For reference, YETI and ORCA both offer three-year warranties on their soft coolers, while Hydro Flask leads the charge with a five-year policy. First is durability: While the exterior of the cooler is hardwearing enough for most casual activities, it lacks the bombproof feel of more premium and weather-ready designs like the RTIC Soft Pack and YETI Hopper M30 above (it's far less appealing for water sports or boating too). Arctic Zone lists the coolers ice retention at three days, but many users put it closer to a day at maximum in summertime heat. We could also do without the accessory mounting system, which is compatible with only a few add-ons that arent all that useful for most. 10.2 oz.Other sizes: 9, 12, 16, 24, 48 cansWhat we like: Cheaper and more features than the AO Coolers 24 Pack above.What we dont: Not a standout in build quality or cold retention. And styles vary considerably between models. To prevent issues like these, we strongly recommend using dedicated ice packs in your soft cooler instead (unless you're only using the cooler to carry drinks and/or cans). As we touched on previously, durability and cost often correlate closely, with top-shelf designs like the M30, Hopper Flip 12, Engel HD20, and OtterBox Trooper 20 all boasting impressively thick and rigid exteriors that will stand up very well to long-term use. Second is sustainability: Each Hielo is made partially from repurposed materials, and the companys status as a climate-neutral, Certified B Corporation reflects their ongoing commitment to addressing social, environmental, and economic issues. But again, this does help with leak-proofing, making the Engel an especially capable pick for water-based activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, and more.See the Engel HD20. Soft coolers can get pretty expensive, as evidenced by YETIs $350 Hopper M30 above. Again, these options may be perfectly serviceable for casual day trips and infrequent use, but committed outdoor-goers who plan to use their cooler regularly (and especially around water) will likely benefit from spending up. Capacity: 26 cans (with ice)Weight: 7 lbs.Other sizes: NoneWhat we like: Impressive ice retention for a soft cooler and excellent attention to detail.What we dont: Very expensive and overkill for most. It also includes an external pocket for keys or other small valuables, while the Hielo only has a side water bottle pocket, which many will find less practical. Further, the three-day ice retention claims feel a little ambitiouswed estimate it to be around a day or two at max in favorable weather. Whether you spend your summer days on the trail or in the water, a quality pair of hiking sandals is likely on your must-have list. In addition to weighing and costing less at 1 pound 5.1 ounces and $65 respectively, its also less rigid and easier to pack down for storage. They also float, which provides added assurance should conditions get rougher than expected. Enter their Hopper Flip 12, which retains much of what we love about the M30 in a lighter, cheaper, and more approachable package. Rounding out the feature set, you get a water-resistant exterior pocket for stashing small valuables, included bottle opener, and food-grade liner thats very easy to clean. Two final features worth calling out are the Arctic Zone Titans shelf for separating hard and soft items and the REI Cool Haul 24s removable inner liner that allows you to use the shell separately as a tote. Waterproof Soft Coolers RTICs Soft Pack also falls into this category, and although its technically not fully waterproof, the tough shell and leakproof design should stand up well if it ends up taking a dip. Unlike hard-sided models that can keep food and beverages cold for days (or even weeks) on end, soft models arent built to keep contents cold for more than a few days at maximum. Premium models tend to have great cushioning along the straps, as evidenced by YETIs Hopper M30, RTICs Soft Pack Cooler, and Engels HD20. For $35 less, the Hydro Flask Insulated Tote boasts a waterproof exterior thats also thicker (the Cotopaxis liner is welded and waterproof, but the outer fabric is not). They can be a fairly expensive addition (YETIs range from $15 to $30 depending on size) and require refreezing once they lose their coldness, but theyre the simplest and least messy option for soft coolers. Designs run the gamut from backcountry-focused offerings that prioritize comfort, support, and grip to everyday With the Stewart-Cassiar Highway in our rearview mirror, we had finally reached the Yukon. But if you set reasonable expectations, you probably wont be disappointed: The Coleman will keep your food and beverages adequately cold for the day and easily outlast its $26 price tag. