The best soft coolers for chilling out in 2024

Gone are the times of solely discovering small, flimsy, poorly insulated soft coolers. Now, a a lot wider number of soft-shelled coolers rival their inflexible counterparts in ice retention whereas providing a way more transportable, versatile different. They vary from compact lunch dimension to all-day capability, with varied carrying capacities to save lots of your shoulders. So whether or not you’re headed to the seaside, holding groceries cool for the drive house, or out in the woods the place you’ll want a tenting cooler, the best soft coolers hold your gadgets cool and secure. 

How we selected the best soft coolers

When choosing the best soft coolers, we aimed to decide on varied sizes and carrying types appropriate for all types of actions and desires. Ice retention and sturdiness had been two of crucial components, as a cooler isn’t a lot good if it doesn’t hold issues chilly. We additionally evaluated closure sorts, opening sizes, and any extra pockets or options that the coolers could provide. Finally, we selected coolers at varied value factors whereas nonetheless guaranteeing high quality merchandise throughout the board. 

The best soft coolers: Reviews & Recommendations

A soft cooler is the way in which to go if you happen to’re wanting for a light-weight cooler to maintain issues chilly, whether or not taking tasty treats to a good friend’s celebration, going short-term tenting, and even taking your foldable kayak out. These choices are ultimate for varied actions and conditions, so you will discover one beneath that matches your wants. 

Best general: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler

Specs

• Capacity: 12 liters/20 cans (additionally accessible in 12, 30, or 40-can capability)
• Closure sort: Zipper
• Promised ice retention: 2 days 
• Empty weight: 3 kilos
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.75 x 15.5 inches

Pros

• Good steadiness of value and high quality
• Floats
• Available in a number of colours and sizes
• Lots of handles

Cons

• Outside pocket is small and tight
• Narrow inside

The RTIC Soft Pack Cooler earns our prime spot as a result of it’s moderately priced whereas providing loads of high quality. It makes use of thick partitions of closed-cell foam to maintain issues cool and is efficient for just a few days if you happen to correctly prime it. It encompasses a detachable padded shoulder strap, built-in carrying handles, and handles on the perimeters, providing loads of methods to maneuver the cooler round. 

This soft-sided cooler is sort of sturdy. The exterior cloth is tear—and puncture-resistant, and the inside is puncture-resistant and waterproof to forestall leaks. The waterproof zipper additionally prevents leaks whereas holding it sealed up tight to maintain the chilly air inside. The whole cooler floats, making it an excellent alternative for any actions on the water. A small pocket on the entrance is the proper place to retailer necessities, although it’s a bit tight, so that you gained’t have the ability to retailer cumbersome issues in there.

We actually just like the RTIC cooler’s extensive mouth, making it simpler to entry your meals and drinks. Unfortunately, the tall and slender design takes some away from that quick access, but it surely’s nonetheless higher than different choices. It comes in 4 sizes and a variety of colours, so you may select one which best matches your wants and magnificence. 

Best tote: Hydro Flask Day Escape Cooler Tote

Specs

• Capacity: 26 liters (additionally accessible as 18-liter)
• Closure sort: Zipper
• Promised ice retention: 36 hours
• Empty weight: 3 kilos
• Dimensions: 10.4 x 23.9 x 14.97 inches

Pros

• Lightweight when empty
• Fully leakproof
• Laser-cut gear attachment loops
• BPA-Free
• Comfortable strap

Cons

• Exterior pocket is mesh with no zipper

You seemingly know Hydro Flask for its insulated water bottles, but it surely additionally makes some wonderful coolers. The Day Escape Cooler Tote is a light-weight but giant soft cooler, providing a 26-liter capability. It’s additionally accessible in an 18-liter dimension in order for you one thing smaller. When empty, it weighs simply three kilos. It’s inflexible sufficient that it holds its form if you find yourself loading or unloading, however it may compress barely when empty to save lots of house. 

The zipper on the Day Escape Cooler is a TRU Zip zipper, which is toothless, silent, and IP67-rated to forestall leaks. Getting it began the primary few instances is difficult, but it surely slides easily after that. The inside encompasses a food-grade liner and is BPA-free. It’s waterproof and freed from any folds or tight corners which may entice particles or liquid, making it straightforward to wash. There is an exterior pocket, however sadly, it’s made from mesh, so it gained’t hold particles out, and there’s no zipper to maintain issues safe. 

The exterior of this cooler bag is made from a 600D polyester shell, which cuts down on weight and may be very sturdy. There are handles on the perimeters, an adjustable and padded shoulder strap, and carrying handles. I haven’t needed to carry it terribly far, but it surely’s comfy for a brief trek to the seaside, a minimum of. Hydro Flask guarantees 36 hours of ice retention, which isn’t so long as different soft coolers however spectacular for its being light-weight. I left stuff in it in a single day, and it was nonetheless a lot chilly the following day, even with a small quantity of ice.

