Bottom Line
For those seeking a cooler that can handle all their outdoor adventures, the rugged design of the XSpec 60 QT is ideal for the toughest environments. Among well-known brands like YETI and RTIC, the XSpec was a modest standout for the CleverHiker team, impressing us with its durability and insulating abilities.
We tested the cooler in the dry heat and mountain terrain of the high desert of eastern California. The rotomolded XSpec provided over a week and a half of ice retention and consistent temperature control, proving its ability to serve as reliable cold storage for extended trips.
It was the heaviest cooler we reviewed, and we found it hard to carry alone, making it a less-than-ideal choice when you need to haul your cooler more than a few feet. However, if portability isn’t a critical concern (or you have a friend willing to share the load), the no-frills XSpec is a heavy-duty cooler at an affordable price.
Especially considering it’s a high-volume option, the XSpec offers one of the lowest prices among the coolers we tested. Well-made and built to withstand daily wear and tear for years, the XSpec provides the storage and insulation needed for everything from your next big outing to multi-day camping trips.
For information on other top-performing coolers, see our complete guide to the best coolers.
How We Tested
CleverHiker has tested coolers for years, bringing a selection to California’s Eastern Sierra for this update. The spring weather in the area, with its sun and warmth, allowed us to thoroughly test ice retention and temperature control. We tracked ice melt, measured internal temperatures, and used the coolers in various terrains, from hot parking lots and high elevations to rocky deserts and marshy riversides, to evaluate durability, portability, and ease of use.
Quick Specs
XSpec 60 QT
Most Durable and Insulated
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $220
Empty Weight: 31 lb. 1 oz.
Volume: 57 qt.
Sizes: No alternate sizes in this model
Pros
- Keeps ice for 9 days
- Rotomolded design – durable construction
- Excellent insulation
- Useful built-in features
Cons
- Heavier than other options
- Limited size and color choices
- Not certified bear resistant
Insulation
Although it doesn’t have the brand recognition of YETI, the XSpec quietly impresses with its high-performance insulation. The XSpec is a rotomolded cooler with three inches of insulation and a freezer-style sealing gasket that effectively traps in the cold. Rotomolded coolers are generally known for their superior insulating capabilities, and the XSpec does not disappoint.
We tested it in conditions ranging from outdoors in full sun to inside a parked van, monitoring temperature and ice retention. It took nine days for the ice to completely melt. Thanks to the gasket’s tight seal, internal temperatures in the cooler took 11 days to reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 13 days to reach 50 degrees.
In our testing, we found ice remained intact longer, taking more time to melt than in other coolers. The XSpec’s ability to keep things cold for over a week and a half makes it an ideal choice for extended trips, especially those where reliable storage for perishable food is essential.
Durability
The XSpec is made with food-grade, safe LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) that’s UV protected for extra durability on an already tough material. Its rotomolded design features a single-piece construction, which helps prevent structural issues by removing seams in the cooler’s body.
Free from structural flaws that could crack or split over time, the XSpec is also durable enough to handle the toughest conditions. We dragged and dropped the cooler on concrete and rocky trails. The XSpec came away with only minor aesthetic dents on its exterior.
Our biggest complaint is that, despite its durability, it is not bear-resistant certified. Although you might not be able to leave it out at the campsite in bear country, the XSpec is reliable. Whether you’re floating the river or camping for a long weekend, the XSpec is designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions. It’s a cooler you can confidently take on all your adventures without worrying about damage, built with durability in mind.
Volume
Many companies advertise their coolers as having a higher volume than they actually do. XSpec is no exception, but its 57-quart capacity is only a few quarts less than the advertised 60, making it more accurate to its size than most of the coolers we reviewed and providing plenty of internal storage.
With a 90-can capacity and enough height to fit an upright bottle of wine, the XSpec is spacious inside and, among the products we tested, one of the coolesters with the largest capacities. We found its compact, rectangular shape well-suited for storing a mix of beverages and food items.
