Are collapsible coolers really waterproof?

We've had two collapsible coolers and both leaked. After learning about the trashbag tip we've been doing that and it works.

the ice will last 2-3 days if you keep it closed.

But, I want to take some drinks out! ;)

The one time we tried to take a collapsible cooler, it leaked! We ended up keeping it in the shower (when we weren't using it!). Otherwise, it was a mess! Maybe a more expensive one would have worked?

This also happened to us. The cooler was only collapsible without the inside hard part. Leaked so bad a towel under could not fix.

If you are using it only for stateroom storage then pack a large trashbag as well and just use it as a liner. That should take care of any leaking worries.

As to above: Because the leakage was so bad, we went to the shops, bought a $10 watch and I asked for a big plastic bag. That worked great.

We bought some hard side coolers that look like rolling luggage for our last two cruises.

We just pack them with towels, clothes etc... then fill them once onboard.

 

Stewards seemed to like them better. (since they has wheels)

 

Bill

The one we used didn't have wheels, but had a hard insert. After the leakage, we put the hard insert in and used it for toletries, (sp?). All our shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, etc, was put inside and brought in on as a carry on.

But, I want to take some drinks out! ;)

aaah, but you see, there is a little flap in the top that allows you to reach in and get a drink without unzipping the cooler :cool:

 

This is what I have, use it for my carry-on, (soda, wine, clothes, etc..) then have it filled with ice once in the room. Folds down to fit in your suitcase, and has successfully made it through as checked airline luggage when I have run out of room. Picked it up at Walmart for about $20

 

has never leaked and the ice will last 2-3 days if you keep it closed.

Did this come with the hard liner or just as it is. A lot of the ones I am seeing come with the hard liner so I don't think they'd be waterproof without it.

Did this come with the hard liner or just as it is. A lot of the ones I am seeing come with the hard liner so I don't think they'd be waterproof without it.

Would be a good idea to look for the word "leak proof" somewhere. I bought a Corona cooler at Walgreens in Las Vegas and it leaked like a sieve. Then I noticed the liner wasn't sealed on the inside. Always wondered if the room on the floor below got wet or if the carpet soaked it all up.

Did this come with the hard liner or just as it is. A lot of the ones I am seeing come with the hard liner so I don't think they'd be waterproof without it.

Mine has never leaked nor sweat. No hard liner, there is a piece that fits in the bottom to keep it square, but I have never used it. There is a pocket on the side that we use to keep things cold but don't want to get wet. So far so good.

It's a Coleman, so I believe the quality is quite good, and it's pretty enough that I can use it for other purposes

We also had a cooler filled it with drinks and asked that it be filled with ice, it leaked too, so we sat it in the shower , Steward put it on the balcony over the drain worked perfect!:)

I have this- very nice.

Here's the one I got at BJ's for $10. Although I don't think they sell it anymore, or at least, last time I was there they didn't have them. Maybe they'll come back for spring.

http://www.californiainnovations.com/products/ci/Coolers/45-can-live-green-reusable-thermal-tote/

Didn't leak and didn't sweat. Folded up nice and flat for my suitcase and became padding for stuff in the suitcase going home.

Found it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00314FBVA?ie=UTF8&tag=4sarasotacom&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00314FBVA

I have that one, got it at Sams. We fly out west then go to different National Parks each year and it is great. Packs in the suitcase easily, and if we need to use it as a carry on for all the purchases on the return trip we do. I am bringing it on the cruise unless I can talk DH into letting me buy one on wheels that fits the 12x12x12 dimensions.

When we take a soft sided cooler on our vacations I put the ice in ziplock bags.  Having said that I can't recall the last time I took one on a cruise.  I either use the refrigerator in the room or use my tumbler with ice from the ice bucket or the buffet.