DAM 35 Cooler Review and Testing
DAM 35 Cooler Review and Testing How long does it keep things cold? Real-world testing This a review and some tests of the DAM 35 Cooler, which uses vacuum insulated panels (VIP) instead of foam or other insulation, like from manufacturers like Yeti. I bought the DAM 35 cooler direct, using one of their 20% off promotions. MSRP is $219 but it's usually discounted. I got a blue one. It also comes in light grey, tan, and white. Yeti has a 35 that is $275. DAM was originally a Kickstarter project. The DAM 35 cooler, per the manufacturer, has 0.85in thick VIPs. DAM claims an R-value of 50/in, but other resources point to different, generally lower numbers.For instance, one source indicates an R-value of 38 per inch for a VIP. That would put 0.85in as an R-value of 32, still substantial. Polyurethane foam used by other manufacturers has an R-value of up to 6.5 per inch, so the "up to 3in" of foam that Yeti uses in their 35 cooler would thus be 19.5. Regardless, the proof is in...