The MaxCold’s coolers all come in a mix of black, gray and blue. And 1.2 lbs., while the Cool Fusion 36, which provides igloo trailmate more space, weighs 6.4 lbs. The most durable coolers we tested are the Engel HD30, Yeti M30, and Yeti Flip 12.
At first glance, the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler may not look like much. It doesn’t have the snazzy laminated exterior and waterproof zipper that so many others boast. Yet underneath this unassuming exterior, this is a totally decent soft cooler that’s simple to use and easy to love. Thick foam surrounding the entirety of your contents provides reliable igloo trailmate insulation for an above-average amount of time. A single opening that’s longer than the interior of the bag makes it uncomplicated to load and later locate what you’re seeking. On the outside, there is a large zippered pocket that provides a well-above-average amount of dry storage, and its duffel-style handles can be joined together for easy transportation.
If you’re scheming to supply a full picnic and afternoon full of refreshments for everyone in your party, that extra weight is better handled by the Trail Pack. One of the most frustrating qualities of many of the models we tested is their challenging zippers. So far, manufacturers haven’t been able to produce a zipper that’s waterproof and truly easy to use. Many soft cooler zippers not only require two hands to open and close but also quite a bit of straining and muttering through clenched teeth.
We also appreciated the comfortable cushion and traction of the shoulder strap on the YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler. Our other grievance is we wish there was an exterior pocket on this soft cooler to help carry utensils and napkins or slide in trash. According to the ice retention test, this cooler can preserve ice for 25 hours. The igloo soft cooler Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Tote Cooler ($150) offers a streamlined, lightweight, and durable design. We used this cooler for park BBQs and loved how comfortable it was to slip over our shoulders and carry. At the brand’s partner factory in the Philippines, the designers and sewers choose mixed-and-matched fabric for each pack.
A handful have an interior zippered compartment inside the lid. Overall, we found the Pack-Away durable, given it’s made with a tough polyester shell and abrasion-resistant nylon bottom. According to the ice retention test, this cooler can retain ice for 57 hours and fit ounce cans. The design is super lightweight and felt comfortable to carry around.
Some soft coolers are collapsible, making them ideal for constrained journeys where space is at a premium and can be conserved by compressing the cooler when not in use. The Yeti Hopper Flip series is a classic line of soft coolers. But as long as you don’t drop it off the south rim of the Grand Canyon, you’re likely to have this cooler for a very, very long time. We had no problem filling the cooler with 20 cans and plenty of ice. And not surprisingly, it had some of the best ice retention and coldest temperatures at the end of our 24-hour test. The Hopper Flip’s inside temperature only raised by about 6 degrees over 24 hours, thanks to Yeti’s closed-cell insulation, for which it’s become infamous.
Keep your cooler in the shade to prolong that low temperature. If you’re under direct sun, toss a towel or blanket over the cooler to help alleviate a heat spike. We periodically checked, making notes regarding melt rate, condensation, and leaks. Each reported time is based on when 100% of the ice is converted to water. We also tested the Orca Walker Tote ($197), which is equally well-made but in a slightly different style.