Then we linked up river surf spots through Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, camping along the way. Our former Best Buy by Coleman was discontinued, so we tested a few additional models to find a good inexpensive option. The Arctic Zone Titan Guide Series 36 Can Cooler is our new Best Buy. We’ve done the research on products designed to save you time and money. Shipping Fees are calculated based on your shipping address, and the size and weight of the item or items being shipped.
Packing the cooler is simple and easy, just unzip by using the dual zippers located at the top. The main compartment is spacious, the interior is designed with an enhanced insulation and antimicrobial liner. On the front is a zippered pocket for holding igloo soft cooler your smartphone, keys or other essentials. The side has a mesh water bottle pocket and storage loops for napkins, magazines and so on. It’s complete with an adjustable shoulder strap for easily transporting from one outdoor event to the next.
Our winner, the Engel HD20 22qt Heavy-Duty Soft Sided Cooler Tote Bag, kept ice frozen for three full days. Our Best Buy, the Coleman 30-Can Portable Soft Cooler, Space Blue, kept ice frozen for two and a half days—great performance for a fraction of the price. Dry bags are a staple of river trips, as are igloo soft cooler heavy, bulky hard-sided coolers. The Icemule Pro essentially combines the two into an insulated, durable dry bag perfect for a day on the water. Like a good dry bag, the Icemule Pro has a roll-top closure that it claims will not let water in or out and allows you to trap air inside for extra insulation.
For more on the topic, check out our article on the best backpack coolers. Traditional hard-sided coolers lead the charge in ice retention and durability, but for those who don’t need a week’s worth of cold food and drinks, a soft-sided cooler can be a viable alternative. Compared to hard models, soft coolers are considerably lighter, easier to carry, and often save you a good deal of cash. From burly igloo soft cooler waterproof options to packable designs that collapse down for easy storage, below we break down the top soft coolers of 2023. For more background information, check out our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you’re less concerned about portability and instead prioritize cooling capabilities and durability, we’ve also compiled a list of the best hard-sided coolers.
The thick foam surrounding the entirety of your contents provides reliable insulation for an above-average amount of time. A single long opening makes it uncomplicated to load and easy to search. On the outside, a large zippered pocket provides a good amount of dry storage, and its duffel-style handles can be joined together for easy transportation. Its flexible shape allows you to fold it flat for storage (a unique feature that most of the competition can’t claim) and easily accommodates tall objects, such as 750 ml wine bottles. It has a lightly padded shoulder strap, but backpack-style straps would make lugging it around much easier. The Deep Freeze seems like it’s built to last, so you can expect to use it for years without needing to replace it.
We loved the soft interior liner and the waterproof zipper that prevents any leaks from the top. One of our favorite products overall was the Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 ($170). Even given its large size, it was still very comfortable to transport, due to the soft, malleable walls. With the simple, wide handles Velcroed together, we could sling the cooler over our shoulders when it was fully loaded.
Brand new to the soft cooler scene, RovR just bridged their long-standing hard cooler craftsmanship into their sister category. The brand recently launched the 28L TravelR 30 ($250), a tall-standing and oval-shaped soft cooler with generous space. The Mountainsmith Sixer ($35) was a great cooler for lunch on the go. Our tester, a Colorado-based electrician and mountain biker, packed it with a canned drink, sandwich, fruit, and chocolate. The cooler’s shape and size were easy to fit in a messy work truck. For grab-and-go, there’s a handle on the back and a carry tote-style strap.
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. Some insulated cooler bags are ideal for one-day excursions and short-term activities. Before making a purchase, make sure the cooler you choose will keep your food and beverages cold for as long as you need. The prices of soft coolers in our guide range from the $30 Mountainsmith Takeout, which is the smallest cooler, to the OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler ($250) with top-shelf ice retention. Various exterior pockets are available in some designs, including streamlined fabric and mesh pockets with no closure or bungee straps.
It features padded carry handles and a comfy over-the-shoulder sling. The bag felt surprisingly secure, with no contents jostling around. As soft-sided coolers have become increasingly popular, the market has become more and more innovative. At one time, the presence of an airtight zipper and waterproof exterior indicated solid insulation.