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day. For instance, the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas above boasts the same capacity at around $45 less, although you do get better cooling capabilities with the REI. Finally, despite its decidedly sleek and streamlined looks, you still get handy gear attachment loops for securing accessories to the outside (including Hydro Flasks functional Dry Storage bags). Importantly, not all coolers measure interior capacity in the same way. cans with ice). The price spread among soft coolers is significant, ranging from just $26 for the Coleman 24-Hour 16-Can Cooler all the way up to $350 for YETIs top-end M30 above. 9 oz.) However, keep in mind that while these are easier to open and close, they also provide less of a seal than zippered designs (read: theyre more prone to leaks) and often dont insulate as well as a result. They also generally cost the most among soft-sided offerings, which begs the question: Why not just buy a similarly priced hard cooler? Capacity: 28LWeight: 4 lbs. Its true that the Hopper is considerably lighter than the Tundra (by around 13 lbs.) The designs borrow heavily from hiking daypacks, sharing features like shoulder straps, padded backpanels, and exterior pockets for added gear storage. 9.6 oz.Other sizes: NoneWhat we like: Easy to access, highly durable, and versatile size.What we dont: Relatively limited feature set. What we dont: Middling ice retention and prone to condensation buildup. And when its time to pack up, the same valve can be used to release air and roll the cooler up for travel. and Cotopaxi Hielo 12L Cooler Bag (1 lb. Capacity: 24 cans (with ice)Weight: 4 lbs. Unfortunately, however, YETIs soft coolers dont save you much compared to their hard-sided models. No cooler is perfect, however, and we do have a couple complaints after testing the RTIC Soft Pack. Capacity: 12 cans (with ice)Weight: 2 lbs.Other sizes: 6, 9, 18 cansWhat we like: Very durable and fully waterproofa great option for days on the water.What we dont: Collapsible design lacks structure. Does Your Backpacking Tent Need a Footprint? 8 oz.Other size: 30L (48 cans)What we like: One of the toughest designs on the market.What we dont: Overbuilt for most uses. Backpack coolers like the ICEMULE Pro are the easiest to manage with full harnesses that can be worn like a standard daypack (we outline these more in depth below). Finally, we prefer the Insulated Totes standard straps compared to the Hielos messenger bag-like shoulder strap and single grab handle, which make it a little harder to carry when fully loaded. Other Features For the latter, we love cheap and minimalist designs like Hydro Flasks Insulated Tote. The YETI Hopper M30, for instance, has a magnet-equipped opening thats incredibly rigid and requires considerable effort to keep open while loading and unloading food and drinks. A quick glance at our comparison table above reveals that most options hover somewhere in the 2- to 4-pound range, with the largest and most robust designs clocking in at 7 pounds or more. In use, weve found these to be incredibly useful and helpful for keeping track of our belongings whether were spending a day at a local state park or enjoying an afternoon at the beach. On a related note, its worth pointing out that price and build quality often correlate pretty closely: Options like the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas, Coleman 24-Hour 16-Can Cooler, and Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze have noticeably cheaper-feeling constructions and components than their more premium counterparts. In the end, if you dont mind the limited organization, the Walker Tote is one of the most versatile options on our list and this authors current go-to option for short day trips.See the ORCA Walker Tote. For reference, the Pack-Away measures just 1 inch in height when stowed with functional clips at the side for compressing down or alternating between shapes (cube or tote). These designs are sufficiently sized for day trips or weekend road trips, manageable in terms of weight and portability, and wont take up a ton of space in your vehicle or garage. Other highlights include a low 1-pound-12 ounce weight, wide-mouth opening for quick loading and access to the interior, easy-to-clean liner thats seam-sealed, and portability via the top handles or detachable shoulder strap. If youve got the budget, its almost certainly worth opting for a hard-sided model