If the cooler’s seams are not welded and leakproof, they can leak. Soft coolers can also leak through the lid closure if the zipper isn’t waterproof or the clasp isn’t leakproof. In our testing, we found the side handles of the Fishpond Blizzard Soft Cooler and OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler were stalwart and comfortable to grab.
Our other grievance is we wish there was an exterior pocket on this soft cooler to help carry utensils and napkins or slide in trash. The 1-inch closed-cell high-density foam worked well to keep our food and beverages chilled while baking under the sun during a mid-summer music festival. We’re not surprised, given RovR makes one of the best hard-side coolers, hands down. The robust zipper closure takes some effort and time to open, but the wide T-shaped pull makes the job comfortable. The Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote ($150) offers a streamlined, lightweight, and durable design. We used this cooler for park BBQs and loved how comfortable it was to slip over our shoulders and carry.
Our affordable soft cooler designs are thoughtful, intuitive and reliable because we think of YOU and the ways you’ll use your cooler every day or on extended adventures. Soft coolers are better for activities like a summertime picnic in the park or a day hike. The price tags on modern soft coolers may be shocking if you haven’t shopped for one before. Most higher-end offerings are well over $100, and the top-of-the-line options are as much as $300 or more. If your budget is tight or you aren’t sure you need the best soft cooler around, consider some of our lower-cost recommendations.
It’s also leakproof, letting no water drip through the zipper or moisture penetrate the sides. Since the heavy-duty zipper is extra-tight and water-sealed, it’s sometimes hard to unzip, but it comes with lubricant for this exact reason. Soft coolers igloo water cooler may have shoulder straps — which are typically removable — buckles, attachment points, and interior or exterior pockets. Some pockets have durable, waterproof zipper closures, but many are not weather-resistant or secured with a closure.
To put the size in perspective, this cute cooler could fit six 12-ounce cans. For day-long roams, weekend adventures, road trips, or running errands, these soft coolers kept our provisions chilled without weighing us down. For more information about soft coolers, check out our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article. We’ll always have a spot in our gear closet for a hard cooler, but soft coolers have proven to be just as essential. They weigh less and are easy for one person to grab and quickly transport from the deck to the truck bed.
On the outside, a large zippered pocket provides a good amount of dry storage, and its duffel-style handles can be joined together for easy transportation. Its flexible shape allows you to fold it flat for storage (a unique feature that most of the competition can’t claim) and easily accommodates tall objects, such as 750 ml wine bottles. We’ve vetted, purchased, and tested over 30 soft coolers since 2017. Our most recent test compares 17 of the best models available today. Soft coolers offer portability and versatility that traditional hard coolers can’t.
For being so small, it is expensive for the average consumer, despite its quality construction. The Yeti Hopper Flip 18 is one of the best soft coolers you can buy right now. Read on for igloo water cooler a look at the best soft coolers on the market right now. Whatever drinks and snacks your soft cooler holds will be able to stay in prime consuming condition thanks to the insulation.
Boasting a waterproof exterior and leakproof zipper, the Flip kept temperatures below 40 degrees F for two and a half days. Despite not having a lid whatsoever, the RovR KeepR did exceptionally well holding its chilly temperatures. Staying cold by its center ice bucket, it lasted almost 70 hours, or about three days, below 40 degrees. Our expert panel consists of Maggie Nichols, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Becca Glades. Whether it be setting off on a trip in her van or hanging out by the crag, she always has a cooler full of goodies to keep her company.