I gear tested the ORCA Walker Tote and Hydra on a road trip through northern Kansas and Central Nebraska. Both of them are now part of my summer travel necessities. Founded in Nashville in 2012, ORCA stands for Outdoor Recreation Company of America. The cooler tote is perfect for road trip, especially since it’s lightweight. The water bottle is now part of my daily life as it use it at home and while traveling.

The ORCA Walker Tote is a softside cooler that’s rugged, yet sleek. It’s perfect for short road trips including my recent trips to Nebraska, Southwest Colorado, and Vail. The cooler’s capri blue and grey color scheme instantly makes me think of road trips to water like a lovely lake, mountain stream or coastline. The water resistant front pocket is perfect for stashing utensils and extras. It’s durable and super roomy. It holds ice for over 24 hours so it perfect for an overnight trip or road trips. It can hold 18 cans. My favorite is it’s wine bottle height and can hold multiple bottles making it perfect for a picnic or lake day. It can hold a 20-pound bag of ice. The magnetic split handle is easy to use. A padded shoulder strap included. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, even as you’re schlepping a bunch of stuff from car to hotel room and back I did on both of my road trips. It easily fits on the floorboard of the backseat with some room to spare. I love the whale tail pulls on the zippers for an added level of cuteness.

I got the 22 ounce ORCA Hydra in blue, but it comes in a bunch of color. The Hydra is also available in 34 and 66 ounces. It’s made from premium stainless steel and keeps drinks hot or cold for hour. It’s double walled and vacuum sealed. It’s best to hand wash, but it is top rack dishwasher safe too. I love the easy-pour sport lid. The screw top makes it easy to drink from and keeps spills from happening. The top is easy to screw on and off thanks to Silicone Grip Band™ techonology. It’s slimness makes it easy to fit into a backpack pocket. The uniquely shaped whale tail handle makes it different from other bottles. I use it at home and traveling on road trips and planes.

Author Jennifer Broome is always looking for gear that can withstand the wear and tear of travel and road trips. Check out the Go Gear section for more product reviews for outdoor and travel gear.