instead. For reference, the largest option above is the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler, which can fit up to 30 12-ounce cans with ice, while the smallest is Cotopaxi's Hielo 12L Cooler Bag, which Cotopaxi estimates can fit up to 12 cans without ice (~8 cans with ice). Rigid designs like YETIs Hopper M30 and Engels HD20 (both 840D) sit at the top of the pack. All told, its hard to be overly critical at this price point, and the Pack-Away 24s mix of compressibility, easy access, and value earn it our endorsement as the best packable design of the year.See the REI Co-op Pack-Away 24. Unlike the M30, however, the Hopper Flip 12 is very easy to load and unload with a well-executed, zipper-equipped opening thats wide, fully leakproof, and provides nearly uncompromised access to food and beverages. These designs have tough exteriors that feel very confidence-inspiring around sharp gear and have stood up very well to regular use throughout testing with little wear to show for it. This makes them particularly great for activities like kayaking or paddle boarding when they might be exposed to a lot of water. We like the mid-range Medium 15L model best: Its nicely sized for a quick afternoon outing or full-day adventure, includes a strong and well-cushioned strap for cross-body carry, and shares the impressively durable and fully waterproof build of the Pro model above. And Hydro Flask does offer a bigger 35-liter variation, which costs $75 and weighs 1 pound 10.4 ounces.See the Hydro Flask 20 L Insulated Tote. For car campers Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair Review. Not only do they lack drainage ports to dump excess water once ice has melted, these more rigid designs also dont compress down for storage when not in use (a major reason why one might choose a soft cooler in the first place) and wont retain ice for nearly as long as hard-sided models. For $86 (on Amazon at the time of publishing), you get a compact and easy-to-shoulder design, functional zipper closure that runs the length of the cooler, and generous exterior pocket to stow an extra layer or valuables. Capacity: 30 cans (with ice)Weight: 4 lbs. On the outside, you get a noticeably thick and heavy-duty nylon shell that provides good structure, while 2 inches of closed-cell foam on the inside insulate well enough for day adventures or weekend road trips. Theyre also generally much smaller than hard-sided designs, typically offering around 30 liters of capacity at the high end. Softer and more malleable options like Hydro Flasks 20 L Insulated Tote, Cotopaxi's Hielo 12L Cooler Bag, and REI Co-ops Pack-Away 24 feel significantly less burly and may be more prone to wear and tear over time, but theyre still reasonably well built for most casual outdoor uses. ORCAs Walker Tote hits a sweet spot in the soft cooler market: Its smaller, lighter, and more manageable than high-capacity picks like the RTIC Soft Pack and YETI Hopper M30 above while offering better ice retention and more structure than minimalist and packable models like the Hydro Flask Insulated Tote and REI Pack-Away. More in our "Ice Retention and Cooling Capabilities" section below. Traditional hard-sided coolers lead the charge in ice retention and durability, but for those who dont need a weeks worth of cold food and drinks, a soft-sided cooler can be a viable alternative. Capacity: 12 cans (without ice)Weight: 1 lb. For the ultimate in portability, backpack-style coolers are the clear winners. We exclusively cover soft-sided coolers above, which work well for those who just need a simple and portable option for road trips or day use. Some use cans as a unit of measure, while others use liters, quarts, or gallons. Another functional addition is the solid, heavy-duty base, which feels reminiscent of a hard-sided model (although the Trooper cant double as a seat like hard coolers can). It's clear that Engel put a lot of focus on ice retention with their HD collection, including the welded construction, sealed zipper, and vacuum valve at the side that allows you to suck out excess air before use. Soft coolers are a bit of a niche category: They arent built to keep ice cold for more than a couple days at maximum, but they can be a nice supplement to a larger hard-sided model or a standalone option for those who just need to keep a lunch and beverages cold for the day. Its undeniably a big price jump, but if youre willing to splurge, the TravelR is a promising new addition to the market and one of the better-looking soft-sided coolers around. From our list above, times range from just 4 hours at the low end for the Hydro Flask 20 L Insulated Tote to three or four days at the high end for Engels HD20 (24 hours is pretty standard). Read more about us. ICEMULEs Classic has a similar valve system, although in this case, the process involves adding air to boost cooling capabilities and buoyancy and removing it to compress the cooler down for storage. But if the approach to your favorite picnic spot or fishing hole involves walking more than a half mile or so, it may be worth the investment. ICEMULEs Pro above is our favorite backpack-style cooler, but those who dont need the shoulder straps can save some cash with their similarly built Classic. 