Moosejaw 50 Quart Cooler

Are you looking for the perfect cooler to keep your food and drinks icy cold on your next camping trip, tailgate, or outdoor adventure? The Moosejaw 50 Quart Cooler should be at the top of your list. This rugged, durable cooler is packed with features to keep items cold for days.

In this buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your needs. We’ll look at the key features, ice retention, where to buy, pros vs cons, maintenance, pricing and more.

Overview of the Moosejaw 50 Quart Cooler

The Moosejaw 50 quart cooler is roto-molded from polyethylene plastic for maximum toughness and insulation. The extra thick walls and lid keep cold air trapped inside, while the freezer-grade gasket forms a tight seal.

The 50 quart capacity provides ample space for food and up to 50 cans. Two heavy duty rubber latches securely fasten the lid shut. There are also four tie-down points molded into the body to strap the cooler in place.

Key Features:

• 50 quart capacity
• Roto-molded polyethylene construction
• 3+ inch thick insulation in walls and lid
• Freezer-grade gasket
• Non-slip feet
• 2 rubber latches
• Molded tie-down points
• Bear resistant – certified IGBC Grizzly and IGBC Polar Bear

Ice Retention Capability

The excellent insulation design enables the Moosejaw cooler to retain ice for 5-7 days in ideal conditions. Moosejaw uses pressure-injected commercial grade polyurethane foam to insulate the walls and lid.

With 3+ inches of this foam insulation, the Moosejaw cooler outperforms many other roto-molded coolers for ice retention. Real world tests show it can keep a full load cold for a 3-5 day camping trip in warm weather before needing new ice.

Where to Buy the Moosejaw 50 Quart Cooler

Moosejaw offers the 50 quart cooler on their website and in their retail stores located across the U.S. The coolers can also be found at a few other online retailers like Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Moosejaw often runs discounts and coupons for their coolers, so check their website for any current deals. Signing up for their emails is a great way to receive news on the latest Moosejaw cooler sales and promotions.

Why Choose the Moosejaw Over Other Cooler Brands?

There are a few key reasons why the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler stands out from other roto-molded coolers:

• Great ice retention – The extra thick insulation can outperform thinner-walled coolers. You’ll get a few more days of ice life.
• Bear resistant – It is certified IGBC Grizzly and IGBC Polar Bear resistant for worry-free use in bear country. Not all coolers offer this.
• Molded tie-downs – The built-in tie-down points make it easy to securely fasten the cooler in a boat, truck bed, or trailer.
• Trusted brand – Moosejaw is known for making durable, outdoor-tested products designed for adventure. You can rely on their coolers.
• Good value – It is very competitively priced compared to similar coolers from other premium brands.

If you plan to use a cooler for extended trips in the outdoors, the Moosejaw model is one of the best choices for ice retention, features, and price.

Bear Resistance Capabilities

The Moosejaw 50 Quart Cooler is certified IGBC Grizzly and IGBC Polar Bear resistant. This means it passed rigorous testing against bears accessing the contents.

It has passed the following test criteria:

• 60 minutes of direct contact by an adult grizzly bear
• 15 minutes of contact by an adult polar bear
• Withstood impact force over 1500 foot-pounds

The rugged roto-molded construction, tight gasket seal, and secure rubber latches prevent bears from prying the cooler open. This gives peace of mind when camping or fishing in bear country.

Of course, never store food inside a tent and keep the cooler away from campsites at night. But the Moosejaw cooler provides reliable protection during the day.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Like any heavily used cooler, the Moosejaw 50 quart will need periodic cleaning to keep it fresh and prevent odor buildup. Here are some tips:

• Remove all items and wash the inside with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Use a soft brush and baking soda paste to scrub stains on the exterior.
• For odors, soak with a water/vinegar solution (1 cup vinegar per 5 cups water).
• Apply marine UV protectant spray on the exterior to prevent sun damage.
• Ensure the drain plug and gasket are kept clean and properly sealed.
• At the start of each trip, pre-chill for optimal cold retention.

With regular cleaning and maintenance, your Moosejaw cooler can deliver many years of reliable performance. Proper care will also retain more of its ice retention capabilities over time.

Available Colors

One great thing about the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler is you have lots of color choices:

• River Green
• Granite Gray
• Blaze Orange
• Ice Blue
• Wild Blue Yonder
• Admiralty Red
• Woodland Camo
• Cosmic Purple
• Jet Black

With multiple colors to choose from, you can select the perfect hue to match your style and other gear. Or opt for a brighter shade if you want a cooler that’s easily visible.

Durability & Construction

The Moosejaw 50 quart cooler is built to last through years of outdoor use and abuse. The roto-molded polyethylene construction is virtually indestructible under normal conditions.

It won’t crack, peel, or warp like some cheaper coolers. The walls are thick enough to resist dents and punctures. It can withstand being loaded with heavy contents without damage.

The rubber latches are made with heavy duty molded rubber for repeated opening and closing. Users mention the Moosejaw cooler feels like a tank and lives up to promises of durability.

Product Warranty

All Moosejaw coolers are backed by a 5 year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials or manufacturing workmanship.

The warranty is limited to the original purchaser and a proof of purchase is required. Damage from improper use or abuse is not covered.

On the rare occasion a defect arises during normal use, Moosejaw will repair or replace the cooler at no charge. This provides buyer protection on your investment.

Weight When Empty

The Moosejaw 50 quart cooler tips the scales at 23 pounds when empty.

Some other roto-molded coolers in this size range are a few pounds lighter. But the Moosejaw gains this extra weight from thicker plastic walls which improve insulation. The weight difference is minimal considering the overall capacity.

