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ICEMULE Jaunt 15L Review: A Reliable Companion For Your Adventures

Icemule jaunt 15 review

Searching for a real-world review of the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L’s cooling efficiency on your day trips? My hands-on review cuts through the noise to examine its ice retention, carrying comfort, and build quality.

Discover if this cooler can truly back up its claims of convenience and resilience against the elements without spoiling your outdoor fun.

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5
My verdict

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L stands out as a versatile and efficient backpack cooler, perfect for day trips and short adventures. Its impressive insulation capabilities, lightweight design, and ease of use make it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With features like the roll top closure, IM AirValve, and air-mesh padded straps, this cooler offers both convenience and comfort.

Pros
  • Impressive insulation capabilities
  • Good value for money
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Great for outdoor adventures
Cons
  • Might use more side pockets

Main Facts To Remember

  • The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is a lightweight, compact cooler that impressively retains ice for up to 24 hours, ideal for day trips and holds up to 15 cans with ice.
  • It features user-friendly details like a roll top closure and IM AirValve for maximum insulation and easy storage, plus comfortable straps for carrying convenience on outdoor adventures.
  • Priced at $109.95, the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is an affordable alternative in the market with comparable durability and waterproofing to premium backpack coolers, providing great value for its performance.

Exploring the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L's Insulation Capabilities

Using the Jaunt 15L as a dry bag on a kayaking trip
Using the Jaunt 15L as a dry bag on a kayaking trip

When you’re out in the great outdoors, the last thing you want to worry about is your drinks getting warm or spoiling your meals. The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L, specifically designed for short adventures and day trips, ensures that you can keep your beverages cold and your food fresh for longer periods.

This lightweight and compact cooler can hold up to 15 cans with ice.

One of the standout features of the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L that I love is its ability to retain ice for up to 24 hours. But how does it achieve this impressive feat? Let’s break it down further in the subsections on temperature endurance and ice retention test results.

Temperature Endurance

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L excels in maintaining low temperatures, which is crucial for keeping your contents cold throughout the day. During testing, it was found that the cooler could maintain temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 55 hours. This means that even on a long day out, your drinks and snacks will stay refreshingly cold from morning till evening.

To achieve such remarkable temperature endurance, it’s recommended to use a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio and inflate the cooler with air after packing.

Under ideal conditions, the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L’s ice retention can reach up to 2.7 days below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a reliable choice for longer distances and extended outdoor adventures.

Ice Retention Test Results

Ice retention is a critical factor when choosing a cooler, and the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L does not disappoint. This cooler can carry up to 18 pounds of ice, showcasing its substantial capacity for ice retention. For those planning a day trip, it’s advised to pack at least 5 pounds of ice to ensure that the ice lasts for the full 24 hours.

I've done a couple of simple tests myself, not trying to replicate the results presented by the brand, but simply checking whether it can hold my meals and drinks cold enough for as long as I need it.

The first test I did was packing a bag of ice, some beers and a couple of packed steaks to a camping trip. The steaks held their temperature very well from late night until the next mid-day. And the cans remained very cool, until the evening, with the ice half melted in the bag. I did not use too much ice, I have to say, as I did not plan on setting any records.

The second test I did was throwing a small ziplock of ice into the cooler, and leaving it in 72 degrees F temperature. The ice completely melted only after about 22 hours. As you can see in my images below:

  • After the first 12 hours the small ziplock contained of about 65% ice and 35% water
  • After 15 hours it contained around 45% ice and 55% water
  • After 18 hours it the split was 30% ice and 70% water
  • And after around 22 hours the small bag of ice has fully melted.

JUST TO NOTE: I was not trying to replicate the test the brand mentioned. I was merely testing to see how long it might chill my items if I use less ice, which I normally tend to do. This is very useful for me when I go on some improvisational fishing trips, or during a hot hike.

This test proved to me that it does its job very well; probably better than some hardshell coolers I've tried in my past camping trips.