5.1 oz.Other sizes: 8, 35LWhat we like: A light and cheap option for short day trips.What we dont: Doesnt keep contents cold for long (its technically an insulated tote). And the exterior is very well appointed with generous zippered storage, a separate side mesh pocket, an included bottle opener, and a stretchy bungee system at the top for securing things like an extra layer or towel. A one-year warranty is pretty standard in the soft cooler market, (like what you get with RTIC), while three to five years is fairly generous. Its true that it will save you $100 compared to the top-end Hopper M30 above, but capacity is decidedly limited (the Hopper Flip can only fit about 13 12-oz. And one last note: Dry ice will damage the interior of most soft-side models, so be sure to steer clear and use one of the other options mentioned above. For those who prioritize portability for shuttling longer distances, its also sold in a backpack style with padded shoulder straps for an additional $50. But if you only plan to use your cooler a couple weekends each summer, a true budget design like Colemans 16-Can Soft Cooler Bag could very well get the job done at a fraction of the cost. For reference, Engel lists the coolers ice retention at three to four days, but ours only kept ice frozen for around 48 hours during testing in Utah. What do you get by spending up? The allure is clear: Rather than taking up valuable real estate in your garage when not in use, a collapsible design like REI Co-ops aptly named Pack-Away 24 folds down nearly flat for storage. REI has a knack for balancing performance and affordability, and their Cool Haul 24 is no exception. Finally, the 24 Pack is fairly basic and lacks features like daisy chain webbing or external attachment points for accessories. And third: the RovR costs a whopping $130more than the RTIC. Soft coolers come in a range of shapes and designs, but many include at least one exterior pocket for stashing small valuables like a phone, wallet, or keys. Their top-end M30 is case in point, combining thick, closed-cell foam insulation with a burly and hardwearing shell thats confidence-inspiring and highly resistant to snags and tears. But many will find these downsides reasonable given the AOs low price, earning it our endorsement as the top budget pick of the year. Its also designed to fit RovRs KeepR, which is essentially an insulated picnic basket with movable inserts to accommodate items like wine bottles, cups, utensils, and small containers of food.See the RovR Products TravelR 30. This age-old question challenges newbie backpackers and veterans alike. What we dont: Expensive, fairly heavy, and finicky latch. Additionally, theres an important distinction to be made between collapsible designs and rigid soft coolers: In our experience, flexible and packable models like the Hydro Flask 18 L Day Escape are far more versatile and functional than thick and rigid options like the Engel HD20. and much easier to carry, but it falls well short in ice retention capabilities. In testing the larger HD30 model (which is otherwise identical but currently out of stock), we found that the cooler sealed nicely, which was a pleasant surprise given the zippered opening, but it didnt keep our ice frozen for nearly as long as expected. Further, the design takes considerable force to open: The zipper is noticeably stiff and requires lubrication to run smoothly (Engel does include a small tube with purchase), and the buckle-equipped wings at the sides only make the process more effortful. A few other notable features to be on the lookout for include integrated bottle openers and vacuum ports for adding or releasing air. That said, there are some inherent downsides to the REI Pack-Aways highly collapsible design. In other words, the Hydro Flask is stretching the definition of a cooler. But again, many will find it more approachable and useful for day-to-day activities than large, heavy, and pricey alternatives like the YETI Hopper