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.
But when the handgrip is detached into two separate pieces, they’re not comfortable to grasp. If you have limited storage space, consider the REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler ($50). This origami-inspired design collapses and folds flat when it’s not a cube or a tote.
A final highlight is the accessory-ready exterior, which allows you to easily connect add-ons like their Rambler Bottle Sling or SideKick Dry Gear Case (sold separately). During the warmer months, there’s nothing better than sitting on a beach or in a park with a cold can of something refreshing and some chilled snacks to munch on. While we’ve previously tested igloo water cooler hard-sided coolers, we decided to focus on soft-sided coolers, which promise to keep food and drinks cold without the heft and bulk. Much like the brand’s hard-sided gallery, Yeti delivers best-in-class soft designs with the Hopper Flip. It powerfully preserves ice and keeps fare colder for longer, which is key for full-send days and muggy, hot conditions.
Boasting a waterproof exterior and leakproof zipper, the Flip kept temperatures below 40 degrees F for two and a half days. Despite not having a lid whatsoever, the RovR KeepR did exceptionally well holding its chilly temperatures. Staying cold by its center ice bucket, it lasted almost 70 hours, or about three days, below 40 degrees. Our expert panel consists of Maggie Nichols, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Becca Glades. Whether it be setting off on a trip in her van or hanging out by the crag, she always has a cooler full of goodies to keep her company.
Premium models tend to have great cushioning along the straps, as evidenced by RovR’s TravelR 30, RTIC’s Soft Pack Cooler, and Engel’s HD30. Backpack coolers like the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape are the easiest to manage with full harnesses that can be worn like a standard daypack (we outline these more in depth below). After researching today’s best soft coolers, we selected several to try firsthand, including mini ice chests with soft-sided walls, insulated totes, foldable bags, lunch boxes, and cooler backpacks. After inspecting the coolers, we recorded our first impressions of the materials, capacity, quality, and appearance. Next, we packed them with drinks, food, and ice and brought them along to multiple outings to see how they performed in real-life settings. While we tested during cooler fall temperatures, the Walker delivered days of ice retention versus the hours we got from flimsier bag-style soft coolers.
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. igloo trailmate 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.
This handy pack stayed under 40 degrees for 60 hours and 67 hours under 50 degrees. The Engel BP25 follows close behind, only differing in the 50 degree test, lasting 64 hours. Rather than a zip top, the BP25 has a roll top, resembling a dry bag. Though not completely waterproof, we still find ourselves reaching for its straightforward functionality and above-average insulation time and time again. The most inexpensive cooler we generally recommend is the Arctic Zone Titan. It’s surprisingly easy to use and handy for infrequent use at a bargain price.
Currently we offer FREE FedEx/UPS small package Ground shipping and FREE ABF/YRC freight ground shipping on most orders of $199 or more within the 48 contiguous states. Some irregular shaped or oversized items may include a special handling charge. The charge will show on the product detail page of applicable products. For the igloo water cooler most part, this backpack did a good job preventing leaks, though a small amount of water seeped through once the ice melted. When filling it with perishable food, we were able to fit quite a lot inside, along with enough ice packs to keep everything cold. We’re big fans of the retro appearance and structured design too.