Our most recent test compares 13 of the best models available today. Soft coolers offer portability and versatility that traditional hard coolers can’t. We fully loaded these coolers, walked with them for miles, and went through hundreds of pounds of ice. No matter your budget or needs, our exhaustive testing igloo soft cooler will help you identify the perfect cooler for you. Soft coolers may have shoulder straps — which are typically removable — buckles, attachment points, and interior or exterior pockets. Some pockets have durable, waterproof zipper closures, but many are not weather-resistant or secured with a closure.
Some other models are easy to use because of the excellent design or features they have. The IceMule Pro is one of our favorites once you get used to it because of its simple roll-top design and comfortable straps that make carrying this bag a breeze. The REI Trail Pack is one of our favorites for fully loaded distance missions, offering all the comfort of a backpacking backpack with its perfectly padded weight-bearing waistbelt.
Sturdy, stylish, and destined to become the indispensible companion for smooth sailing. The design makes the Collapse & Cool offerings for Igloo’s soft bags easy to clean. Storage is easy thanks to the collapsible setup, and being leak-resistant allows the right amount of water to stay inside.
Additional features on soft coolers include hard clip points, daisy chains, webbing straps, and bungee cords for carrying extra gear. Most soft coolers have side or top handles, two straps that swing up to secure together above the cooler, or a removable shoulder strap. For coolers on the larger side (like the RoVR 30 versus the Fishpond Blizzard Soft Cooler) it’s key to have padding on the hand or shoulder straps for comfort while carrying a fully-loaded cooler. 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.
Hard coolers are still the gold standard in cold-retention, but soft coolers provide distinct benefits, such as portability made possible by their lighter weights and flexibility. To find the right cooler, browse our tested recommendations and read our tips at the bottom of this article. Waterproof Soft Coolers
Many of the coolers above utilize highly water-resistant zippers or openings, but very few have fully waterproof constructions. One exception is the ICEMULE Classic, which has a dry bag-like shape and exterior with a roll-top closure that can be fully submerged in water.
Instead of carrying all the weight on one shoulder or in your hands, you can toss it on your back and walk comfortably. It features padded straps, a cushioned back panel, and a chest strap, making you feel supported and balanced on long hikes and walks. The most durable coolers we tested are the Engel HD30 and Yeti Flip 12. These models feature incredibly tough, wear-resistant outer fabric, durable components, sturdy zippers, reinforced stitching, and a design made to be used and abused.
Its shape and size are convenient and easy to use with a simple design that simply works. Yeti products are known to be strong and primed to tackle all your wild adventures, and this one is no exception. The latest rendition of this crowd favorite includes a top handle (in addition to the two side handles from previous iterations) to make grabbing and going even more effortless. Yeti also includes a tube of zipper lubricant and helpful directions for caring for and making the most out of your investment. Need one of the best coolers for keeping ice for days on your next camping trip? We also have recommendations for a plethora of other camping accessories.
We’ve taken this cooler and Yeti’s BackFlip 24 on many fishing and fly-fishing trips. We like the Hopper Flip because of its size and ability to keep drinks cold all day, even in the warm sun. It’s the perfect companion and size for a group of three or four to have a few cans each throughout the day. While our testers noted this cooler is large and heavy and not the easiest to lug around, we also appreciate that the cooler floats in the water, is spill- and leakproof, and comes in four sizes. We also found it to be an ideal road trip size as it’s small enough to fit easily into a car yet sufficient to carry drinks and snacks for a few people. We enjoyed using this cooler on a road trip from California to the Midwest and back to California and saw it as the perfect cooling copilot.