Our recent Hunt/Process/Cook hunt in southeastern Ohio would turn out to be a memorable deer hunting expedition. Since we were going to be at camp for 6 days with limited refrigeration and /or freezer capabilities, it was critical to have the right gear. Each day we broke down our deer with the intention of cooking some and packing away most of it for the trip home. We learned to value the features of the Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125. With its remarkable construction, immense size, and superior performance, this cooler proved itself to be an indispensable companion. We’ll take a deep dive into what makes the Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 stand out in the world of outdoor coolers, and why it was especially valuable on this particular hunt.
Design Quality (5/5)
The first thing that strikes you about the Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 is its rugged and robust design. Crafted from high-quality materials, it’s built to withstand the harshest of conditions that you might encounter during your deer hunt. The heavy-duty rotomolded construction ensures that this cooler is both bear-resistant and virtually indestructible. The non-slip feet keep it from sliding around the bed of your truck (or boat). Heavy duty hinges are made to last. I paid close attention to this as the hinges seem to be where my lesser quality coolers first break and let me down.
With its 125-quart capacity, it offers ample storage space for all your hunting essentials, including food, beverages, and game meat. The thoughtful design includes a non-slip, flat top surface that also serves as an additional seating option during those long waiting periods in the wild. The cooler’s dual integrated handles make it easy to carry, even when fully loaded, and the secure rubber latches and O-ring seal keep everything tightly sealed and free from leaks. Nothing goes in, nothing comes out.
Insulation and Ice Retention (5/5)
One of the most critical aspects of any outdoor cooler is its insulation capability. The Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 excels in this department. It features thick, commercial-grade foam insulation, ensuring that your ice stays frozen for days on end. During a week-long deer hunt, I found that ice cubes remained solid for a remarkable seven days, even in the relatively mild temperatures of fall. This insulation capacity was very helpful to carry food for our hunt to camp and use the same ice blocks and cold packs to chill the meat that was transported home.
The freezer-grade gasket around the lid creates an airtight seal that prevents any warm air from infiltrating the cooler. The insulated walls are equally impressive, maintaining a consistently low temperature throughout the interior. This level of ice retention is a game-changer for extended hunting trips, allowing you to store perishable items and keep them fresh until the very end.
Portability and Handling (4.5/5)
While the Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 is undeniably large, even with its generous storage capacity it doesn’t compromise on portability. The integrated nylon rope handles are comfortable to grip with 2 hands when needed and make carrying this cooler a breeze. I did notice that due to the cavernous space available, the cooler can become quite heavy when fully loaded, which might pose a slight challenge for some.
To address this issue, Mammoth Coolers provides an optional accessory that I highly recommend—the Wheel Kit. This handy addition transforms the cooler into a portable wagon, making it much easier to transport your gear and game to and from your hunting spot. It’s a thoughtful solution for those who might find the cooler’s weight cumbersome.
Durability (5/5)
When it comes to durability, the Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 truly shines. The rotomolded construction ensures that it can withstand rough handling, accidental drops, and even encounters with wildlife. During my hunt, the cooler took a tumble without sustaining any damage. The heavy-duty rubber latches also held up well, keeping the lid securely closed, even after repeated use.
Additionally, the cooler’s exterior is built to resist UV rays, so you don’t have to worry about it fading or deteriorating in the sun over time. This level of durability instills confidence that your investment in the Ranger 125 will last for many hunting seasons to come.
Practical Features (4.5/5)
The Ranger 125 doesn’t just stop at insulation and durability—it also includes several practical features that elevate its functionality. The drainage system, for instance, is a thoughtful addition. It includes a recessed, leak-resistant drain plug that allows you to easily empty any melted ice or excess water without tilting the cooler. The bottom of the cooler in front of the drain plug forms a moat, which collects excess water and delivers it to the drain. You can loosen the drain plug just slightly to keep a slow drip of any excess water from collecting inside the cooler. This is particularly useful when you’re out in the field and want to keep things dry and clean. I put 2 fully de-boned whitetail deer into the cooler and had space to spare. This was about 120 pounds of meat, bagged in freezer bags ready for the trip home. Also, I never want my meat to be immersed in water as it tends to dry the meat out. (I know that may seem counter-intuitive, but it is true)
Value for Money (4.8/5)
The Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 is undoubtedly an investment, but it’s one that pays off over the long run. Its exceptional insulation and durability ensures that you won’t need to replace it anytime soon. Considering the cost of replacing cheaper coolers that fail to keep ice for extended periods or break down after a few seasons, the Ranger 125 is a wise financial choice for avid hunters – running on average of $499 (slightly higher than the RTIC, but much cheaper than YETI). For the durability, this is a properly priced cooler in comparison to its competitors.
Conclusion
The Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 can be the ultimate cooler companion for your deer hunting adventures. Its rugged build quality, superior insulation, and unbeatable ice retention make it an invaluable addition to your outdoor gear arsenal. While its size may be a slight drawback for some, the optional Wheel Kit addresses this concern, making it more manageable for solo hunters.
With exceptional durability and practical features, the Ranger 125 offers great value for the money, ensuring that it will be a reliable companion on countless hunting trips in the years to come. So, if you’re looking for a cooler that can keep your provisions fresh and your game meat preserved during extended deer hunts, the Mammoth Coolers Ranger 125 is the clear choice.
Invest in the Ranger 125 and experience the difference it can make on your next hunting expedition. It’s not just a cooler; it’s a game-changer.
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