Like a good dry bag, the Icemule Pro has a roll-top closure that it claims will not let water in or out and allows you to trap air inside for extra insulation. Our testers noticed a bit of a leak from the roll-top closure when inverting the cooler. It also has the added benefit (significant on the water) of making the bag float.
For 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.
igloo soft coolerJustin Park is a Breckenridge, Colorado-based writer and videographer covering action sports, health & fitness, and the outdoors. From multi-day backpacking and hunting trips to simple road trips to weeks on Lake Powell in 100+ degree temperatures, he’s dependent on quality coolers in the field. He currently likes the Hydro Flask Day Escape 20L for quick road-tripping and the Yeti BackFlip for more serious cooling on the go. Yeti claims the Hopper BackFlip 24 can hold 20 cans at a two to one ice ratio. The Cordova traveler soft cooler is also a good alternative to the Igloo Reactor series.
Whether you depend on Playmate for backyard parties, BMX and Sportsman for athletic activities, or Yukon and Trailmate for outdoor adventures, Igloo’s ice chest will make your occasion much more enjoyable. Here are our reviews for Igloo soft coolers that combine convenience with fun. While the can measurement standard is helpful, keep in mind you’ll need to devote at least some of that volume to ice.
When we lugged this Yeti around, we liked the feel of the handles and shoulder straps. The hitch points on the front allows for you to secure all sorts of gear within easy reach. By adding a fully supportive, weight-bearing waist belt, this cooler is ideal for relieving your shoulders when you need your cooler filled to the brim with delicious picnic provisions.
igloo water coolerThis 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.
The waterproof design keeps everything inside and outside from getting too wet. The cool riser technology keeps hot surfaces from ruining the cooling process. Pockets are included on the front and back for small drinks or snacks in between rounds or halves of the game. The Daytripper’s Commuter Bag and Dual Compartment Tote are the smaller options, weighing in at 1.62 lbs.
Igloo’s Outdoor Pro Snapdown Backpack has a deep, wide main compartment with insulated walls, plus various pockets and even a handy built-in bottle opener. After a few hours, most of the ice was still intact, the cans were chilled, and the bag didn’t leak at all when we flipped it over. The low price tag does come at the cost of some durability, though. This is not the model we would expect to last the longest, as its materials and craftsmanship are not top-tier.
It also floats, which provides added assurance should conditions get rougher than expected. RTIC’s Soft Pack also falls into this category, and although it’s technically not fully waterproof, the tough shell and leakproof design should stand up well if it ends up taking a dip. Size and capacity go hand in hand and you should choose your cooler’s capacity based on how you plan to use it.
igloo trailmateRovR even sells small SnackR food containers that fit neatly into the IceR, which can keep food hot or cold. Our testers liked how the ice consolidated in the center helped even out the weight and noted it was comfortable to carry by hand. If you’re looking for a collapsible and durable option at a more affordable cost, we highly recommend the Icemule Classic. And it didn’t hold the cold as well (the temperature inside the cooler rose about 18 degrees between two hours and 24 hours after putting ice in it compared to just 7 degrees for the Yeti). But our testers appreciated how comfortable the Classic is to carry on one shoulder, how light it was, and its durability.