A Portable Fridge that Fits in the Back of Your SUV
Extend your photo shoots and outdoor time, and do so in comfort
As a photographer, the thing I really like about car camping is that I wake up in the location that I want to photograph - early morning photo shoot then breakfast in camp.
A dependable cooler makes a big difference. When I have refrigeration, I’m eating fresh eggs, not dehydrated ones. I can store leftover meals, and when it’s time to put my feet up in the afternoon, I can enjoy a cold refreshment.
Now that I have high-capacity power stations, such as the Bluetti AC70 and the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus, portable refrigerators make sense and are a wonderful convenience outdoors. Plug it in and forget it. And when I’m driving, I use the 12V outlet in the back of the car.
I’ve field tested a number of models, and the most recent is my favorite: the Bodegacooler 36L. It’s currently on sale on Amazon for $189.
The fridge has a 38-quart capacity, a ton of features, and draws less than 30 watts once it reaches the set temperature. That means my AC70 can power it for 24 hours with juice left over. And if I set up a 100 watt solar panel, the fridge can run indefinitely.
Other portable refrigerators I’ve tested had similar benefits. What separates the 36L is that it fits in the back of my VW ID.4 SUV with space left over for the rest of my gear. And even better, thanks to the 36L’s low profile, I can still use the luggage cover to hide the contents in the back from prying eyes.
Since both the Bodegacooler and the Bluetti are Bluetooth enabled, I can monitor both via apps on my iPhone while sitting in the cab, or up top in my sleeping quarters.
The Bodegacooler 36 L has some great features in addition to its eco-friendly performance. There’s an internal LCD light that illuminates when you open the lid, a bottom drain hole in case something spills inside, and my favorite, a lift-out wire basket that makes it easy to load the cooler without having to lug it into the kitchen.
I’ve published a full review of the Bodegacooler 36L on TheDigitalStory where I dig deeper into all of the details. Whether you’re out for a day with the family, tailgating with friends, or doing some serious camping, this portable refrigerator will enhance the experience.