You may wonder if black is the best choice for a cooler, considering its capacity to absorb heat. Embrace the rugged, Vader-esque masculinity of this Ultra-Tough cooler from RTIC. It’s crafted through roto-molding and insulated with 2.8 inches of foam. I’ve put the 45-quart version to the test while tailgating in conditions that kept our seltzers from exploding.

The Ultra-Tough is somewhat difficult to transport solo (the rugged way, reminiscent of John Wayne) since it weighs nearly 30 pounds when empty. That amount rises to approximately 55 pounds with a 24-pack of Bud Light, and 60 pounds when adding a 5-pound bag of ice. Nevertheless, foam handles with swinging ropes make it manageable. As for construction quality, this RTIC cooler is a bit more robust than the Yeti size 65 I used to own, particularly with its leak-proof screw-in drain plug. —Martin Cizmar