When it comes to camping, the simple answer is: don’t forget the stubby holder. Anything between your hand and an ice-cold beer, soft drink, or seltzer is better than nothing. Sitting around the campfire, out on the boat, or parked up beside the swag, a good cooler quickly becomes one of the most used bits of camping gear you own.
Everyone seems to have their favourite style too. Some people keep one permanently hanging off the antenna of their 4WD — partly for convenience, partly as a badge of honour. Others have a full collection stuffed into drawers, gloveboxes, camping tubs, and centre consoles. But the real question isn’t whether you own a stubby holder… it’s whether you’ve got enough for your mates, and what kind are they?
Our personal choice is the standard thick neoprene cooler. They’re flexible, durable, lightweight, and easy to stash absolutely anywhere — glovebox, centre console, behind the camping chair, in the boat, or even shoved into the side pocket of your swag bag. Neoprene holders also do a great job of keeping drinks cold for longer while stopping your hands from warming the can.
Then there are the old-school foam stubby holders. These are the classics that almost every Aussie grew up with. Lightweight and simple, foam coolers are perfect for parties, fishing trips, pub giveaways, and camping weekends. They might not hold their shape forever, but there’s something nostalgic about pulling out an old foam cooler covered in faded logos and memories from trips years ago.
Magnetic stubby holders have become a favourite for campers and tradies too. These clever coolers feature built-in magnets so you can stick your drink straight onto the side of the ute, toolbox, caravan, boat, or camping fridge. No more putting your beer on the ground, knocking it over in the sand, or losing it in the grass around the campsite. Once you use a magnetic cooler while camping or working on the car, it’s hard to go back.
For people wanting maximum cold retention, metal stubby coolers are another level altogether. Stainless steel coolers are built tough and designed to keep drinks icy cold for hours, especially on hot summer days. Many are double-wall insulated and can handle serious heat without your drink warming up quickly. They’re perfect for long afternoons by the river, BBQs, or camping trips where every cold sip matters. The bonus is they look sleek and premium too.
At the end of the day, there’s no single “best” stubby holder — it really comes down to where you’re using it and what suits your style. Foam for nostalgia, neoprene for versatility, magnetic for convenience, and metal for serious cooling power. Whatever your choice, one thing is certain: camping is always better when your drink stays cold.
