Heading to the beach? Road tripping? A weekend camping by the lake? Or just need something to keep the drinks cool whilst paddling on a sunny afternoon? For days when keeping your cucumber sandwiches from turning into a sweating mush feels tougher than summiting Mont Blanc, you need a quality cooler. Of course, a typically bulky hard cooler can work as well as a freezer on a multi-day trip. But when it comes to practicality and versatility, compact and lightweight soft coolers are far better suited to outdoor excursions than hard coolers. Particularly when you travel without a private vehicle.
- The best soft coolers in 2023
- What to look for when choosing the best soft coolers
- Features of the best soft coolers
Summary table of the best soft coolers in 2023
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| Product | Capacity | Carry system | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler | 29 litres (12 cans + gear storage) | Backpack | $$ |
| Engel Coolers Waterproof Soft-Sided Cooler Bag | 32qt | Shoulder strap | $$$ |
| Red Watertight Cool Bag | 18 litres / 28 cans | Shoulder strap | $$$ |
| Hydro Flask Soft Cooler Pack | 22 litres | Backpack | $$$$ |
| OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler | 20 qt | Shoulder strap | $$$ |
| Homitt Soft Cooler | 20 can | Shoulder strap | $$ |
| Mountainsmith The Sixer- Soft Sided Cooler | 10 litres / 6 cans | Shoulder strap | $ |
| Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack | 18 cans | Backpack | $$$$ |
| Icemule Pro | 20 litre / 18 cans | Backpack | $$ |
| AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler | 12 cans | Shoulder strap | $ |
| Polar Bear Coolers H2O Waterproof Cooler | 12 cans | Shoulder strap | $$ |
The best soft coolers in 2023
REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler
Designed to be carried on your back, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler is a practical companion for a short hike. It’s made with a recycled ripstop-nylon outer, with a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps. The total capacity of the pack is 29 litres but split into two section. The upper compartment provides storage for your personal kit while the lower compartment holds a removable cool bag. Access to the cooler section is easy thanks for the suitcase-style zippered opening. The cooler can hold up to 12 cans, standing upright, or 6 lbs of ice. The Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler is leakproof and claims to keep things cool for up to 40 hours.
Pros
- Multi-functional – pack can be used with or without the cooler bag
- Features external pockets and gear attachment points
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No waist strap – when full, this pack may be uncomfortable to carry longer distances
Find the latest price at:
REI
Engel Coolers Waterproof Soft-Sided Cooler Bag
The HD30 soft-sided cooler from Engle is one of the best soft coolers on the market right now. Its rugged TPU outer wall makes it a durable companion for outdoor activities while the fully taped seams and waterproof zipper mean that you can confidently take this cooler out on the water with you, or leave it out in the rain. One of its key features is the vacuum valve which draws excess air from the insulation and keeps your ice cool for longer. Its quality insulation even outperforms market leader Yeti. It is one of the largest coolers on the market, with a 48 can capacity. Despite this, the Engle soft cooler is very portable. The combination of a padded shoulder strap, side handles, and top handles make it comfortable to carry in three different ways. The cooler also features a removable bottle opener and external zippered pocket.
Pros
- Excellent insulation
- Comfortable to carry
- Durable and fully waterproof main compartment
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- The external pocket is not waterproof
- Bulky
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Red Watertight Cool Bag
The Red Watertight Cool Bag is a very similar design to the Homitt Soft Cooler, but with a few additional features that make it ideal for those with a penchant for water-based adventures. Yes, it is fully waterproof with mega robust zippers that keeps sea water out, and melt water in. And yes, it is made from exceptionally robust, high density fabric on the outside. Both of these features — together with the thermal-lock, closed cell non-absorbent insulation — contribute to the excellent insulation that keeps ice as ice for around 24 hours. The cool bag also has external pockets on both sides which are perfect for storing utensils or salt and pepper etc — things that don’t need cooling. Plus, there is a luggage tension system which allows the bag to be securely attached to a stand up paddle board or canoe without any risk of it toppling overboard. The best soft cooler for SUP adventures!
For more information read our full review of the Red Watertight Cool Bag.
