The coolers we tested feature a wide variety and quality of materials. We assessed durability over months of use, paying attention to how they handle daily rigors. We threw them around, dropped them on the ground, and filled them to the brim with heavy drinks.
igloo soft coolerThe Mountainsmith Takeout ($30) accompanied us on a standup paddleboard session down Colorado’s Slate River, a mellow run sans whitewater. This cute cooler carried and chilled several cans of microbrews and several sparkling waters. We also used it day-to-day on drives to bring along lunch, snacks, and beverages. The shape and weight feel easy to move around, and the handles are comfortable.
igloo water cooler“If it’s too small, you can’t keep all your perishables at safe temperatures,” says Serge Krikorian, executive chef and owner of Vibrant Occasions Catering. If it’s too big however, it’ll be “harder to transport and will need more ice in order to keep the perishables at a proper temperature,” says Krikorian. While brands often advertise their coolers’ capacity using both quarts and the number of 12-ounce cans that can fit inside, keep in mind that only some companies factor ice into that equation. Below are some of the most popular hard and soft coolers on the market.
Despite being left in the car for a full day following the river outing, the cooler still had ice and felt cold. That well-founded retention is thanks to the brand’s blend of proprietary insulation, interior radiant barrier, and thick base made of three layers of SuperFoam. We also found the water- and stain-resistant exterior very durable.
And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise
credit at the lowest price within the last 90 days. Proper ID will be required in the form of a valid, state-
issued driver’s license or state ID card. We reserve the right to limit, or refuse returns without a receipt. We pay attention to that variable to know if a cooler needs to always be upright.
We’ve tested several of this style, and the IceMule Pro is hands down our favorite for sheer carrying comfort. It has soft, wide shoulder straps, a longer torso for more even weight distribution, and a flexible shape that accommodates whatever you’ve filled it with. The walls of the cooler can also be inflated or deflated with a simple valve, adding both insulation and comfort against your back. In the face of some innovative competition, for years now, the IceMule remains the most comfortable model we’ve tested for carrying moderate provisions on a multi-mile hike. Over the last 7 years, we’ve vetted, purchased, and tested over 30 soft coolers.