Whether it’s a day at the campsite, a fishing trip, an ATV camping expedition, or a weekend in the great outdoors, a good cooler makes all the difference. It must effectively keep food and drinks cool, be easy to carry, and withstand the sometimes demanding conditions of outdoor activities. With its Tactical V2.0, DRT Motorsports offers a hard-sided cooler designed to meet these needs. So I tested it for you.
A Rugged Design
From the moment you pick it up, you can tell this cooler inspires confidence. Its rigid structure is sturdy and seems built to withstand the constant vibrations of the trails. Although we weren’t able to test this aspect, the mounting straps are well-designed and allow you to secure the cooler firmly to a rack or in the cargo bed of a side-by-side.
Its size strikes a good balance: large enough to carry meals, drinks, and a few snacks for a weekend, without being too bulky. It will easily fit on most ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.
The handles provide a secure grip, even when the cooler is fully loaded. The various mounting points are also well-positioned, making it easy to install in a cargo box or on a rack. The rubber feet are another nice touch, as they improve stability while protecting the surfaces on which the cooler is placed.
Its modern design, with a sleek finish, gives it a look that stands out from more conventional coolers. While not a deal-breaker, this more contemporary look is sure to appeal to many users.
A Well-Suited Capacity
One of the main advantages of this cooler is its size. It offers enough space to carry the meals, snacks, and drinks needed for one or two people over a weekend, while remaining relatively compact. It will easily fit on most ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.
The interior space is well utilized and makes it easy to organize the contents. You can separate food from beverages to minimize unnecessary handling when opening the lid. This layout also helps keep items fresh longer by preventing the cooler from being left open unnecessarily.
Effective Insulation
A cooler is first and foremost judged by its ability to keep contents cold, and the Tactical V2.0 performs very well in this regard.
During testing, the cooler kept ice intact for a full day, even on warmer days. Beverages stayed cold, and food remained at a safe temperature.
For a trip lasting several days, you’ll still need to add more ice depending on the outside temperature and how often you open the cooler. It doesn’t offer the extreme insulation of some much more expensive high-end coolers, but its performance is more than sufficient for most users.
Of course, as with any cooler, how long food stays fresh depends on several factors: the amount of ice or IcePacks used, the outside temperature, and how often the lid is opened. The seals also help minimize cold loss while reducing the risk of leaks. It doesn’t offer the extreme insulation of some much more expensive high-end coolers, but for weekend use, its performance more than meets expectations.
The Highlights
What impressed me most was its balance of durability, capacity, and ease of use. It’s clearly designed for motorsports enthusiasts and holds up very well under tough conditions.
I particularly liked:
- its sturdy construction;
- comfortable handles and practical attachment points
- Its ideal size for ATV or side-by-side outings
- a capacity well-suited for getaways lasting a few days;
- its modern look that pairs well with off-road vehicles.
These features make it a versatile piece of gear that easily fits into many types of outdoor activities.
Weaknesses
No product is perfect, and the Tactical V2.0 has, in my opinion, a few areas that could be improved.
- Its main drawback remains its weight. Once filled with ice, food, and drinks, it’s best to carry it with two people when traveling longer distances.
- Its price represents a significant investment, especially for an occasional user. However, the build quality largely justifies this cost.
- A slightly more accessible drainage system would have made cleaning after use even easier.
Verdict
The Tactical V2.0 universal hard-sided cooler from DRT Motorsports is a product that prioritizes quality above all else. Its rugged design, excellent cold retention, and meticulous finish make it an excellent companion for off-road enthusiasts.
It may not be the lightest or least expensive on the market, but it offers an excellent balance between durability, functionality, and performance. For those looking for a cooler capable of accompanying them on many adventures season after season, the Tactical V2.0 is a wise choice and an investment that will quickly prove its worth.
