Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company’s efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. In the pursuit of data, he’s plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. In most situations, the best way to utilize dry ice is to place it at the bottom of your cooler, wrapped in newspaper. Place the items you’d like to stay frozen or colder on top of dry ice. Extra features, such as an exterior pocket for carrying utensils are a plus, but not at the cost of cooling capability or durability.
We still think it’d put up impressive numbers during a day at the beach since it has a secondary opening on the top secured by Velcro for quick access. These dry bag coolers did great in our submersion tests, and they float, making these a great option to take along on the kayak. They each have a thick, waterproof exterior that can handle being tumbled around. These models also feature a protective layer on their undersides to help prevent holes and abrasions. Additionally, both Engels were dry inside after our submersion test, indicating they have watertight zippers. Some other models are easy to use because of their excellent design or features.
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. It really is ideal to have options to choose from depending on what adventure you’re planning. Having a hard cooler designated for food for the trip and having a soft cooler to get your drinks separated can be a helpful way to organize and keep your things cold and fresh. Both soft coolers and hard coolers have their strengths and weaknesses.
It was easy to sling over our shoulders with the removable strap. The material dried surprisingly fast after it got wet while paddling. This design is too small for an all-day adventure, but for a lunchbox or outing, it’s great. And the wide igloo water cooler shape allows easy access to the grub inside the cooler. The two straps that attach the soft cooler to bike handlebars have reflective material, a touch we appreciate. Inside, there’s a sleeve that works great for a slender ice pack.
The two side handles aren’t the most comfortable to grab, and we wish they weren’t adjacent to the shoulder straps’ attachment points. But when the handgrip is detached into two separate pieces, they’re not comfortable to grasp. The insulation is a metal-coated plastic blend, which did a solid job of preserving the ice and goods. We loved the soft interior liner and the waterproof zipper that prevents any leaks from the top. The shape and weight feel easy to move around, and the handles are comfortable.
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.
If you’re hoping to supply an afternoon picnic full of refreshments for everyone in your party, the Trail Pack will handle the extra weight better. One of the most frustrating qualities of many models we tested is their challenging zippers. So far, manufacturers haven’t been able to produce a zipper that’s waterproof and easy to use. Many soft cooler zippers not only require two hands to open and close but also quite a bit of straining and muttering through clenched teeth. However, some are easier than others, like the Engel HD and RovR TravlR. Need one of the best coolers for keeping ice for days on your next camping trip?
Some soft coolers even have a mesh pocket that may hold a water bottle nicely. This carrier has a 30-can capacity, though when we filled it with 30 cans and ice, it was extremely heavy and a struggle to carry. If you’re using it for drinks only, we suggest 20 cans, maximum, especially if you’re walking more than a couple of blocks.
A two-way zipper provides easy top access, and the cube shape nicely slides into tight spaces on a boat or in the truck bed. However, our ice melted fast on hot days, and with minimal room in the cooler, the food can get wet. But, the seamless liner did hold the water and showed no sign of leaks. Our ice retention test for the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler ended approximately three days in when all the ice had fully melted — comparable stats to the Yeti Hopper Flip 12.
Not only that, but it proved to be leakproof, showing no signs of drips when we flipped it upside down with melted ice inside. A lot goes into making a cooler, and we’re committed every step of the way. This soft cooler performs very well, keeping the interior below 40°F for a little over 40 hours.