Icemule Impulse Bicycle Handle Bar Cooler Review
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First Thoughts On The Icemule Impulse
This is not my first rodeo with Icemule. A mere 8 years ago, I was introduced to Icemule with the Classic Cooler. To this day, I still sport this easy to carry along cooler on various outings. The Icemule Impulse is a fun little cooler that has great appeal in our biking world. Be it the bike commuter, a bike to the concert in the park, or the adventure bike packer,
I own a gravel bike called a Flaanimal which is a mythical steel creature inspired from the fabled cobbled lands of Vlaanderen (Belgium). That’s a small plug for the small bike manufacturing guy at Rodeo Adventure Labs. That said, the equine family of horses, mules, and donkeys are near and dear to my heart. Hence, this Icemule Impulse will be a nice addition to my cooler repertoire along with its Flaanimal companion as we gallop into the sunset together.
I will certainly use the Icemule Impulse on sporadic neighborhood beer runs, and well-planned adventure rides. In addition, I also see the potential for a simple lunch bag or event beer cooler with the included strap.
Technical Specifications And Features
- Capacity: 4.5L / 3 standard cans (12 oz), 4 skinny cans (12 oz) plus ice
- In-Use Dimensions: 11” L x 4.25” W x 9” H
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Bike handlebar attachment system
- Detachable & adjustable shoulder/cross-body strap
- Waterproof zippered pocket for strap storage
- Internal pocket for ice pack
- Carry handle
- Heavy duty MuleSkin fabric
- Keeps food/drinks cold for 24 hours
- Completely waterproof
- Welded seams
The Icemule Impulse Applications
Ok, that is my way of having some fun with the introduction. As such, I think it’s time to get a little more serious with the features, specifications, and uses of the Impulse. Although, I think its purpose (for me at least) will be for pure enjoyment as I carry along a nice cold beverage and/or packaged ice cream sandwiches.
Is it a tote bag, a lunch bag, or handle bar bag? You can make a compelling argument for all three. Firstly, the tote option is nice to carry along a smaller snack for a surprise treat. I can see myself brandishing 4 ice cream sandwiches after a family hike. They’ll never see that coming. A carrying strap is included and adjusts for a snug fit.
A solid second option is, of course, your typical lunch bag. This Icemule Impulse is small enough to stash pretty much anywhere, but big enough to hold a sandwich, a small fruit salad canister, a yogurt plus a drink. All in all, I am certainly making this my very own personal lunch bag.
Lastly, the most excellent use (as I see it), is the ability to carry along several nice cold beers as I embark on one of many cycling endeavors. A celebratory adult beverage certainly lifts our spirits after climbing a long and arduous climb. A brief respite before a descent with next level thrills.
Taking the Icemule Impulse On A Few Journeys
Attaching this cooler to a bike is rather simple. Two Velcro straps with reflective strips encircle the handle bar. The bottom strap is an adjustable buckle to allow for various distances to connect as I deal with numerous cables. It doesn’t have to be super snug, and will stay put even with a bumpy road surface. The top of the cooler is taller, and folds for a pretty good seal. Think of it as a dry bag when you go kayaking, rafting, sup-ping, etc. It doesn’t give you a complete waterproof seal, but enough to keep the elements out for sure.
To close it all off, the black nylon straps come over the top to simply slide the buckle into the two plastic slots. Once connected, the carry handle is situated in the perfect position to carry the pack when not attached to a bike. The fit is pretty good, and I don’t see it coming undone with the design of the buckle.
There is an exterior zipper pocket in the back as well. A perfect place for a wallet or phone. That one is not so easy to get to when it’s attached to the bike, but it is useful nonetheless when carrying the cooler.
I attach it to an e-bike that I use to commute to work. It’s a great way to eliminate a car trip, and having a place to put my lunch is a welcome addition. I get up to 30 mph. and the bag stays put without much bounce at all. For the half hour or so, the Icemule Impulse keeps my lunch and drinks nice and cold with a small icepack.
My gravel bike also sports this Icemule Impulse. A 71 mile long Denver Highline Canal tour takes the cake as well as a beer or two. Having said that, this is more of a fun journey, and the need for fuel and liquids are certainly a requirement. Hence, I pack enough calories to support my caloric intake for a day of camaraderie, beautiful landscape and urban scenery. In addition, we are able to partake in a celebratory cold alcoholic beverage upon finishing.
The final act of my testing experience takes place on the rocky and gravelly road up to Jefferson Lake surrounded by beautiful peaks. We ride up several thousand feet of climbing that’s rewarded with views and chocolate chip cookies.
I know I have a smile on my face, but the Icemule Impulse also appears to be laughing. I’d say the only thing that bothered me was the fact that I lost the top of the handle bar hand positioning as I was climbing. That said, aside from that, this cooler checks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts On The Icemule Impulse
In conclusion, the Icemule Impulse is a super handy addition for whatever bike ride you may have in mind. Hence, I use it to commute to the office, take the kids to the park and pool, as well as longer gravel mountain adventures. It’s simple to attach and use with plenty of space for snacks and refreshments. The Icemule Impulse is constructed out of heavy duty Mule-skin material to withstand my use and abuse. If you are looking to add a small cooler to your bicycle and lunch commuting game, I’d say check it out for yourself.
MSRP: $99.95
For more information and purchase, please visit Icemule.
