Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler

Keeping Food and Drinks Ice Cold for Days

If you’re looking for a high-performance cooler that can keep food and drinks chilled for days at a time, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler should be at the top of your list. With thick insulation, durable construction and plenty of great features, this cooler is built to handle any outdoor adventure.

This in-depth buying guide covers everything you need to know about the Moosejaw 55 Qt cooler. We’ll discuss the key features, ice retention, where to buy, color options, durability, warranty details, construction materials, weight, customer reviews, comparisons to other brands like Yeti, available accessories, pricing, portability, maintenance and more.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend camping trip or need a cooler for tailgating season, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler has the space, ice retention and features to get the job done right. Let’s dive into the details!

Overview of Key Features

The Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler is loaded with features designed for convenience and extreme ice retention. Here’s an overview of some of the key features this cooler offers:

• Thick insulation – 3 inches of insulation surrounds the inner cooler body to keep cold air locked in. This helps ice stay frozen for 6+ days.
• Rotomolded construction – Made using a specialized plastic molding process, the inner cooler body is one seamless piece for added durability.
• Freezer-grade gasket – A commercial grade gasket seals the lid shut to prevent cold air loss.
• Drain plug – A threaded drain plug allows you to easily drain out melted ice water without tilting the entire cooler.
• Tie-down points – Built-in side loops allow you to securely tie down the cooler during transport to prevent sliding.
• Molded side handles – Ergonomic handles on the side make lifting and carrying this loaded cooler much easier.
• Recessed latches – Low profile latches securely close the lid shut, but are recessed to avoid latch damage.
• Bear-resistant – Certified bear-resistant construction keeps the contents protected even in bear country.
• Insulated lid – The lid features insulated construction to prevent cold loss even when opened frequently.
• Food-grade inner lining – The inside of the cooler features an FDA-approved food-grade lining to keep contents protected.
• Oversized drain – A large 2+ inch drain makes it easy to drain melted ice water quickly after each use.

Ice Retention Capabilities

The whole point of a high-end cooler is keeping things chilled, so ice retention is the most important performance feature.

Moosejaw rates the 55 Qt model as capable of keeping ice frozen for 6+ days in ideal conditions. Real world performance will depend on usage, outside temperatures and other variables.

But compared to an average cheap cooler that may only hold ice for 1-2 days, the Moosejaw cooler offers dramatically longer ice retention.

Several features contribute to the excellent ice retention:

• Thick walls filled with 3 inches of insulation surrounding the inner cooler body. This insulation acts as a barrier to slow melted ice water from heating up the contents.
• A freezer-grade gasket seals the lid shut tightly to prevent cold air from escaping. This commercial grade gasket stays flexible even in freezing temperatures.
• The rotomolded cooler body is seamless with plastic fused to plastic, keeping the insulation layers fully intact without gaps or seams.
• An insulated lid reduces cooling loss when the lid is opened frequently to access the contents.

While real world usage will impact results, you can expect this cooler to keep a full load of food/drinks chilled with ice for roughly 5-7 days when used properly. That’s multi-day camping trips and week-long adventures covered with ice to spare!

Where to Buy the Moosejaw Cooler

Unlike cheap coolers found at most general retailers, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler is sold exclusively through Moosejaw.com both online and at Moosejaw retail stores.

The best place to buy online is Moosejaw.com where the full selection of colors and special deals are available.

The only other option to purchase the Moosejaw cooler is visiting one of their retail stores located in a few states around the U.S. Use the store locator on their website to find a location near you.

Moosejaw does not sell their signature coolers through any other online retailers like Amazon or general sporting goods stores like Dick’s and Academy. So for the best selection and pricing, the official Moosejaw website is the way to go.

Why Choose the Moosejaw Cooler?

With so many cooler brands on the market ranging from Yeti and RTIC to Ozark Trail and Igloo, why choose the Moosejaw option? Here are some of the best reasons this cooler stands out:

• Superior ice retention – Up to 6+ days thanks to thick insulation and a freezer-grade gasket.
• Durable construction – Virtually indestructible rotomolded plastic body withstands abuse.
• Bear-resistant – Certified bear-resistant to protect your food in bear country.
• Trusted brand – Moosejaw is a renowned outdoor gear brand used by climbers, campers and adventurers.
• Custom colors – Available in unique colors like gold, green, orange and blue instead of just tan or gray.
• Oversized drain – Quickly drains melted ice water out after each trip.
• Made in USA – Proudly built domestically in the USA.
• Warranty – Backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

If you want a cooler made in America that can keep ice frozen for almost a week and handle rugged use, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler is a top choice.