According to the item specifications, including cold drinks inside the cooler can help in preserving the ice for an even longer duration. I believe that with these test results, it’s clear that the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is designed to keep your drinks and food cool, making it an excellent choice for day trips and short adventures. In this ICEMULE cooler review, I’ve highlighted its effectiveness in maintaining the desired temperature.

jaunt 15

ICEMULE Jaunt 15 L

  • Impressive insulation capabilities
  • Good value for money
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Great for outdoor adventures

My score: 4.6

Design and Ease of Use

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is not just about keeping your contents cold; it’s also about making your life easier while you’re on the go. Tailored for active lifestyles, this ICEMULE cooler is perfect for beachgoers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. I'd even add fishermen who sometimes go on improvised fishing adventures.

Its design focus brings convenience to the forefront, ensuring that the cooler fits seamlessly into various outdoor settings. ICEMULE coolers float, making them even more versatile. It's great to use as a dry bag and take with you on kayaking or boating adventures.

For those who prefer a different style, the ICEMULE Boss Cooler is another great option to consider. With a variety of ICEMULE coolers to choose from, you’ll find the perfect fit for your outdoor adventures.

Weighing just 1.8 pounds, this lightweight soft cooler is easy to carry and it can accompany you comfortably on your adventures. Two key features that enhance its usability are the roll top closure and the IM AirValve, which we’ll explore in the next subsections.

Roll Top Closure & Air Valve

ICEMULE Jaunt 15 air valve
You can use this valve to add or remove air from the bag.

The roll top closure system of the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is a game-changer when it comes to improving ice retention. By rolling the top down and securing it, you can ensure that the cold air stays inside, keeping your contents cold for longer periods.

Additionally, the IM AirValve is a patented feature that allows you to roll up the cooler for more compact storage, making it easy to transport when not in use.

Achieving peak insulation performance with this cooler is dependent on the correct closure and inflation. By adding air after packing and ensuring the roll top is properly sealed, you can maximize the cooler’s ability to maintain low internal temperatures, keeping your drinks cold and refreshing.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is a breeze. Its design simplifies the cleaning process, allowing for hassle-free maintenance. After cleaning, the cooler can be compressed and folded flat, making it convenient to store without taking up much space.

Comfort and Portability for Outdoor Adventures

Comfort and portability are crucial for me when choosing a backpack cooler. The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L offers the following features:

  • Air-mesh padded straps for enhanced weight distribution and comfort
  • Sternum strap for added stability
  • Portability for rugged outdoor adventures and longer distances

Designed to be carried like a backpack, the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L offers adjustable waist and thinly padded straps, ensuring that it is easy to carry and comfortable to wear.

Let’s delve deeper into the adjustable straps and the cooler’s weight and balance in the following subsections.

Adjustable Straps

ICEMULE Jaunt 15L adjustable straps
ICEMULE Jaunt 15L adjustable straps

The shoulder straps of the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L are equipped with air-mesh padding, enhancing the carrying comfort for the user. The inclusion of a sternum strap, along with the adjustable shoulder straps, aids in evenly distributing the cooler’s weight, making it easier to carry during long hikes or day trips.

While the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L offers minimal back padding, it provides multiple carrying options such as grabbing the shoulder straps or the rollover top loop for versatility.

Cooler's Weight and Balance

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L’s lightweight design significantly enhances its portability, even when fully loaded. This feature is particularly important for those who need a cooler that can be easily carried over longer distances without adding unnecessary weight to their gear.

It's perfect for those longer hikes, or road trips, where you want something fresh and cold out of the backpack.

jaunt 15 2

ICEMULE Jaunt 15 L

  • Impressive insulation capabilities
  • Good value for money
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Great for outdoor adventures

My score: 4.6

Storage Capacity and Packability

With a 15.7-liter capacity, this cooler can hold up to 25 cans and a bottle of wine, demonstrating substantial storage space for beverages. At just 1.8 pounds, it is notably lightweight, making it convenient for carrying and enhancing its packability.

Can and Bottle Storage

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L:

  • Can hold up to 16 cans with ice, allowing beverages to be stored at lower temperatures for the entire day
  • When not carrying ice, the cooler’s capacity increases to accommodate up to 25 cans
  • Versatile for different storage needs

Maintaining the right balance of ice to cans is critical, with 16 cans being the ideal number to keep with ice for optimal thermal performance.

