Other FeaturesA few other notable features to be on the lookout for include integrated bottle openers and vacuum ports for adding or releasing air. Icemule’s Classic has a similar valve system, although in this case, the process involves adding air to boost cooling capabilities and buoyancy and removing it to compress the cooler down for storage. Most cooler manufacturers provide a “claimed ice retention” spec in their product listings (Yeti is one major brand who igloo water cooler does not). From our list above, times range from 24 hours (which is pretty standard) to three or four days for Engel’s premium HD30. That said, we always take manufacturer-provided specs with a grain of salt, and there isn’t an established, standardized test here. If we had to generalize it, we would say that you should expect to get approximately half of the claimed ice retention time in real-world use, give or take a bit depending on your specific circumstances.
The higher-end models feature heavy rubber or treated nylon, have heavy-duty zippers and components, reinforced and welded seams, and more robust designs and construction. All of these aspects affect the overall durability and lasting power. The top half of the bag is a normal non-insulated pocket that can be used for hiking layers or cutlery. The cooler itself can hold 16 cans and can even pack in a wine bottle, though it does cause the pack to bend a bit. It’s worth noting that all coolers in our lineup can hold a wine bottle. Though not completely waterproof, we still find ourselves reaching for its straightforward functionality and above-average insulation time and time again.
Likewise, it’s equipped with carry handles, a padded shoulder strap, and daisy chain clip points for extra gear. We appreciate the wide lid that stays open during loading, and its large size can tackle all those odd-shaped food items or wine bottles. 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.
After sitting in direct sun for a few hours with an ice pack inside, our bubbly waters and snacks were still refreshingly cold and chilled thanks to the closed cell technology. It remained waterproof as it floated near the shore after the lake waves dragged it into the water. For the most part, this backpack did a good job preventing leaks, though a small amount of water seeped through once the ice melted. When filling it with perishable food, we were able to fit quite a lot inside, along with enough ice packs to keep everything cold. We’re big fans of the retro appearance and structured design too. A soft cooler on wheels can be easier to transport than one with only handles.
Insulated backpacks are exactly what you need to keep your snacks, beverages, and lunch fresh on your next adventure. Wherever the road takes you, you can rely on an Igloo backpack to keep your goodies cool. They’re comfortable, effective, and even stylish — find the right backpack cooler for your lifestyle today. Our huge lineup of bags comes in all shapes and sizes with multiple ways to carry, so take a dive into all our options to figure out which one/s will make your life so much cooler.
A quick glance at our comparison table above reveals that most options hover somewhere in the 2- to 4-pound range, with the largest and most robust designs clocking in at 7 pounds or more. On a related note, comfortable shoulder straps and/or grab handles can go a long way toward maximizing portability, which we outline more in depth below. The Reactor 30 is advertised as fitting 30 cans inside and that’s exactly how many we were able to fit when we tested it. Its clever design is rounded in ways that make it a smooth, easy-to-use shape, while still rectangular enough to pack smartly.