Let the interior completely air dry or use a towel to wipe down before zipping shut for storage. A soft cooler’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, and handles. The most common are waterproof and leakproof zippers or non-waterproof and leakproof zippers. The exterior is made of synthetic plastic and nylon, so it’s not resilient for a rugged whitewater trip but is suitable for basecamp.
On the backside of the exterior, there’s a small pocket with a zip closure that’s big enough for a spork, ID, or that lean, removable shoulder strap. Overall, we found the REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft igloo trailmate Cooler 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.
Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store
where some exclusions may apply. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store where some exclusions may apply. When you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a pack’s ice retention, including the frequency of opening the cooler, direct sunlight, and ambient temperature. For instance, the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler preserved ice for 60 hours during our test but only for 18 hours during one toasty car camp trip. For a variety of conditions, the soft coolers in this guide provide enough cooling power to serve a range of recreation needs. Each soft cooler was stationed indoors at around 65 degrees, shaded, and filled with the same ratio and type of ice.
To keep the weight down, this Pelican soft cooler’s insulation measures only half-an-inch thick. It kept its interior below 40°F for 27 hours—one of the lowest of any of the soft coolers we tested. Performance issues aside, this Coleman soft cooler is easy to store and easy to carry, and a fine soft cooler option for day trips or hikes.
Igloo’s small Playmate coolers are also perfect for your everyday needs, keeping everyone’s lunch cold on the worksite for over 45 years. A soft sided cooler that accommodates 12 cans of your favorite drinks, ideal for picnics, family outings or tailgating. Packing the cooler is simple and easy, just unzip by using the dual zippers located at the top. The main compartment is spacious, the interior is designed with an enhanced insulation and antimicrobial liner. On the front is a zippered pocket for holding your smartphone, keys or other essentials.
But even with a pad, the strap was not comfortable for the weight-to-weight ratio of this tall cooler. So don’t plan on walking far with this softie or make sure your shoulders are covered for a little extra cushion. We were impressed with how slender this large bag feels, due to the tapered design and sleek crown to this tote.
We also tested the Orca Walker Tote ($225), which is equally well-made but in a slightly different style. This Igloo product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service for 1 year from the date of original purchase. For additional information, please visit the Warranty Service page under Customer Care.