igloo water coolerBut it aptly redeemed itself as an extremely hardy, dependable, and easy-to-operate soft cooler. Whatever drinks and snacks your soft cooler holds will be able to stay in prime consuming condition thanks to the insulation. Whether it’s beer for game night or desserts for a follow up to pizza, the night will end with delicious meals.
Traditional hard-sided coolers lead the charge in ice retention and durability, but for those who don’t need a week’s worth of cold food and drinks, a soft-sided cooler can be a viable alternative. Compared to hard models, soft coolers are considerably lighter, easier to carry, and often save you a good deal of cash. From burly waterproof options to packable designs that collapse down for easy storage, below we break down the top soft coolers of 2023. For more background information, check out our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you’re less concerned about portability and instead prioritize cooling capabilities and durability, we’ve also compiled a list of the best hard-sided coolers.
igloo water coolerWhile we tested during cooler fall temperatures, the Walker delivered days of ice retention versus the hours we got from flimsier bag-style soft coolers. Those times would be shortened in direct sun and high temps, but the thick walls of the Walker are more than enough for a day at the beach. In our lab, the temperature inside the tote actually dropped 8 degrees between two hours and 24 hours after filling it with ice.
Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company’s efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. In the pursuit of data, he’s plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. In most situations, the best way to utilize dry ice is to place it at the bottom of your cooler, wrapped in newspaper. Place the items you’d like to stay frozen or colder on top of dry ice.
From the office to the gym, on lunch break in between classes or weekend adventures, there is always a time and place for an Igloo insulated cooler bag. Our cooler bags come in a wide variety of silhouettes colors and patterns – it’s time to travel in style. Our cooler backpacks, totes and bags are great for day trips and picnics to keep your food cold during the day.
Whether you depend on Playmate for backyard parties, BMX and Sportsman for athletic activities, or Yukon and Trailmate for outdoor adventures, Igloo’s ice chest will make your occasion much more enjoyable. Here are our reviews for Igloo soft coolers that combine convenience with fun. While the can measurement standard is helpful, keep in mind you’ll need to devote at least some of that volume to ice.
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. 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. When it comes to ice retention we would expect better results with the Yeti Hopper.
The leak-resistant design keeps water from getting out and turning your drinks warm, and the waterproof exterior keeps excess water from getting in. The straps are adjustable so that carrying the cooler is a piece of cake, and the grip handles are made of rubber to ensure that. 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 and snacks for refreshment.
Justin Park is a Breckenridge, Colorado-based writer and videographer covering action sports, health & fitness, and the outdoors. From multi-day backpacking and hunting trips to simple road trips to weeks on Lake Powell in 100+ degree temperatures, he’s dependent on quality coolers in the field. He currently likes the Hydro Flask Day Escape 20L for quick road-tripping and the Yeti BackFlip for more serious cooling on the go. Yeti claims the Hopper BackFlip 24 can hold 20 cans at a two to one ice ratio. The Cordova traveler soft cooler is also a good alternative to the Igloo Reactor series.