Hard Liner Coolers: Soft Coolers With Hard Liner

That said, using more ice allows for better food preservation over a longer period of time. Additionally, give priority to coolers with closed-cell foam insulation over ones that employ other cooling methods. The sensor at the top of the cooler was removed daily to record its findings and simulate the temperature gains that occur when a cooler is opened during normal use.

Currently we offer FREE FedEx/UPS small package Ground shipping and FREE ABF/YRC freight ground shipping on most orders of $199 or more within the 48 contiguous states. Some irregular shaped or oversized items may include a special handling charge. The charge will show on the product detail page of applicable products. 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.

Do you have a vacation in the outdoors coming up and have plans for afternoons on the lake? This ice chest is designed to be easy to carry over your shoulders or under your arm. Bear in mind a 24-can capacity means the cooler can fit up to 24 cans and nothing else.

This handy pack stayed under 40 degrees for 60 hours and 67 hours under 50 degrees. The Engel BP25 follows close behind, only differing in the 50 degree test, lasting 64 hours. Rather than a zip top, the BP25 has a roll top, resembling a dry bag. Though not completely waterproof, igloo soft cooler we still find ourselves reaching for its straightforward functionality and above-average insulation time and time again. The most inexpensive cooler we generally recommend is the Arctic Zone Titan. It’s surprisingly easy to use and handy for infrequent use at a bargain price.

This compact cooler bag sports high-end quality and high-end style that’s made for anyone to use anywhere. Take this soft insulated cooler bag along camping, hiking, fishing, relaxing on the beach, or to a family picnic thanks to rolling wheels, a height adjustable pull handle, and side carry handles. Once you get to your destination, grip the T-bar zipper pull and easily unzip and unload your zippered cooler. Pack several lunches or up to ounce cans in the cooler’s 2 spacious interior compartments.

Premium models tend to have great cushioning along the straps, as evidenced by RovR’s TravelR 30, RTIC’s Soft Pack Cooler, and Engel’s HD30. Backpack coolers like the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape are the easiest to manage with full harnesses that can be worn like a standard daypack (we outline these more in depth below). 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. While we tested during cooler fall temperatures, the Walker delivered days of ice retention versus the hours we got from flimsier bag-style soft coolers.