igloo trailmateThey also went through a durability test, which involved slamming them onto the ground, throwing them down a flight of stairs, and flipping them upside down to check for leaks. We also tested 23 backpack coolers in our lab, and included the best in this roundup. Each soft cooler was rated for size, insulation, design, and value, and those with the highest overall scores are featured here. This cooler was comfortable to carry with the padded shoulder strap. But when filled with drinks and ice, it can be cumbersome and more difficult to haul across sand — backpack-style straps would probably make it easier.
This 20-quart, bear-resistant hard cooler can chill up to 24 cans and keep ice cold for up to 10 days, according to the brand. As a result, it’s a favorite among reviewers who spend a lot of time fishing or camping outside. Still, its compact size, no-sweat exterior and versatile shape also make it an ideal option for more casual outdoor functions, such as picnics, beach trips and sporting events. The stainless steel handle locks upright for easy carrying, while the rope handles and non-slip feet help with stability, according to the brand.
Various exterior pockets are available in some designs, including streamlined fabric and mesh pockets with no closure or bungee straps. Other coolers have external pockets with a Velcro latch, zipper, or waterproof zipper for security. According to our ice retention test, the REI Co-op Cool Haul is capable of holding ice for up to 60 hours.
To preserve food for more than 24 hours, you will need to use a combination of ice chunks and ice chips. The chips help with immediate cooling, and the chunks keep your food fresh over a longer period of time. However, this Orca soft cooler is a direct and more affordable alternative to our best upgrade pick. During our cold retention tests, the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 maintained an internal temperature of below 40°F for over 46 hours. We believe in offering the very best value, quality, and selection.
We love that this cooler has handles and backpack straps, making it ideal for different carrying methods. And we dig the bonus features like side pockets, webbing to attach gear to, and an attached bottle opener. Despite the product’s claim to be a leakproof cooler, we did have some leaking.
igloo trailmateOur tester, a Colorado-based electrician and mountain biker, packed it with a canned drink, sandwich, fruit, and chocolate. The cooler’s shape and size were easy to fit in a messy work truck. The exterior is made of a 600-denier polyester shell that’s waterproof.
Once again, everyday use is the focus for this section of Igloo’s offerings. If you plan on staying out in the woods for more than a day, then be prepared to carry extra packs of ice, as well as more than one of these coolers so that you enjoy tasty meals. The retention foam allows drinks and food to stay cold for a whole day, which will keep everyone at the occasion you’re attending satisfied.
This Igloo soft side cooler is another option with an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can carry it in whatever way feels comfortable. Handlebar attachments specifically for bike rides are included, and the metal bottle opener helps in case you’re carrying beers. Coleman is probably one of—if not the most—popular budget outdoor gear brands. And its High-Performance Leak Proof Soft Cooler is an excellent value as it aced many portions of our test and is one of the least expensive coolers we tested. We could fit 20 cans easily in this 24-can cooler or 12 cans with snacks and food. The thick and durable insulation kept our drinks cold for many hours.
igloo soft coolerFor the weekend warrior, the rugged adventurer, the daily luncher, the boater, the weekday commuter, the beach-goer, the Sunday hiker, the park picnicker, the snack provider (aka MOM)…the list goes on. Bear in mind a 24-can capacity means the cooler can fit up to 24 cans and nothing else. According to our research and experiments, ideally, a cooler, by volume, should have twice as much ice or ice packs inside of it as it does food.