igloo soft coolerDepending on the size and type you’re planning to take with you, you may have already put some limitations on your adventures. Without considering overall capacity, the most portable coolers will be more comfortable to carry for longer distances and amounts of time. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs. Choose a soft cooler based on the storage capacity and type of support you need for the load. A super malleable product like the Snow Peak Soft Cooler might not be the best for carrying dozens of heavy cans compared to a more rigid design like the RovR TravelR 30.
Finally, foam storage boxes are best for transporting trays of prepared food, according to our experts. Some hard coolers make travel easier with wheels, straps and handles, according to our experts. That said, if you’re trying to travel as light as possible, opt for a soft cooler with foam insulation. They often weigh significantly less and you can wear some designs over your shoulder like a backpack for hands-free travel.
The higher-end models feature heavy rubber or treated nylon, have heavy-duty zippers and components, reinforced and welded seams, and more robust designs and construction. All of these aspects affect the overall durability and lasting power. Need one of the best coolers for keeping ice for days on your next camping trip? We also have recommendations for a plethora of other camping accessories. From the best camping stoves to the best camping tents and coziest and top-ranked sleeping bags, we’ve got the scoop on the gear that’s worth your money (and the stuff that isn’t). If the cooler’s seams are not welded and leakproof, they can leak.
Carhartt’s take on the soft cooler is this dual-compartment backpack. The lower section is insulated for keeping drinks and perishable items cold, the upper portion is meant to hold anything else you want to bring along, and there’s a front zipper pocket for small items. You could technically fit 24 cans if you put them in both compartments and didn’t add any ice.
Every year the number of impressive-looking soft coolers seems to grow, and we’ve been expanding our selection of test-worthy models for seven years. Our in-depth insulation testing was developed in conjunction with Steven Tata, whose background in engineering helped us to design realistic and intensive testing of these coolers. Testing consists of a quantitative ice melt test and extensive field use. The ice melt test was carried out in a controlled environment with the internal temperature of the coolers monitored and analyzed in accordance with the USDA’s Refrigeration and Food Safety Guidelines. Field use takes place in various environments, from hot desert hikes to road trips from muggy Minnesota to sunny California, for a well-rounded set of conditions. All this adds up to a comprehensive review, which will thoroughly equip you to make a well-suited soft cooler purchase.
igloo water coolerThis 100-quart option holds up to 160 cans and can keep ice frozen for days in temps as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. It also has built-in cup holders that can hold 30-ounce tumblers and are molded to the lid to prevent spills. Plus, its 6-inch wheels and handle help make for easy travel, according to Coleman. The durable lid doubles as a seat that can support up to 250 pounds, while the leakproof drain plug and stain-resistant liner help with cleanup, as detailed on the brand’s website.