[Review] The ORCA Podster: Throw it on your back and go!

We have a similarly sized soft-sided cooler as the ORCA Podster and the number one thing that we dislike about it is that it is annoying to carry (even just out to the car). The Podster solved that number one problem and not only has comfortable backpack straps (enter in best hike-to picnic ever here), it also has one handle on the top back side for easy jaunts and two handles on each side of the cooler for when it’s loaded down and you’re lifting it into the back of the pickup. You’ll never find yourself fumbling around with the Podster.

Aside from the easy carry design, the Podster will keep your goods cold for days thanks to the 28mm thick insulated walls and sealed waterproof zipper. No more having to run to town for ice everyday. The water-proof durable zipper is not only good to keep the cold and contents in, it also won’t make a mess of your mode of transportation when you decide to rally down that tempting dirt road. Should your Podster tip in your trunk, nasty cooler water won’t get everywhere.

Not-So-Pro Pro-Tip: If you use your cooler a lot, you should think about investing in ice blocks. Not only do they stay frozen longer than ice, they don’t make a ridiculous mess and they waste less resources. Last time I used ice, the cooler water crept into my cream cheese. It was gross.

We love that ORCA designed the Pod and Podster with the adventurer in mind. You’re not limited to only carrying a cooler on your back with the integrated Molle system. With Molle attachments, you an attach anything to the outside of the Podster and free up your hands. ORCA offers simple attachments like a water bottle attachment and a cell phone carrier but with the already established Molle system used, the options are endless.

The exterior of the Podster is a very durable material, which is a bonus for us as we embark on adventures. Whether we are car camping, riding motos, or spending time in the desert, the Podster material won’t let us down. It’d be very hard to puncture the material and the bottom is reinforced so no matter where you’re using the Podster, it will stay protected.

Our only complaint about the Podster is the kidney bean shape. While some people are only using the Podster for beverages – in which case the shape probably wouldn’t really matter – we are using it mostly for sandwich making materials and some breakfast and dinner stuff when we’re camping. Because of the shape, I feel as though it is hard to pack efficiently. Our ice blocks are also square/rectangular so they are a little strange to pack in.

The Podster is the perfect soft-sided cooler if you need something that you can throw on and hike with, or if you have the same frustrations we have with carrying options on some coolers. I wouldn’t hike 100 miles while wearing the Podster but it is comfortable and easy to use on day trips and short hikes. The Molle system and durable outer make the Podster one of the most useful coolers in our collections.