Polar Bear’s Original Nylon Soft Cooler was one of the most portable and best at cold-retention among all coolers we tested. Our testers loved the short handles on top of the bag and included shoulder strap. “It feels like a large tote bag and carries like one,” is how one tester put it. While we like the large size, the bulky design can be somewhat awkward to carry in that you might accidentally knock into someone if you bring it inside a store.
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.
igloo trailmateWhen 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 soft coolerThe Igloo Reactor offers 5 different capacities while the Yeti Hopper offers the same (6 if you count the M30). So how does the Igloo Reactor stack up against the Industry heavyweight? In terms of construction and materials, I would say Igloo have really outdone themselves and you wouldn’t be necessarily getting better quality with a Yeti Hopper. Well this zipper is also leakproof, and the liner inside is too, giving multiple layers of protection. In stock expedited shipments will ship the same day, or the next business day for orders placed on a weekend, if the order is placed before 12 PM Central Time.
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.
Traditional hard-sided coolers lead the charge in ice retention and durability, but for those who don’t need a week’s worth of cold food and drinks, a soft-sided cooler can be a viable alternative. Compared to hard models, soft coolers are considerably lighter, easier to carry, and often save you a good deal of cash. From burly waterproof options to packable designs that collapse down for easy storage, below we break down the top soft coolers of 2023. For more background information, check out our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you’re less concerned about portability and instead prioritize cooling capabilities and durability, we’ve also compiled a list of the best hard-sided coolers.
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.
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.