M30 or RTIC Soft Pack above. That said, the OtterBox Trooper 20s finer details arent as well sorted as we expected at this price point. But the YETI name is hard to beat, and the Hopper M30 has its place for committed day trippers and weekenders looking to maximize portability, durability, and cold retention.See the YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler. YETIs accessories for their soft coolers are relatively limited, although we do like their similar SideKick Dry Gear Case that attaches to the HitchPoint grid on their Hopper models, as well as the Molle Zinger for securing a multitool or bottle opener. Like the top-ranked RTIC Soft Pack above, the TravelR is well insulated with quality closed-cell foam (unfortunately, RovR does not provide an ice retention spec) and utilizes heavy-duty materials to maximize longevity. A final alternative is using blocks of ice, which take much longer to melt than crushed ice but are bulky and take up a lot of space. Like traditional soft-sided coolers, backpack models are lightweight, easy to carry, and pack down when not in use, but they still lack the insulating power of hard-sided coolersthe ICEMULE Pro, for instance, is only rated to keep ice frozen for up to 24 hours. Hydro Flasks 20 L Insulated Tote above is our favorite small soft cooler for day trips, but Cotopaxis Hielo 12L is a popular alternative and wins out in a couple areas. All told, it was a relatively costly and very messy mistake that we wont let happen again. Where does the Cotopaxi Hielo 12L fall short? But in the end, its hard to fault the REI as a solid, affordable pick for small group outings. In order to shave weight and materials, some backpack coolers like the ICEMULE Pro lack structure. Finally, the M30 is large and bulky even when empty and doesn't compress as well as softer and more malleable options like the Hydro Flask 20 L Insulated Tote or REI Pack-Away 24 below. It also compresses down really well for storage, is easy to clean (just wipe down the liner), and boasts a waterproof and durable exterior that stands up well to regular use. The two coolers also share key features like waterproof zippers and shoulder straps that are both nicely padded and removable. Finally, some users have noted that the liner is prone to condensation buildup, although thats not entirely uncommon among leakproof designs. That said, we always take manufacturer-provided specs with a grain of salt, and there isnt an established, standardized test here. Capacity: 18 cans (with ice)Weight: 3 lbs. Added up, the TravelR is another premium and thoughtfully built design from the Boulder-based brand. 12 oz.Other sizes: 6, 12 cansWhat we like: Very affordable and packs down nearly flat for storage. For multi-day trips, however, hard-sided models offer several added benefits over soft coolers. Additionally, backpack coolers are fairly expensive considering their modest storage capacity and all-around performance (the ICEMULE is pretty affordable in this category at $130, while others reach $200+). In use, weve found this area useful for keeping valuables like keys close at hand (we use a carabiner to attach them). Compared to many other soft-sided models here, the Pro can feel a bit sloppy if loaded improperly (the upside is it can be compressed with the roll-top closure). To make things worse, most soft coolers dont come with drainage ports, which can make it difficult and tedious to remove excess water. See the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 30 Can. Second is ice retention, which is listed at 32 hours but will likely be closer to a single day (or less) in the heat of summer. 8 oz.Other size: 42 cans (26L)What we like: Sleek looks, functional carry options, and well built for the price.What we dont: Less of a value than the Insulated Tote above; no pocket for stashing small valuables. Capacity: 24 cans (without ice)Weight: 2 lbs. 1.6 oz.Other sizes: 8, 20 cansWhat we like: A lighter and more approachable alternative to the M30 above. While we love the fun styling and sustainability slant, its not a great value at $100. are the two lightest. Whether youre headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, keeping your food and drinks cold is absolutely key. The opening style and closure system of a soft-sided cooler may not seem all that important, but we can tell you firsthand that it will have a sizable impact on both convenience and overall performance. cans with ice) and is only rated to keep contents cold for up to 4 hours (the lowest on our list, although we found that estimate to be fairly accurate during testing). Why the last-place finish for the Coleman 24-Hour Cooler? In terms of drawbacks, hard-sided coolers are significantly heavier, bulkier, pricier, and less portable than soft models, but most committed campers will find those tradeoffs worth it for the boost in overall performance. In testing the Hopper M30, we were also struck by the robust feel of the opening, which uses strong magnets to close shut with quick-release buckles to prevent it from leaking during travel. Most of us are accustomed to using crushed ice in our coolers, and for good reason: Its cheap, readily available at most gas stations and supermarkets, and easily fills the gaps between food and beverages. 