the-water use where a foam cooler would otherwise be the choice. The Recool is legal everywhere, including jurisdictions that have banned foam coolers.
Shop the Igloo Recool at West Marine ›
Which Igloo Cooler Is Right for You?
| Use Case | Best Igloo Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore fishing, extended trips, rough conditions | IMX (70 qt) | Best ice retention, marine-grade construction, fish ruler, lockable |
| Fishing with need for dry electronics storage | BMX (72 qt) | Rugged construction plus dedicated dry storage compartment |
| Beach, sandbar, or any terrain with sandy or rough ground | Trailmate Journey (50 or 70 qt) | 10-inch never-flat wheels handle terrain standard wheels can’t |
| Large group gatherings, multi-day camp, high volume | MaxCold (up to 165 qt) | Largest available capacity at the best value per quart |
| Day boat, personal cooler, cockpit use | Tag Along Too (11 qt) | Compact enough for a rod holder, holds 12 cans, highly rated |
| Eco-conscious alternative to foam cooler | Recool (16 qt) | Biodegradable, reusable, legal everywhere foam is banned |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Igloo IMX and BMX coolers?
Both use injection-molded construction for durability, but the IMX is built specifically for marine use with marine-grade rubberized T-latches, a stainless steel locking plate, a fish ruler, non-slip steel braided cable handles, and up to four to five days of ice retention. The BMX is a heavy-duty general-purpose cooler with a dry storage compartment and reinforced stainless steel base, better suited for situations where you want robust construction plus a separate dry storage zone for electronics and valuables. For offshore fishing and dedicated marine use, the IMX is the better choice. For camping, fishing from shore, or anywhere dry storage matters more than pure marine specifications, the BMX is compelling.
How long does Igloo IMX keep ice?
Igloo rates the IMX for up to four to five days of ice retention. Real-world retention depends significantly on ambient temperature, how full the cooler is (a fuller cooler retains ice longer than a half-empty one), and how often it’s opened. Pre-chilling the cooler the night before with a bag of ice before loading food and drinks significantly extends retention. The Cool Riser Technology legs that elevate the cooler off hot deck surfaces also meaningfully reduce heat transfer into the cooler in direct sun.
Are Igloo coolers better than Yeti?
Yeti’s Tundra line uses rotational molding (rotomolding), while Igloo’s IMX uses injection molding. Both create seamless, thick-walled, highly insulated coolers. Rotomolded coolers are generally considered slightly more durable and have slightly better ice retention at equivalent wall thicknesses, but injection-molded coolers like the IMX perform comparably in most real-world use cases at a lower price. For most recreational boating, fishing, and camping applications, the Igloo IMX delivers performance competitive with premium rotomolded brands without the premium price.
Can I use Igloo coolers in saltwater environments?
Yes, and the IMX and Marine lines are specifically designed for it. The marine-grade rubberized latches and stainless steel hardware resist saltwater corrosion. Rinse the cooler with fresh water after saltwater use, particularly around the latches and drain plug, and it will last for years in a marine environment. The MaxCold and BMX are less specifically marine-rated but will hold up adequately if rinsed and maintained. Avoid leaving any cooler with standing salt water in it for extended periods without rinsing.
What size Igloo cooler do I need for a day on the water?
A rough guide: a 50–70 qt cooler holds enough food and drinks for four to six people for a full day on the water with room to spare. An 11–25 qt cooler works for one to two people or as a dedicated beverage cooler alongside a larger food cooler. If you’re keeping fish, allow extra space — a 70 qt cooler that’s full of food and drinks has no room for fish. Many serious anglers keep a dedicated fish cooler (larger, ice-only) separate from a personal beverage cooler.
Shop Igloo Coolers at West Marine
West Marine carries the full Igloo lineup including the IMX, BMX, Trailmate, MaxCold, Marine Ultra, Tag Along Too, and Recool. Browse all Igloo coolers at West Marine or find your nearest store to see them in person.