TravelTalkOnline

Polar Bear Products

Posted By: jbuch02

Polar Bear Products - 06/30/2015 08:33 PM

I live in Lawrenceville, GA, work in Cumming and that's about 5 minutes from the Polar Bear Company office. Yesterday, I called the office to ask if I could stop buy and buy a 48 pk cooler. Mind you, they are not a retail outlet. All their products are sold on-line. I spoke with Leslie Woodie. Very nice. "Sure," she said, I've got about 10,000 of them back in the warehouse. Take your pick.

So, Off I go this afternoon to pick one up. What a great woman and a great place. Little front office with an Embroidery shop (yep, you can have a custom made cooler), with a cavernous warehouse in the back stacked to the roof with boxes of Polar Bear products.

Leslie opens a box containing maybe 15 coolers, gives me a silver 48'er, I pull out cash and give it to her. Transaction complete. Saved a bundle including shipping costs. Got some cozies and some stickers and I told her I'd make a post inviting TTOL'ers in the neighborhood to stop buy.

This is the classic, successful small business that you love to support. I did ask her if she would like to be a sponsor and if so, I could put her in touch. She said the owner does no marketing. Sells strictly by word-of-mouth. He obviously has a good product.

Worth the trip! ..... of a about 30 min. from my house.
Posted By: IWIWSE

Re: Polar Bear Products - 06/30/2015 11:01 PM

Thanks for that
Too many times, the only time we hear about a product
or service is when something goes south.
We use our Polar Bear Cooler all the time and love it.
Cooler people are cooler people
Beat you to it, Beerman

Mike
Posted By: BEERMAN

Re: Polar Bear Products - 06/30/2015 11:35 PM

Dang Mike (IWIWSE)! Yes, very good product, we have 4/48's. I think we bought our first one 10+ years ago, it had been to the islands many times and used a lot at home! Somehow I put a hole in it, so I don't put ice in it anymore but it's still great to put frozen food in for our cabin in the mountains. Yes, I know West Virginia has grocery stores, but I like what I like!

Cooler People are simply Cooler People <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Polar Bear Products - 06/30/2015 11:45 PM

Now Beerman, I'm disappointed here! I thought I could count on you to lead a boycott of Polar, until they become a TTOL sponsor!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: jagmansr

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 12:52 AM

I was grateful when it was announced on TTOL they were having a 50% off discount. I picked up a 24 and 48 can size polar coolers. Depending on how much frozen meats we bring down we are prepared. Plus once on the boat it's better than our boat cooler to keep beer and wine cold.
Posted By: Chriskal

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 01:47 AM

Every year around Christmas I get the buy one-get one free email and just can't help myself. The combination of sweet coolers and a smoking hot deal is irresistible.
Posted By: RickinAtlanta

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 02:30 AM

I've spoken with Leslie as well. Bought a 24 pack last year and it's awesome. Posted on TTOL about them as Beerman was the 1st one to let us all know. Hope she gave you the current e-mail discount.
Posted By: Tackmaster

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 12:46 PM

I have two 48's, don't leave home without them!!!
Posted By: Cleobeach

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 12:46 PM

We have one in each size. I love the products. We have checked the 48 can many times. The 48 and 24 cans get the most use in our family. We use the 48 can as overflow storage at our cabin.
Posted By: kajunlady61

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 01:20 PM

When Beerman let TTOL know about the BOGO last year. We purchased 8 of them. I got my son & step son and son in law the backpack version. After they came in I thought I had screwed up. They just looked bulky and hard to carry. They LOVE them. We use our 48 every weekend on our boat. Can't wait for their BOGO this year. I tell everyone about Polar Bear ice chest.
Posted By: Lcrich

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 02:01 PM

Last year when they had their BOGO, I bought two 48's (we already have 2 other PC) for Xmas presents for my sons and their wives. I draped two beach towels in each and filled with their favorite beer/wine with Koozies. And also some ice sheets from Polar too. They were a huge hit.
Posted By: Felix

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 03:51 PM

I have a 48 and love it. Used a friend's backpack on the last trip in May, it was perfect for spending the afternoon at the bubbly pool, very comfortable to carry and held a lot. Thinking of getting one for myself and had no idea they were so close to where I live! Might have to arrange a visit before Cat Fight smile

