The Esky brand is about as Australian as it comes, up there with Vegemite, the Hills Hoist, Hose-Link and R.M. Williams. The first portable Esky hit the Australian market in 1952. In 1984, Australian plastics manufacturer Nylex took over the Esky brand and production, and in 1989 signed a licensing agreement with Coleman. Nylex approached D+I to assist with the development of a new product design language for the next generation Esky range, the series needed to improve usability/portability features, and optimise the design for mass manufacture. There are three key Esky products in the Ice King range with each tailored to different users and use cases, a number of usability features were incorporated including all terrain wheels improving portability and reducing strain on the back, a cargo net on the side for quick storage of items like keys, wallets and phones.

The King (65L capacity) is a high performance model capable of holding ice for up to 5 days and able to hold up to four standard cartons of drink. The Picnic (27L capacity) is perfectly suited to couples and small families, capable of keeping enough food and drink cold for the duration of an all-day Sunday at the beach. The Lunchbox (6L capacity), keeps the design language of the family whilst incorporating design elements such as the carry handle from modern ergonomic toolboxes, it comes with an extra 300ml ice break helping to keep lunches cold all day even in direct sunlight. The Ice King range is made from CFC Free Polyurethane to provide superior insulation, coupled with the high-density + highly-durable polyethylene outer shell. Esky is built-tough and comes with a 10-year warranty. In 2009, the Esky brand was acquired from Nylex by Coleman.