Best Kayak Coolers (2026): 7 Vetted Picks for Kayak Fishing

Your cooler either fits the kayak tankwell or it doesn’t, and you find out at the launch ramp. Add a hot afternoon, and a poorly insulated one turns your ice into warm water by noon.

The short answer: for most kayak anglers, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 is the best kayak cooler. It is a soft-sided cooler weighing about 4.5 lb, with YETI’s HydroLok zipper and ColdCell foam insulation. If you want a hard cooler that can fit some common tankwell layouts, but the actual kayak dimensions should be checked first and keeps fish cold, choose the Engel 25. On a budget, the Igloo Sportsman 20 is the one to buy.

Quick Verdict: Our Top Kayak Cooler Picks

Category	Winner	Why it wins	Price tier*
Best overall	YETI Hopper Flip 18	Light (4.5 lb), leakproof zipper, holds 30 cans	Premium
Best cooler for kayak fishing	Engel 25	Hard-sided, silicone gasket, 2″ of foam, under 21″ long	Upper-mid
Best cooler for keeping fish cold	Engel 35	Most insulation and room; needs a big tankwell	Premium
Best lightweight kayak cooler	IceMule Pro 23L	3.2 lb, roll-top, collapsible, floats	Mid
Best for small kayaks	IceMule Pro 23L or Hopper Flip 18	Soft, strappable, easy to stow	See above
Best budget cooler	Igloo Sportsman 20	Rotomolded build, drain plug and fish ruler for less	Budget
Best compact hard cooler	YETI Roadie 24	Tough, with a drain plug, but tall and heavy	Premium
Best towable cooler	CreekKooler 30-Quart	Floats behind the kayak and frees up storage space	Mid

Best Kayak Coolers Compared: Capacity, Fit, Weight & Ice Retention

Dimensions are exterior measurements in inches (length × width × height), so you can check them against your kayak tankwell.

Cooler	Type	Capacity	Exterior size (L × W × H)	Empty weight	Maker-claimed ice retention	Value note
YETI Hopper Flip 18	Soft-sided	30 cans or 28 lb ice	17.7 × 11.5 × 12.8	4.5 lb	“Days” (no figure)	Premium price for the lightest, most versatile build
Engel 25	Hard	~21 qt usable (sold as “25”)	20.75 × 14.5 × 14	17 lb	Up to 8 days	Best insulation you can fit in most tankwells
Engel 35	Hard	35 qt; up to 40 × 12-oz cans	25.5 × 15 × 15.25	22 lb	Up to 10 days	Premium price, worth it only if it fits
YETI Roadie 24	Hard	24 qt, 33 cans or 26 lb ice	16.6 × 14.1 × 17.4	13.1 lb	“Days” (no figure)	Premium price for the brand and the build
IceMule Pro 23L	Backpack, roll-top	23 L, 24 cans with ice	14 × 11 × 21 (closed)	3.2 lb	24+ hours	One of the lighter and more portable soft-cooler options here
CreekKooler 30 Qt	Floating, towable	30 qt, 30 cans plus 20 lb ice	39.5 × 21 × 12	17–18 lb	48 hours	Mid-priced, a niche tool that saves deck space
Igloo Sportsman 20	Hard	20 qt	21.25 × 14.13 × 15.75*	15.4 lb	Not stated	Cheapest hard cooler here, with fewer premium extras

Ready to buy? Start with the Hopper Flip 18 for a soft cooler or the Engel 25 for a hard one, and measure your tankwell first.

How we vetted these (short version): every cooler is a real Amazon.com listing whose size, weight and capacity we checked against the maker and at least one other source. We also read independent tests and checked for recalls. We did not run our own ice tests, so ice retention figures are the makers’ claims. Full details are in the sources section.

Hard vs Soft Kayak Coolers: Which Is Better?

