Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket Review

Reviewing the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket: Beyond Marketing

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket isn’t just another cooler accessory; it’s a vital piece of gear for anyone serious about keeping their provisions dry and organized in a large cooler. Made by Pelican, known for their rugged and reliable cases, this basket promises to elevate your cooler game, preventing soggy sandwiches and waterlogged bait. Let’s dive into whether this cooler basket lives up to the brand’s reputation.

My journey to acquiring the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket stemmed from countless fishing trips where my food and bait became a mixed, soggy mess at the bottom of my Pelican 150QT cooler. Tired of salvaging what I could, I needed a solution to keep things separated and dry. I was also looking for something that would be easy to clean after a long trip.

Upon unboxing, the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket impressed me with its robust construction. The black powder-coated finish looked durable and ready to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It felt lighter than expected, which is a bonus when you’re already lugging a heavy cooler.

Compared to cheaper plastic cooler baskets, the Pelican basket stands out due to its superior build quality and corrosion resistance. While generic wire baskets exist, the Pelican offers a tailored fit for their coolers, ensuring optimal space utilization. I chose the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket over a DIY solution because of its designed fit and durable finish.

Initially, I was excited to see if this basket would finally solve my soggy food woes. The Pelican name carries a certain expectation of quality, and I was hopeful that this cooler basket would deliver. I wasn’t disappointed!

Real-World Testing: Putting Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket was during a three-day camping and fishing trip in the Ozark Mountains. I used the basket to store my sandwiches, fruit, and a separate container of live bait, placing it inside my Pelican 150QT cooler filled with ice. The basket immediately proved its worth by keeping everything elevated above the melting ice water.

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket performed admirably in varying conditions. Even with the cooler frequently exposed to rain and fluctuating temperatures, the basket remained corrosion-free and sturdy. The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket provided easy access to my food and bait, without having to dig through ice.

Using the basket was straightforward; it simply dropped into the cooler and was ready to go. No setup or modifications were necessary. The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket was also easy to remove for cleaning.

There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the powder coating had a slight metallic smell initially, which dissipated after a few days of use. The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket delivered exactly as promised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket continues to impress. It’s accompanied me on numerous camping trips, fishing expeditions, and even tailgating events, consistently keeping my supplies dry and organized. The basket’s functionality has been consistent across these trips.

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket has proven its durability, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The powder coating remains intact, with no signs of rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to saltwater during fishing trips. The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket demonstrates its ability to withstand regular use.

Cleaning the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is a breeze. A simple rinse with soap and water is usually sufficient, and the basket dries quickly. Occasional scrubbing may be needed to remove stubborn stains from fish slime or spilled food.

Compared to past experiences with makeshift cooler organization solutions, the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is a significant upgrade. It outperforms all previous attempts at keeping my cooler contents dry and organized. The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket exceeds expectations and is a worthwhile investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket

Specifications

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is specifically designed to fit Pelican 150QT and 250QT Elite Coolers. It boasts a black powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance. The basket’s primary application is for camping and outdoor use.

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket has a volume suitable for 150-250 quart coolers. The powder-coated finish is vital as it prevents rust and corrosion, especially in marine environments. The basket’s compatibility with both 150QT and 250QT coolers makes it versatile.

Performance & Functionality

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket excels at keeping food, bait, and other items dry inside a cooler. The basket ensures that items remain elevated above any accumulated water. This improves the cooler’s usability by preventing soggy sandwiches and ruined bait.

The strength of the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket lies in its perfect fit and durable construction. However, the basket’s size may limit the amount of ice you can fit in the cooler. Overall, the basket meets and exceeds expectations by significantly improving the functionality of the cooler.

Design & Ergonomics

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket features a simple, functional design. It is made from sturdy metal with a durable powder coating. The build quality is excellent, making it feel like a long-lasting accessory.

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is extremely user-friendly, requiring no setup or special skills. The basket is easy to insert and remove, making it convenient to use. There is virtually no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

With its powder-coated finish and robust construction, the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is built to last. It is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and general wear and tear. Regular cleaning after each use will ensure that the basket remains in top condition for years.

Maintaining the Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is simple. A quick wash with soap and water is all that’s needed. The basket’s durable finish resists stains and makes cleaning easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket doesn’t come with any additional accessories. As a purpose-built basket, it is designed to work as a standalone accessory within Pelican coolers. There are no available customization options, as it is specifically tailored to fit the Pelican 150QT and 250QT Elite Coolers.

The basket is compatible with any other accessories designed for the Pelican 150QT and 250QT coolers, such as cooler dividers or tie-down kits. The Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket is a complimentary item.

Pros and Cons of Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket

Pros

• Excellent build quality: The powder-coated metal construction ensures durability and longevity.
• Perfect fit: Specifically designed for Pelican 150QT and 250QT Elite Coolers, ensuring optimal space utilization.
• Keeps items dry: Elevates food and bait above melting ice, preventing sogginess and spoilage.
• Easy to clean: A simple rinse with soap and water is all that’s needed for maintenance.
• Corrosion resistance: The powder-coated finish protects against rust and corrosion, even in harsh environments.

Cons

• Can reduce the overall ice capacity within the cooler.
• The price may be high for some users considering it is “just a basket”.

Who Should Buy Pelican 150 Qt Cooler Basket?