Gearing Up

THIS COLLAPSIBLE COOLER HAS A TOUGH SIDE:

Think of the really helpful innovations we travelers take for granted these days, but which are relatively recent inventions: wheeled luggage (1968), Ziploc bags (1970). I have a special soft spot for collapsible fabric food coolers (circa 1980-ish). What a relief to be free of those cumbersome hard plastic and crumble-prone Styrofoam coolers that hogged just as much space empty as full. Their softsided descendants made for easy transport by land, sea or air. Alas, all has not been cool with these travel-friendly pop-ups. Think of zero support for crushable fruits, veggies or sandwiches. And, oh, how they have leaked. An appreciative shout out, therefore, to the engineers at Clevermade, who fixed those flaws in creating the new Snapbasket Collapsible Cooler. Thanks to a rigid baseboard and an integrated spring-loaded snap-hinge system hidden within the nylon cooler’s multiple layers of foam insulation, the Snapbasket rises from nearly flat to a sturdy four-walled wonder, with just a strategic tug on the steel-reinforced rim. A wellplaced side-poke and push releases the snap-hinges, allowing the cooler to collapse to less than 3 inches thick. Did we mention the seriously waterproof lining? And that the Snapbasket has long double carry straps for toting, as well as strong padded handles at both ends for hoisting when the 30-liter cooler is filled with up to 50 cans of soda (or whatever) plus ice? The lid zips shut via double zippers; a zippered front pocket and mesh back pocket are great for stashing keys, cash and other small essentials. The aluminum bottle opener integrated into one of the straps is a thoughtful touch. With all its heavy-duty structural elements, the Snapbasket Cooler weighs a mere 2 pounds empty. When expanded, the cooler measures 18.25 inches by 12.25 inches by 12 inches high. More sizes are in the works. Clevermade says the cooler can keep drinks chilled for up to 36 hours — but think of it as a day-tripper when heat and sun come into play. The cooler comes in a range of colors with contrasting straps and trim. And attention air travelers, the Snapbasket is designed to fit — even expanded — into most carry-on bags. What great shelter for medications, cosmetics and other heat-sensitive contents. Upon arrival, it can resume its real job as the super-cool life of the party.