The global camping cooler market size was accounted for USD 621.8 million in 2017 and registering a 6.4 % CAGR over the forecast period, from 2018 to 2025. The rising popularity of outdoor activities like hiking and off-roading among travelers is a major factor driving the market growth. Moreover, the emergence of advanced technology for manufacturing chillers to keep ice for a long time is projected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
During summers, the significant growth in trekking is expected to boost the sales for chillers, especially in North America. Nowadays, consumers have spent their leisure time on adventure vacations and road trips which are expected to drive the market growth in the next few years.
Most of the industry vendors such as Pelican Products, Inc.; Bison Coolers; ORCA Coolers; Grizzly Coolers; and Igloo Products Corp.; are located in the U.S. Further, these players are focusing on increasing their product portfolio by introducing camping coolers with unique features and latest technologies including the use of rip-stop polyester fabric to manufacture collapsible and folding chillers, seamless rotationally-molded construction, and dry ice compatibility.
For example, in 2017, a manufacturer of portable lighting systems; iceboxes, and drinkware Pelican Products Inc. introduced a soft side cooler with the name Pelican Elite which has unique features like a sweat-proof interior fabric, press & buckle, and closed-cell foam insulation to retain ice for a long duration.
Companies like Yeti Coolers, LLC, and Engle Coolers are focusing on upgrading their products. For example, in 2017, Engel Coolers has upgraded its 500 to 600 denier rip-stop polyester fabric for its backpack.
In 2017, the 50-75 quarts segment held a major market share of approximately 40.0% and projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Industry players are continuously striving to develop advanced products with unique features. For example, in 2015, Pelican Products, Inc. Pelican 55 quarts tailgater cooler which is equipped with an integrated dual-lid, a bottle opener, along with trays to keep food cold and dry.
The <25 quarts segment is projected to gain traction over the estimated period because these are lightweight, compact, and available in hard as well as soft product variants. In addition, soft iceboxes are available in backpack and sling styles. Further, they are compact, thereby very convenient to carry compared to big-size coolers.
Based on product type, the camping cooler market is classified into soft, hard, and others. In 2017, hard coolers accounted for the largest market share of more than 64.0% and are expected to continue leading the market during the forecast period. The growing popularity of recreational activities in regions such as Europe and North America is a key driver for hard cooler segment growth.
The demand for soft chillers is rapidly growing due to several benefits like lightweight structure and low price compared to hard chillers. In addition, the availability of these coolers with different variants such as shoulder bags, backpacks, and lunch boxes is expected to drive the segment growth during the forecast period.
The other segment includes personal drinkware and small coolers. This segment is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period due to the rising adoption of drinkware among youngsters during adventure activities and camping, in 2017. Igloo Products Corp. introduced a stainless hydration line including drinkware. This product line includes outdoor, houseware, and sporting goods, categories coupled with special features such as dual-walled Tritan technology, superior foam insulation, and vacuum insulation.
By application, the market is segmented into off-road/ RV camping, dry camping, backpacking, and others. In 2017, dry camping held the leading market share of more than 40.0% and was projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period. The rising popularity of off-roading in developed economies is a key driver for segment growth.
The demand for outdoor and camping chillers is higher in Europe and North America over other developing regions. In Iceland, camping is the most common outdoor activity. Thus, most Irish vendors provide rental services for necessary equipment which include camping coolers. This is expected to drive market growth.
In North America, forests and national parks including the Ocala National Forest, Bankhead National Forest, and Congaree National Park are popular locations for dry camping. Therefore, the rising number of travelers to these destinations is anticipated to drive the demand for camping chillers.
A growing number of travelers for trekking and hiking trips is expected to drive the demand for compact soft chillers. Thus, the segment is expected to witness substantial growth over the hard chillers sub-segment.
North America is projected to hold more than 40% market share, by 2025. In this region, the U.S. is expected to lead the market due to the presence of a high number of travelers for recreational and hiking activities. Most of the manufacturers are present in this country, thereby selling and marketing them within the country is efficient than branding their products at other locations.
Southeast Asia is expected to grow with a CAGR of more than 8.0% from 2018 to 2025. This growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of unconventional holiday destinations and camping in countries like Cambodia and Thailand. In this region, demand for campsites is growing due to the increasing number of tourists. Moreover, several initiatives taken by Cambodia government for development of adventure sports like hiking and trekking to attract tourist is expected to further drive regional market growth.
Latin America is expected to grow with the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2025, followed by Middle East & Africa. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, international and domestic travel spending has increased in Latin America in 2018 compared to the previous year. In addition, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Pousada, and Santa Clara are major camping places in Brazil which are expected to surge the product demand in this region over the forecast period.
COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted on camping coolers market. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, governments across the globe have restricted them to go outside to prevent virus spread. Additionally, camping during pandemics is dangerous, thereby the demand for coolers has decreased.
Despite these challenges, leading players are adopting various strategies such as product development and partnerships to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. For instance, Igloo Products Corp. has announced the development of a bioplastic cooler by 2021 which is expected to boost the product demand. Further, this company partnered with BASF to develop proprietary insulation material for coolers.
Major players operating in this market are AO Coolers; Outdoor Active Gear; Grizzly Coolers; Yeti Coolers, LLC.; Igloo Products Corp.; Pelican Products Inc.; The Coleman Company Inc.; and Bison Coolers.
Key players are striving to develop technologically advanced camping coolers for longer ice retention and to sustain in the competitive market. For example, in 2017, K2 Coolers introduced a new summit cooler series including 20, 30, 50, & 70 at a low price compared to its competitors. Igloo Products Corp. introduced soft chillers, day tripper collection, picnic totes, and backpacks, in 2016.
Leading industry players are also engaged in promoting brands with the help of celebrity endorsement. For example, in 2017, ORCA Coolers has chosen a former American footballer Brett Fave to promote its brand.
Attribute |
Details |
The market size value in 2020 |
USD 791.6 million |
The revenue forecast in 2025 |
USD 1050.0 million |
Growth Rate |
CAGR of 6.4% from 2018 to 2025 |
The base year for estimation |
2017 |
Historical data |
2014 - 2016 |
Forecast period |
2018 - 2025 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2018 to 2025 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Volume, product, application, and region. |
Regional scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; and MEA |
Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; Iceland; Australia & New Zealand; India; Japan; Southeast Asia; Brazil; and Colombia. |
Key companies profiled |
Yeti Coolers, LLC.; AO Coolers; The Coleman Company Inc.; Pelican Products Inc.; Outdoor Active Gear; Igloo Products Corp.; Grizzly Coolers; and Bison Coolers. |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent to up to 8 analysts’ working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. |
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this study, Million Insights has segmented the global camping cooler market report based on volume, product, application, and region:
• Volume Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• <25 quarts
• 25-50 quarts
• 50-75 quarts
• 75-100 quarts
• >100 quarts
• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• Hard
• Soft
• Others
• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• Dry camping
• Backpacking
• Off-road/RV camping
• Others
• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• North America
• The U.S.
• Canada
• Europe
• Germany
• The U.K.
• Iceland
• The Asia Pacific
• Australia & New Zealand
• India
• Japan
• Southeast Asia
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
Research Support Specialist, USA