Once loaded up with contents, you likely won’t notice a difference of a few pounds. Just take the empty weight into account if you need to regularly lift or carry the cooler when empty.

Using As a Seat

The lid of the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler is reinforced so it can double as a seat in a pinch. Two adults can sit comfortably.

This offers a convenient place to sit and take a break on hiking trails, beside the lake, or in a campground. The lid supports up to 250 pounds when used as a seat.

Just avoid standing on the cooler or using it as a stepping stool, which can put too much stress on the lid hinges. The lid is not designed to support weight in those situations. But sitting on top is fine.

Customer Reviews

Looking at customer reviews, the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler earns very high marks for its ice retention, durability, and ease of use. Owners say it keeps ice frozen for days in real world conditions, just as advertised.

Many mention the thick, rugged construction gives it a quality feel lacking in some cheaper coolers. They are impressed with how well it holds up to scrapes, drops, and being stacked or sat on without damage.

Almost all say it’s worth the money for a cooler that lasts for years. Common compliments are that it’s a “great cooler”, “keeps ice forever” and “built like a tank”. Negative reviews are very rare.

Comparison to Yeti Coolers

Yeti is the top premium cooler brand on the market. So how does the Moosejaw model compare?

The Moosejaw is slightly behind Yeti for ice retention, keeping ice frozen about a day less. Yeti also offers more size options and accessories.

On the plus side, the Moosejaw comes in at a lower cost while still offering excellent performance for most needs. It receives comparable positive reviews from owners for its construction quality.

Unless you need the maximum ice life possible or plan to heavily customize your cooler, the Moosejaw model is a great alternative to save some money. For casual users, it provides nearly the same utility at a more budget-friendly price point.

Available Accessories

Moosejaw offers a few different accessories compatible with their 50 quart cooler:

• Insulated cooler cover – provides extra insulation to retain cold. Has carry handles.
• Tie-down kit – nylon straps for securing cooler in transport.
• Cooler wheel kit – allows rolling the cooler instead of carrying.
• Replacement latch kit – includes two new rubber latches.
• Bottle opener – mountable stainless steel opener for convenience.

Basic accessories like drain plugs and gaskets are also available. Having the ability to customize with accessories is a nice perk not all coolers allow.

Pricing & Value

The Moosejaw 50 quart cooler ranges from $279.99 up to $349.99 at full retail price. Sale prices often dip to the $200 to $250 range.

Compared to other roto-molded coolers of this size, it is very competitively priced. Yeti 50 quart coolers cost over $100 more. Other premium options like Pelican or RTIC are priced on par.

Considering the great ice life, durable build, and convenient features, the Moosejaw cooler offers excellent value. If you want a capable cooler without springing for the most expensive brands, it hits a nice sweet spot of quality and price.

Transport and Portability

Thanks to the built-in rope handles and molded-in tie downs, the 50 quart Moosejaw Cooler is easy to transport in a variety of ways:

• By hand – The rope handles make it easy for one person to carry the cooler short distances.
• Two person lift – Two people can hold the built-in side handles to carry the cooler together. This makes moving it easier over longer distances.
• Vehicle mounted – Use the molded tie downs to securely fasten the cooler in a truck bed, boat, ATV, or trailer.
• Trolley – For rolling on smooth surfaces, add the optional wheel kit.

Weighing 23 pounds empty, the Moosejaw isn’t lightweight but is still manageable for one person to handle. Just take care when lifting to avoid back strain. Overall, its portable size and multiple carrying options let you bring it anywhere.

Maintaining For Longevity

To get the longest useful life from your Moosejaw cooler, follow these tips:

• Clean thoroughly after each trip to prevent mold/odors.
• Avoid direct sunlight exposure when possible to prevent UV damage.
• Keep the drain plug sealed tightly using the provided wrench.
• Secure the lid latches to maintain the tight seal.
• Load evenly and avoid overloading above the max capacity.
• Use tie-down straps during transport to prevent falling or shifting.
• If dented or cracked, stop using to maintain insulation ability.
• Apply UV protectant spray twice per year.

Taking proper care of your cooler ensures it will keep contents cold for years before needing to be replaced. With regular maintenance, expect over a decade of reliable performance even with frequent use.

Deals and Discounts

The best way to save money on the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler is to take advantage of sales and promotions.

Moosejaw periodically offers 20% off or more sitewide during major holidays and events. Signing up for email/text alerts provides insider info on upcoming deals.

Check Amazon and other retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods for price matching or discounts. Their sales can sometimes beat Moosejaw’s prices.

Also look for discount codes from influencers and review sites. Some provide exclusive promo codes for $$$ off. For maximum savings, combine these codes with existing store sales when possible.

Capacity in Cans

With its 50 quart capacity, the Moosejaw cooler can fit approximately 50 cans along with ice:

• 42 standard 12oz cans
• 60 slim 12oz cans
• 38 standard 16oz cans
• 48 slim 16oz cans

This spacious capacity means you can stock up on food and beverages for a long camping trip or extended tailgate.

The cubic storage also leaves room for larger items like water containers, soda bottles, deli sandwiches and more. Take an inventory of what you need cooled, and the 50 quart size can likely handle it.

Conclusion

From its excellent ice retention to durable design, the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler has the features you want in a portable ice chest. It really shines for keeping contents chilled for days on weekend trips or lengthy excursions off-grid.

Before purchasing, think about your specific needs in a cooler. If you want maximum space or ice life, consider sizing up to the Moosejaw 75 quart option. Owners of the 50 quart size are very satisfied with its temperature control and quality construction.

Keep an eye out for sales and discounts to get the best bang for your buck. With proper care and maintenance, the Moosejaw 50 quart cooler will deliver years of reliable performance wherever your travels take you.