Coleman 316 Series 70 QT Cooler Review

Bottom Line

Coleman has been producing coolers for decades, making the name almost a synonym for portable cold storage. The Coleman 316 Series 70 QT continues this legacy as a dependable and budget-friendly high-capacity cooler. 

We filled the Coleman with ice, food, and beverages and took it with us to various spots around California’s East Side as we fished, climbed, and hiked. Rotating between being stored inside our van and spending warm days in the full sun, we monitored ice retention and temperature, tested how well the cooler could handle different environments, and examined its ease of use. 

The Coleman 316 has one of the lowest prices among the coolers we tested, but despite its low cost, it impresses by keeping ice for nearly a week. With a 70-quart capacity, it provides the most value, as the largest volume cooler we evaluated. 

The Coleman’s design and choice of materials aren’t as sturdy as other models, potentially reducing the cooler’s lifespan and making it less suitable for rougher outdoor use. Best applied in more casual settings, the Coleman 316 has enough space for larger gatherings and groups, while reliably keeping everything you need cold and your budget in check. See how it compares to our other favorites in our complete guide to the best coolers.

How We Tested

For this latest update, we took a selection of coolers to California’s Eastern Sierra, where spring days offered endless sun and warm temperatures to thoroughly test ice retention and temperature control. From sitting in hot vehicles in parking lots to high-elevation days bouldering in the Buttermilks, we tracked ice melt, measured internal temperatures, and used the coolers in environments ranging from rocky high desert to marshy riverside to evaluate durability, portability, and ease of use.

Insulation

The Coleman 316 Series features blow-molded plastic insulation. While it isn’t as efficient as rotomolded or injection-molded coolers, the Coleman still performs well by keeping items cold for nearly a week. 

We filled the cooler with ice and tested it by moving it between sunny outdoor locations and inside our van. We checked ice retention and took the internal temperature several times each day. Our findings showed it took six days for all the ice to melt, eight days for the temperature to reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and 10 days for it to reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Our results show that other styles of insulation have greater insulating capabilities, but the 316 Series still offers dependable cold storage for several days. It may not be ideal for long trips, but Coleman excels at managing shorter outings.

Durability

We tested the durability of the Coleman in various environments, dragging and dropping it across different terrains to see how it handled rough use. Although it survived our abuse with only a few scratches, some aspects of its overall design indicate it doesn’t have the longevity of other sturdier coolers. 

The blow-molded fabrication method used by Coleman adds seams to its build, which could split or crack over time, threatening its long-term structural integrity.  

The hinges attaching the lid to the cooler’s body are made of thin plastic and feel fragile. Rough handling can easily torque the lid, potentially causing permanent damage. When carrying heavier loads, we noticed some play in the plastic carry handles. Especially when hauling a fully loaded cooler, breakage seems possible. 

The Coleman 316 isn’t the most durable cooler out there, but it still has a sturdy build that’s designed to handle everyday wear and tear. While it may not be ideal for more extreme outdoor conditions, it’s more than capable of handling your casual adventures.

Volume

With a 70-quart capacity, the Coleman 316 is the largest cooler we tested by over 10 quarts. Capable of holding up to 109 cans, it’s a powerful cooler that provides ample room for everything you need to keep cold. We packed the cooler with a mix of items and found it was spacious enough to easily store several days’ worth of provisions. 

Due to limitations with insulation and durability, the 316 Series wouldn’t be our top choice for longer trips, but its high volume makes it an excellent option for large group events. When you need to serve many people, the Coleman offers all the space you’ll need.

Ergonomics & Portability

Omitting the personal-sized coolers, the Coleman 316 is the lightest cooler we tested. Generally, larger coolers are heavier, but the Coleman’s plastic construction makes it unusually lightweight for its size. Even when filled, we found it easy to carry on our own. Its longer length can be a bit awkward to carry alone, but the lightness of the design compensates for any handling difficulties. 

The Coleman’s design is simple and easy to use, but we’d argue it’s almost to a fault. The cooler doesn’t have any latches to keep the lid closed. While this makes for a quick and easy grab-and-go, latches help prevent spills, especially during transport.

We found that the lid also didn’t seal very tightly, and when the cooler was tipped over, water leaked out the seam between the cooler body and the lid. Additionally, the lack of a tight seal allows cold air to escape more quickly, speeding up meltage and raising internal temperatures.

Features

When it comes to features, the 316 Series isn’t as customizable as other models. It’s available in two colors, but Coleman also makes the cooler in 52, 70, 120, and 150 quart sizes, reinforcing its reputation as a high-volume option. There are no accessories made specifically for the cooler, but its lid has cup indents built in and a ruler engraved on it. 

The Coleman is a simple cooler focused on its main purpose of keeping items cold. If you want something you can personalize or add accessories to, other coolers are a better choice.

Should You Buy the Coleman 316 Series 70 QT?

When your cooler is only needed for occasional beachfront picnics or backyard barbecues that require plenty of space to keep things cold, the Coleman 316 Series is a great choice. 

Its spacious interior makes it capable of handling the needs of a large group. Of the coolers we tested, it is the lightest in weight, offers the largest volume, and has one of the lowest price tags. With the Coleman, you get a lot of cooler for a lower cost. 

The downside of the 316 Series is that its cheaper and lighter construction means its insulation isn’t as effective as other options, and it lacks the structural strength designed to last for years. Design weak points and missing elements, like fragile hinges and no lid latches, prevent the Coleman from being a viable choice for use in rougher outdoor conditions. 

Although the 316 Series might not be ideal for more extreme adventures, it’s perfect for accommodating a large group or bringing a cooler to casual events.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

For a full list of recommendations, check out our guide to the best coolers. 

XSpec 60 QT Review: One of the top-performing coolers we tested, the XSpec 60QT features rotomolded insulation that keeps contents cold for over a week and a half. The XSpec is more expensive than the Coleman but is built for durability, using high-quality materials and a sturdy design capable of withstanding various environments and conditions. 

YETI Tundra 65 Review: When you’re searching for a high-capacity cooler that’s durable enough for outdoor adventures, the YETI Tundra 65 offers spacious cold storage combined with a rugged build that’s IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee) certified. With ample room for extended trips, the rotomolded insulation keeps ice for up to nine days. Although it costs more than the Coleman, the YETI’s sturdy construction ensures long-lasting use. 

Coleman Steel Belted Cooler Review: Coleman has been making coolers for decades, and the Steel Belted is a nod to their 1950s models. The charming vintage design not only provides style but is also a lightweight and affordable option. Although smaller in capacity than the 316 Series, the Steel Belted offers a spacious interior that easily holds plenty of food and drinks.