Pros
- Excellent insulation
- Durable and fully waterproof main compartment
- Designed for water-based adventures
Cons
- Pricey
Find the latest price at:
Red Paddle Co
Hydro Flask Soft Cooler Pack
Weighing in at only 3 pounds, the Unbound 22L soft cooler from Hydro Flask is one of the lightest on the market. It’s designed to keep food and drinks cool for 48 hours. The 22L capacity and padded shoulder straps make it a comfortable soft cooler for a day hike or overnight trip. We also like that this soft cooler combines usefulness with style: its sleek aesthetic comes in a range of four colours! Plus, the main compartment features a hinged and waterproof zippered lid which is easy to pack and clean. And the external mesh and zippered pockets are convenient for storing small items. The Hydro Flask Unbound also has an FDA approved and BPA free, anti-microbial liner. It is one of the most expensive soft coolers on the market, however, the Unbound comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable carry system
- Practical design
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler
The OtterBox Trooper 20 is tough enough to challenge even a hard-shell cooler. Its exterior is not just durable enough to withstand drops, scrapes, punctures, and UV rays, but it’s also fully waterproof and leakproof. The Trooper 20 has a water and dustproof rating of IP-65, plus tie-down points which means that it’s both tough and practical for rough water excursions. The manufacturer claims that its foam insulated lid and thermal insulation will hold ice for up to 3 days. This 20-litre model comes with a wide and comfortable shoulder strap and a mounting system for external attachments, while the larger 30L version also features detachable backpack straps. Like the Hydro Flask Unbound, the OtterBox Trooper 20 comes with a pretty high price tag, however, users can expect an easy-open and long-lasting soft cooler with a lifetime warranty.Pros
- Super durable
- Good for water sports
- Very functional design
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- High price tag
- Not very compact
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REI
Homitt Soft Cooler
This Homitt Cooler is a versatile soft cooler for extended picnics or weekend camping trip. Both the interior and exterior are made from an insulating TPU with a thick layer of high-density foam in between. The Homitt Soft Cooler is a practical size for carrying and still provides enough space for 20 cans. It’s also available in a 10 can or 30 can size. The two side handle straps and adjustable shoulder strap make it quick and easy to grab on your way out, while the fully opening lid makes cleaning any spillages a breeze. Best of all this Homitt soft cooler comes with a reasonable mid-range price.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Two ways to carry
- Convenient size
- Good insulation
Cons
- Can’t hold ice for as long as more expensive coolers
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Amazon
Mountainsmith The Sixer Cooler
The Sixer Cooler from Mountainsmith is one of the cheapest soft-sided coolers on the market. Its design is simple but surprisingly practical; deeper than it is wide and sealed with a barrel-top zipper. You’ll have no problems storing bottles upright. The interior is lined with a waterproof, leakproof, and easy to clean PEVA fabric while the outer fabric is made from baby ripstop nylon. The Sixer Cooler isn’t as high-tech as others on this list, but its functional design and handy features (such as an adjustable shoulder strap, top handle, and rear pocket) make it one of the best budget soft coolers of 2023.Pros
- Simple design
- Leakproof
- Cheap
Cons
- Won’t retain ice as long as other coolers
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler
Yeti is well known for topping the marketplace with their high-quality coolers and the Hopper M20 doesn’t disappoint. Updated in 2023, the new version of the Hopper uses a top entry system instead of a zipper, which is magnetised for easy opening and closing. Additonally, there are loads of daisy-chain points, on the sides and front of the cooler, to attach extra gear as well as Yeti accessories for hands-free hauling.
The cooler features padded shoulder straps with an adjustable chest strap, as well as a padded back panel for comfortable carrying. But most importantantly, this stylish and functional soft cooler backpack can fit 18 cans inside when a 2:1 ice to can ratio is used.
Pros
- High density fabric is puncture and UV resistant
- Comfortable to carry
- Easy opening and closing
- Multiple tie-down points
Cons
- Temperature retention could be better
- High price
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Yeti | REI | Backcountry
Icemule Pro
The Icemule Pro is one of the most portable soft coolers on the market due to its backpack strap and padded back panel. The easy to open dry-bag top means that there’s no messing about with zippers or latches. Meanwhile, the muleskin fabric is very tough and fully waterproof. Although the insulation is not as effective as more traditional soft coolers, the Polarlayer insulation foam still keeps ice frozen for over 24 hours. It also features an IM Air Valve which allows you to, firstly, add air for better insulation and, secondly, release air for easy storage.Pros
- Easy to carry
- Simple design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Difficult to pack when not full
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler
Designed to keep foods and drinks cool or hot for 24 hours, the 12 Can Canvas Soft Cooler from AO Coolers is compact enough to count as carry-on luggage and cheap enough that it won’t put much of a dent in your travel funds. Like others on this list, it’s made from a durable TPU fabric which is abrasion and puncture resistant and waterproof. Its removable shoulder strap, two top handles, and clip-down sides give you plenty of carrying options and ways of securing it whilst driving or boating.