	Hard-sided (rotomolded)	Soft-sided / backpack
Ice retention	Generally longer-lasting; Engel claims up to 8–10 days	Practical for day trips; IceMule claims 24+ hours
Weight (empty)	13 to 22 lb	3 to 5 lb
Fits odd spaces	Limited by the rigid shell	More adaptable to hatches and deck spaces
Durability	Rigid shell; suited to rough handling and fishing use	Flexible shell; protect it from sharp hooks
Drain plug	Usually	Rarely
Best for	Keeping fish, overnight trips	Day trips, sit-inside kayaks, small kayaks
Price	Budget to premium	Mid to premium

There are also backpack coolers (hands-free, made for a walk to the water) and floating coolers (towed behind you, which adds drag).

The 7 Best Kayak Coolers, Reviewed

YETI Hopper Flip 18: Best Overall Soft-Sided Kayak Cooler

At 17.7″ long and 4.5 lb empty, the Hopper Flip 18 fits tankwells, sits on the deck under straps, and doesn’t add much weight to the boat.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Soft-sided cooler
Exterior size (L × W × H)	17.7 × 11.5 × 12.8 in
Interior size (L × W × H)	14.6 × 8.7 × 10 in
Empty weight	4.5 lb
Capacity	30 cans (cans only) or 28 lb of ice
Insulation	ColdCell closed-cell foam
Closure and shell	HydroLok leakproof zipper; DryHide shell
Extras	HitchPoint grid for accessories
Maker-claimed ice retention	“Days” (no figure given)
Warranty	3 years

Pros:

• Light and easy to carry
• Leakproof HydroLok zipper
• ColdCell foam insulation
• DryHide shell resists punctures and UV
• HitchPoint grid for accessories
• 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Premium price
• No drain plug
• Won’t hold ice as long as a hard cooler

Value: You pay for weight, fit and build quality. If you paddle a sit-inside kayak, it’s worth it.

Treeline Review’s tests found the capacity right for day-long trips, and the interior suited different container shapes. YETI’s product page lists the specs above.

Who should buy it: paddlers who want one cooler for many kayak setups, provided the exterior dimensions and tie-down points work. Who should skip it: anglers who need multi-day ice.

What this means for you: if you want a lightweight soft cooler for day trips, this is our overall pick based on the published specifications and the independent testing cited below.

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Engel 25: Best Hard Cooler for Kayak Fishing

Engel’s 25-quart-class rotomolded cooler is our hard-cooler pick for kayak fishing when its exterior dimensions fit the tankwell. It measures 20.75″ × 14.5″ × 14″ and weighs 17 lb empty.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Hard cooler, rotomolded
Exterior size (L × W × H)	20.75 × 14.5 × 14 in
Interior size (L × W × H)	14.5 × 9.25 × 9.25 in
Empty weight	17 lb
Capacity	21.5 qt; up to 24 × 12-oz cans
Insulation	2 in. of closed-cell foam in the lid, sides and bottom
Seal	Silicone gasket
Extras	Bear-resistant certification; dry-ice compatible
Maker-claimed ice retention	Up to 8 days (Engel’s site)
Warranty	10 years

Pros:

• Rotomolded shell
• 2″ of closed-cell foam
• Silicone gasket
• Up to 8 days of ice retention claimed by Engel
• 10-year warranty

Cons:

• Heavy at 17 lb empty
• The “25” holds about 21 qt
• Rigid

Value: Near-premium insulation at a lower price than YETI, in a size a kayak can carry.

Engel’s current manufacturer page lists 20.75″ × 14.5″ × 14″, 21.5 qt and up to 8 days of ice retention. The Amazon listing associated with the verified ASIN can show different dimensions or ice-retention wording, so use the manufacturer dimensions for fit planning and confirm the live Amazon listing before purchase.

Who should buy it: anglers who keep fish and want a hard cooler that still fits. Who should skip it: anyone with a small sit-inside kayak.

What this means for you: you get very good ice retention in a kayak-friendly size.