Best backpack: Yeti Hopper M20

Specs

• Capacity: 20 liters (additionally accessible in 12-liter capability)
• Closure sort: Magnetic
• Promised ice retention: Not supplied 
• Empty weight: 5.6 kilos
• Dimensions: 9.9 x 15.3 x 18.1 inches

Pros

• Waterproof
• Unique magnetic closure
• Very comfy and straightforward to hold
• Lots of attachment factors

Cons

• Top is difficult to buckle closed
• Expensive

Even with padded shoulder straps, soft coolers could be a ache to hold. If that you must take a cooler on a hike, you’ll be grateful to have a backpack model. The Yeti Hopper M20 is the best backpack cooler accessible due to its vary of options and stage of high quality. The straps are properly padded, making it comfy to hold even when loaded. There’s even a chest strap to maintain is safe in your physique even throughout severe hikes. Lots of attachment factors help you add equipment or clip on keys or bottle openers and handles on the perimeters and prime for additional carrying choices.

One distinctive function of the M20 is the leak-resistant magnetic closure as an alternative of a zipper. It makes it simpler to open and shut with out holding on prime of lubrication, and also you don’t have to fret concerning the zipper breaking. It snaps closed audibly, so you may belief it’s sealed up. Then, you fold it and use the 2 buckles to lock it down. Getting the buckles closed is a little bit difficult, however pushing the air out of the cooler helps quite a bit. Plus, the entire thing is extraordinarily sturdy and may stand up to punctures, abrasions, and UV rays. 

As anticipated from a Yeti, it stays chilly for a very long time. We forgot to unload it after taking it to the seaside and undoubtedly didn’t correctly prime the cooler beforehand (threw in room-temperature gadgets and solely two ice packs), but there was nonetheless some ice just a few days later. It will certainly keep chilly for a very long time with correct prep and the correct quantity of ice. As you may guess, the Hopper M20 is pricey at round $300. But the sturdy design, comfy backpack-carrying type, efficient insulation, and magnetic closure make it stand out and worthy of our best splurge.

Best giant capability: Engel HD30 

Specs

• Capacity: 30 liters
• Closure sort: Zipper
• Promised ice retention: 3 days
• Empty weight: 4.5 Pounds
• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 18 inches

Pros

• Comfortable shoulder strap
• Large capability
• Durable
• Vacuum valve aids in holding issues chilly

Cons

• Exterior pocket isn’t waterproof

The Engel HD30 is the way in which to go if you want a lot of room. This soft cooler affords 30 liters of cupboard space but weighs solely 4.5 kilos when empty. Of course, as a bigger cooler, it isn’t the best to hold, particularly when packed full. But the shoulder strap is effectively padded, and the extra seize and aspect handles additionally offer you carrying choices. 

The Engel HD30 affords extraordinarily efficient insulation, holding your meals secure for as much as three days. That’s partly due to the waterproof and air-resistant zipper that retains the chilly air in and heat air out. There’s additionally a singular vacuum valve, which lets you use your family vacuum hose to suck out extra air between the insulation and outer waterproof layers.

The HD30 is extremely sturdy and made from 840 denier fibers, which supplies abrasion-resistant efficiency. There are six nylon daisy chains throughout the bag for attaching keys and different equipment, together with D rings close to the highest that can be utilized as tie-down factors to maintain it safe in the again of a pickup truck. A zippered pocket on the entrance is the proper place to retailer a telephone or some additional snacks, although it isn’t waterproof. 

Most sturdy: Yeti Hopper Flip 12

Specs

• Capacity: 12 liters (additionally accessible in 8 or 18-liter variations)
• Closure sort: Zipper
• Promised ice retention: 3 days
• Empty weight: 3 kilos
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.7 x 12.0 inches

Pros

• Extremely sturdy
• Wide opening
• Effective insulation
• Floats

Cons

Yeti is well-known for its wonderful coolers (like our best general cooler with wheels), and the Hopper Flip isn’t any exception. Available in 8, 12, or 18-liter capacities in a wide range of colours, the Hopper Flip affords a large opening for quick access and visibility. The extensive opening and seamless inside make cleansing simpler since there are not any nooks or crannies to cover meals or liquid. 

Both the inside and exterior are handled to be mildew resistant, extending the lifetime of the cooler even if you happen to overlook to wash it out for just a few days. The exterior withstands punctures, abrasions, and UV rays so that it’ll look nicer for longer, even with rugged adventures. It is waterproof and leakproof, with wonderful insulation to maintain your gadgets chilly for as much as three days. 

The Hopper Flip encompasses a well-padded shoulder strap for extra comfy carrying, in addition to handles on the lid and sides. Daisy chains on the back and front make it straightforward to connect equipment or tie it down in your car. As is true of all issues Yeti, it’s a premium product and on the costly aspect. But you’re getting plenty of high quality and sturdiness for that value, so we predict it’s value it for those that need a long-lasting, versatile, soft cooler (and that’s why the 18-liter dimension is the best general choose in our best cooler luggage). 