The XSpec offers plenty of space for a multi-day trip. Its combination of higher volume and long-lasting insulation is especially useful when you have a lot to keep cold and want to stay off the beaten path without returning to town to refresh the ice.
Ergonomics & Portability
The XSpec features a range of design details that make it easy to use. A sloping drain and drain plug connected to the cooler with a chain make it incredibly simple to remove water. Non-slip feet on its base prevent the cooler from sliding on floors. We found this especially helpful when traveling with it in our van. Even when going over washboard roads, the cooler stayed in place instead of getting knocked around in the vehicle.
We especially liked the XSpec’s latches, which are easy to open but lock securely, unlike the rubber T latches of similar options from YETI and RTIC. This latch style provides extra protection against accidental opening and keeps the lid tightly sealed.
Heavy-duty nylon handles with sturdy plastic grips offer an alternative way to carry the cooler, in addition to the built-in handles on its sides. However, the XSpec is the heaviest cooler we tested, and we found it difficult to carry fully loaded on our own.
Although the weight of the XSpec limits its versatile portability compared to other coolers, its design features create an ergonomic experience that enhances its functionality.
Features
Compared to the customization options from brands like YETI, XSpec is quite basic. The cooler only comes in four colors and lacks different sizes. We did like that XSpec offers their coolers in lighter shades, which don’t heat up as quickly in direct sunlight, helping the temperature inside stay lower longer.
Although color choices are limited and XSpec doesn’t offer compatible accessories, the cooler features several built-in elements that set it apart from other models. A ruler is etched on the lid, which also has a textured surface that doubles as a cutting board. The interior rim includes a compass and bottle openers on the corners, which also serve as lock plates for securely sealing the cooler with a padlock.
If you don’t need to kit your cooler out to your specific needs, the XSpec is a straightforward choice that still offers some fun and useful features.
Should You Buy the XSpec 60 QT?
The XSpec 60 QT is an excellent all-around cooler. With insulation that maintains a reliable and consistent temperature for over a week and a half, along with a durable design, the XSpec offers high performance by combining style and practicality at a reasonable price.
Its 57-quart internal storage is perfectly suited for holding all the essentials for groups or longer trips. Especially when you want to venture far from the nearest grocery store or gas station and stay there as long as possible, both the XSpec’s long-lasting ice retention and spacious interior make it possible to extend your off-grid adventures.
The heavy weight of the XSpec makes it less practical for outings where on-foot hauling is needed to reach the destination, and its durability might be too much for a casual picnic or beach day. However, the XSpec 60 QT is a well-made and durable cooler at a much lower price than other comparable models.
Even with a significantly lower price tag, it doesn’t sacrifice quality. When you need a cooler that can handle changing conditions and outdoor exposure, the XSpec is built to withstand even the roughest use.
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
For a full list of recommendations, check out our guide to the best coolers.
YETI Tundra 65 Review: If you’re searching for a high-capacity cooler that offers enough space to handle your next big gathering or multi-day road trip, the YETI Tundra 65 provides ample room along with excellent insulation. Performance-wise, it’s comparable to the XSpec, but the Tundra features the added benefit of YETI’s variety of color choices and accessories to enhance customization and organization.
Coleman 316 Series 70QT Review: When you need to keep a lot of items cold, a large cooler is essential but can be hard to handle. Able to hold over 100 cans, the Coleman 316 is built to serve big groups and meet all your cold storage needs. It’s lighter and more affordable than other coolers, making it easy to carry while still keeping ice for up to a week. Although it’s mainly for casual outings, the 316 Series is perfect when you need maximum cooler space.
RTIC Ultralight 52 Review: Though not quite as large as the XSpec, the RTIC Ultralight 52 offers ample space combined with a lightweight design. Weighing 10 pounds less than the XSpec, the Ultralight 52 is much easier to carry by hand, while still providing plenty of cold storage. Injection-molded insulation—rather than rotomolded—helps the RTIC reduce weight, with only a slight impact on overall cold retention.
