A portable cooler has at least three separate storage compartments that comprise
at least one ice-cold storage compartment; at least one dry moderately cold storage
compartment; and at least one dry non-cold storage compartment. A temperature gradient
construction enables the user to proficiently store food and non-food items of
varying water sensitivities and temperature needs. Typically, a wet cooling medium
is added to the ice-cold storage compartment. Discrete thermal conduction pathways
extend from the ice-cold storage compartment into the moderately cold storage compartment,
cooling the moderately cold storage compartment. The less cold compartment and
the non-cold compartment are completely dry of water. Each of the compartments
has its own lid enabling selective entry and thereby preventing temperature fluctuations
and moister transfer when another compartment is accessed. The portable cooler
has a plurality of foldable wheels on the base thereof to facilitate portability.
