One of the most frustrating qualities of many models we tested is their challenging zippers. So far, manufacturers haven’t been able to produce a zipper that’s waterproof and easy to use. Many soft cooler zippers not only require two hands to open and close but also quite a bit of straining and muttering through clenched teeth.
It’s worth noting that all coolers in our lineup can hold a wine bottle. We also looked at the features each came with and evaluated their actual usability. We discovered that just because a bottle opener is clipped onto the end doesn’t mean it will reliably open bottles.
Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to sweltering afternoons. Pack rain gear to stay warm and dry, and consider bringing one set of clothes to change into at camp as well as one or two sets of clothes for hiking. I’ve had this pack for 2 years and I’ve beaten the living daylights out of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it. REI’s Flexlite Chair has been replaced by an entire flock of Flexlite chairs; the one that is the closest to replacing the original Flexlite in the lineup is the Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair. The design, size, and weight is nearly identical, but the nylon fabric has been replaced with polyester.
The Soft Pack features a wide lid that stays wide open for easy packing of all those refrigerated goodies. The AO is one of the easiest to pack, opening nicely for easy loading. It has an excellent internal capacity, fitting 36 cans. The REI Pack Away and Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 also impressed us with their storage features and capacity. The Pack Away has gear hooks scattered throughout the pack, so there is no need to ditch the travel mug or bottle opener at home. The Deep Freeze holds up to 30 cans, and its ribbed inside helps keep them settled in place.
It can be used to carry a bear canister so long as the canister can squish into your gear as shown. Alternatively, a canister can also be carried standing vertically inside the pack. Had high expectations of this case given Zpacks pedigree but still exceeded easily – crazy light, simple yet super-intelligent design, incredibly easy to use. This versatile four-in-one backpack accessory is one of our most popular items.
When packed full of heavy goodies, it creates a pressure point on the bottom. Despite these minor complaints, the RTIC did an excellent job throughout all of our tests, and its comfortable backpack straps are hard to beat. If you’re looking for a less expensive backpack style cooler, the Maelstrom Backpack 35 is nearly half the price of the RTIC.
Of course it has no side water holsters, or lid pocket, or hipbelt strap, but I think that all contributes to its low weight. For the water bottles I just use Platypus .5 liter and 1 liter flat style bottles, which you can fit in the main body of the pack on top of your other gear. We recently took a camping trip to the mountains and I needed a lightweight pack to hold my toiletries (soap, ozark trail canopy shampoo/conditioner), fresh clothing change and my crocs/hiking boots and my towel. We like that this pack has a lot of pockets including a zipper that allows you to access the middle of the pack without opening the top. Includes Trekking pole attachment points, compression straps and a sleeping bag compartment. The Everywhere Chair keeps your bottom about 4 inches off the ground.
Because of this we realized we didn’t have all the gear we needed. We had our shoes, trekking poles, and water bladders. They were more camera bags and short-day sling bags designed to be warned for light duty walking or short hikes where all I need is water and place to store my wallet, phone, and trail snacks.