Available Color Options

While most rotomolded coolers come in fairly boring colors like tan, gray and white, one fun advantage of the Moosejaw cooler is the wide range of colors available.

Some of the unique colors offered include:

• Gold – A bright metallic gold that’s perfect for game day tailgating.
• Green – A fun bright green ideal for adding visibility in the outdoors.
• Orange – Vibrant orange makes this cooler highly visible and easy to spot.
• Blue – A rich blue color that helps the cooler stand out.
• Pink – Pink with colorful graphics is perfect for breast cancer fundraisers.
• Camo – A camo print helps the cooler blend into outdoor settings.
• Tie-Dye – Groovy tie-dye patterns pay homage to Moosejaw’s funky style.
• White – A basic white color is also offered for a clean look.

With so many awesome colors that are much more exciting than basic tan, you can choose a Moosejaw cooler color that matches your personality or outdoor gear style.

Built Like a Tank for Durability

Between tossing it in the truck bed on bumpy dirt roads, having it slide around your boat deck on choppy waters or cramming it full of food/drinks, your cooler is put through a lot of wear and tear.

The Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler is built with rugged durability in mind to handle years of abuse.

Key durability features include:

• Rotomolded construction – The one-piece plastic cooler body is seamless and indestructible. Plastic on plastic fusion prevents cracks and leaks.
• Commercial grade gasket – The lid gasket withstands frequent opening and closing without wear or compression failure.
• Bear-resistant – It’s strong enough to keep out a bear, so you know it’s tough.
• Molded-in handles – Side handles are part of the molded body, not cheap rope handles that rip out.
• Stainless/aluminum hardware – Only corrosion-resistant metals are used in hinges, screws and latches.
• UV-resistant – Sunlight resistant plastic protects against faded colors and cracking.

Moosejaw coolers are put through extreme durability testing before making it to market. So you can trust this cooler will last for many years and adventures, especially compared to cheap discount store models.

Covered by a 5 Year Limited Warranty

Moosejaw provides a 5 year limited warranty on materials and workmanship defects with the 55 Qt cooler.

This protects against any manufacturing flaws in the plastic cooler body, lid, seals, hinges, handles or hardware. Defects discovered upon delivery or during the 5 year warranty window are covered.

To be covered, you simply need to provide proof of purchase showing the purchase date and order confirmation. Photos of any damage or defects are also required.

The Moosejaw warranty does NOT cover normal wear and tear, cosmetic issues like scratches/scuffs or damage caused by improper use or accidents. The cooler also cannot be modified structurally.

But for true manufacturing defects that cause functionality problems, this warranty has you covered for 5 years after purchase. Not many coolers offer that kind of protection!

Materials Used in Construction

When researching any high-performance cooler, it’s important to understand the materials used in construction. This gives insight into durability, insulation effectiveness and other performance factors.

Here are the key materials used to build the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler:

• The inner cooler body and lid are made from a specialized plastic rotomolding process that creates a rugged, one-piece seamless construction.
• Polyurethane foam is injected into the plastic body walls during molding to provide 3 inches of insulation. This commercial grade foam maximizes ice retention.
• A freezer-grade gasket seals the lid shut and retains flexibility even in freezing temps. The commercial gasket prevents cold loss.
• Aluminum is used for the hinges and latching hardware added after molding. Aluminum survives years of opening/closing and resists corrosion.
• The cooler has a food-grade plastic liner on the inner walls to protect contents. This FDA-approved plastic is safe for direct food contact.
• Stainless steel is used for added hardware like the threaded drain plug. Stainless steel prevents rusting or seizing up.
• Molded-in handles are made from plastic fused directly into the cooler body for strength.

Moosejaw only uses commercial grade materials designed for extreme durability, food safety and ice retention.

Lightweight for a Big Cooler

When empty, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler weighs just 23 pounds. This makes it easy to carry before loading it up with food, drinks and ice.

