These designs have tough exteriors that feel very confidence-inspiring around sharp gear and have stood up very well to regular use throughout testing with little wear to show for it. RovR’s TravelR 30 is another standout in terms of durability with a burly TPU base and welded seams that give it a very hardwearing feel. The only components of the Reactor 30 that we aren’t stoked on are the D rings holding the shoulder strap. We didn’t have any problems with them (other than their propensity to flip sideways every time we picked up the cooler), but they’re just not quite the same thickness and burly build of so many competitors. Again, we didn’t notice them bending or doing anything alarming during our extensive testing, just observed that they’re not quite the same caliber as many other soft coolers we tested. However, all the handles and the shoulder strap are thick and sturdy, with reinforced stitching.
That said, even the cheapest options on our list are reasonably well built and will get the job done for days at the beach or packing a lunch on the road, which will be enough to sway many. Importantly, not all coolers measure interior capacity in the same way. Some use cans as a unit of measure, while others use liters, quarts, or gallons.
REI has a knack for balancing performance and affordability, and their Cool Haul 24 is no exception. Like much of its soft-sided competition, the REI bag also includes daisy-chain webbing for securing extra gear, as well as a handy bottle opener. And because the Cool Haul’s inner insulated box can be separated from the outer shell, cleaning is a snap (the shell can also be used without the liner as a tote). The Igloo Reactor is a medium-large messenger bag style soft cooler with an adjustable shoulder strap, side handles, and a top handle. It lacks external storage options or additional features but has a watertight zipper and both interior and exterior are made from leak-resistant fabric.
One exception is REI Co-op, which offers a full refund or replacement within one year of purchase for members (90 days for non-members). Finally, it’s worth noting that many companies provide different warranties for their hard-sided versus soft-sided offerings. For example, Yeti’s hard-sided Tundra series is covered with a five-year warranty igloo water cooler compared to three for the Hopper collection. Many soft cooler manufacturers also sell compatible accessories that can attach directly to the outside of their coolers. For instance, Hydro Flask’s 20 L Day Escape has thread-through points on the outside for securing one of their Dry Storage Bags (offered in small, medium, and large sizes).
To test the portability of each soft cooler, the team walked around with each of the coolers to see how comfortable they were to carry. The coolers were all tipped upside down to see if they were, in fact, leakproof. Performance wise, this Igloo soft cooler proved itself to be below average—keeping the interior cool for about 38 hours, about 60% behind the Yeti Flip.
All three handles and the shoulder strap are fairly comfortable to use, even when we’re fully loaded with refreshments for the party. The handles are made of thick, folded-over webbing that offers a smooth but strong grip for even sweaty hands. The shoulder strap is adjustable and is long enough for some of our testers to comfortably wear cross-body, though we most often found ourselves with it on just one side. It has a section of padding on it that does a solid job of cushioning our shoulders. Igloo’s small cooler bags are a stylish choice for work or travel.
If you love a great bargain find, the Reactor is that gem in the rough. The Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote at $199 is near that high tier. The most airtight, temperature-regulated, and waterproof soft coolers boast burly zippers that take hand grease to open and close. A handful of brands even send you home with zipper lubricant, like RTIC and YETI.
The bottom of the cooler also has a reinforced coating helping to further protect it from repeated scrapes across hard surfaces. Plenty of soft coolers are fairly comfortable to use and reliable (as long as it’s not too sunny igloo soft cooler or scorching hot out) in the less-than-$100 category. Those choice designs include a range of designs such as the Mountainsmith Takeout ($30), REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler ($50), and Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53).
On the backside of the exterior, there’s a small pocket with a zip closure that’s big enough for a spork, ID, or that lean, removable shoulder strap. The exterior is made of synthetic plastic and nylon, so it’s not resilient for a rugged whitewater trip but is suitable for basecamp. The insulated walls have an interior aluminum coat that helps trap cold air, and the ice retention is adequate for single- and 2-day adventures.
Because it has no top, the KeepR is limited in what you can do with it. It’s not great for carrying long distances as it only has carrying handles, and you risk losing the contents. That being said, it wouldn’t be the best idea to take this along a river trip or anywhere it could get tumbled around. If you’re looking for a party snacker with easy access, the RovR KeepR is the way to go. Prepare for all your outdoor adventures with camping equipment, tents, sports gear, and activewear. Explore the latest selection to find the perfect cooling solution and accessories for your next trip.