To test the portability of each soft cooler, the team walked around with each of the coolers to see how comfortable they were to carry. The coolers were all tipped upside down to see if they were, in fact, leakproof. Performance wise, this Igloo soft cooler proved itself to be below average—keeping the interior cool for about 38 hours, about 60% behind the Yeti Flip.
When fully loaded with a whopping 39 cans, we wish we had a waist belt to take some weight off our shoulders. But for lighter loads, wearing the IceMule is like carrying a small backpack. Yeti is the Cadillac of cooler manufacturers and credited igloo trailmate cooler with catalyzing the growth of the premium hard-sided market. Their top-end M30 is case in point, combining thick, closed-cell foam insulation with a burly and hardwearing shell that’s confidence-inspiring and highly resistant to snags and tears.
Hard coolers tend to be better for longer trips or catering to larger group sizes, while soft coolers are great for shorter trips for fewer people. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs. Ultimately, due to the ice retention, the Igloo Pursuit Tote is a solid option for errands and small trips but be sure to cool the bag before use. According to the ice retention test, this cooler can retain ice for 40 hours. The design is super lightweight and felt comfortable to carry around.
The second Hydro Flask design to make our list this season is the 20 L Carry Out Soft Cooler, which splits the difference between their 20 L Insulated Tote ($65) and backpack-style Day Escape above. For just $90, the Carry Out is the largest option of the bunch with a 38-can capacity (without ice), and the wraparound zipper makes access and cleaning quick and easy. And like the premium Day Escape, the Carry Out boasts a thick (600D) exterior that’s highly durable igloo soft cooler and water-resistant, along with welded seams to keep spills and splashes at bay. Tack on a handy stash pocket at the front and webbing loops to attach Hydro Flask’s Dry Storage accessories, and the Carry Out stands out as an excellent value for what you get. Other coolers such as the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler have an additional exterior zip-up pocket that fits small items, like your phone, keys, and wallet, and is waterproof for extra safekeeping.
However, it’s not leakproof, so you’ll want to be careful not to drop it when transporting liquids. Wipe interior and exterior igloo trailmate cooler surfaces clean before storing and between uses. Light dirt or stains can be cleaned with water or mild detergent.