Additional Pockets for Storage

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L features a front zipper pocket designed for the safekeeping of small items such as keys and a phone. This pocket provides a secure space to store these essential items, offering additional storage beyond the cooler’s main compartment.

Durability and Waterproofing Features

ICEMULE Jaunt 15L on a kayaking trip
ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is a great companion on a kayaking trip that acts both as a cooler and a dry bag.

Durability and waterproofing are essential features for any cooler, and the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L excels in both areas.

Material Strength and Wear Resistance

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is designed with materials that are resistant to water and sand, ensuring durability in a variety of rugged environments such as beaches. This makes it a reliable choice for those who need a cooler that can withstand the elements.

Performance in Water-Intensive Environments

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is designed to perform in water-intensive environments where waterproofing is critical. It includes a front pocket outfitted with a waterproof zipper to safeguard small items like a phone and keys from water exposure.

That's why it will be my main dry bag during my kayaking trips. It has all the perks of a dry bag and a perfect size backpack.

jaunt 15 3

ICEMULE Jaunt 15 L

  • Impressive insulation capabilities
  • Good value for money
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Great for outdoor adventures

My score: 4.6

Comparing to Other Backpack Coolers

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L competes with a variety of backpack cooler options in the market.

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is comparable to several models in the market, including:

  • Yeti Hopper M20
  • Engel Roll Top High Performance
  • Backpack coolers from brands like Hydro Flask, Coleman, REI Co-op, RTIC, CamelBak, Arctic Zone, Carhartt, Igloo, and Pelican

These models are particularly notable for their features and market presence, offering various options for consumers.

The Yeti Hopper M20 and Engel Roll Top High Performance stand out for their superior features and durability, but the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L holds its own with competitive pricing and practical features.

Price vs. Performance

When it comes to balancing price and performance, the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L offers great value. Priced at $110, it is considerably more affordable than premium options like the Yeti Hopper M20, which costs $325.00.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your ICEMULE Jaunt 15L Experience

ICEMULE Jaunt 15L
ICEMULE Jaunt can be as compact or as bulky as you need

To get the most out of your ICEMULE Jaunt 15L, a few tips can go a long way. Proper packing, maintaining the right ice-to-can ratio, and securing and carrying techniques can enhance the cooler’s performance and user comfort.

Best Practices for Ice Packing

Maintaining the correct ice-to-can ratio is crucial for optimal ice retention in portable coolers like the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start by placing the cans at the bottom.
  2. Place heavier bottles on top to prevent them from crushing lighter cans and to maintain the cooler’s shape and balance.
  3. The recommended ice-to-can ratio for the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is five pounds of ice for the drinks stored.

To maximize ice retention, use a combination of ice cubes and ice packs, such as the Arctic Ice Tundra Series, which may provide more consistent cooling than regular ice. Pre-chilling the beverages and the cooler itself before packing can also help maintain low temperatures for an extended period.

Securing and Carrying the Cooler

Properly securing and carrying the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is essential for comfort and efficiency during your adventures.

To secure the cooler, roll the top towards the logo 2-3 times, clip the cooler back towards the straps, and then twist the AirValve close. This ensures that the cooler is sealed properly, maintaining its insulation capabilities.

Using a jacket, towel, or another soft layer between the cooler and your back can help absorb some of the impact while on the move, offering additional carrying comfort. Additionally, make use of both the shoulder and sternum straps to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to carry the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L during your outdoor adventures.

jaunt 15 4

ICEMULE Jaunt 15 L

  • Impressive insulation capabilities
  • Good value for money
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Great for outdoor adventures

My score: 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L retain ice?

The ICEMULE Jaunt 15L can retain ice for up to 24 hours under regular conditions, and even longer with optimal packing and conditions. So, it can maintain temperatures below 50°F for up to 55 hours and ice retention for up to 2.7 days.

What is the capacity of the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L?

The capacity of the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is 15.7 liters, allowing it to hold up to 25 cans and a bottle of wine, 16 cans with ice. It's quite versatile for different situations.

Is the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L waterproof?

Yes, the ICEMULE Jaunt 15L is waterproof, as it is designed with water and sand-resistant materials and includes a waterproof zipper pocket to protect small items from water exposure.