Once fully loaded with contents, the total weight obviously increases significantly. But the empty weight of just over 20 pounds is very light compared to other coolers with the same 55+ quart capacity.

For example, the 55 Qt Yeti Tundra weighs 29 pounds empty. So the Moosejaw cooler has a nearly 7 pound weight advantage right off the bat.

The lightweight design (when empty) allows the Moosejaw cooler to offer big storage capacity without being burdensome to transport before stuffing it full for your adventure.

Yes, You Can Use It As a Seat!

With its flat lid surface and reinforced structural integrity, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler is perfectly suited for use as an impromptu seat around the campfire, at the beach or by the lake.

The lid can support up to 250 pounds without cracking or collapsing.

Just make sure to avoid standing on the cooler or using it as a step stool. The lid and body are strong, but not designed to support that much weight or pressure in small areas. The lid needs weight distributed across it, like when sitting on top.

And as you’d expect, the cooler performs much better as a seat when fully loaded with contents rather than being empty. Having drinks, food and ice inside helps reinforce the structure compared to an empty shell.

So fill it up, drink it down over the course of your adventure and enjoy the built-in seating!

What Customers Are Saying in Reviews

With thousands of satisfied customers, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler enjoys very positive reviews across the web. Here are some of the most common praise points mentioned:

• Keeps ice for 5-7+ days during real world use
• Tough as nails – survives scratches, drops and the kind of abuse coolers endure
• Love the unique color options not found on big brands like Yeti
• Rotomolded construction is virtually indestructible
• Heavy duty for the needs of hunters, fishers and serious campers
• Slide-locking latches and freezer gasket provide an air-tight seal
• Made in the USA quality and craftsmanship
• Lightweight and easy to carry for a big cooler
• Non-slip rubber feet keep it in place on slick boat decks
• Love the magnetic bottle opener on the side
• Drain plug makes it easy to empty out melted ice
• Worth the premium price for the bombproof construction

Online customer feedback for the Moosejaw cooler is very positive overall, with most buyers saying it meets their needs for durable American made performance.

How the Moosejaw Compares to Yeti

Yeti is the 800 pound gorilla of the rotomolded cooler world. So any new high-end cooler inevitably gets compared to the industry leading Yeti models like the Tundra.

The Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler holds up very well against the Yeti 55. Let’s look at some key comparisons:

• Ice retention – Very comparable. Both advertise 6+ days and deliver excellent real world retention.
• Build quality – Both are US made with excellent rotomolded build construction. Moosejaw might have a slight edge.
• Features – The Moosejaw has an edge with a built-in bottle opener and extra thick gasket.
• Weight – The empty Moosejaw cooler is significantly lighter at 23 lbs vs. 29 lbs for the Yeti.
• Dimensions – Almost identical external dimensions. The Moosejaw is slightly taller.
• Visuals – More color options with Moosejaw models. The Yeti 55 only comes in white or tan.
• Warranty – Yeti offers 5 year warranty vs. Moosejaw’s 5 year warranty. Identical coverage.
• Price – Moosejaw is $50+ cheaper for comparable features and performance.

As you can see, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler competes extremely well with the pricier Yeti version. Unless you specifically want the Yeti brand name, the Moosejaw option is tough to beat.

Available Accessories

Moosejaw offers a range of accessories for their coolers to enhance convenience and functionality:

• Tie-down kit – Attaches to molded tie points to securely fasten cooler in truck beds or boats.
• Seat cushion – Comfortable seat cushion and backrest for using as a seat.
• Bottle opener – Attaches to side of cooler for quick and easy drink access.
• Baskets – Wire or plastic storage baskets sit atop the cooler for organizing extras.
• Lock kit – Retrofit lock with keys to prevent cooler theft.
• Dividers – Interior sliding dividers allow organizing different items.
• Drain hose – Directs draining water away from campsite or boat deck.
• Rope handles – Makes carrying with multiple people easier.
• Cooler cover – Insulated cover that wraps the entire cooler for storage.

Check Moosejaw’s website to browse all the first-party accessory options for customizing your cooler’s functionality.

Pricing Ranges From $250 – $350

The Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler is a premium product made in America with very durable construction. So expect to pay more than a basic $50 cheap cooler from a big box store.

