In our 2017 Gear Guide issue (April/May), our editors tested and reviewed a variety of new coolers, totes, cleaning tablets, and bottle openers. Here are the results.
Icemule 20 Liter
Test lab notes
The Icemule 20 liter cooler (far left) is rated to hold up to 18 cans of beer plus ice, and we can confirm that capacity. It’s trendy and sturdy, and we liked the adjustability of the roll top and straps—it’s designed by people who ride bikes. The material that rests against the wearer’s back is breathable mesh, and the comfortable straps are wide and thickly padded. It’s the perfect pack for riding with beer on a fixed gear.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $99.95
Manufacturer: IceMule Coolers
Available from: icemule.com
Barebones Pathfinder
Test lab notes
The Pathfinder (second from the left, top) is our favorite of the medium-soft coolers that we tested. With a capacity of up to sixteen 12-ounce cans, solid temperature stabilization, a pass on our drop test, reasonable price, and aesthetic that is fitting of both the outdoors and your local bottle share, we found the Pathfinder to be a top pick. A minor zipper malfunction was easily resolved. We love it.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value? X
Price: $60
Manufacturer: Barebones Living
Available from: barebonesliving.com
Growler Sling
Test lab notes
We tested the Mountainsmith Growler Sling (second from left, bottom) with a variety of different growlers, from glass to stainless double wall, and all but one fit just fine. Not sure why it has a bottle opener attached, but we were able to fit two 750ml bottles in it, so it’s more versatile than advertised. Temp-wise, it’s far from the best we’ve tested, so it’s not a long-term solution for lack of refrigeration, but it’s sturdy and useful, and we found ourselves using it more often than we thought.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize?
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $21.95
Manufacturer: Mountainsmith
Available from: mountainsmith.com
Crosstown Cooler Tote
Test lab notes
Mountainsmith continues to build great products for the outdoor beer lover with the Crosstown Cooler (second from right, top). In function, the transition from shoulder bag to backpack worked well. From the dimensions it feels a little more like a shopping bag than a beer cooler, and while it’s not the thickest, most rugged, or most stylish, it does exactly what it promises.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize?
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment?
High Value?
Price: $59.95
Manufacturer: Mountainsmith
Available from: mountainsmith.com
Craft Meister Growler Tablets
Test lab notes
As advertised, the Craft Meister Growler Tablets (second from right, bottom) will clean up your most stubborn growler scum. We put these to the real test by using them in growlers that we tested for the last issue, meaning that we had some IPAs simply rotting in there waiting for a good cleaning. A little warm water and one tablet and ten minutes later we were good to go. They make growler cleaning a snap.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality?
Enjoyment?
High Value? X
Price: $3.99
Manufacturer: National Chemicals
Available from: nationalchemicals.com
Eagle Cap-Off
Test lab notes
The Eagle Cap-Off (far right) is yet another product where we were skeptical at first but became convinced the more we used it. Our editorial director, Jamie Bogner, is absolutely fanatical about this opener—from the subtle “pop” as it opens to the unique circular indentation it leaves on the caps. There is no doubt that it’s an expensive opener, but it’s fun to use, and if you collect caps, like us, it’s invaluable.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value? X
Price: $58
Manufacturer: Eagle Lock
Available from: eaglecapoff.com
