Best Soft Coolers of 2023

And the wide shape allows easy access to the grub inside the cooler. The exterior is made of synthetic plastic and nylon, so it’s not resilient for a rugged whitewater trip but is suitable for basecamp. The insulated walls have an interior aluminum coat that helps trap cold air, and the ice retention is adequate for single- and 2-day adventures.

Choose a soft cooler based on the storage capacity and type of support you need for the load. A super malleable product like the Snow Peak Soft Cooler might not be the best for carrying dozens of heavy cans compared to a more rigid design like the RovR TravelR 30. We were surprised to see the cooler’s exterior sweat quite a bit during the ice retention test. The ice melted at a faster rate compared to other coolers, lasting for about 60 hours, but well above the brand’s 36-hour stamp. Despite being left in the car for a full day following the river outing, the cooler still had ice and felt cold. That well-founded retention is thanks to the brand’s blend of proprietary insulation, interior radiant barrier, and thick base made of three layers of SuperFoam.

The insulation lets your ice last for at least one day, making it perfect for camping by the lake or quick fishing trips with friends and family. The grip handle comes with an ergonomic and rubberized design to ensure the user’s hands don’t feel pressure or annoyance. The shoulder strap is adjustable in case you’re bringing plates of food or other items to a party, and the front slip pocket has space for extra food. Weights for Igloo Marine Ultra options range from 1.5 to 3 lbs., making it easy to carry over your shoulder.

All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement. Prices at both websites range from $10 to $200, depending on what type and size you choose.

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. According to our ice retention test, this cooler is capable of holding ice for up to 78 hours, which is what the brand claims — and is also the strongest ice retention among the coolers on our list. To put the size in perspective, this cooler could fit ounce cans. While the Trooper 20 ($250) is a bit expensive, it stands out as the best soft cooler on the market, and should last for many seasons of use. Before we started timing how long our drinks stayed cold, this review began with market research into which soft coolers are even worth testing.

Each bag weighs less than 1 lb., and storage space ranges from six to 36 cans. The items in this cooler will stay cold for long than most of Igloo’s other options, as the ice retention can function for two days. This comes in handy for triathlons and other long competitions that will require plenty of drinks igloo trailmate and snacks for refreshment. Whatever cooler brand you trust should be able to provide items that can satisfy you in any situation. At roughly 9.5 x 8 x 7 inches and just over a half-pound, it’s conveniently compact and lightweight. We packed it with a one-person meal, including food, a drink, and ice.

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 igloo soft cooler 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.

The Soft Pack features a wide lid that stays wide open for easy packing of all those refrigerated goodies. Likewise, they each have excellent internal capacity, with the RovR fitting 39 cans and the AO 36. The REI Pack Away and Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 also impressed us with their storage features and capacity. The Pack Away has gear hooks scattered throughout the pack, so there is no need to ditch the travel mug or bottle opener at home. The Deep Freeze holds up to 30 cans, and its ribbed inside helps keep them settled in place. Additionally, it has stretchy mesh side pockets and a bungee cord for holding a blanket or jacket.