When Solo Stove launched their first camp stove back in 2010 with just $15,000 and some backpack-tested innovation, the Jan brothers probably didn’t envision their company would one day be cramming air conditioning units into coolers. But here we are, and honestly, it makes perfect sense. Solo Stove’s entire DNA revolves around solving real-world outdoor problems with smart engineering, and the Windchill 47 represents their biggest step yet beyond the fire pit category.
Ice Meets Fire
Debuting in tan and green colorways, the Windchill cooler didn’t emerge from a vacuum. Solo Brands’ 2023 acquisition of IcyBreeze (aka, the company that pioneered portable AC coolers) for $30 million was clearly a strategic play for this exact moment. Rather than simply rebadging existing IcyBreeze tech, however, Solo Stove rebuilt the concept from the ground up by employing the same emphasis on user experience and intuitive design that’s built them such a cult following.
What they’ve created is essentially three products in one: a premium 47-quart cooler with foam insulation, a portable air conditioner, and a misting system that transforms melted ice into cooling relief. The engineering is genuinely impressive, fitting all this tech into a 42-pound package (electric coolers have never been very lightweight) that still rolls on all-terrain wheels with the help of a telescoping handle.
Beyond the Gimmick
Billed as the “first cooler that actually cools you,” the Windchill 47 is a serious development for the cooler industry. Just to be clear, ice will be required to cool down your drinks, but a built-in heat exchanger is used to transpose the coldness inside the chest for cooling down your environment outside, with the help of a high-powered fan as well. Both units are integrated into the lid design in a way that doesn’t compromise the cooler’s primary function either.
The misting feature feels particularly smart. Instead of requiring separate water reserves, it repurposes the inevitable melted ice, turning waste into utility. Best of all, you don’t need to be standing right next to the unit to benefit from this feature. A 22-inch extension hose is stored under the lid so you don’t necessarily have to be tethered to the cooler itself.
As for the 65-can capacity with up to 6 days of ice retention, the Windchill’s specs put it in legitimate competition with premium brands like Yeti and RTIC, while the AC functionality allows it to stand on its own, begging the competition to catch up.
Power Play
Any tech-centric adventurists know that battery life often kills innovative outdoor gear. But Solo Stove seems to rectify this by focusing on real-world usage patterns. The standard 10Ah battery delivers three hours of active cooling, which is enough for the hottest part of the day without, and it’s small enough that it won’t leave you with a dead weight after it’s tapped out. An optional 17Ah version stretches that to just over four hours, while an included 110V adapter gives you virtually unlimited runtime when you’re car camping or tailgating.
USB-C and USB-A charging ports give you the option to power up your own devices, while an integrated bottle opener and rear drain plug simply acknowledge the useful features on other top-tier coolers on the market.
The Premium Question
Costing you anywhere from $650 to $700, the Windchill 47 sits firmly in premium territory. In fact, it’s about double the price of YETI’s coolers at the same price. But with the addition of an AC system and mister, many campers might easily justify the lofty price tag. I’m curious what a solar-charging option might look like, but perhaps that’s an innovation for another day.
Spec Sheet
Capacity: 47 quarts (65 cans)
Weight: 42.4lbs
Dimensions: 29.5″ x 18.8″ x 18.4″
Ice Retention: 6 days max (estimated)
Battery: 10Ah (3+ hours) or 17Ah (4+ hours)
Power: USB-C, USB-A ports, 110V adapter
Features: All-terrain wheels, telescoping handle, bottle opener, rear drain
Materials: Foam insulation, stainless steel components
Price: $650 to $700
Pricing & Availability
Available for pre-order now at $650 (10Ah) and $700 (17Ah) exclusively through Solo’s website, the Windchill 47 begins shipping in early June, with limited initial availability. Other accessories are sold separately such as a cup holder and side table.
Recap
Solo Stove Windchill 47 Cooler
Solo Stove’s latest product isn’t a stove at all, but its first-ever cooler, a 47-quart unit that uses the coldness from the ice as an A/C unit and mister outside.
