A Product Review From Sierra Rec Magazine Staff on the GoSun Chillito Cooler
Let’s face it, packing for a camping trip can be a delicate balancing act. You want to bring enough food and drinks to last, but you also don’t want to be weighed down by a bulky cooler filled with ice. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to test out the GoSun Chillito Rechargeable Cooler on a trip to Grass Valley, California, and it completely transformed my packing strategy.
The Chillito is a compact 18-liter cooler that promises temperature-controlled cooling for up to 20 hours. Intrigued by its portability and ice-free operation, I packed it to the brim with drinks and snacks for the 2.5-hour drive from Minden to Grass Valley. Our VRBO rental, a charming Streamline trailer, came equipped with a cooler, but for our planned adventures, having a portable option was ideal.

First Impressions: Quiet Power and Efficient Cooling
Right off the bat, I was impressed by the Chillito’s quiet operation. Unlike traditional coolers with noisy fans, the Chillito hummed along discreetly, blending seamlessly into the background noise of the car. Even more impressive was its ability to maintain a consistent temperature. We set it to 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and upon arrival at our destination, our drinks were perfectly chilled. And as stated previously, no slush ice melt issues in the back end of the Subaru.
There is something very relaxing about a cool beer after a long drive, waiting for the sun to set, no timeline to master for the day. This is how every vacation i wish started.
A Streamlined Experience: Off-Grid Power and Easy Portability
Our Grass Valley getaway revolved around several trips to the scenic Yuba River plus typical touristy walks around the old town streets of Grass Valley and Nevada City. All wrapped around several hours of just hanging out at the streamline with its beautiful deck overlooking the backwoods filled with birds and deer, just taking a brake from the stress of life. The beauty of the Chillito was that it effortlessly transitioned from car cooler to river companion. The 18-liter capacity proved surprisingly spacious, holding all our beverages and keeping them refreshingly cold throughout the day, without the need for messy ice packs or constantly refilling. While back at the Streamline, placing the portable cooler next to the chair on the deck, made the spoils of a lazy Saturday book that much more relaxing.

Another win for the Chillito was its rechargeable power bank. The included 144Wh battery not only powered the cooler but also doubled as a phone charger – a lifesaver in our off-grid rental! At 17 lbs, even when fully loaded with drinks, the cooler remained easy to carry down to the riverbank and maneuver in and out of the car.
Beyond Grass Valley: A Perfect Fit for Sierra Adventures
The Chillito’s success on this trip has solidified its place in our Sierra Nevada travel and camping plans. Its portability and efficient cooling make it ideal for everything from day hikes to dispersed camping adventures. Next on our agenda is a backcountry camping trip with my dad, and I can’t wait to see how the Chillito keeps our food and drinks fresh without the extra weight of a traditional cooler.

Overall Impressions: A Welcome Addition to the Sierra Camping Arsenal
The GoSun Chillito is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to keep food and drinks cold on their outdoor adventures. Its compact size, quiet operation, and efficient cooling make it a welcome addition to my Sierra camping gear. Whether you’re day tripping to a local river or embarking on a multi-day backcountry adventure, the Chillito keeps your provisions perfectly chilled, freeing you to focus on enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
Supporting Our Adventures: Affiliate Disclosure
We at Sierra Rec strive to bring you honest reviews of gear that enhances your outdoor experiences. The GoSun Chillito was provided to us for this review as part of an affiliate partnership. This means that if you click on the link below and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This support helps us continue to bring you valuable gear reviews and content.
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We hope you found this review helpful. As always, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you might have about the GoSun Chillito or your next Sierra Nevada adventure!
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