I was up at Campmor the other day, and I came across Coleman's reissue steel 54qt. cooler, which reminded me that I'd like to get a nice cooler that will be pretty durable for my vehicle kit. Anyone have any experience with this product? Specifically, I'm considering tossing the thing on a rack on the back of a Jeep, and I'm concerned about weatherproofness.

FWIW, I had an old igloo cooler that I picked up at a garage sale on the back of my jeep and never had any problems with it for weatherproofness or durability. The only problem I had was that someone else apparantly liked it and the rack that I made to go with it. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> So no matter what cooler you pick, don't put it on until you're ready to head out.

Chris.

One of my coolers is an original - I remember when Dad bought it in 1957 or 58. Despite a .38 hole in the edge of the lid (long story - nothing dangerous - funny), it soldiers on. A real tank and no signs of fatigue. The re-issue ones appear to be better.

In a much larger category, we have a 100 quart Igloo - hinged lid with draw latches - that is very good, especially since they periodically go on sale. But no way will it last 50 years - I'm guestimating about 10 years, tops.

If they didn't cost so darned much I'd get one of the re-issue Colemans just based on my life-long use of the original. (Hmmm... maybe I should get one after all - dang!)