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As I’ve gotten older, what used to be a casual trip to the beach or a low-key camping trip around Mt. Hood here in Oregon, where I live, has changed. I used to manage with a frame backpack and be set for a few nights. But now, in my 30s, it seems like I need more stuff than ever. Being a self-proclaimed veteran camper at this point in my life, and now with a toddler, there’s exponentially more stuff to pack, especially on the food & bev side of things.
So when I heard about the Oyster Tempo cooler, which could keep things at a chilliness similar to a Hydro Flask for a long time but just in cooler form, I jumped at the opportunity to try it out. Between organization and overall food storage, it seemed like it would solve several issues simultaneously. I was eager to review it and with a few camping trips planned around Mount Hood this season, the timing couldn’t have been better. But now that I’m back from good old Nottingham Campground on the far side of Mount Hood with this thing as our main food container, I’m ready to share my thoughts.
But first, let’s take a second to break down what this product is.
What Is The Oyster Cooler?
The Oyster Tempo Performance Cooler is a high-tech cooler that keeps contents cold without ice. It’s made from recyclable, lightweight materials, including aluminum and EVA, and features advanced insulation in its walls. This cooler has a 23-liter capacity, holding over 36 cans and two thermal ice packs, ensuring that food and drinks stay cold for extended periods.
It comes with an adjustable carry strap for easy transport, making it suitable for various outdoor activities like camping and picnics. The cooler is built with durability in mind and is easy to clean, requiring just a rinse with lukewarm water. Made in Norway, the Oyster Tempo Cooler combines practical features with eco-friendly design.
Oyster Cooler Review – The Pros
I Think It Walks The Walk
The cooler’s biggest selling point is how cold it keeps everything is stored inside.
They hyped it up so much in their marketing and promo material that I will be the first to admit I was skeptical. I was mainly concerned because my wife is pregnant, and we were camping in the wilderness with a cooler full of meat. Many variables could go wrong if the meat weren’t kept at a freezing temperature until we could cook it, so the stakes were pretty high (AKA, I would need to drive into Hood River to get some takeout if our bratwurst didn’t stay icy cold).
And after spending two nights camping around Mount Hood, I can say the cooler delivered on all its promises!
We packed ice around the meat, and even after all that time, there was still ice clinging to it days into our trip, and it was exactly what we needed. We weren’t backpacking for weeks, so I can’t speak to how long it maintains this chilliness past the three nights we were away, but for what is for us an extended weekend in the woods, it did all that it claimed and more.
I Loved How Spacious It Was
The Oyster Tempo Cooler could hold a lot, which was really impressive. The marketing materials show it can store over 36 brewski beers or multiple meals worth of food items like veggies and meat. This capacity was key for our camping trip, as it allowed us to pack everything we needed efficiently for both my wife and I and also my two y/o.
Another great feature was how well it fit into the back of my SUV.
It didn’t take up any more space than absolutely necessary, which was important, especially when packing for a trip with a toddler who wanted to bring his stuffies, his bike, and every other creature comfort he could grab on our way oute door. Space management is always a challenge when loading up for an overnight trip, and this cooler made organizing and storing food much easier. It was a great addition to our camping gear, helping streamline the packing process and making the trip more manageable.
It’s The Whole Setup
Aside from the obvious cold factor we just talked about, what stood out to me was the extra features that came with it, making it ready to use straight out of the box. For example, the Oyster cold packs with their branding were a nice touch and fit perfectly alongside the cooler. Plus, it came with a shoulder strap, which was super handy. The cooler can get pretty bulky and cumbersome, especially when you have a whole weekend’s worth of food packed in. The shoulder strap made it a lot easier to carry, which was a thoughtful addition.
It was convenient not having to make a DIY strap or dig out old ice packs from our chest freezer. Everything was included and ready to go as soon as it arrived at the doorstep, making it a hassle-free experience right from the start.
It’s Sturdy
Right out of the box, the material quality of the Oyster Tempo Cooler was immediately noticeable.
Especially after loading it with a few pounds of food for the weekend, I could feel how durable and solid it was. The high-quality aluminum felt like a class act from the second I unboxed the cooler and it seems like it would be tough to make a meaningful ding or dent in it, which is great when camping with the family, where things can easily get knocked around.
