The Pack Away adds to this design with four 3-loop daisy chains located around the body of the bag, and the ability to fold flat — adding capacity and making it easier to store when not in use. Meanwhile, the Maelstrom and the Trail Split have a traditional backpack style that’s easy to get in and out of. Among the smaller coolers, the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 and RovR KeepR are top performers. Boasting a waterproof exterior and leakproof zipper, the Flip kept temperatures below 40 degrees F for two and a half days.
We will be able to review any build of your product or assemble your product free of charge and complete the free warranty tune ups when our stores reopen. At igloo water cooler this time, many of our stores are closed and not accepting servicing. If your local store is open, please reach out to them for availability of servicing.
Some 24 hours after we put ice into the Titan, the inside temperature only increased by 5 degrees—better than both Yeti coolers we tested. There’s no zipper on the lid—just a Velcro-like closure—so be sure the cooler stays upright in transportation. And while it claims to hold 30 cans with ice, we found it much easier to fit 20 cans with adequate ice.
The REI Trail Pack is one of our favorites for fully loaded distance missions, offering all the comfort of a backpacking backpack with its perfectly padded weight-bearing waistbelt. Though not completely waterproof, we still find ourselves reaching for its straightforward functionality and above-average insulation time and time again. The most inexpensive cooler we generally recommend is the Arctic Zone Titan. It’s surprisingly easy to use and handy for infrequent use at a bargain price. This rigid cooler doesn’t fold down, and its footprint is rather large. That said, with a full load of groceries, its bulky size can be awkward to carry.
All things considered, we think the price range is more than reasonable. There’s also a 20-liter version of the Carry Out, but even that one is on the smaller side. So it’s best for lunches, picnics, hanging out at the dock, and shorter day trips. This soft cooler was a breeze to carry, thanks to the grab handles and padded shoulder strap. Importantly, not all coolers measure interior capacity in the same way.
The zipper is supremely leak-proof and the DryHide exterior resisted scratches and punctures. Even when it’s chock-full of ice and cans, this Arctic Zone cooler is easy to maneuver. Plus, cargo nets on the side and a zippered flap on the front allow you to roll out all the essentials like wipes and additional snacks. Depending on the amount of perishables you plan to take with you and how far you’re going, you may have already put some limitations on your adventures. Without considering overall capacity, the most portable coolers will be more comfortable to carry for longer distances. Because it has no top, the KeepR is limited in what you can do with it.
But the lack of the rigid bottom means it flops around when you’re not pulling it. The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is the best soft cooler we’ve tested. Bear in mind a 24-can capacity means the cooler can fit up to 24 cans and nothing else. The Yeti Hopper Flip has seriously impressive temperature retention.