Drain plugs are worth it.

Yes, get the drain plug.

Nothing ruins a day at the beach like trying to dump 20 pounds of ice water out of a cooler without losing half your sandwiches. A drain plug lets you do the sensible thing: open the plug, tilt the cooler, and let the water run out while the lid stays shut.

The only downsides I’ve heard are potential leaks. But honestly, on any decent cooler (YETI, RTIC, Coleman, Igloo) the plug seals fine. If you’re buying a $30 gas-station special, maybe worry. Otherwise, the convenience beats the risk.

One caveat: if you only use the cooler for dry goods or never actually put ice in it, skip the drain. But for anyone hauling drinks and ice, it’s a no-brainer.

Future you, standing over a cooler full of murky water, will thank you.