Carrying a large number of cans is always going to be more challenging than a small load, but, luckily, the sturdy handles and comfortable shoulder strap make trips as smooth as possible. After testing soft coolers in our lab and then at home for six months, we determined our favorites based on factors like insulation, design, capacity, portability, and intended use. Keep scrolling to see which ones made our list and why they are worth the money. Among smaller coolers, those with volumes 20L or less, the REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 is a top performer. Despite lacking a waterproof exterior or leakproof zipper, the Cool Haul kept temperatures below 40° F for a whopping 61 hours, which is just over 2.5 days.
In use, we’ve found these to be incredibly useful and helpful for keeping track of our belongings whether we’re spending a day at a local state park or enjoying an afternoon at the beach. We also appreciate when these pockets are water-resistant, which provides a little extra assurance against splashes or precipitation. A few models that include functional stash pockets include the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler, ORCA Walker Tote, and Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze.
Lubricant needs to be reapplied to zippers frequently, especially in dry, hot, outdoor environments. Of course, large capacity always comes with a trade-off in how far you’re willing to carry it. Even with a friend to help, this fully-loaded bag isn’t the ideal cooler to cart a mile down the beach. A tough, reliable soft cooler can keep your food and beverages cold while you hike, take a day trip, picnic, or tailgate. Best of all, unlike a hard-sided cooler, many of the best soft coolers can be collapsed down for easy storage when not in use. Being able to store cold and warm food is among the best benefits of Igloo soft coolers.
There are two zippered pockets, including one that fits a phone, and two huge, broad mesh pockets. The Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53) is a great budget cooler that keeps our ice cold for long durations. A trio took the cooler fly fishing on Colorado’s Gunnison River, carrying along igloo water cooler water and various canned beverages. The OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler ($250) bummed us out at first because it lacks a comfortable handle on the lid like its smaller, discontinued version. But it aptly redeemed itself as an extremely hardy, dependable, and easy-to-operate soft cooler.
If you’re hoping to supply an afternoon picnic full of refreshments for everyone in your party, the Trail Pack will handle the extra weight better. But where do you want to go with your cooler, and how do you want to get there? Depending on the size and type you’re planning to take with you, you may have already put some limitations on your adventures. Without considering igloo water cooler overall capacity, the most portable coolers will be more comfortable to carry for longer distances and amounts of time. The REI models (the Cool Haul, Trail Pack, and Pack Away) and the AO 24 Pack all have traditional, user-friendly zippers and just the right amount of handy design elements and features. The AO and REI Pack Away are as easy to use as a simple duffel bag.
This model also features a protective layer on its underside to help protect against abrasion. After years of testing and retesting, the Engel HD30 also performed admirably in our intensive hot-room testing, lasting a full 73 hours below 40° F internally. The Engel then continued to maintain internal temperatures at refreshing, sub 50° F for 88 and 79 hours, respectively. The Engel’s watertight zipper effectively seals insulated sides that are nearly 2 inches thick. A soft cooler on wheels can be easier to transport than one with only handles.
Soft cooler totes are long, slender, and streamlined against your side. However, taller coolers get trickier with access to buried items, so you have to be mindful when packing the cooler. Ultimately, the ice retention is not as dependable as other coolers, in part because the cold water drains out. According to our ice retention test, this cooler is able to hold ice for nearly 45 hours. While we liked the size, capacity, and shape of the TravelR, the hand straps are not cushioned or wide enough to comfortably carry this cooler when it’s loaded with all the eats, drinks, and ice. We tested all of the accessories, and most enjoyed pulling clean, super cold ice out of the Icer to put directly into our lemonade while boogying to music all day outside.