The Fieldbar Ice Box in Bazaruto Blue. Photograph courtesy of the brand. For many Australians, the esky is a holiday essential – a purely functional object, thrown into the back of the car, dragged onto the sand, or set beside a picnic blanket. It’s rarely something considered beyond its ability to keep drinks cold. But South African brand Fieldbar is rethinking its design, positioning the esky as something both stylish and built to last.
Handmade in Cape Town, the Fieldbar Drinks Box is crafted by artisans over the course of a week, with an emphasis on durability, thermal performance, and sustainability. Weighing just 1.8kg, it’s designed to be lightweight but strong enough to support up to 120kg. Its 10-litre capacity is compact but efficient, able to hold three bottles of wine, two bottles of Champagne, or ten cans.
While the aesthetics set it apart – available in muted, retro-inspired colours with a sleek, minimalist design – the company also promotes a sustainable approach to production. The Drinks Box is made up of 58 separate components, each of which can be removed, repaired, or replaced. A five-year workmanship warranty is offered, alongside a recycling and repair service that aims to extend the product’s lifespan. From $249, fieldbar.com.
