By Teresa Hartford
This week at Outdoor Retailer, California Innovations showcases proprietary technologies with the brand’s high-performance Titan and Arctic Zone coolers. From zipperless to self-inflating, deep freeze insulation, fridge cold cooling with ice walls and back saver load bearing features, the cooler category is in for a shakeup.
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‘We have systematically innovated every aspect of the soft-sided cooler based on years of exhaustive consumer research designed to discover what matters to consumers. First and foremost, we boosted thermal performance by developing high-performance insulation. We improved the exteriors with our water and stain resistant Rhino-Tech. We enhanced portability with our Backsaver Load Bearing Technology, and we changed the game with our patented Zipperless HardBody Coolers. We’re passionate about building the world’s best coolers and we take great pride in having developed technologies that make coolers better.‘ — Mel Mogil, President, California Innovations
<span style="color: #999999;">California Innovations has been responsible for game-changing innovations that have expanded the soft-sided insulated category with many ‘firsts’ that include the • first collapsible cooler • first cooler with hard plastic liner and interior shelves to separate wet from dry food and hard from soft food • first soft-sided rolling cooler • first zipperless cooler • first cooler with antimicrobial protection (Microban) • first fridge cold lunch pack with ice walls • first self–inflating cooler • first leak-proof zipperless cooler.
Mogil credits a collaborative, pioneering team for the company’s success. This includes product designers, developers and engineers based in North America and Asia, a sourcing team and partnerships with respected universities on projects including insulation with the University of Chicago and portability with The Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University.
‘We’re passionate about building the world’s best coolers, and we take great pride in having developed technologies that make coolers better,‘ said Mogil
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<span style="color: #999999;">Since the company was founded more than 30 years ago, California Innovations has grown with an emphasis on proprietary technologies. Here are five coolers being introduced this week at the show.
Titan Deep Freeze 55 Quart Roto Cooler with Microban, shown right, offers the following • Seamless one-piece construction with thick polyurethane insulation that keeps ice up to seven days • Microban that inhibits bacteria growth in the cooler and is stain, order resistant and easy to clean • Freezer grade 360-degree rubber gasket with heavy-duty T-latches for a tight seal • Wire basket that separates wet and dry • Oversized drain for faster draining and less chance of clogging • Integrated fish ruler on the lid • Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) bear resistant.
Titan Backpack Cooler, shown left, comes with a dry bag which can be used inside the cooler for added leak prevention or separately. Even if removed, the cooler is still leakproof with a water-resistant zipper.
TITAN Deep Freeze 24 Can Backpack Cooler with Ice Walls, shown below right, offers the following • Deep freeze insulation and Therma-Flect interior radiant barrier that keeps ice for up to two days in the main compartment • Ultra safe leak proof, easy clean lining with Microban in the main compartment • Two removable ice walls that fit inside exterior entry pockets to provide all-over cooling without sacrificing interior space • Multiple storage compartments • Padded back with breathable mesh panels • Adjustable, padded straps and sternum strap • Rhino-Tech water and stain resistant wipe clean exterior.
Titan 54 Can Zipperless Leak Proof Cooler, shown below right, offers the following, 100-percent leak-proof construction with freezer grade gasket and latch closure • High-performance deep freeze insulation that keeps ice for up to four days • Welded exterior that is waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures and UV rays • BungeeLok attachment system to secure items to the exterior.
Arctic Zone 30 Can Self-Inflating Cooler, shown below, offers the following, Air and foam insulation keeps ice for 2.5 days • Inflates in 15 seconds and can be used in either a tote or box shape • Water resistant, will float if immersed in water • After use, can be deflated and stored rolled or flat • Removable, leak-proof liner with Microban antimicrobial protection • Zippered front pocket and adjustable shoulder strap.
‘The number one reason someone buys a cooler is to keep items cold. ‘We are at the OR Show because we’re there to make a difference in this arena. We’ve been developing a lot of product for this market because it ties into our technological background. Performance is who we are. You will see product in our booth that you will not see anywhere else. And when you walk away you’ll leave with the wow factor,‘ said Mogil
Photos courtesy California Innovations
