Our testers also had issues with melted ice leaking through the zippers. So, if you do decide to go with this pack, make sure you invest in some ice packs or ways to keep melted ice in a secure container. RTIC recommends using solid ice packs or putting loose ice into baggies to avoid leaking, but our testers didn’t have any issues with leaking despite using free-floating ice. Ozark Trail’s backpacks are equipped with all of the technical features that you’ll need for your next hike.
Are you looking for a backpack for your next outdoor adventure that won’t break the bank? Ozark Trail backpacks are an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. Their backpacks have all of the technical features you need to support your hike or camping trip, but are available at unbeatable prices. That lightness likely came at the expense of insulation, as this pack also had some of the worst ice and cold-retention results. There were no remaining solid ice cubes 24 hours after the ice was placed into the cooler. And the internal temperature rose by about 17 degrees 24 hours after ice was placed in the pack.
After 24 hours, the RTIC still had about 50 percent solid ice, on par with Yeti’s Hopper BackFlip cooler. Also similar to the Hopper BackFlip, RTIC employs some ozark trail chair serious premium insulation to help keep contents inside the cooler cold. Like the Yeti Hopper BackFlip, IceMule’s Boss is heavy-duty, rugged, and spendy.
(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). Carhartt uses its classic 1200-denier polyester and some proprietary durable water repellent to boost the durability of this pack.
We like that this pack has a lot of pockets including a zipper that allows you to access the middle of the pack without opening the top. Includes Trekking pole attachment points, compression straps and a sleeping bag compartment. It was the perfect size bag to hold water bottles and a few other important things in it. They didn’t hurt my shoulders as I carried the bag around with me.
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. The abrasion-resistant material held up well in our lab testing, and the waterproof material kept liquids from falling in or out of the pack.
Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more. To help us better protect your account security, please check the CAPTCHA box below. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. ozark trail backpack Wetlands give way to ridgelines at the start of the Blair Creek section. The 26-mile route follows Blair Creek south as it carves down a valley through oak-hickory-pine forest before merging with the emerald waters of the Current River.
Most of the backpacks on this list have compartments for food or sleeping bags, water bottle pockets, attachment points for trekking poles, and rain covers. Look for the extras that are right for you and your intended activity, whether it’s multiple storage spaces for cutlery, anti-mildew fabric, or an attached bottle opener. You’ll also find ones explicitly built for specific activities—like overnight hikes into the woods, picnics, beach and water days, and hunting.
IceMule has emphasized the ergonomics of this backpack, including a dual-zone suspension. Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor and has personally used many coolers on this list for his outdoor adventures. The Kachemak Daypack is a great everyday backpack that’s chock full of technical features for when you want to get outdoors. It’s equipped with a laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration pack pouch. This backpack also has a handy bottom compartment that’s perfect for carrying shoes or a sleeping bag.
Between the two- and 24-hour marks, we tested for portability and durability while they were filled with cans and ice. We wore the backpacks around the lab, including walking up and down stairs to test for comfort and ease of carrying. We also pushed the coolers off tables onto a concrete floor, turned the backpack coolers upside down, and tipped them over to see if they would leak or become damaged.