Are you looking for the best soft cooler to keep your drinks and snacks chilled during your outdoor adventures? You’ve come to the right place! According to NationalParkShop, investing in a quality soft cooler can significantly enhance your picnics, beach days, and camping trips. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll introduce you to the top 7 soft coolers of 2024, each selected for its unique features, durability, and performance.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, a day at the beach, or a weekend camping getaway, having the right cooler is essential for keeping your food and beverages fresh. From lightweight options that are easy to carry to rugged models designed for heavy-duty use, there’s a perfect soft cooler for everyone. Let’s dive into the details and find the best soft coolers to keep your refreshments cool and your adventures enjoyable!
Contents
1. YETI Hopper Flip 12
- Type: Soft cooler
- Capacity: 12 cans
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Price: Approximately $300
Pros
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials that are resistant to punctures and UV rays.
- Excellent Insulation: Keeps ice for up to 48 hours, making it perfect for long trips.
- Waterproof: Designed to withstand spills and splashes.
Cons
- High Price: More expensive than many other soft coolers.
- Zipper Durability: Some users report issues with the zipper over time.
The Yeti Hopper Flip excels in maintaining temperature. We brought it to the beach on a hot day reaching the upper 80s, and all the ice remained solid until sunset. Despite its smaller size, the inside is quite roomy. It features one large main section but also includes the brand’s HitchPoint Grid for attaching additional items externally.
This soft cooler is the most robust option we tested. After being packed in checked luggage, used while swimming in the ocean (it floats, by the way), and tossed onto rocky surfaces, its quality remained intact. Additionally, its leakproof design passed our tests with excellent results. Like many Yeti coolers, the Hopper Flip comes at a high price, but it includes a three-year warranty and is expected to last significantly longer.
2. IceMule Pro 23L
- Type: Backpack cooler
- Capacity: 18 cans
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Price: Approximately $150
Pros of IceMule Pro 23L
- Backpack Design: Convenient for hiking and carrying on your back.
- Insulated: Keeps items cold for up to 24 hours.
- Durable Materials: Made from tough, waterproof materials.
Cons of IceMule Pro 23L
- Limited Capacity: May not hold enough for larger groups.
- Less Rigid: Can be challenging to pack efficiently.
To confirm it wasn’t just a marketing ploy, we researched reviews from the last five years and talked to users who had their IceMules for almost the same duration. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive – the IceMule Pro 23L stands out as the best option for a backpack cooler.
3. RTIC Soft Pack 30 Can
- Type: Rectangular soft cooler
- Capacity: 30 cans
- Weight: 4.0 lbs
- Price: Approximately $150
Pros of RTIC Soft Pack 30 Can
- Excellent Ice Retention: Keeps ice for several days, depending on conditions.
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty materials that resist punctures and tears.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for the quality.
Cons of RTIC Soft Pack 30 Can
- Bulkier Design: May take up more space than other options.
- Limited Color Options: Fewer styles available compared to competitors.
The RTIC Soft Pack stands out as the best cooler for road trips for several reasons. While many soft coolers are suitable for road travel, the RTIC Soft Pack impressed us with its affordability, leak-proof construction, watertight zipper, excellent insulation, and convenient flip-top lid. For road trips, we appreciated its streamlined exterior, which made loading it into a vehicle simple.
In contrast to other soft coolers, the RTIC lacks additional gear loops or mesh pockets that might snag on luggage or seatbelts, yet it still features multiple handles for easy adjustment and accessibility. We also found the removable shoulder strap handy for transporting it to and from the car. Ultimately, what convinced us were its insulation capabilities and leak-proof design.
4. Coleman Chiller 16-Can Soft Cooler
- Type: Lunch box cooler
- Capacity: 9 cans
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Price: Approximately $30
Pros of Coleman Chiller 16-Can Soft Cooler
- Budget-Friendly: One of the most affordable options available.
- Compact Size: Easy to carry and store.
- Insulated: Keeps items cool for several hours.
Cons of Coleman Chiller 16-Can Soft Cooler
- Limited Capacity: Not suitable for larger gatherings.
- Basic Features: Lacks advanced insulation and durability.
The Coleman Chiller 16-Can is an excellent option for working-class lunch boxes. It’s the most affordable and portable soft cooler available. Although the insulation isn’t very thick or high-quality, the zipper isn’t leakproof, and it can’t hold as much ice and drinks as some other options, its low price compensates for many of its shortcomings. If you only need to keep items cool for a few hours until lunchtime, this cooler offers great value for your money.
5. Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape
- Material: Nylon
- Capacity: 20 Liters
- Weight: 2.7 Pounds
- Price: Approximately $200
Pros
- Excellent Insulation: Keeps contents cold for up to 36 hours, making it ideal for long outings.
- Durable Construction: Made with a waterproof 600D polyester shell and welded seams for leak-proof transport.
- Comfortable to Carry: Features padded shoulder straps and a back panel for added comfort.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for various activities like hiking, picnics, and beach trips, holding up to 36 cans without ice.
Cons
- Small Opening: The opening is narrower, which can make it difficult to pack bulkier items.
- No Hip Belt: Lacks a hip belt for weight distribution, which may affect comfort during longer carries.
- Limited Storage Options: No zippered storage compartments for smaller items, relying on external lash points instead.
Many of these coolers resemble standard daypacks. The Day Escape features well-padded shoulder straps that provide solid support, even when filled with ice, food, and drinks, and has handles on the rear and sides to make it easy to put on and take off. It also boasts a waterproof exterior that withstands heavy use and includes outer lash points for securing it to a kayak or boat. Additionally, we appreciate the smooth zipper that opens with little effort (which isn’t always true for watertight designs), ensures a dependable seal, and can be easily realigned if it comes apart. Overall, the Day Escape’s stylish yet practical design quickly impressed us, making it our top pick for the best backpack cooler of the year.
The Hydro Flask Day Escape has a few drawbacks. Firstly, the opening is somewhat limited in size, making it challenging to fit larger items like egg cartons through the top (wraparound designs, such as those found in the RTIC cooler, are more effective for this). Secondly, there are no zippered compartments in the cooler, though the previously mentioned lash points and side pockets for water bottles should be adequate for most users. Lastly, it lacks a hip belt for weight distribution, but most individuals are unlikely to carry their cooler more than a mile from their vehicle (it isn’t a substitute for a full backpacking pack). However, for short trips to your preferred picnic area or fishing spot, the Day Escape is a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing backpack that offers solid insulation capabilities.
6. Snow Peak Soft Cooler
- Type: Soft cooler
- Capacity: 20 cans
- Weight: 3.0 lbs
- Price: Approximately $200
Pros
- Stylish Design: Sleek and modern appearance.
- Durable Materials: Made from high-quality, waterproof materials.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for various outdoor activities.
Cons
- Pricey: Higher than some budget options.
- Limited Capacity: May not hold enough for larger groups.
The Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 is large in dimensions, it is easy to carry thanks to its soft and flexible design. When we secured the wide handles with Velcro, we could comfortably carry the fully loaded cooler on our shoulders.
Moving a hard cooler of this size would typically need both hands. However, the adaptable walls let us compress and fold the cooler for convenient storage, helping us save space in a small apartment.
7. Cotopaxi Hielo 12L Cooler Bag
- Type: Eco-friendly soft cooler
- Capacity: 20 cans
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Price: Approximately $150
Pros of Cotopaxi Hielo
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from recycled materials.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Versatile Use: Great for various outdoor activities.
Cons of Cotopaxi Hielo
- Limited Color Options: Fewer styles available compared to competitors.
- Average Insulation: May not keep ice as long as some higher-end models.
OtterBox’s Tote Cooler is our top pick for insulated totes for day outings. Firstly, in terms of design: Cotopaxi is renowned for its bright and lively patterns, and the Hielo features a multi-colored design that distinguishes it from other products on the market (plus, each cooler has a unique color scheme).
Secondly, regarding eco-friendliness: each Hielo is made partly from recycled materials, and the company’s status as a climate-neutral, Certified B Corporation showcases its dedication to tackling social, environmental, and economic challenges. Additionally, we appreciate the Hielo’s zippered roll-top closure, which fastens with a buckle, making it easy and quick to pack – even when it’s full.
FAQs about Best Soft Coolers
What should I consider when choosing a soft cooler?
When selecting the best soft cooler, consider factors such as capacity, insulation, durability, and portability. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
How long do soft coolers keep ice?
The ice retention of soft coolers varies by model, but many can keep ice for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the cooler’s insulation and external conditions.
Are soft coolers worth the investment?
Yes, soft coolers are great for day trips and short outings. They are lightweight, portable, and easy to carry, making them a convenient option for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Choosing the best soft cooler can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. Whether you prioritize durability, insulation, or portability, there’s a perfect option for every adventurer.From the YETI Hopper Flip 12 to the Cotopaxi Hielo, each of these models offers unique features that cater to different needs.Investing in a quality soft cooler will ensure you enjoy every moment outdoors. So pack your cooler and get ready for your next adventure
