If you’re simply going to the beach or other destination where you won’t be carrying very far, you can prioritize other features over comfort. Because backpack coolers are a type of soft cooler, many use open-cell foam because it’s more flexible while still insulating, though not as well as the closed-cell foam of a hard cooler. However, there are a few backpack coolers that do use closed-cell foam. Closed-cell insulates better but generally costs and weighs more, so be sure you’re willing to pay literally and figuratively for the increased performance. The Hiking Backpack Eagle bag is our top choice for the best .
Get your questions about the Ozark Trail 10L Backpacking Daypack answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more. Tents, hammocks or open-air camping — you can do it all according to your comfort level.
Think about how you’ll use this cooler and look for models that cater to your pursuits. That’s the case for the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler, which has ample plush cushioning and a well-placed sternum strap. Combine that with a very lightweight (2.5 pounds), and you’ve got the ideal trail cooler pack. We also really love that there are separate compartments and pockets to carry gear and items you don’t wish to get cold or place with your food and drinks. Whether you’re headed to the beach, a park, or the top of a mountain, a backpack cooler can make a cumbersome carry easier. Soft backpack coolers offer an ergonomic solution in a surprising array of forms.
(For ones that did not come with a recommendation, we filled them with cans and ice in a ratio that a user realistically would choose). Once filled with ice and cans of beverages, we let them sit for a while. We also let them sit overnight, and then took a temperature reading at 24 hours after filling to see how they would hold up for an entire day (for purposes of camping or other extended activity).
What’s more, the OT offers many things to see and experience for both seasoned and first-time backpackers. I like how you can put water bottles and snacks in the main compartment and cell phone/wallet in the smaller one, so you don’t have to worry about them getting covered in crumbs or spilled water. Includes compression straps on the sides to keep your gear stable.
This hydration compatible backpack has a connection for a water bladder built in to the design. It also includes loops to hang your trekking poles when not in use. Our testers also liked how comfortable and easy the pack was to carry—although they mentioned wanting to see a waist strap added to help distribute the weight. The waterproof zipper was challenging for the testers to open but not as tough as other coolers.
While this pack may not be big enough to carry all the gear you need for longer treks, it offers many of the features you would want at a good price. You really can’t go wrong with any of the bags in this guide, so browse all of the above options before your next camping trip. 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. Choose this pack if you prefer a smaller yet spacious design, as it has useful features and the durability of larger options. While this pack won’t work for everyone, it’s a practical size for day trips, light travelers, and kids.
We particularly like the double compartments of this pack, making it ideal for overnights in the wilderness. And because of its total waterproofness and heavy-duty puncture-resistant outer, we’d have no hesitations taking this on a boat, kayak, or SUP. 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. I don’t make it a habit of buying my gear from Walmart, but this was a excellent purchase. I use this pack on a daily basis to carry my office clothes while I ride my bike to work and to carry light loads while out Geocaching.
This pack has a lot of extra storage pockets for organization of your gear. Our testers loved the very light weight and ease of carrying the Igloo Pursuit 24-Can cooler. In particular, they enjoyed the padding on the back and straps and how not bulky the pack was, especially compared to others ozark trail canopy tested. Igloo uses a durable and water-repellent outer material yet somehow keeps the weight of this pack down to just 2 pounds. While the double-compartment organization of this pack is fantastic, our smaller testers didn’t like how bulky and wide the straps were on their shoulders.
And to make sure you get a perfect fit every time, this pack is designed with an adjustable sternum strap. Whether you¡¯re planning a short day hike or a longer trek, the Ozark Trail 36L Hiking Backpack has you covered. Between the two- and 24-hour marks, we tested for portability and durability while they were filled with cans and ice.