Before investing in a soft cooler, it can be helpful and prudent to consider how long it’s covered under warranty. A one-year warranty is pretty standard in the soft cooler market, (like what you get with RTIC), while three to five years is fairly generous. For reference, YETI and ORCA both offer three-year warranties on their soft coolers, while Hydro Flask leads the charge with a five-year policy. Importantly, all of these are limited warranties that solely cover defects in materials or workmanship and exclude damage from typical wear and tear. One exception is REI Co-op, which offers a full refund or replacement within one year of purchase for members (90 days for non-members). Finally, it’s worth noting that many companies provide different warranties for their hard-sided versus soft-sided offerings.
That said, there are still some discrepancies to be aware of, the biggest of which is whether or not ice is included in that estimate. We did our best to clarify in the write-ups and comparison table above, but it’s an important distinction to keep in mind when shopping for a soft cooler. From the office to the gym, on lunch break in between classes or weekend adventures, there is always a time and place for an Igloo insulated cooler bag. Our cooler bags come in a wide variety of silhouettes colors and patterns – it’s time to travel in style. Our cooler backpacks, totes and bags are great for day trips and picnics to keep your food cold during the day. Reviews are available in case you need a second opinion and you’re new to the cooler world.
Bestcooler.reviews, established in 2015, is a leading blog-style magazine dedicated to reviewing and blogging about coolers. Both co-founders of the site, Luke and Greg, are two genuine cooler geeks and have been so for ages. Both guys share their passion on this website, covering different types of coolers, posting in-depth buying guides and reviewing tens of different products every year.
The sensor at the top of the cooler was removed daily to record its findings and simulate the temperature gains that occur when a cooler is opened during normal use. We ran these temperature tests until there was no ice inside the cooler. And, with the variety of storage compartments, you’ll be able to carry everything you need. When you’re ready to store the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze, the interior is treated with Microban, so it will resist mildew and odor-causing bacteria. However you’re getting in on the action — playing in the game/match, hitting the gym or tailgating to the stadium lot — we’ve got the coolers for staying hydrated while having fun.
This is another type of soft cooler that you can trust to keep items cold for longer periods. The insulation lets your ice last for at least one day, making it perfect for camping by the lake or quick fishing trips with friends and family. Whatever food and drinks are stored inside this ice chest will be able to stay cold for the entire day. While standing as one of the smaller options on this list, enough retention is provided for a day at work or an afternoon at the park with friends and family. Igloo also focuses on keeping nature lovers happy with options such as the Outdoorsman group. Some versions of this ice chest come in the form of soft lunch boxes for short journeys or use for kids, while Square and Hardtop Gripper cooler bags are better suited for heavier packing.
This makes it particularly great for activities like kayaking or paddle boarding when it might be exposed to a lot of water. It also floats, which provides added assurance should conditions get rougher than expected. 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. While the can measurement igloo soft cooler standard is helpful, keep in mind you’ll need to devote at least some of that volume to ice. The amount of ice you put in a cooler is totally subjective and depends on how cold you want the cooler’s contents and the conditions and temperatures in which you’ll be taking the cooler. Just make sure to read the specs carefully and assume that max can carrying capacity listed is for only cans in most cases.
If the foam feels denser than that and doesn’t compress much at all, you probably have your hands on closed-cell foam. Many soft cooler manufacturers also sell compatible accessories that can attach directly to the outside of their coolers. For instance, Hydro Flask’s 20 L Day Escape has thread-through points on the outside for securing one of their Dry Storage Bags (offered in small, medium, igloo water cooler and large sizes). Pockets and Organization
Soft coolers come in a range of shapes and designs, but many include at least one exterior pocket for stashing small valuables like a phone, wallet, or keys. In use, we’ve found these to be incredibly useful and helpful for keeping track of our belongings whether we’re spending a day at a local state park or enjoying an afternoon at the beach.