Felix
Posted By: AndyPIT

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 04:07 PM

Those babies are the real deal! 4pork tenderloins, full beef tenderloin, 5lbs chicken, andouille, breakfast sausage, 5lbs raw gulf shrimp. All still completely Frozen by the time we got to the boat even going via STT. I was against taking any food but that thing makes it a no brainer!
Posted By: jbuch02

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 06:40 PM

In my provision planning for our upcoming BVI trip, I was going to buy all my meats locally. The problem was that while poultry and standard cuts of beef are reasonably priced and I'm glad to support the local economy, some pork cuts (tenderloin) and things like beef flank steak are about 40% more expensive than stateside. I understand the higher prices. While typical beef products/cuts are coming from PR and are reasonably priced, most everything else is imported from afar so, it's gonna cost.

Hence, the Polar Bear 48 purchase. Glad to hear about the amazing amount of stuff you got in yours Andy.
Posted By: Mardi_Gras

Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 10:18 PM

Andy,
Andouille sausage, Gulf Shrimp.... Sounds like my BVI pack list. What part of Louisiana are you from? Or should I say: how's your Mom and dem and what's she cooking for dinner Sunday?

Tony
Posted By: jerriec

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 11:51 PM

Is the 48 small enough for a carry on or does it have to be checked?
Posted By: RickG

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/01/2015 11:55 PM

The 48 is large, as in two cases of beer. I don't even like to carry that sucker. The 24 is what we use for carryon. We keep a 24 and a 48 on de boat. The 48 is the third tier ice box, but will see less use since Capt. Jay put out new fridge compressor in - pre-chill!

Cheers, RickG
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 02:13 AM

can ask one question is there anywhere else other then BVI that you bring food on your vacation? We travel all over the world and have never packed a rib eye, what an I missing, $3.00 a pound? I can't wait for the responses.
Posted By: BEERMAN

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 02:15 AM

Read my post.......
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 02:27 AM

Don't know about anywhere else, but you can definitely bring any kind of meats, foods, etc., to St. Maarten.
Posted By: jbuch02

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:53 AM

Quote
sail2wind said:
can ask one question is there anywhere else other then BVI that you bring food on your vacation? We travel all over the world and have never packed a rib eye, what an I missing, $3.00 a pound? I can't wait for the responses.


...... you can keep waiting as I doubt anyone cares about whether you approve of bringing your own food to the BVI or not. Its a personal choice and you have every right to travel as you prefer.

This is a thread about a great product, a great company and great people that run it. Besides, the topic of bringing or not bring food from home has been beaten to death here.
Posted By: jboothe

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 11:20 AM

Quote
jbuch02 said:
...... you can keep waiting as I doubt anyone cares about whether you approve of bringing your own food to the BVI or not. Its a personal choice and you have every right to travel as you prefer.

This is a thread about a great product, a great company and great people that run it. Besides, the topic of bringing or not bring food from home has been beaten to death here.


That was very well stated...
Posted By: NCSailor

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 11:53 AM

Quote
Carol_Hill said:
Don't know about anywhere else, but you can definitely bring any kind of meats, foods, etc., to St. Maarten.


You missed the sarcasm.
Posted By: Kirk

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 12:30 PM

Quote
sail2wind said:
can ask one question is there anywhere else other then BVI that you bring food on your vacation? We travel all over the world and have never packed a rib eye, what an I missing, $3.00 a pound? I can't wait for the responses.


One mans steak is another mans bathmat! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> I don't bring food, but I also try not to cook on the boat either! TETO...

But I do love the two Polar coolers I bought last year thanks to the info here! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: warren460

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 12:38 PM

I hope another bogo is coming down the pipe
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 01:03 PM

Anyone wanting to do a one way with a nice cooler we could use a new one here at CRC..happy to $$ for it..just take the food out first as we buy local..wine and beer can stay!
Posted By: kajunlady61

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 01:33 PM

Mal, if no one volunteers. We will be back in Oct. and would be happy to bring you a cooler.

Anita & Tab
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 01:55 PM

Terrific..maybe we can cook up some Gumbo here at CRC!!
Posted By: Orange_Burst

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 01:59 PM

Quote
Manpot said:
Terrific..maybe we can cook up some Gumbo here at CRC!!


