Orion Cooler - 65 or 85?

[Steelsearchin]

I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy a fancy cooler…but now I'm stuck trying to decide between these two sizes…

I was fortunate enough to draw a pair of WY pronghorn tags for this fall, and I'm wondering if I'd be able to squeeze two quartered up speed goats/ice in an 85?? The internal dimensions aren't that different between the 85 and 65 (28.75" x 13" vs 24.25" x 11.75"), but there's a 7# weight difference.

Other uses would be icing down early season whitetails and I'll like use it as a casting platform in the boat. The 85 would be nicer for loading with salmon/walleye, but the 43# dry weight scares me a bit.

Unfortunately the local distributor doesn't have either in stock at the moment, so I'm stuck guessing with a tape. Any firsthand accounts of either cooler would be greatly appreciated (i.e. "a 65 holds a whitetail perfectly…").

Thanks!

-tom

 

[BlakeA]

Go with the 85. The weight isn't much different then the 65 so I wouldn't worry about that. You can never have "too" much cooler space. I love my Orion coolers.

 

[Big Fin]

Go with the 85. The weight isn't much different then the 65 so I wouldn't worry about that. You can never have "too" much cooler space. I love my Orion coolers.

Agreed, 100%

 

[Steelsearchin]

Perfect- thanks guys!

 

[Addicting]

Let me know when you get it in. I would like to get my hands on it and see one first hand before ordering one.

 

[Steelsearchin]

Will do.

 

[Redman]

I was in the same boat you're r in. I went with the 65 and it arrived at the house yesterday. Impressive cooler but I think I will end up getting an 85 on down the road. I wanted one that would be an all around cooler. The 65 size also seems to fit my canoe better.

 

[Redman]

Orion 65 did great on its maiden voyage. No fish to take back in it because of the monsoon season we have had lately, rivers are too high.