Here are the standard retail prices:

• The 55 quart size has an MSRP of $349.95.
• But Moosejaw frequently runs sales taking 15-20% off or more.
• Sale prices typically range from $250 – $300.
• Limited edition colors sometimes cost extra.
• Optional accessories range from $20 for a seat cushion up to around $70 for tie-down kits.

Compared to big name alternatives like Yeti that can run almost $400+ for a 55 Qt size, the Moosejaw cooler is very fairly priced given its comparable quality and performance.

Built-In Side Handles for Easy Transport

Lugging around a loaded cooler full of food, drinks and 50+ pounds of ice is tough with small rope handles that dig into your hands.

That’s why the Moosejaw 55 Qt features built-in ergonomic side handles made from molded plastic that won’t rip or tear off.

The side handles allow you to:

• Easily carry the cooler short distances by yourself when loaded.
• Comfortably grip the handles without pain.
• Get help from a second person using the side handles on each side.
• Lock your fingers through the underside of the handle for secure lifting.
• Use the handles to lock tie-down straps through to secure the cooler in transport.

The side mounted horizontal handles also let you evenly balance and cradle the cooler against your body rather than awkwardly dangling it off one vertical rope handle.

The handles are angled for an ergonomic grip and made from thick molded plastic to survive years of heavy abuse.

Simple Maintenance Keeps it Going for Decades

With its rotomolded construction and commercial grade gasket, the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler requires very minimal maintenance to enjoy decades of performance.

Here are a few simple maintenance tips:

• Before each trip, check that the gasket seals tightly and isn’t cracked. Replace if damaged.
• Keep the drain plug o-ring lightly greased so it doesn’t dry out and crack over time.
• Drill out any ice buildup restricting the drain hole.
• Use mild soap and water to clean the inside – avoid harsh chemicals.
• Apply UV protectant wax to the exterior plastic yearly to avoid sun damage.
• Never let water pool in the closed cooler after a trip – fully dry out.
• Tighten any loose hardware like latches or lid hinges as needed.

With basic preventative maintenance and avoiding damage, your Moosejaw cooler should last for many years and adventures.

Ongoing Discounts & Deals

While Moosejaw coolers already offer excellent value at their standard pricing, you can often save big thanks to frequent deals, discounts and coupons:

• Join the Moosejaw email list for special discount code offers delivered to subscribers.
• Check for any limited time percentage-off promotions running on the website. 25% off deals are common.
• Look for coupon codes on deal websites that can be applied at checkout for instant savings.
• The Moosejaw website offers discounted pricing for returned/open box coolers when available.
• Ask about a blemished cooler discount for units with minor cosmetic defects that don’t affect function.
• Buy during a holiday sale like Memorial Day or July 4th for the best season-wide discounts.
• Use discounted Moosejaw gift cards purchased through third party dealers.

With a little searching, you can easily save $50-$100+ off the already fair prices to get a sweet deal on this cooler.

Fits 60+ Cans Along With Food & Ice

Wondering just how much the 55 quart capacity can hold? Here’s a rough breakdown:

• It can fit 60+ standard 12oz soda or beer cans when loaded efficiently.
• Along with the cans, you’ll still have lots of room for food, snacks and at least 20 pounds of ice.
• For larger 20oz plastic bottled drinks, you can fit around 40 bottles along with ice and food.
• When packed with just ice for maximum cold retention, it holds about 55-60 quarts of ice cubes or block ice.

So the 55 quart rating is based on total volume, not just dedicated can or bottle capacity. You get tons of flexible space to load up everything you need.

And thanks to the excellent insulation, you don’t need to completely fill the cooler with ice to get 5-7 days of retention. A partial ice load lets you pack in more drinks and food.

The Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler – Your Perfect Outdoor Companion

After reviewing all the details, it’s clear the Moosejaw 55 Qt Cooler has the rugged design, superior insulation and convenient features needed for any camping trip, backyard cookout or weekend at the lake house.

Made with pride in America using durable materials, packed with clever benefits like built-in bottle openers and available in vibrant colors, this cooler checks all the boxes.

While not the cheapest bargain cooler around, the Moosejaw 55 delivers extreme performance and ice retention worth the premium price. And it will last for decades rather than failing after a single season like flimsy discount brands.

So don’t hesitate to order one – or a matching pair – on Moosejaw.com today to keep your food and drinks ice cold wherever summer takes you!