Another standout feature was the eco-friendly design and construction materials. It was clear from the start that a lot of thought went into making this cooler durable and environmentally friendly.
And The Cons
It’s Pretty Heavy
The Oyster Tempo Cooler had some weight to it before it was even loaded, which I noticed as soon as it was delivered. This weight became even more apparent once it was filled with sausages, bratwurst, and vegetables for our trip around the mountain. When packed to the brim, especially at the start of our trip, it got pretty heavy to carry. While it wasn’t so heavy that I was going to risk throwing my back out or anything carting it around, the insulation material and the overall build require a bit of lugging around.
While the weight is something to note, it’s understandable given the technology and design involved, which are key to keeping the food as cold as needed. So, while it’s a bit heavy, this aspect is more of a necessary trade-off for its excellent cooling capabilities. It’s not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of.
It’s Pricey
I mentioned earlier how I used to be able to go camping with just a frame backpack when I was younger. It’s probably a good thing that this cooler wasn’t on my radar back when I was a broke, aspiring writer just out of college; at just under $500 USD, it’s not the cheapest option out there. The price point might be a bit restrictive, especially for those with tighter budgets. However, the technology and features make it feel like a luxury item that, once you have it, starts to feel like a necessity and something you regret not having earlier.
For avid campers and outdoor enthusiasts, investing in high-quality gear, whether in campers, coolers, grills, or other equipment, is usually considered worth it since you use it so much (and upgrading your kit is always super fun). So, while the price is something to be aware of, especially for those just getting into camping, the cooler’s functionality and luxury appeal can justify the cost.
Who Is The Oyster Cooler For?
Family Campers
The most obvious recommendation for this cooler would be for people who frequently go camping with a group and often stay at established campsites. Due to its weight and bulk, it’s not ideal for backpackers or those venturing deep into the wilderness (and to be fair, it doesn’t claim to be for this sect of people anyway). But for anyone who can drive to their campsite and plan to hang out there for a while, this cooler is perfect. It was a highlight of our recent group camping trip around Mount Hood and became a conversation starter because of how much it could hold, how well it kept things cold, and its overall durability.
With toddlers running around, things often get knocked about, but this cooler held up without blinking an eyelash and after cleaning, it showed little to no wear and tear. It handled the rough and tumble of a group camping trip with ease, making it a great option for families or groups looking for a reliable and durable cooler.
Day-Trip Goers
If you like to pack some beers into a cooler, hang out at the beach, or even take it to the pickleball courts for a few hours, especially on nice days, this cooler is fantastic. Many entry-level or subpar coolers are okay for keeping things cold for hours. However, if you plan to be out all day, those coolers often fall short, leaving your drinks at room temperature and a swampy cooler packed with watery ice.
With the Oyster Tempo cooler, you can enjoy ice-cold beverages all day, no matter how long you’re out. It’s perfect for setups at the beach, the park, or anywhere else where you want to keep things cold for an extended period.
Grillers/BBQers
Grillers and barbecue lovers take their meat very seriously.
Whether you’re bringing your cuts to a friend’s house or heading to a local campground or park for a daytime barbecue with friends, family, or community members, you want that meat to stay safe and ready for cooking. Often, these gatherings involve cooking over an extended period, sometimes all afternoon, as you work the grill. It’s crucial to keep the meat as cold and preserved as possible until it’s time to cook and cooler can be a massive X-Factor for this.
It can hold a substantial amount of meat and keeps everything cold until ready to grill.
Wrapping It All Up
So, to wrap things up, I was incredibly impressed with the Oyster Tempo Cooler. It was delivered for the specific purpose I used it for over the past month or so. It did an outstanding job for camping trips with the family at established campgrounds, where we’re not hiking miles into the woods but need to keep our food ice cold and safe for the weekend. It was a fantastic product I highly recommend for those it’s designed for.
Of course, the price tag might be prohibitive, and its bulk might not make it ideal for those planning to go deep into the wilderness. But I don’t think Oyster intended this cooler for that crowd. For what it does and claims to do, it excels. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-quality cooler that will keep its contents ice cold for days.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