So don't forget to back the andouille and shrimp in that cooler <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: kajunlady61

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 02:16 PM

We normally bring crawfish for fettuccine. And sometimes a whole beef filet.
Posted By: WayneC

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 02:59 PM

My last trip I took a whole side of beef. Look at all the $$ I saved.
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:06 PM

BTW, We bought 2 Polar Coolers as well. My question still is, if you vacation anywhere else other then BVI, do you pack food? I follow the SXM board as well and never heard about people packing copious amounts of beef.
Posted By: BEERMAN

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:28 PM

Quote
sail2wind said:
BTW, We bought 2 Polar Coolers as well. My question still is, if you vacation anywhere else other then BVI, do you pack food? I follow the SXM board as well and never heard about people packing copious amounts of beef.


I'll be packing my Polar Bear 48 cooler tonight with frozen stuff for a long holiday weekend in the mountains! Baby back ribs with a dry rub! My neighbor just drove away with a dang cooler full of frozen meat for their week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, doesn't he realize that North Carolinas Piggly Wigglys have great meat departments?? Whatever <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:35 PM

Some people do take food to SXM, yes, including us. Not copious amounts, but some.

But, when all is said and done, what difference does it make to you if someone brings food or not? Does it affect YOUR vacation at all? No..
Posted By: Kirk

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:46 PM

Quote
Carol_Hill said:
Some people do take food to SXM, yes, including us. Not copious amounts, but some.

But, when all is said and done, what difference does it make to you if someone brings food or not? Does it affect YOUR vacation at all? No..


I don't think he ever said it affects his vacation. Seems like he was pondering if and why this phenomena is contained to only the BVI's.
Posted By: BEERMAN

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:47 PM

BTW, you didn't mention...do you like your 2 Polar Bear coolers?
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 03:58 PM

Kirk, thanks, you are correct. Rick, yes, I love the coolers they keep our "drinks" cold, they don't sweat, and last longer then plastic coolers. Carol, I could understand bringing a favorite food product not available in SXM, but chicken? People are spending thousands of dollars on a weeks trip and will pack a cooler of meat to save $20 <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: BEERMAN

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 04:01 PM

Saving money is your assumption. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: kajunlady61

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 04:22 PM

I take food and frozen meat when we head to Florida for a week in a condo. I HATE to grocery shop and especially on vaca! I try to prep meals a few weeks in advance and freeze. So no meal planning and limited shopping on my vacation. And we still eat out at restaurants often. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
In Tortola we will have Riteway deliver to the villa the day we arrive with dry goods and beverages. We pick up other stuff at Harbor Market. So it's limited shopping. If we take crawfish & filet we invite the villa owner and friends over for dinner.
Posted By: RickinAtlanta

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 04:30 PM

Quote
BEERMAN said:
Saving money is your assumption. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" />


Just do like I did and click the "Ignore this user" link.
Posted By: BEERMAN

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 04:45 PM

Quote
RickinAtlanta said:
Quote
BEERMAN said:
Saving money is your assumption. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" />


Just do like I did and click the "Ignore this user" link.


Nah, I like Evan! He enjoys this topic when it comes up <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Let's change the consumer goods to LIQUOR....who takes bottles of booze home with them? I don't, but apparently many people enjoy schlepping a heavy case of whatever home for their own reasons. To each their own! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: RickinAtlanta

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 04:49 PM

Quote
BEERMAN said:
Quote
RickinAtlanta said:
Quote
BEERMAN said:
Saving money is your assumption. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" />


Just do like I did and click the "Ignore this user" link.


