Pelican

Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler Ice Chest

4.6 (699 reviews)

Pelican 50QT Elite Cooler delivers days of ice retention with rugged, American-made construction and a lifetime guarantee.

$299.95*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Pelican 50 Quart Elite Cooler is engineered for outdoor enthusiasts who need their gear to perform in demanding conditions without compromise. At its core, 2 inches of polyurethane insulation paired with a freezer-grade gasket creates a thermal barrier that keeps ice frozen for days, not hours. The true 50-quart internal volume accommodates 34 cans, making it well-suited for weekend camping trips, multi-day fishing expeditions, or tailgating. Every surface of the cooler has been designed with field utility in mind — four self-draining molded-in cup holders keep drinks accessible on top, a molded-in fish ruler on the lid provides quick measurements, and a built-in stainless steel bottle opener eliminates one more thing to pack.

The Pelican 50QT is built in the USA and backed by the company's legendary lifetime guarantee. The press-and-pull latches provide a secure seal with one-handed operation, while the anti-shear hinge system is engineered to withstand years of heavy use without failure. Molded-in tie-down slots accept straps for securing the cooler in truck beds, boat decks, or ATVs, and non-skid rubber feet keep it planted on smooth surfaces. The sloped drain with a tethered cap makes emptying meltwater quick and clean. This is a cooler designed for people who buy gear once and expect it to last, backed by a brand with decades of reputation in protective equipment.

Key Features

VOLUME: True 50 quart internal volume (holds 34 cans)

EXTREME ICE RETENTION: 2 inches of polyurethane insulation with a freezer-grade gasket delivers extreme ice retention

FEATURES: Molded-in handles, 4 self-draining molded-in cup holders, molded-in fish ruler, unique press & pull latches, anti-shear hinge system

FEATURES: Reinforced lock hasp with built-in stainless steel bottle opener, molded-in tie-down slots, sloped drain with tethered drain cap, non-skid rubber feet

MADE IN THE USA: Pelican's legendary motto—"You break it, we replace it. Forever!"

Specifications

Brand
Pelican
Model
50 Quart Elite Cooler
Capacity
50 Quarts (holds 34 cans)
Insulation
2 inches polyurethane
Gasket
Freezer-grade
Latches
Press & pull
Hinge
Anti-shear hinge system
Built-in Features
4 cup holders, fish ruler, stainless steel bottle opener, tie-down slots, sloped drain with tethered cap
Feet
Non-skid rubber
Lock Hasp
Reinforced, padlock-compatible
Country of Origin
USA
Warranty
Lifetime guarantee

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 2 inches of polyurethane insulation with a freezer-grade gasket provides multi-day ice retention
  • Made in the USA with a lifetime "you break it, we replace it" guarantee
  • Molded-in features include cup holders, fish ruler, tie-down slots, and a stainless steel bottle opener
  • Press-and-pull latches open easily with one hand yet seal securely
  • Non-skid rubber feet prevent sliding on boat decks and truck beds

👎 Cons

  • At 50 quarts the cooler is heavy even when empty, making solo carrying challenging when loaded
  • Premium pricing compared to non-rotomolded coolers of similar capacity
  • No wheels, so transporting it across uneven terrain requires lifting or a cart
  • The rigid construction and thick insulation walls make the exterior larger than budget coolers of the same capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

With 2 inches of polyurethane insulation and a freezer-grade gasket seal, the Pelican 50QT delivers multi-day ice retention. Actual duration depends on ambient temperature, how often the lid is opened, and the ice-to-contents ratio.
The Pelican 50QT holds up to 34 cans, based on Pelican's rated true 50-quart internal volume.
Yes, the reinforced lock hasps are designed to accept padlocks, providing secure closure for bear-country camping or preventing unauthorized access.
Pelican's guarantee states "You break it, we replace it. Forever" — covering defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
Yes, molded-in tie-down slots allow you to secure the cooler with straps or bungees to boat decks, truck beds, or trailer surfaces.