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Engel 35: Best Cooler for Keeping Fish Cold

The Engel 35 has the largest capacity among the seven, with 35 quarts and 40 12-ounce cans according to Engel and up to 10 days of ice retention claimed by Engel.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Hard cooler, rotomolded
Exterior size (L × W × H)	25.5 × 15 × 15.25 in
Interior size (L × W × H)	19.5 × 9.75 × 10.25 in
Empty weight	22 lb
Capacity	35 qt; 36 cans at a 2:1 ice ratio
Insulation	2 in. of closed-cell foam in the lid, sides and bottom
Seal	Silicone gasket
Extras	Bear-resistant certification; dry-ice compatible
Maker-claimed ice retention	Up to 10 days
Warranty	10 years

Pros:

• 35 qt
• 2″ of foam in the lid, sides and bottom
• Silicone gasket
• Bear-resistant certification
• Dry-ice compatible

Cons:

• 25.5″ long and 22 lb empty
• Too big for many kayaks

Value: A premium option with the largest capacity and the highest manufacturer-claimed ice-retention figure in this lineup, provided your kayak can carry it.

Who should buy it: anglers on big sit-on-top kayaks with a long tankwell, which many pedal fishing kayaks have. Who should skip it: anyone who hasn’t measured.

What this means for you: it’s the best choice for a full day of fish and food, as long as it fits.

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YETI Roadie 24: Best Compact Hard Cooler

The current Roadie 24 has PermaFrost insulation, a Coldlock gasket, a drain plug and a shoulder strap, according to YETI. It measures 16.6″ × 14.1″ × 17.4″ and weighs 13.1 lb empty.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Hard cooler, rotomolded
Exterior size (L × W × H)	16.6 × 14.1 × 17.4 in
Interior size (L × W × H)	10.8 × 8.1 × 13.4 in
Empty weight	13.1 lb
Capacity	24 qt; 33 cans (cans only) or 26 lb of ice
Insulation	PermaFrost pressure-injected polyurethane foam
Seal	Coldlock gasket
Extras	Drain plug; DoubleDuty shoulder strap; non-slip feet; tie-down slots; one-hand latch
Maker-claimed ice retention	“Days” (no figure given)

Pros:

• Tough build
• Drain plug
• Non-slip feet
• Tie-down slots
• Holds 33 cans or 26 lb of ice

Cons:

• Tall (17.4″), which raises your center of gravity
• Heavy
• Costly

Value: Premium price. You pay for the brand and the build.

Switchback Travel praised its ice retention, and OutdoorGearLab called it a solid insulator for a small cooler. YETI says not to stand on it or use it as a casting platform, because its tall, narrow shape makes it more likely to tip.

Who should buy it: paddlers on a wide, stable sit-on-top kayak. Who should skip it: anyone with a narrow or sit-inside kayak.

What this means for you: loaded with 26 lb of ice it weighs about 39 lb before food.

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IceMule Pro 23L: Best Lightweight Backpack Cooler

This roll-top backpack cooler weighs only 3.2 lb and measures about 14″ × 11″ × 17″ closed. IceMule says it floats and keeps ice for 24+ hours. It collapses when empty, so it’s easy to stow in a hatch.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Roll-top backpack cooler, soft-sided
Exterior size (L × W × H)	14 × 11 × 17 in closed (older Amazon listings may show a different height)
Empty weight	About 3.2 lb (retailer listing)
Capacity	23 L; 18 cans plus ice per IceMule (Amazon lists 24)
Insulation	PolarLayer foam
Shell	1,000-denier exterior
Closure	Roll-top with clips and air valve
Carry	Padded backpack straps with sternum strap
Extras	Collapsible; floats, per IceMule
Maker-claimed ice retention	24+ hours
Guarantee	Lifetime against defects if registered within 30 days

Pros:

• Very light
• Padded straps
• Collapsible
• Floats
• Lowest-priced soft cooler here

Cons:

• Less insulation than a hard cooler
• Must be rolled and clipped correctly

Value: One of the lighter and more portable soft-cooler options here, and a practical option if you paddle short days.

Capacity claims differ: IceMule’s current product page lists 24 cans with ice for the 23L Pro; older Amazon/retailer listings may show different capacity figures. One Gadgeteer review found a sample didn’t seal fully and lost ice sooner than claimed, so roll the top carefully.

Who should buy it: paddlers with little storage space, or a long walk to the launch (see also our best fishing backpacks). Who should skip it: anyone who needs more than a day of ice.

What this means for you: it’s the easiest cooler to carry and store on this list.

