Travoca Rigel 45 Dual Zone eCooler

Built for overlanding, van life, beach days, and camping, the 12V Rigel 45 was designed in Utah by a professor of outdoor product design guided by the principle of being “Elegantly Rugged."

The Rigel 45 features a durable steel body with an overmoulded base and bamboo accent panels on the sides. This unique combination gives it a refined, elegant appearance that stands out aesthetically without sacrificing robustness.

Very little plastic is used on the exterior, save for components of the vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs). These panels drastically reduce heat loss, allowing the cooler to stay cold longer and consume less power.

The unit runs on 12V/24V DC power and includes adapters for vehicles, RVs, battery banks, or solar panels. It can also operate on standard 110V AC wall outlets using the provided adapter.

The combination of Vacuum Insulated Panels and a premium compressor featuring Toshiba technology allows the Rigel 45 to retain cold up to 60% longer than standard models while remaining nearly silent during operation.

The Rigel 45 features dual temperature zones, allowing you to run a fridge and freezer simultaneously. Alternatively, you can remove the interior divider to use the entire 45-litre capacity as a single large fridge or freezer. When the divider is in place, the onboard digital controller or the free Travoca Bluetooth app allows you to set each compartment's temperature individually.

The Travoca smartphone app is very intuitive to use and lets you control the real-time temperature monitoring and management for both zones. Below, you can see it being set as it is turned on.

You can also turn the cooler on or off remotely, toggle between cooling modes (such as Max for fast chilling or Eco for saving power), and change the temperature units from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

Additionally, Travoca designed the lid to open from either side or lift off entirely, which makes accessing contents incredibly convenient when the unit is packed tightly into a trunk or camper van.

While this review focuses on the 45L model, Travoca offers the Rigel line in 25, 35, 45, and 60L sizes to suit various group sizes and trip lengths.

Exterior Casing: Heavy-duty, powder-coated cold-rolled steel 
Panels: Removable bamboo 
Base: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Insulation: High-efficiency Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP) lining all four sides and the bottom

• Toshiba Technology Compressor: Ultra-efficient and exceptionally quiet.
• Vacuum-Insulated Panels (VIPs): Keep contents cold up to 60–80% longer than standard 12V fridge-freezers, resulting in longer run-times.
• 3-Way Insulated Lid: Opens from either side and is fully removable.
• Removable Divider Panel: Allows for customizable cooling configurations (Fridge/Freezer, dual Fridge, or dual Freezer).
• Versatile Power Compatibility: Functions with 12V/24V DC and 110V AC power sources.
• Weather Resistance: IPX5 rated to withstand outdoor elements.
• Premium Build: Durable steel body with integrated bamboo panelling.
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects.

It is refreshing to see a newcomer to the e-cooler market deliver such a well-executed product. Travoca has spared no expense with the Rigel 45. It is incredibly efficient at maintaining its temperature even when powered down on hot days, and the compressor is remarkably quiet compared to competing brands. The feature set checks every box: dual-zone temperature control, a clear digital display, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity.

The standout design element is the dual-sided, removable lid. It makes accessing contents effortless, regardless of how the cooler is oriented in your vehicle. Compared to the Dometic CFX3 45, the Rigel 45 is slightly larger, considerably heavier, and carries a higher price tag. However, it operates more efficiently, offers better usability, and boasts a much cleaner aesthetic. It feels like a product where the exterior design was given just as much thoughtful consideration as the internal mechanics.

The primary drawback is its weight. At 58 lbs empty, the Rigel 45 is a full 14 lbs heavier than the Dometic CFX3 45. This weight penalty is the direct result of choosing steel construction and thick thermal insulation over plastic. While this trade-off yields superior durability and thermal performance, it makes the cooler difficult for one person to lift. The inclusion of removable or built-in wheels would be a welcome upgrade for easier transport.

At $1,174 CAD / $849.99 USD, this cooler represents a significant investment. However, the Rigel 45 should be viewed as a portable appliance rather than a standard cooler. The versatility and convenience it provides on extended road trips are unmatched by traditional ice chests. Its high-quality construction and excellent thermal performance ultimately justify both the premium price and the added weight.