7 oz.Other sizes: NoneWhat we like: More features and a higher-quality build than the RTIC Soft Pack above.What we dont: Over double the price. In fact, the Hopper M30 retails for $75 more than their similarly sized Tundra 35. The best soft coolers are light enough to easily tote around, can keep contents cold for a day or two, are easy to clean, and stand up well to regular use and abuse. One exception is REI Co-op, which offers a full refund or replacement within one year of purchase for members (90 days for non-members). Durability varies considerably between soft coolers, and a good way to differentiate between models is to look at denier (D), which is a measurement of fabric thickness. They can also be a great supplement to a larger hard-sided model, providing additional space to store extra food or beverages when camping with a larger group. If theres one clear benefit to soft coolers over hard-sided models, its that theyre significantly lighter and therefore much easier to tote around. That said, even the cheapest options on our list are reasonably well built and will get the job done for days at the beach or packing a lunch on the road, which will be enough to sway many. Note: Its also available in a smaller 12- and 18-can models ($100 and $110, respectively), although both are out of stock at the time of publishing.See the REI Co-op Cool Haul 24. A couple of our favorite opening styles include the roll-top closure on ICEMULEs Classic and Pro models and the zipperless design on Arctic Zones Titan Deep Freeze that secures closed with strong Velcro. Capacity: 18 cans (with ice)Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.Other sizes: 33L (24 cans), 40L (36 cans)What we like: Durable, waterproof, and relatively inexpensive.What we dont: Less structure than many competitors and no hipbelt. )What we like: Generously sized opening, heavy-duty base, and good structure. But for short adventures to the beach or park, the AO may be all that you need and nothing you dont. Capacity: 24 cans (with ice)Weight: 3 lbs. For more background information, check out our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks. To be fair, the Coleman is the cheapest of the bunch (and on our list) by around $30 to $40, but we think most outdoor-goers that get out more than a few times a season will be better off spending slightly up.See the Coleman 24-Hour 16-Can Cooler. With a 1,000-denier, waterproof build, the drybag-like ICEMULE should be able to withstand just about all the scratches, scrapes, and tussles that crop up along the trail or in the water (weve also found it suitably tough for air travel). As we covered above, soft coolers are relatively poor performers in terms of ice retentionmost can only keep contents cold for a day or two at maximum in ideal (read: favorable) conditions. In a competitive market, its simply hard to stand out. That said, its also the fastest to melt and will need to be replaced fairly frequently, which we experienced firsthand while testing many of the models above in the Utah desert. When youre ready to hit the road, swap in some pre-chilled packs or fresh ice at that optimal ratio along with your drinks and food. That said, the Day Escape offers good insulation and durability in an easy-to-carry and stylish package, which will be a winning combination for many. *Editor's note: This number represents claimed ice retention. To be fair, the Hopper Flip 12 is perfectly serviceable for an afternoon at the beach or quick after-work paddle, but the high price tag and small capacity are enough for us to push it down to a mid-pack finish.See the YETI Hopper Flip 12. For a very affordable $63 on Amazon at the time of publishing, the Titan Deep Freeze combines a generous 30-can capacity with functionaland decidedly uniquefeatures for everything from quick trips to the beach or local state park to weekend adventures farther from home.
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