Fanny Fridge Is Easy And Convenient

Product: Fanny Fridge

Description: A 12-quart soft cooler made with a 1,000 denier Cordura outer body and thermally efficient aluminized Mylar insulation. Comes with a combination shoulder/waist strap. Clear plastic top pocket for storage and zippered lid closure.

Pro: Keeps drinks and other items cool to cold for up to 12 hours depending on the amount of ice and whether you use cubes or small blocks or quick-cool packs. Easily holds up to eight canned drinks, several sandwiches, cheese and enough ice to keep the kit cool. Very durable outer fabric and inner lining. Easy-to-clean inner lining. Soft design allows for conveniently rolling up of the product for storage when not in use.

Con: The zippered, clear plastic pocket becomes a solar cooker when left in direct sun. Anything in the pocket is sure to get cooked beyond belief. A mesh pocket would be better if visibility of gear inside is the goal. While the waist belt is supposed to double as a shoulder strap, it isn’t even close to long enough unless you enjoy carrying items up around your underarm. Also, a pad for the shoulder strap would be useful when lugging snacks and several sixpacks with ice. Seattle Sports reports it is developing future models with longer straps and a mesh pocket.

Comments: The Fanny Fridge is a good alternative for picnickers and beach-goers who have grown weary of schlepping hard coolers from car to destination and back. I use the Fanny Fridge quite often as a primary cooler in my car for long road trips as it tucks easily in among the luggage, doesn’t take up much room and keeps my snacks and drinks handy and cold.

Suggested retail: $29.95

Company: Seattle Sports, 12604 Interurban Ave. S., Tukwila, Wash., 98168; (800) 632-6163.