We also give kudos to the closed-cell foam insulation of the Hopper M30. Inevitably, we had to be strategic with how we packed things, due to the tall, slim shape. Polar Bear’s Original Nylon Soft Cooler was one of the most portable and best at cold-retention among all coolers we tested. Our testers loved the short handles on top of the bag and included shoulder strap. “It feels like a large tote bag and carries like one,” is how one tester put it. Additionally, soft insulated cooler bags are generally more affordable than hard coolers and are easy to clean and store after use.
Recently, however, we’ve been let down by the lifespan of its soft coolers (though not this backpack in particular). But with care, you can extend the lifespan of any soft cooler—the number one rule seems to be not to leave it out in the sun. In our testing, the Coleman Xtreme kept ice frozen for a full week (170 hours), 30 hours longer than the Igloo MaxCold (140 hours). It measures 28.4 by 15.8 by 17.5 inches, its design incorporates bevels and angles all over the place, and it has a ruler and cup holders molded into its lid.
This cute cooler carried and chilled several cans of microbrews and several sparkling waters. We also used it day-to-day on drives
to bring along lunch, snacks, and beverages. The shape and weight feel easy to move around, and the handles are comfortable.
Air bubbles that do not share cell walls and in effect stay insulated from one another are better at reducing the overall transfer of heat through the foam. Closed-cell foam is also much more expensive to produce than open-cell foam. The resulting product is
strong and especially rigid feeling, and typically it weighs more than 1.7 pounds per cubic foot with more than 90% of its air cells closed to one another. Closed-cell foam is also water-impermeable—so it’s an ideal material for, say, surfers’ wetsuits.
It’s surprisingly easy to use and can come in handy for infrequent use at a bargain price. Year after year, the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 continues to impress us. This tried and true model boasts impressive insulation for a small cooler.
It’s a nice option for simple, everyday use and a bit of an outlier in its sustainability. It’s refreshing to see a cooler bag made from 90% post-consumer recycled material. A nice mid-sized option, this packable puffer can hold around 20 cans. It’s made from recycled plastic and breaks down into a small and convenient front zip pocket.
The Engel’s watertight zipper effectively seals insulated sides that are nearly 2 inches thick. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). It has taken us a few years to recommend a wheeled cooler simply because none have seemed built to last longer than a season or two—especially in the handle.
The wide opening is great for quick, easy access, and the leakproof seal prevented melted ice from dripping out (and also prevented rain from seeping in during storms). For the weekend warrior, the rugged adventurer, the daily luncher, the boater, the weekday commuter, the beach-goer, the Sunday hiker, the park picnicker, the snack provider (aka MOM)…the list goes on. ◊Pricing, selection,
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