Best finances: Arctic Zone Insulated Tote Cooler Bag

Specs

• Capacity: 30 liters
• Closure sort: Zipper
• Promised ice retention: 3 days
• Empty weight: 1.78 kilos
• Dimensions: 22.00 x 10.00 x 14.50 inches

Pros

• Microban lining prevents odors
• Very light-weight
• More packable than different choices
• Affordable

Cons

You don’t have to spend a small fortune to have soft cooler. The Arctic Zone Insulated Tote comes in underneath $40 however affords a 30-liter capability with an exterior zip pocket. Despite the massive capability, it solely weighs 1.78 kilos, making it the lightest soft cooler on our record. It isn’t inflexible like another choices, so is considerably collapsible, which can profit some. 

The inside of this Arctic Zone tote measures 16.75 by 7.75 by 13.25 inches, which permits for some bigger gadgets. The inside lining is leakproof and options Microban antimicrobial safety to forestall odors do you have to overlook to wash it out instantly (or retailer pungent issues in it). The base is additional thick in order that the chilly air doesn’t seep out, and it guarantees as much as three days of ice retention. 

On the outside you’ll discover a padded shoulder strap with aspect carrying handles as effectively. A zippered pocket on the outside shops keys and different necessities. Unfortunately, the zipper isn’t leakproof, and a few report that it isn’t very sturdy, so it could not final so long as different coolers on our record. But the Arctic Zone Insulated Tote will get the job accomplished if you happen to simply want a easy soft cooler that doesn’t take up a lot room for youngsters’ sporting occasions or automobile tenting journeys. 

When buying for a soft cooler, it’s necessary first to contemplate what you’ll be utilizing the cooler for. A fast day journey has fairly totally different necessities than a week-long trip. Likewise, holding some drinks cool is quite a bit totally different than holding uncooked meat chilly sufficient to be fit for human consumption. Knowing the first function of the cooler will assist you slender in on crucial of the next components: 

Capacity 

Choosing the precise cooler capability will guarantee you could have loads of room for your meals, drinks, and ice. Cooler capability is steadily listed in reference to the variety of cans it may match. Some corporations additionally record capability in phrases of quarts or liters. You’ll additionally need to hold in thoughts that the form of the gadgets that you must retailer in the cooler, in addition to the form of the cooler itself, will impression the sensible capability. 

What dimension is best is dependent upon what you’ll be utilizing the cooler for. You can get away with small coolers for quick outings or lunch functions, whereas multi-day journeys would require numerous room. 

Shape and construction

Nowadays, most soft coolers provide a inflexible construction, holding their form even when empty. There are additionally collapsable coolers that help you pack them down. There aren’t a ton of choices for these, however they’re handy for street journeys or different instances when house is restricted. 

In phrases of form, some will provide a totally rectangular form, which may make it simpler to pack and entry issues on the backside of the cooler. Others could have a narrower prime in comparison with the bottom, making it troublesome to entry issues on the backside and limiting the dimensions and form of containers that may be saved on the prime.  

Carrying type

Most soft coolers use a shoulder strap or hand straps for carrying. Ideally, the straps ought to have some padding, as even smaller coolers can get fairly heavy when crammed up. The shoulder strap works effectively for quick distances, however might be difficult for strolling a methods. If you recognize you’ll carry the cooler for longer distances, a backpack soft cooler could make extra sense, because it distributes the burden extra evenly and retains the cooler out of the way in which whereas strolling. 

Weight

While the soft cooler will inevitably be heavy if you fill it up, the empty weight can also be necessary to contemplate. If it’s on the heavy aspect earlier than you place issues in it, that’s not an important signal. Weight turns into extra necessary if that you must hike or stroll with the cooler, so, in basic, light-weight is best. 

Cutting down on weight does have a draw back, although, often ensuing in much less insulation or rigidity. There’s a steadiness available, to make sure. 

Compartments, additional pockets, and attachment factors

Some (although not many) coolers will provide compartments inside to maintain your gadgets organized, which is useful if in case you have a lot of issues to retailer. Certain choices will even function exterior pockets, making it simpler to retailer gadgets that don’t should be in the cooler, corresponding to utensils and even keys and telephones. Finally, some make the most of attachment factors to connect gadgets with straps or to attach equipment which you could buy individually. 

Ice retention

Of course, not one of the above options matter if the cooler doesn’t hold your gadgets chilly. Most producers will promise some ice retention, however keep in mind that these numbers are for very particular circumstances. In the actual world, the way you prep the cooler, how usually you open it, if there’s direct daylight, and the ambient temperature will all impression how lengthy the ice lasts. 

How a lot ice retention you want is dependent upon what you utilize the cooler for. If you solely use the cooler to move your lunch to work or groceries house from the shop, days’ value of ice retention is overkill, and also you’ll be spending cash on one thing you don’t want. However, if you happen to plan on taking the cooler on lengthy tenting journeys or seaside days in the new solar, very good insulation for lengthy ice retention will probably be a should. 

FAQs

Final ideas on the best soft coolers

Gone are the times when your choices for holding issues cool had been flimsy insulated coolers, brittle styrofoam coolers, or heavy ice chests. There is definitely no scarcity of high-quality soft coolers accessible lately, with choices for nearly each function underneath the solar. What is best is dependent upon what you propose to retailer in it, the place that you must take it, and the way you favor to hold it. 

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