Nah, I like Evan! He enjoys this topic when it comes up <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Let's change the consumer goods to LIQUOR....who takes bottles of booze home with them? I don't, but apparently many people enjoy schlepping a heavy case of whatever home for their own reasons. To each their own! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />


Yea but if you schlep that liquor home you'll save a couple of bucks a bottle! Oh wait, there's a liquor store just down the street. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 05:00 PM

lighten up Rick, obviously your not ignoring your commenting. Rick(Beerman) not all are just saving money, however it has been talked about saving a few bucks in this thread.. RickinAtlanta, Beerman and I are friends, just fun banter.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 05:09 PM

My point is that if it makes no difference to his vacation, why does he even care? Everyone vacations however they feel correct and it's not up to someone else to tell them they are doing it wrong.
Posted By: dayhiker

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 07:10 PM

Considering the food prices in the BVI, I bet folks save lots more than $20. We saw bacon for about $10 a pack. My wife did the shopping, so I don't recall most of the prices, but from what I recall her saying, meat was more like 50%-100% more than what it is in AL.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 08:21 PM

Sorry those numbers are way out of line..seriously...we live here more than half the year and prices across the board are similar to the better supermarkets in California..50 to 100% more???..not sure where you are shopping but it isn't Riteway..plus we have stuff here you just dont get in the good old USA, including great lamb..so..buy the cooler$$$..pay $25 to check it..pay import duty ( sometimes)..now pay $ to check it on the ferry..have to hump it around..cab..check in..ferry..cab ..boat..villa..if it works for you, all the best, but it most certainly aint for me!
Posted By: RickinAtlanta

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 08:47 PM

Polar Bear goes carry on with Delta. I'll be shopping at Buck's next Tuesaday so I'll save my receipt and compare just for grins. I bring select items not to save money but to make sure I have exactly what I want for the few times we cook at the Villa as we go out most nights.
Posted By: dayhiker

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 08:47 PM

We shopped at Riteway. As I mentioned, this was my recollection from her comments. I may be off. I do recall the bacon # and that is double what we pay here. I'll check with her tonight and get better info.
Posted By: dayhiker

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 08:49 PM

PS, I bet your CA prices are higher than what I pay too. THat's why I qualified that my comments were based on AL prices.
Posted By: mayjong1

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/02/2015 10:34 PM

finally gonna use my backpack for the purpose I bought it for!
less than a week!!!
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 12:31 AM

AL??Alacatraz?? Seriously..yes we pay more for some stuff in CA ..Charlotte Amalie??..but nothing close to those mark ups..plus in the BVI's you'll find great deals on wines..and rums..You need to check prices next time you are out in CA..California..you get a lot of your AL stuff from us..have fun pricing!
Posted By: sail445

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 12:52 AM

They're not comparing Beef prices like the Beef Jerky you bring in from Liverpool and call it Filet Mignon and pair it with wine vinegar. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 02:54 AM

Oh Greg..fire up the fryer and make a chicken fried steak..now there's a SPECIAL dish for you..toss in some grits.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" />maybe cover it with maple syrup..extra good..
Posted By: sail445

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 03:21 AM

Ah!! Chicken fried steak, I see you have been stopping off in Appalacia on your way up and down to the islands.
PS
They don't use Maple syrup anymore but Aunt J's high fructose syrup the same you use on your Kidney pies. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: GW248

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 03:43 AM

Malcolm - who should I contact about the possibility of booking a couple days at CRC next June?

Thanks,
Rick
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 11:49 AM

Robin at crc@vom.com for bookings..thanks..Anyway, I'll be delighted to buy a cooler brought down so it doesnt have to be shipped back..
Posted By: dayhiker

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/03/2015 09:32 PM

Quote
Manpot said:
AL??Alacatraz?? Seriously..yes we pay more for some stuff in CA ..Charlotte Amalie??..but nothing close to those mark ups..plus in the BVI's you'll find great deals on wines..and rums..You need to check prices next time you are out in CA..California..you get a lot of your AL stuff from us..have fun pricing!


AL as in Alabama. CA as in California like in your profile. My wife confirmed that prices were about 50% more than home when comparing to the East End Riteway. The market at Soper's had better prices than East End

I will be in Cali in a month. My son and I are backpacking the Thousand Island Lakes area of Ansel Adams Wilderness. We can't wait.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/04/2015 01:12 AM

Have fun..in California...bring lots of meat filled coolers and wine with you cos we are running short..BTW where is Cali??If you make it to California (WE HATE CALI..San Fran and Frisco..unless you mean the town in the middle of the state)look us up in Sonoma..
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Polar Bear Products - 07/04/2015 01:16 AM

All right, since this has gone way past the original subject, will end this one here.
© 2024 TravelTalkOnline