Pros
- Budget price tag
- Sleek design
- Available in multiple sizes
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- May not live up to its claims to hold ice for 24 hours
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Amazon
Polar Bear Coolers H2O Waterproof Cooler
The H20 Waterproof Cooler from Polar Bear is made from a rugged TPU fabric and fitted with a YKK Zipper which makes it fully waterproof and practical for wet weather activities. The multiple tie-down points and skid-proof bottom helps prevent the Polar Bear H20 from falling off your stand-up paddleboard, too! The Dura-Temp liner and cold cell insulation, plus the included 4 pack of ice coolers, will keep the contents both cool and sweat free during an outdoors excursion. Other features we like about this Polar Bear soft cooler include its removable shoulder strap, padded top handles, and bottle opener. It also comes in a choice of three sizes; 12 can, 24 can, or 48 can.Pros
- Many attachment points
- Durable and waterproof exterior
- Available in three sizes
- Mid-range price
Cons
- May leak if turned upside down
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
What to look for when choosing the best soft coolers
There’s more to choosing the best soft coolers than colour, size, and price. Also, while ice retention is a key factor, it’s not necessarily the winning feature. Here are a few things to consider when looking for the best soft cooler to suit your needs:
Portability
The main reason why you would opt for a soft cooler over a hard cooler is down to portability. Hard coolers hold their temperature for longer. But they are heavy and cumbersome. So it is key that if portability is important, you choose a soft cooler that is lightweight and easy to carry. To make carry your soft cooler as easy as possible, these are your options:
Carry handles
These make lifting a cooler from A to B very easy. They should have some padding on to comfortably carry a cooler short distances.
Shoulder straps
These are good for carrying your cooler a little way: from the car to the beach or through the park to your picnic spot. Shoulder straps should be adjustable in length with padding, and they are often removeable.
Backpack straps
For those wanting to carry a cooler for any significant distance, backpack straps are essential. They will be lightly padded, often with a sternum strap of waist belt for extra stability. Soft coolers with backpack straps are essential for getting off the beaten track.
Material
The fabric is important because even a soft cooler should be durable enough to resist punctures and abrasions when hiking through prickly scrub. Soft coolers made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or Dryhide, or those with a rubberized base, are usually the toughest and the most waterproof too.
Insulation
The thicker the insulation, the better is it. But its effectiveness also comes down to a few other things. The toughness of the external fabric, if the cooler is waterproof or not and whether the zippers are watertight all contribute to the insulation. As does the closure system. If a cooler is air tight then it will be a more effective insulator than if air is seeping in or out.
Waterproof
If you plan on taking your cooler out on water-based adventures then having a fully waterproof cooler is key. This is also a desirable feature if you tend to like rainy weather adventures! Having a waterproof cooler means that moisture should stay inside the cooler, as well as being prevented from getting in. Super important to stop it leaking all over your gear, or leaking over you when you’re carrying it.
To ensure that the best soft coolers don’t leak, they tend to be fitted with heavy duty YKK or Hydrolock zippers.
Value
The best soft-sided cooler for you may not be the one with the highest price tag. While soft coolers, such as those produced by Yeti and OtterBox, with thick ColdCell insulation and a high-quality liner will be able to retain ice for far longer. However, they also tend to be heavier and come with a much higher price tag. If you’re simply looking for a cooler to tuck into your suitcase then a budget soft cooler made from ripstop nylon can do the job just fine.
Features of the best soft coolers
Other features of soft coolers include:
- Tie-down points
- Removable bottle opener
- Vacuum valves
- Exterior pockets
These items may not be essential, but they’re still useful and worth considering when selecting the best soft cooler in 2023.
Taking meal-time outside is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So fill up that soft cooler with fresh food and cool beers and take your dinner table out into the wild!
