Still, if you’re looking for a cooler that has the aesthetics, design, and durability of a Yeti but don’t want to spend quite the amount (we don’t blame you), the Orca is a solid alternative. This cooler has functional storage compartments, ample room for a 24-pack of cans plus ice, and durable construction. It fell short in terms of insulation and igloo trailmate security, as the ice melted fairly quickly and seeped through during the drop test. We think the size that fits 30 cans offers a good balance of capacity and portability, but you can also get it in 12-, 20-, or 40-can sizes. The cooler also comes in various colors, from muted tones like bluish-gray and tan to vibrant options like citrus and coral.
Each bag weighs less than 1 lb., and storage space ranges from six to 36 cans. The items in this cooler will stay cold for long than most of Igloo’s other options, as the ice retention can function for two days. igloo soft cooler This comes in handy for triathlons and other long competitions that will require plenty of drinks and snacks for refreshment. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs.
Once you’re in the 50-quart range and up, you’re in the large-capacity territory fit for longer adventures or big outdoor gatherings. The REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack outlasted it when it comes to refreshing beverage temps, holding below 50° F for 59 hours. However, the Cool Trail Pack failed to stay below 40° F after just 9 hours, making us not excited to entrust it to keep any sensitive food items fresh. Our expert panel consists of Senior Review Editor Maggie Nichols and her crew of adventure-loving friends.
And we dig the bonus features like side pockets, webbing to attach gear to, and an attached bottle opener. Despite the product’s claim to be a leakproof cooler, we did have some leaking. But it was minimal and basically a non-issue considering the cooler’s price and how it faired in other portions of our test. The third Hydro Flask design to make our list this season is the 20 L Carry Out Soft Cooler, which splits the difference between their Insulated Tote 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 and water-resistant, along with welded seams to keep spills and splashes at bay.
If we had to generalize it, we would say that you should expect to get approximately half of the claimed ice retention time in real-world use, give or take a bit depending on your specific circumstances. Whether you’re going the super affordable route or looking for coolers with the most high-end design features, you can find the perfect Igloo cooler bag right here. We loved its retro-inspired style, ability to fit wine bottles, comfortable straps, and leak-free design. The only caveats were its high price and a small front pocket that didn’t serve much of a purpose, as it couldn’t even fit a smartphone. All in all, it’s an excellent choice if you’re willing to spend more.
©2023 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. Additionally, as dry ice constantly emits carbon dioxide, store it outdoors or, lacking that, in a well-ventilated area. The build quality and aesthetics of each cooler were also taken into consideration. We’re the testing team at Reviewed, which means we designed and implemented the experiments involved in this article.
The compact cooler was full of brews, sparkling water, and lunch food. We really liked the touch of the side rope handles — they’re smooth, tough, and easy to grab and hold. The cooler’s exterior is made with stout ripstop nylon that easily wipes down. The Igloo Pursuit Tote ($100) preserved our bubbly water, hummus, pepperoni, peppers, and arugula while car camping and crewing the Hardrock 100. The Mountainsmith Sixer ($35) was a great cooler for lunch on the go.
In terms of keeping things cold, this Coleman soft cooler fell to the back of the pack of the soft coolers we tested. Our sensors showed us it warmed up to 40°F after just 26 hours, which places the Coleman in the bottom half of the coolers we tested. With Igloo’s soft coolers, you have plenty of choices, depending on the situation. While all of these soft coolers have a touch of black on the outside, the three main choices for colors are agama teal, blaze red and acid green.
Before we started timing how long our drinks stayed cold, this review began with market research into which soft coolers are even worth testing. 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.
Shorter, more compact coolers are easier to fit in tight spaces on a boat. Soft coolers that are wider or more bucket-style are easier to access, as far as finding a specific item. Coolers like the OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler with a broad, flat surface that rests against you can help absorb that swing and bounce.