Reviews You Can Rely On

OtterBox Venture 65 Review

A solid cooler in an oddly shaped package
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OtterBox Venture 65 Review
Credit: Otterbox
Price:  $350 List
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Manufacturer:   OtterBox
By Maggie Nichols ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  May 9, 2019
71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Insulation - 50% 8.0
  • Durability - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.0
  • Portability - 10% 4.0
  • Features - 5% 5.0

Our Verdict

The OtterBox Venture is a decent performing cooler with easy to use latches and sturdy design. It's the only non-rotomolded cooler we tested that's also rated grizzly-resistant by the IGBC. We found its handles to be comfortable but awkward in shape, and its hinge to be more gracile than we expected, but we appreciate its solid dry storage tray. We think there are higher performing coolers out there, but if you're a fan of the OtterBox shape, it may just be your cup of tea.
REASONS TO BUY
User-friendly latches
Large capacity
Decent insulation
Durable walls
REASONS TO AVOID
Hinge not most durable
Awkward shape
Expensive

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


otterbox venture 65 - though it may be a bit large for a jam-packed road trip, the...
Though it may be a bit large for a jam-packed road trip, the OtterBox fits just fine in the spacious outdoors.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Insulation


In our rigorous insulation testing, the OtterBox proved itself to be a solid competitor. It maintained FDA recommended safe food temperatures of less than 40º F for a full five days. Furthermore, it kept temperatures below 50º F, the average ideal temperature for most types of beer, for 5.8 days - also an above-average performance. This is even more impressive considering it's the only non-rotomolded cooler we tested to achieve above-average scores and even beating some of the rotomolded chests.

otterbox venture 65 - a pretty good insulatory value for a non-rotomolded cooler.
A pretty good insulatory value for a non-rotomolded cooler.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Durability


Boasting a shiny silver IGBC grizzly-resistant rating, like several other coolers we tested, the OtterBox is a pretty durable cooler. It has some of the thickest walls of any model in our review and large immobile handles that double as tie-downs. A rubber gasket makes this icebox airtight and leakproof. Our 225 lb tester had no worries or issues bouncing up and down on top of this chest - not that we'd recommend doing the same, for safety's sake. Though we had absolutely no issues with the hinge, despite all our yanking and shoving, it is a much thinner design than seen in many of the coolers we tested with integrated hinges. While we aren't blown out of the water by the durability of the OtterBox, we find it to be more than adequate.

otterbox venture 65 - we have no worries about the durability of these thick beefy...
We have no worries about the durability of these thick beefy handles, but when packing up a car, we wish the Otterbox had handles that don't protrude out like this.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use


Another area in which the OtterBox performs well. Our favorite feature is the unique latches. Among coolers we tested, it's the only one with the latches attached to the body of the cooler rather than the lid, which means there are no dangling pieces while you root around for the last Diet Squirt. These latches are also surprisingly simple to use and require much less muscle power than we had to use on the numerous rubber T-grips sported by other models. Our biggest usability complaint is that the inside of the drain is rimmed with a comparatively wide ledge, preventing those last trickles of water from draining as easily.

otterbox venture 65 - the uniqe camming latches of the otterbox were among our testers'...
The uniqe camming latches of the OtterBox were among our testers' favorites.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Portability


Weighing in at 34.1 lb with a measured 66-quart capacity, the Otterbox falls into the middle ground among models we tested. Surprisingly though, it's .much larger than its competitors - and not just because of its outstretched handles. While we think these thick, ergonomic handles are a conducive size and shape for carrying, their rigidity and smoothness don't make for the most comfortable experience with sweaty summer hands. Their immobile stance, sticking straight out from the sides of this already giant cooler, makes the overall package a rather cumbersome, awkward shape for anyone trying to pack this cooler along with a weekend-worth of other gear into a standard-sized vehicle. It's also so long that, unless it's completely empty, we need a second person to move this cooler around.

otterbox venture 65 - such a wide cooler basically requires two people to carry it -...
Such a wide cooler basically requires two people to carry it - especially if it's fully loaded.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Features


The OtterBox includes a simple plastic leash that prevents you from losing the drain plug - a useful feature for just about anyone. This cooler is also dry ice compatible - the only non-rotomolded cooler we tested rated as such - helping to extend the cold time of this big beefy box. It also features handy, non-slip feet and can be cleaned with a pressure washer after those particularly messy adventures.

otterbox venture 65 - the otterbox is one of a handful of models we tested that comes with...
The OtterBox is one of a handful of models we tested that comes with a dry bin.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Value


About the same cost as some of the top-scoring contenders in our review, the OtterBox doesn't blow us away with its overwhelming value. However, it does bring some attributes to the table that we don't find in its competitors, with a unique shape and some very user-friendly latches. If these features are right up your alley, then you may find this cooler to be worth it for your life.

otterbox venture 65 - for a stationary cooler, the otterbox isn't a bad choice.
For a stationary cooler, the OtterBox isn't a bad choice.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


The most impressive non-rotomolded cooler we tested, the OtterBox Venture stands out from the crowd with its long, rounded shape, immobile handles, and convenient latches. Though it doesn't top any of our scored metrics, it's a pretty decent all-around cooler - as long as you don't have to carry it too far.

otterbox venture 65 - relax with your sturdy otterbox venture.
Relax with your sturdy OtterBox Venture.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Maggie Nichols