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 igloo trailmate 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.
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. Many soft coolers do not have tiedown points, which would be a good feature for river or motorcycle trips. When igloo trailmate you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a pack’s ice retention, including frequency of opening the cooler, direct sunlight, and ambient temperature. For instance, the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler preserved ice for 60 hours during our test but only for 18 hours during one toasty car camp trip. Each soft cooler was stationed indoors at around 65 degrees, shaded, and filled with the same ratio and type of ice.
The shape and weight feel easy to move around, and the handles are comfortable. We appreciate all of the pockets to help us keep odds and ends organized. There are two zippered pockets, including one that fits a phone, and two huge, broad mesh pockets. The Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53) is a great budget cooler that keeps our ice cold for long durations.
We tested the extra-large 33-liter size and the 23-liter large size, which is probably plenty for most people’s day trips. While perhaps not its most exciting use, we also found the Icemule Pro a great addition to grocery trips to keep refrigerated and frozen items cold in my vehicle. Whether you’re headed to the beach or carrying in some treats for your journey, the RTIC Backpack 30 is comfortable and easy to transport. Its thick shoulder straps and cushiony back pads create a pleasant experience transporting the cooler from place to place. The bag boasts a large capacity, capable of carrying up to 42 cans. It also has no trouble keeping its contents below the FDA-recommended 40 degrees Fahrenheit for over two days.
Ultimately, the ice retention is not as dependable as other coolers, in part because the cold water drains out. According to our ice retention test, this cooler is able to hold ice for nearly 45 hours. While we liked the size, capacity, and shape of the TravelR, the hand straps are not igloo water cooler 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.
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.