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CreekKooler 30-Quart: Best Floating Cooler to Tow

The CreekKooler is a kayak-shaped floating cooler you tow behind you. It holds 30 cans plus 20 lb of ice, measures 39.5″ × 21″ × 12″, and the maker claims 48 hours of ice retention.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Floating, towable cooler
Exterior size (L × W × H)	39.5 × 21 × 12 in
Empty weight	17 to 18 lb (retailer listings)
Capacity	30 qt; 30 cans plus 20 lb of ice
Construction	Dual-wall, blow-molded hull with foam insulation
Lid	Locking quarter-turn lid with gasket
Extras	Four drink holders; skids for dragging; made in the USA
Maker-claimed ice retention	48 hours

Pros:

• Frees deck space
• Four drink holders
• Locking lid with a gasket
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Adds drag and can snag on weeds
• Needs a strong tow line
• No access from the seat

Value: A mid-priced niche tool that trades paddling efficiency for space.

Who should buy it: paddlers on calm lakes and slow rivers. Who should skip it: anyone in surf, current or heavy weeds.

What this means for you: you get more room on board, and a slower boat.

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Igloo Sportsman 20: Best Budget Cooler for Kayak Fishing

Igloo’s rotomolded Sportsman 20 has 1.5″ to 2″ of foam, an oversized drain plug, a lockable lid, anti-skid feet and a fish ruler. It is 21.25″ × 15.75″ × 14.13″ and weighs 15.4 lb, The Sportsman 20 is part of Igloo’s Sportsman rotomolded line; current Igloo pages still reference the Sportsman 20 model, while the exact archived 20-quart product specification page was not exposed in the current site crawl. Confirm the live listing details before publishing any product-specific measurements.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Type	Hard cooler, rotomolded
Exterior size (L × W × H)	21.25 × 15.75 × 14.13 in
Empty weight	15.4 lb
Capacity	20 qt
Insulation	At least 2 in. of foam in the lid; 1.5 to 2 in. in the body
Extras	Tethered drain plug; fish ruler; lockable lid; anti-skid feet; 3-point grab handle
Maker-claimed ice retention	No figure given
Amazon ASIN	B00XJFIOME

Pros:

• Lowest-priced hard cooler here
• Drain plug
• Fish ruler
• Lockable lid

Cons:

• Heavy for 20 qt
• No ice retention figure from Igloo
• Some Amazon reviewers reported handle failures

Value: A lower-cost route into a hard cooler, with features aimed at fishing and outdoor use.

Several Sportsman 20 listings on Amazon have shown as unavailable at times, so pick one that’s in stock.

Who should buy it: beginners and casual anglers. Who should skip it: anyone who needs multi-day ice or light gear.

What this means for you: you get a rugged hard cooler for much less.

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Who Should Buy What?

If you…	Choose	Why
Paddle a sit-inside kayak	Hopper Flip 18 or IceMule Pro 23L	Soft, light, strappable
Fish from a sit-on-top kayak and keep fish	Engel 25	Hard, insulated, fits a tankwell
Have a big tankwell and fish all day	Engel 35	Most capacity and insulation
Want the toughest compact cooler	YETI Roadie 24	Rugged, with a drain plug
Are on a budget	Igloo Sportsman 20	Hard-cooler features for less
Have little storage space	CreekKooler or IceMule	Towable or collapsible

Best Cooler for Small Kayaks

Small kayaks, including many sit-inside kayaks and recreational models, have limited storage space, a lower weight capacity and less stability. A hard cooler over 15 lb empty can use a meaningful share of the available storage, weight capacity and stability margin. Look for a soft-sided cooler under 5 lb that you can strap to the deck or stow in a hatch, and keep the capacity to about 20 quarts or less.

The IceMule Pro 23L and the Hopper Flip 18 are our two soft-cooler picks for small-kayak use, subject to the kayak’s actual hatch or deck dimensions. Measure the hatch opening before you buy. If you’re still choosing a boat, see what size kayak you need and our kayaks for beginners picks.

