igloo soft coolerThis lightweight cooler was easy to carry with the padded messenger-style strap. You can also use the grab handles if you’d rather not sling it over your shoulder. It’s super durable, too, standing up to wear and tear while preventing water from seeping out. The only thing to note is that the water-sealed zipper sometimes gets finicky, but we figured out how to reposition it and got it to continue working. After packing it in a checked suitcase, swimming with it in the ocean (it floats, by the way), and throwing it on rocks, the quality wasn’t compromised whatsoever. What’s more, the impenetrable design passed our leakproof test with flying colors.
After researching today’s best soft coolers, we selected several to try firsthand, including mini ice chests with soft-sided walls, insulated totes, foldable bags, lunch boxes, and cooler backpacks. After inspecting the coolers, we recorded our first impressions of the materials, capacity, quality, and appearance. Next, we packed them with drinks, food, and ice and brought them along to multiple outings to see how they performed in real-life settings.
Various exterior pockets are available in some designs, including streamlined fabric and mesh pockets with no closure or bungee straps. Other coolers have external pockets with a Velcro latch, zipper, or waterproof zipper for security. According to our ice retention test, the REI Co-op Cool Haul is capable of holding ice for up to 60 hours.
igloo water coolerThe design is super lightweight and felt comfortable to carry around. It was easy to sling over our shoulders with the removable strap. The material dried surprisingly fast after it got wet while paddling. This design is too small for an all-day adventure, but for a lunchbox or outing, it’s great.
They weigh less and are easy for one person to grab and quickly transport from the deck to the truck bed. Parties and small get-togethers sometimes only need a small amount of drinks and snacks from your end, but you can’t always depend on everyone else to remember to bring their items. In this case, the Collapse & Cool soft cooler has the tough exterior and spacious interior to carry what you need and keep it safe. This is another type of soft cooler that you can trust to keep items cold for longer periods.
Whether you depend on Playmate for backyard parties, BMX and Sportsman for athletic activities, or Yukon and Trailmate for outdoor adventures, Igloo’s ice chest will make your occasion much more enjoyable. Here are our reviews for Igloo soft coolers that combine convenience with fun. While the can measurement standard is helpful, keep in mind you’ll need to devote at least some of that volume to ice.
RovR even sells small SnackR food containers that fit neatly into the IceR, which can keep food hot or cold. Our testers liked how the ice consolidated in the center helped even out the weight and noted it was comfortable to carry by hand. If you’re looking for a collapsible and durable option at a more affordable cost, we highly recommend the Icemule Classic. And it didn’t hold the cold as well (the temperature inside the cooler rose about 18 degrees between two hours and 24 hours after putting ice in it compared to just 7 degrees for the Yeti). But our testers appreciated how comfortable the Classic is to carry on one shoulder, how light it was, and its durability.
This 100-quart option holds up to 160 cans and can keep ice frozen for days in temps as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. It also has built-in cup holders that can hold 30-ounce tumblers and are molded to the lid to prevent spills. Plus, its 6-inch wheels and handle help make for easy travel, according to Coleman. The durable lid doubles as a seat that can support up to 250 pounds, while the leakproof drain plug and stain-resistant liner help with cleanup, as detailed on the brand’s website.
igloo water coolerWe love that this cooler has handles and backpack straps, making it ideal for different carrying methods. And we dig the bonus features like side pockets, webbing to attach gear to, and an attached bottle opener. Despite the product’s claim to be a leakproof cooler, we did have some leaking.
They also went through a durability test, which involved slamming them onto the ground, throwing them down a flight of stairs, and flipping them upside down to check for leaks. We also tested 23 backpack coolers in our lab, and included the best in this roundup. Each soft cooler was rated for size, insulation, design, and value, and those with the highest overall scores are featured here. This cooler was comfortable to carry with the padded shoulder strap. But when filled with drinks and ice, it can be cumbersome and more difficult to haul across sand — backpack-style straps would probably make it easier.