We fully loaded these coolers, walked with them for miles, and went through hundreds of pounds of ice. No matter your budget or needs, our exhaustive testing will help you identify the perfect cooler for you. While we like the large size, the bulky design can be somewhat awkward to carry in that you might accidentally knock into someone if you bring it inside a store. It’s not necessarily difficult or uncomfortable, though, thanks to the cushioned shoulder strap.
Boxier coolers can be easier to stack — as long as the walls and base are rigid — while sleeker coolers can more likely slip behind a seat in your car. Shorter, more compact igloo water cooler coolers are easier to fit in tight spaces on a boat. We also tested the Orca Walker Tote ($225), which is equally well-made but in a slightly different style.
We periodically checked, making notes regarding melt rate, condensation, and leaks. Each reported time is based on when 100% of the ice was converted to water. But when traveling outdoors, these controlled variables disappear and the ice will likely melt faster. We took this cooler on a two-person, 3,400-mile road trip from Colorado to Washington for ski mountaineering followed by ocean surfing.
Despite not having a lid whatsoever, the RovR KeepR did exceptionally well holding its chilly temperatures. Staying cold by its center ice bucket, it lasted almost 70 hours, or about three days, below 40 degrees. The AO loses some points since its exterior and zipper are not waterproof, though the regular zipper is much easier to use than waterproof ones, which typically require a lot more tugging. And though its hull isn’t as stiff and impenetrable as some of the others we tested, it’s still pretty strong and well-constructed.
Capacities in a soft cooler are often stated in sheer storage capacity listed in various volume measures such as gallons, quarts, or liters. Many companies also list capacity in terms of the number of cans, which can be easier to visualize. We’ve taken this cooler and Yeti’s igloo trailmate BackFlip 24 on many fishing and fly-fishing trips. We like the Hopper Flip because of its size and ability to keep drinks cold all day, even in the warm sun. It’s the perfect companion and size for a group of three or four to have a few cans each throughout the day.
This isn’t the model we recommend for hardcore use, but if you simply need a small cooler for occasional use and want to spend the least, this model offers a lot of value. Another small model that is great for special occasions is the caddy-style RovR KeepR cooler, which is great for parties and picnics. Hard-sided ice boxes are typically designed to be carried short distances, lifted by two people, or potentially wheeled around.
Next, we packed them with drinks, food, and ice and brought them along to multiple outings to see how they performed in real-life settings. In our experience, the sweet spot is often right in the middle, with many of our most frequently used soft coolers offering space for around cans with ice. These designs are sufficiently sized for day trips or weekend road trips, manageable in terms of weight and portability, and won’t take up a ton of space in your vehicle or garage. The benefits of a soft cooler are flexibility, lighter weight, and portability compared to hard coolers. Still, as you add insulation thickness and rigidity to improve performance, those benefits start to diminish.
With excellent cold insulation and maximum portability, these coolers are a great choice for your day-to-day food and drink needs. A lot goes into making a cooler, and we’re committed every step of the way. Keep your refreshments cool and easily accessible for every activity with an array of soft-side coolers and cooler bags from Ace. Find a large inventory of insulated cooler bags from top brands, then shop for cooler accessories that help you stay prepared for every adventure.