A cool box is useful on the bank, but this is something different: a rechargeable compressor fridge designed to keep running away from the mains. BougeRV sent us its 22-litre model to try, and we put it straight to work during a full fishing session.

What exactly is it?

At first glance it resembles a large hard-sided cool box. The difference is the compressor, removable battery and electronic temperature control: charge it at home, load it up and it can actively refrigerate the contents while you are away.

BougeRV states that the battery can run for up to 29 hours, depending on conditions and settings. Our test covered the first 24 hours of a session rather than a controlled maximum-runtime trial, so we would treat that headline figure as a manufacturer estimate.

Cooling performance

We set the fridge to 6°C. When we checked it on camera, a separate thermometer inside showed 6.7°C—close enough to the target to inspire confidence. We also saw it pull down to the chosen setting in around 12 minutes after being switched on.

The fridge was turned off overnight from roughly 10pm until 8am. Kept covered and out of direct sun, it was still sitting at about 11°C the following morning before being powered back up. That is a useful real-world result, although weather, starting temperature and how often the lid is opened will all affect performance.

Twenty-four hours into the session, the food and beers were still very cold—and there was even ice forming inside.

Battery and charging options

The removable battery is the feature that makes this practical for fishing. It can be charged before the session, topped up from a vehicle on the journey, connected to a compatible external power source, or paired with a suitable solar setup.

We did not bring solar on this occasion, which would have been useful even in less-than-perfect sunshine. We did connect an additional power bank to give the fridge extra runtime.

App control and power modes

The BougeRV app connects over Bluetooth and shows the remaining battery percentage. It also lets you change the temperature and adjust operating settings without getting out of the bivvy.

You do not have to use the app. The fridge has its own display and controls for temperature, battery level and settings. We initially ran it on a medium power mode and noticed the battery dropping faster than expected. Switching to the lower-power setting was more appropriate once the pre-chilled food had been loaded.

The main drawback: weight

This is not as easy to carry as a passive cool box. Add the compressor, battery and a full load of food and drinks, and the weight becomes noticeable on the walk to the swim. For barrow-based sessions or swims close to the vehicle that may not matter; mobile anglers should factor it in.

Price and discount

The price quoted during our review was £159.99. BougeRV also supplied Fresh Fishing with a 6% discount code, available through the link and code in the YouTube video description. Prices and promotions can change, so check the current total before ordering.

Final verdict

Our early experience was very positive. The BougeRV 22L kept its contents cold, ran quietly and offered much more control than a standard cool box. The app is convenient rather than essential, while the vehicle, external-power and solar options give it real potential for longer sessions.

It is a substantial piece of kit and we still need more time to judge long-term durability and maximum battery life. After the first 24 hours, though, it has earned a place on future Fresh Fishing sessions.