A cooler this volume sans rigidity shouldn’t be comfortable to carry, we assumed, but the loaded Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 hoists like a nice handbag. The malleable walls are actually soft and easy for one person to tote to the tailgate whereas a solid cooler with 10 gallons of fodder and refreshments can be awkward for strolls without wheels. After a day trip, the cooler also squishes down to stash in a lean space. Though the top zipper isn’t leakproof, the ice retention is reliable enough for a car camping getaway. So whether you are river rafting, SUPing from beach to beach, park BBQ-ing or road tripping to ski volcanoes or trailhead tailgating, these coolers are stout enough to answer the call. Based on our own testing, this guide shares beta on the top choices for soft coolers that keep the goodies cold and portable.
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. We were surprised to see the cooler’s exterior sweat quite a bit during the ice retention test. The ice melted at a faster igloo trailmate rate compared to other coolers, lasting for about 60 hours, but well above the brand’s 36-hour stamp. 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.
But when the handgrip is detached into two separate pieces, they’re not comfortable to grasp. If you have limited storage space, consider the REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler ($50). This origami-inspired design collapses and folds flat when it’s not a cube or a tote.
The SnackR containers were also great for pouring in fresh, chilled salsa and carrying sliced cheese. They were easy to slide in and stack on top of items inside the cooler. While adventuring, this cooler did a noteworthy job of preserving ice in sunny conditions and exceeded the capabilities igloo water cooler of other coolers we tested. A two-way zipper provides easy top access, and the cube shape nicely slides into tight spaces on a boat or in the truck bed. But we wish the side mesh water bottle pockets were hardy like the rest of the cooler — they felt flimsy and easily snagged.
This handy pack stayed under 40 degrees for 60 hours and 67 hours under 50 degrees. The Engel BP25 follows close behind, only differing in the 50 degree test, lasting 64 hours. Rather than a zip top, the BP25 has a roll top, resembling a dry bag. Though not completely waterproof, we still find ourselves reaching for its straightforward functionality and above-average insulation time and time again. The most inexpensive cooler we generally recommend is the Arctic Zone Titan. It’s surprisingly easy to use and handy for infrequent use at a bargain price.