If you've ever packed a car or camper for a camping trip, you know that space is precious. Tents, clothing, snacks and other outdoor essentials take up the bulk of the room inside your vehicle before you and your companions even jump in your seats. Now throw your bulky coolers into the mix, and you're left with even less space. 

But it seems like one company has found a space-saving solution for camping trips, beach days, cookouts and any outdoor adventure you can imagine. Coleman just released the first-ever collapsible hard-cover cooler, and we got our hands on one to see how it works. 

Coleman introduces Snap 'N Go

I knew the Snap 'N Go was a heavy-duty cooler when I picked up the package from my front porch. It wasn't a large package, but it was decently heavy, as the cooler weighs 20 pounds when empty. While cooler bags have been around for some time, and they're lighter and easy to fold into a small square, the Snap 'N Go is the first ever hard-shell cooler that can collapse to a smaller size -- up to one-third its size.

It is available in three colors (light blue, black and dark blue) and in sizes 35-quart, 45-quart and 55-quart, which can hold up to 93 cans without ice. The 55-quart version is less than 5 inches tall when collapsed, making it easy to fit in tight spaces or store away when not in use. 

How it works

Using the handles on the outside of the cooler, it takes about a second to pop the cooler into its upright position. When it's in this position, it's hard to tell it apart from other hard-shell coolers, and the 55-quart can keep the items inside cool for up to 64 hours, according to the company. The 35-quart keeps them cool for 48 hours, while the 45-quart keeps them cool for 55 hours.

To pop it back down to its more compact size, it takes only a couple of seconds to pull the strap up toward you, and it closes in on itself, accordion-style. The waterproof liner is also removable, making it easy to clean.

When is the Snap 'N Go available for purchase?

The Coleman Snap 'N Go is available for purchase now. It's priced between $200 and $240, depending on the size, and comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Final thoughts

Name-brand coolers don't typically come cheap, so I'm not sticker-shocked by the price of this one, especially since it's a hard-shell option. I was impressed by how quick and easy it is to pop up, and I especially like that it isn't bulky to store. 

If you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or camper, this quality cooler could be a great addition to your summertime activities.