Here’s a snapshot of new and unreleased soft coolers our testers are considering for future updates to this guide. To test the best soft coolers, we filled each one with ice to see how long it took for the ice to melt. We placed two sensors designed to track temperature changes over time inside each soft cooler.
The backpack version of the cooler weighs 6 lbs., while the duffel bag version weighs 8 lbs., though that leaves room for a greater capacity. The tan, black and orange mix is the most popular color option, but there’s also blue or real tree and tan. Users have three color options for this ice bag, which include igloo water cooler charcoal and acid green, black and blaze red, and black and agama teal. 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. With 25% more foam, your items will stay cold for longer periods no matter how quick the ice melts.
If you’ve got the budget, it’s almost certainly worth opting for a hard-sided model instead. You’ll incur a sizable weight penalty, but the boost in cooling capabilities and overall performance will be well worth that tradeoff for many. The price spread among soft coolers is significant, ranging from just $25 for the Coleman 24-Hour 16-Can Cooler all the way up to $300 for RovR’s premium TravelR 30. That said, even the cheapest options on our list are reasonably well built and will get the job done for days at the beach or packing a lunch on the road, which will be enough to sway many. REI has a knack for balancing performance and affordability, and their Cool Haul 24 is no exception.
It has a leak-proof zipper, adjustable shoulder strap, and Molle webbing. The Orca Soft Cooler impressed us with its modular storage is and adorable whale tale zipper pulls. Parties and small get-togethers sometimes only need a small amount of drinks and snacks from your end, but you can’t always depend on everyone else to remember to bring their items. In this case, the Collapse & Cool soft cooler has the tough exterior and spacious interior to carry what you need and keep it safe. This is another type of soft cooler that you can trust to keep items cold for longer periods.
Ice bags weigh between 1 and 3 lbs for an easy carry, and you can carry up to 30 cans, depending on which bag you choose. Lunches you bring to work are secure and kept cold with the Daytripper Bag, whether you’re going to work or the local park on a day off. The Nylon/Poly Blend keeps the soft cooler comfortable enough for an easy carry but tough enough to keep everything inside secure. igloo water cooler The thick extruded closed cell foam in the Marine Ultra will keep whatever sodas, water bottles, beer, or snacks you keep inside cold for the entire day. This also makes the cooler reliable for days at the office when you want to have your lunch outside when the sun is out. Soft coolers are generally smaller than their hard-sided counterparts, but they come in a range of sizes.
Their latest TravelR 30 takes aim at the soft-sided market but retains much of what we love about the RollR, including a sturdy build and high attention to detail. The two coolers also share key features like waterproof zippers and shoulder straps that are both nicely padded and removable. Added up, the TravelR is another premium and thoughtfully built design from the Boulder-based brand. Even when packed to the brim with drinks, food, and ice, this cooler backpack was easy to lift and comfortable to carry. We appreciated the adjustable padded shoulder straps and chest buckle.
To help you find the ideal cooler for your needs, we tried several firsthand, evaluating each for capacity, insulation, design, features, and value. Next, we narrowed it down to versatile, durable, leakproof options that are actually worth buying. Justin Park is a Breckenridge, Colorado-based writer and videographer covering action sports, health & fitness, and the outdoors. From multi-day backpacking and hunting trips to simple road trips to weeks on Lake Powell in 100+ degree temperatures, he’s dependent on quality coolers in the field. He currently likes the Hydro Flask Day Escape 20L for quick road-tripping and the Yeti BackFlip for more serious cooling on the go.
There’s also a smaller version, the 6, should you prefer that to the 12. 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. A soft cooler on wheels can be easier to transport than one with only handles. It isn’t good for all- or multi-day use, but type type of cooler is sufficient enough for a half-day trip.
Models with flexible shapes, adjustable straps, and extra padding go a long way toward making these something you don’t mind carrying. The RTIC Soft Pack is also a favorite, with its soft, malleable body and long padded shoulder strap that makes it far more pleasant across your body when weighed down. The softer canvas exteriors and flexible insulated walls of the AO 24 Pack and REI Pack Away are much more comfortable bouncing against our sides and feel like a duffel bag. The RovR TravelR 30 is the right size to keep up with those larger pack days. This rugged cooler can hold up to 39 cans and keeps them below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for just over three days.