Best Lightweight Kayak Cooler

The IceMule Pro 23L is the lightest soft cooler in this lineup at about 3.2 lb, followed by the Hopper Flip 18 at 4.5 lb. Both are soft-sided, so they trade ice retention for weight. Every hard cooler here weighs 13 lb or more empty.

Kayak Cooler Size Guide

These are rules of thumb, not standards. Pick the smallest cooler that carries your food and drinks and your catch.

Trip	Suggested size	Examples
Solo half-day paddle	15 to 20 qt (12 to 24 cans)	Hopper Flip 18, IceMule Pro 23L, Igloo Sportsman 20
Solo full-day fishing trip	20 to 25 qt	Engel 25, Roadie 24
Full day with fish, large kayak	30 to 35 qt	Engel 35, CreekKooler

Loaded-Cooler Weight Check

YOU + GEAR + COOLER + ICE + FOOD
                │
                ▼
        TOTAL KAYAK LOAD
                │
                ▼
     Compare with kayak capacity
        and leave a margin

The number that matters on the water is the loaded cooler weight, not the empty-cooler weight alone.

How Much Weight Can Your Kayak Carry With a Full Cooler?

Every kayak has a maximum capacity, usually listed in the owner’s manual or on the hull. Our kayak weight capacity guide shows how to work out your limit. Your total load is you + your gear + the cooler + the ice and food. Ice adds weight fast. The Roadie 24 at 13.1 lb plus 26 lb of ice is about 39 lb, and the Hopper Flip 18 at 4.5 lb plus 28 lb of ice is about 33 lb, before food or drinks. Add up everything, stay comfortably under the limit, and remember that a heavily loaded kayak sits lower and is harder to paddle. If you’re near the limit, choose a lighter cooler or tow one.

Where Should You Put a Cooler on a Kayak?

• Sit-on-top kayaks (new to the difference? see sit-on-top vs sit-in kayaks): the rear tankwell is the standard spot. It keeps weight low and near the center, and out of your way. Look for a cooler that fits with molded-in or nearby tie-downs.
• Sit-inside kayaks: stow a soft cooler in a hatch, or strap it to the rear deck. Avoid stacking weight high on the deck.
• Behind the seat: a low, secured seat back cooler works if it doesn’t block your casting or your kayak seats’ adjustment.
• Towed: a floating cooler stays out of the boat but adds drag.
• Avoid: the bow, high on the deck, or anywhere it covers your rod holders.

Secure the cooler every time. Kayak Angler’s buyer’s guide advises using straps rather than bungees in rough water, because bungees can stretch or break. Bungees are fine for calm water. For more on tying gear down, see our kayak fishing rigging guide, and check kayak fishing crates if you use a crate in the tankwell.

How to Choose a Cooler for Your Kayak

1. Measure your kayak tankwell (see below).
2. Check that the cooler fits with about an inch of clearance, and that it doesn’t block your rod holders or paddle stroke.
3. Check the weight when loaded, not empty.
4. Look for tie-down points, such as strap slots.
5. Check the seal: a gasket on a hard cooler, a waterproof zipper or roll-top on a soft one.
6. Look for a drain plug on hard coolers.
7. Match the insulation to the trip length.
8. Keep storage space in mind: dry bags and tackle need room too.

Kayak Cooler Fit Diagram

        TANKWELL / DECK SPACE
   ┌───────────────────────────┐
   │                           │
   │    ┌─────────────────┐    │
   │    │     COOLER      │    │
   │    │                 │    │
   │    └─────────────────┘    │
   │                           │
   └───────────────────────────┘
       ↑                 ↑
   measure length     measure width

Also check usable height under the
bungee/cord line or behind the seat.

Rule of thumb: leave clearance around
the cooler and keep tie-down points usable.

How to Measure Your Kayak Tankwell

1. Empty the tankwell and remove any mats or crates.
2. Measure the length at the narrowest point.
3. Measure the width at the narrowest point, including any hardware.
4. Measure the height you can use under any cord or seat back.
5. Subtract about an inch from each number and compare it to the cooler’s exterior dimensions.
6. For a sit-inside kayak, measure the hatch opening and the deck space you plan to strap onto.

Decision Tree: Which Kayak Cooler Is Right for You?

