The best option we tested was undoubtedly the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler. We tried the 20-can size and were able to fit 15 cans inside, plus ice. After two and a half hours in the hot sun, the drinks were crisp and cold, and the ice had barely melted. What’s more, it proved to be completely leakproof — when we shook it upside down, no water dripped out whatsoever. To help you find the ideal cooler for your needs, we tried several firsthand, evaluating each for capacity, insulation, design, features, and value.
The Icemule Impulse is a cool triple-bargain and well-executed design. For instance, a heavy, bulky option might be awkward (or simply too hard) to carry over one shoulder. Backpack-style coolers are often the most comfortable, plus they’re usually on the smaller side and can be folded flat and packed into another bag.
These models feature incredibly tough, wear-resistant outer fabric, durable components, sturdy zippers, reinforced stitching, and a design made to be used and abused. Even after several years of regular use, they work just as well as when they were new and still look nearly as nice. The clear winners in this class are the backpack-style coolers, as the weight distribution across both shoulders and resting behind you will almost always beat out a unilateral carry. We’ve tested several of these styles, and the RTIC Backpack 30 is hands down our favorite for sheer carrying comfort. It features padded carry handles and a comfy over-the-shoulder sling.
We were impressed with this cooler’s ability to handle just about every task we sent its way, all while maintaining the ability to be taken almost anywhere. 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 igloo trailmate cooler 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. RovR Products’ RollR collection put them on the map in the wheeled cooler category with a competitive mix of durability and ice retention.
Our major gripe with the Hydro Flask soft cooler is that it’s less comfortable to carry for long periods of time. The shoulder strap is fine, but the handles are on the thin side and lack padding. Any gear’s durability comes down to a few simple factors—the quality of its materials and components, the method of construction, and the overall design. 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.
However, it’s not leakproof, so you’ll want to be careful not to drop it when transporting liquids. Wipe interior and exterior surfaces clean before storing and between uses. Light dirt or stains can be cleaned with water or mild detergent.
Some soft coolers have materials that are mildew-resistant and antimicrobial like the interior liner of the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler. YETI also treats the interior and exterior of its Hopper Flip soft coolers to be mildew resistant, which helps with keeping your tote sanitary while extending the life of the product. igloo soft cooler A soft cooler’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, and handles. The most common are waterproof and leakproof zippers or non-waterproof and leakproof zippers. According to our ice retention test, the Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote is capable of holding ice for up to 70 hours.