igloo water coolerWhen shopping for a soft cooler, always look for leak-resistant or waterproof closure. Overall, the Rtic Soft Pack Cooler is well insulated, but it lacks the versatile storage of its competitors. Also of note, you can get this model in backpack cooler form for a similar price.
A lifelong user of coolers, he appreciates the innovation of soft backpack coolers. For a few years now, Nathan has loved his Yeti Hopper BackFlip and Yeti Hopper Flip, but the Icemule cooler packs mentioned in this roundup are quickly becoming his new go-to’s in certain situations. The RTIC Soft Pack Cooler has a similar feel and look to a Yeti cooler but comes at a more accessible cost. The ice retention on the Reactor series is fairly good, even if it’s not breathtaking. The ice retention is advertised to be 2 days for the 30-can and a full day for the 18-can.
With a unique spin, the cooler is compatible with a removable insert called the KeepR ($150), which organizes fare into different compartments like a golf bag. The dividers are secured via Velcro, so the compartments are adjustable. The center of the basket has a circular sleeve for the 3L Icer ($50), a double-wall vacuum-sealed ice holder with a 3.5-pound capacity. We could stuff lots of goods inside or squish the cooler down for storage. The slender shape doesn’t bounce around and feels smooth to carry over the shoulder.
It weighs just over 1 pound and has padded, adjustable straps, so it’s one of the most portable options on our list. Yeti, the company behind one of our favorite tumblers, designed this Roadie cooler with pressure-injected polyurethane walls and a freezer-quality gasket to lock in the cold, according to the brand. This one can hold up to 33 cans or eight wine bottles vertically, so it’s a solid choice for picnics and barbecues — though, it also comes in two other sizes with bigger capacities. Like other options on our list, Yeti’s cooler also has nonslip feet to prevent sliding. Three of our experts recommend Coleman coolers for their reliability and reasonable pricing. Chelsea Keutmann, co-founder and fisherwoman of Sea to Shore Seafood, uses one to sell frozen fish at farmer’s markets because it’s affordable and has wheels to help transport heavier loads.
While we liked the size, capacity, and shape of the TravelR, the hand straps are not cushioned or wide enough to comfortably carry this cooler when it’s loaded with all the eats, drinks, and ice. We tested all of the accessories, and most enjoyed pulling clean, super cold ice out of the Icer to put directly into our lemonade while boogying to music all day outside. The SnackR containers were also great for pouring in fresh, chilled salsa and carrying sliced cheese. They were easy to slide in and stack on top of items inside the cooler. According to the ice retention test, this cooler can preserve ice for 25 hours. According to our ice retention test, the Walker 20 is capable of holding ice for up to 70 hours.
Edibles that only need to be chilled should be placed closer to the top of the cooler. For web orders returned in store, please take the item in original packaging, along with invoice to any
Camping World retail locations for a refund or exchange. Refunds
are issued to the original form of payment; some exclusions may apply. For instance, YETI advises applying the lubricant to the front and back of the zipper including the teeth and seal.
igloo water coolerBetween uses, you can clean the interior of a soft cooler with a sponge, lukewarm water, and standard dish soap. You can wipe down the exterior and zipper, too — don’t miss the feet and bottom, which touch ground surfaces. Let the interior completely air dry or use a towel to wipe down before zipping shut for storage.
Hydro Flask is a brand better known for its water bottles, but the company also makes coolers. The 20-liter Carry Out Soft Cooler carries the same design ethos as other products sold by Hydroflask. The Hydroflask soft cooler contains a BPA-free liner and has a jaunty exterior. Any gear’s durability comes down to a few simple factors—the quality of its materials and components, the method of construction, and the overall design.
It’s not necessarily difficult or uncomfortable, though, thanks to the cushioned shoulder strap. Among the many tote and messenger style options we tested, we have our favorites. Models with flexible shapes, adjustable straps, and extra padding go a long way toward making these something you don’t mind carrying. The REI Cool Haul 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 both much more comfortable bouncing against our sides and wear like an old favorite duffel bag.