How long is your trip?
├── Under 6 hours → Do you paddle a sit-inside kayak?
│   ├── Yes → IceMule Pro 23L or Hopper Flip 18
│   └── No  → Hopper Flip 18 (or Igloo Sportsman 20 on a budget)
├── A full day (6 to 12 hours) → Do you keep fish?
│   ├── Yes → Does a 25.5" cooler fit your tankwell?
│   │   ├── Yes → Engel 35
│   │   └── No  → Engel 25
│   └── No  → Hopper Flip 18 or Roadie 24
└── Overnight or longer → Engel 35 or Engel 25 (hard cooler, more ice)

Short on space on any trip? → CreekKooler (best suited to calm lakes and slow rivers)

How to Keep Fish Cold in a Kayak Cooler

• Chill fish quickly. Put your catch on ice soon after landing it.
• Keep fish separate from your food and drinks. Use a dedicated catch bag, or a second cooler.
• Use plenty of ice. Block ice plus cubes lasts longer than cubes alone.
• Drain meltwater on shore, and rinse the cooler afterwards.
• Follow local rules for size and possession limits.
• Treat the catch as a perishable food. The USDA says perishable food shouldn’t sit in the danger zone for more than two hours, or one hour above 90°F.

Cooler for Kayak Fishing: Common Mistakes

• Buying too big. An oversized cooler blocks rod holders and makes the kayak tippy.
• Not securing it. Use straps (or bungee cords in calm water) so it can’t shift.
• Too little ice. A common rule is two parts ice to one part food and drinks.
• Not pre-chilling. Fill with sacrificial ice or frozen bottles the night before.
• Standing on a cooler. Most makers don’t design them as casting platforms.
• Forgetting the weight. Loaded, a small cooler can weigh 30 to 40 lb.

Safety Warnings for Kayak Coolers

• Stability: keep the cooler low and close to the center, and balance the load.
• Capsize: an unsecured cooler can hit you or block your re-entry. In cold water, immersion is dangerous, so dress for the water temperature and wear a life jacket (see our best kayak life jackets). See the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety site.
• Food safety: perishable food shouldn’t be left out for more than two hours, or one hour above 90°F. Keep cold food at 40°F or below. See USDA FSIS guidance on the danger zone.
• Recalls: in 2023, YETI recalled the Hopper M20 backpack, the Hopper M30 tote and the SideKick Dry gear case because their magnet-lined closures could fail. If you own one, stop using it and follow the CPSC recall notice. We left that model off this list for that reason.

Tips to Keep Ice Longer

1. Pre-chill the cooler and the contents.
2. Use the right ratio of about two parts ice to one part contents, and add block ice.
3. Keep it shaded and covered.
4. Limit opening the lid.
5. Drain only when needed. Cold meltwater still helps, so drain on shore and keep the plug closed on the water.
6. Pick insulation that suits the trip. Thick foam and a good gasket are what keep ice.

FAQs About Kayak Coolers

Final Verdict: Which Kayak Cooler Should You Buy?

If you want a single soft-sided starting point, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 is our overall pick based on its 4.5 lb weight, published dimensions and day-trip-oriented design. For anglers who need a hard cooler and have enough tankwell space, the Engel 25 is our hard-cooler pick. If keeping the initial cost down is the priority, the Igloo Sportsman 20 remains a model to consider, but confirm its current listing and specifications before ordering. Whichever you choose, measure the tankwell, account for loaded weight and secure the cooler before you paddle.

Heading out on the water? Get your boat and gear sorted with our guides to choosing your first kayak and how to transport a kayak.

Related Kayak Addiction Guides

• What is a fishing kayak?
• What size kayak do I need?
• Sit-on-top vs sit-in kayaks
• Kayak weight capacity guide
• Kayak fishing rigging
• Kayak fishing rod holders
• Kayak fishing crates
• Best fishing backpacks
• Best kayak life jackets
• Best fish finders for kayak
• Best pedal kayaks for fishing
• Kayaks for beginners
• How to transport a kayak

About the Author

Ricky Thorne is an outdoor adventure writer and the founder of CampingSaga, where he writes about camping, outdoor gear and fishing.