RovR KeepR Review

The RovR KeepR is a caddy-style cooler with an open-top design. It's easy to get in and out of and is a great option for a portable bar. Though not the easiest to move around, the center ice chest keeps its surrounding contents cool longer than most others in the lineup.

Performance Comparison

Insulation

Considering the RovR KeepR doesn't have a lid at all, it does quite well keeping its contents cool. When testing insulation, we loaded each model with ice and a small device that measures the ambient temperature. We let these coolers sit in a temperature-controlled room for 10 days without being opened. At that point, we collected the data and noted when each model rose above 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

We used the FDA-recommended food-safe temperate of 40 degrees Fahrenheit as our first threshold. The KeepR lasted nearly 70 hours before reaching this point. Meanwhile, 50 degrees represents the ideal beer-drinking temperature suggested by the American Homebrewers Association. The cooler lasted another 7 hours before hitting the 50-degree mark, clocking in a total of about 77 hours. It manages to do so by its center-most ice box, which closely resembles something you might find in a hotel room. The container seals shut, slowly dispersing the chilly temperatures to the rest of the caddy. Those items that stay closest to the ice will be cooler. Though we didn't test the insulation of this pairing, the KeepR is compatible with the RovR TravelR by resting within it. This adds the benefit of a lid and could potentially add some additional cooling power to the contents outside of the ice chest.

Convenience

Without needing to open a lid or zipper, you can't beat the easy access of the RovR. With that in mind, there's no concern about the cooler closing on your hand when reaching for a snack. It's also remarkably easy to load for the same reason. The removable ice container is also rather easy to use. Simply pack it with ice, screw the top on, and you're ready to go.

As part of our convenience test, we wiped down each model to see how easy it was to clean. Though the KeepR is straightforward to use, cleaning it posed a slight challenge. The textured material and many corners proved less efficient to wipe down. On the other hand, the insulated center chamber is very easy to clean with its smooth metal finish. The caddy is on the smaller side, but it doesn't collapse. So, storing this in tight places won't be an option.

Portability

For our portability test, we took the cooler on a series of walks, short and long. We ventured close to our favorite beach, several steps from the parking lot. We also trialed the transport system by walking further away to more remote picnicking spots. Throughout these trials, we noted how well the cooler traveled, the carrying system, and the ease of lifting.

Transporting the RovR KeepR is much like carrying a bucket. It has a single padded handle and no additional straps. Some of our shorter testers were able to fit the handle over their shoulder like a purse, though it was still a bit awkward to carry. Without a second handle, lifting the caddy is also similar to lifting a heavy bucket. Moving it from the ground to the car isn't much of a challenge, but anything overhead is unstable and risks dumping the contents. With that in mind, the caddy is comfortable enough to carry for short distances, but we wouldn't want to take this on a longer trek.

Packability

The RovR is certainly a unique option when it comes to soft coolers. The caddy is split up into five main compartments, with the middle being the ice holder. Surrounding this are the four storage sections. The dividers can be rearranged to reallocate space for bulkier items, or they can be removed altogether. These compartments are about two cans deep and can fit a wine bottle. In total, the small cooler packs 20 cans along with ice. The rounded-out space is limited, so certain items might not fit depending on their size and shape.

The KeepR is great for events where easy access is ideal, like barbeques or the kid's soccer game. Throw in some water bottles, sodas, and snacks, and you've created a portable party platter. The cooler also makes a decent travel bar, being the perfect size for bottles, fruits, and garnishes. Because the ice is within its own compartment and clean, the cubes can even be used as part of the drink. It's worth considering the activities you plan on taking your cooler to. If there's a high chance it could get knocked over, the lidless KeepR won't hold onto its contents. Likewise, if you're headed out on a float trip, water will be able to enter the food compartments if splashed.

Durability

For our durability test, we first submerged each soft cooler in a tub of water for over nine hours. Then, we inspected the exterior and interior to see how well it held off the water. Because the KeepR lacks a lid, water was able to make its way into the main storage compartment. After being removed from the bath, both the inside and outside weren't all that wet. There were some droplets of water that could easily be wiped off, along with some light dampness, though it didn't look like it had been soaked through.

After the nine-hour bath, the caddy appeared to be stained from water streaks. However, it eventually returned to its original color a few days later. We have no major concerns about the durability of the RovR KeepR. We do wonder about the longevity of the carry handle, especially when exposed to heavy loads.

Should You Buy the RovR KeepR?

This soft cooler certainly has a time and place for its functionality. If you're primarily looking for something that has easy access and party-pleasing features, then the KeepR is the one for you. However, it's not the best at transporting around. Because the caddy lacks a lid and functions much like a bucket, it's not the most comfortable for long walks or locations where it could easily get knocked over. It's durable enough to last for years to come. Plus, it's compatible with the RovR TravelR, snuggly fitting inside for added capacity and a lid.

What Other Soft Coolers Should You Consider?

If you need a lid, there are plenty of great options that remain easy to access, like the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30. This cooler is also zipperless and opens up wide for easy grab-and-go snacks or drinks. If you're searching for a cooler that you can take on long walks, the RTIC Backpack 30 is the most comfortable backpack-style cooler in our lineup.