Who doesn’t like a cold beverage when they’re on the go? The problem is, keeping soda or beer cans, wine bottles, water bottles, or spoilable food cool when they’re not in a refrigerator is challenging.
When it comes to outdoor activities like picnics, camping, beach day trips, and tailgating, transporting food and beverages can be a challenge. Traditional hard coolers are bulky and heavy, making them inconvenient to carry over long distances. However, soft coolers offer a practical and efficient solution to this problem.
Soft coolers are a type of cooler meant to solve the problem of mobility. A good backpack-style cooler or tote-style cooler is lightweight, durable, easily portable, and compact, making it the perfect cooler option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Unlike hard coolers, soft coolers are made in a collapsible design from flexible materials like vinyl, polyester, or nylon, allowing them to easily fold or collapse for compact storage when not in use. These coolers also often come with adjustable shoulder straps and handles for easy carrying, making them ideal for hiking or biking to your destination.
In addition, soft coolers are designed to keep food and beverages cold for extended periods of time, often using thick insulation and sealed zippers to prevent heat from entering the cooler. This ensures that your drinks and snacks stay fresh and cool throughout your outdoor adventure.
Overall, soft coolers offer a convenient and practical solution for transporting food and beverages during outdoor activities. Their lightweight and portable design, coupled with their ability to keep items cold, make them a superior choice compared to traditional hard coolers for those who enjoy spending time outside.
How to Choose a Soft Cooler
When choosing a soft cooler, it’s important to take into account several key attributes to ensure you’re getting the best product for your needs.
First, consider the size and capacity of the cooler. make sure it is large enough to hold the amount of food and drinks you typically need for your outings.
Look for a cooler with durable, high-quality materials and construction to ensure it can withstand outdoor adventures and frequent use. Insulation is also crucial. A good soft cooler should have thick, effective insulation to keep your items cold for an extended period.
Portability is another important factor. Look for a cooler that is lightweight and easy to carry, with comfortable padded shoulder straps (pro tip: you are going to want comfortable straps) or handles. Different coolers might have backpack straps or side handles in addition to or instead of shoulder straps. Some coolers will come with additional storage features like mesh pockets so you can carry more things.
Waterproof and leakproof features are essential, especially if you will be using the cooler near water or transporting liquids.
Finally, consider any extra features that are important to you, such as pockets for storage, easy access to the contents, and ease of cleaning. Finally, consider the brand reputation and customer reviews to ensure you’re purchasing a reliable and well-loved soft cooler.
By considering these attributes, you can be sure to select a soft cooler that meets your specific needs and performs well in any outdoor setting. To help even more, we’ve made a list of some of our favorite coolers. They come in a range of sizes and all of them are excellent choices for day trips, camping trips, road trips, or any other outdoor activity.
1. Cotopaxi Hielo (Spanish for “ice”) Del Dia Cooler Backpack
Capacity: 12 cans
Price: $200
What We Love: Cotopaxi gives the maker of these bags control over their production meaning that each one of these bags is genuinely unique.
The Cotopaxi Hielo Del Dia Cooler Bag is a unique and versatile option for keeping your drinks and snacks cool on any adventure.
With a 12-can capacity, this backpack cooler is perfect for a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or a road trip with friends. What sets the Hielo Del Dia Cooler Bag apart is its one-of-a-kind design. Each bag is made from repurposed materials, so no two coolers are exactly alike. This means that not only are you getting a high-quality, durable cooler, but you’re also supporting sustainable and ethical production practices.
In addition to its distinctive cooler design, the Hielo Del Dia Cooler Bag is packed with features that make it a standout choice.
The insulated main compartment keeps your food and drinks cold for hours, while the exterior pocket provides convenient storage for utensils, napkins, or other small items.
The removable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry, and the durable construction ensures that it can handle whatever adventure you have in store. With its unique design and practical features, the Cotopaxi Hielo Del Dia Cooler Bag is a must-have for anyone in need of a reliable and stylish cooler option for day trips or any other outdoor activity.
2. Orca Walker 20
Capacity: 20 cans
Price: $250
What We Love: When properly packed, this cooler can hold ice (not just cold drinks, actual ice) for up to 24 hours.
The Orca Walker 20 is a premium cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
It is known for its rugged durability and superior ice retention, making it perfect for camping, fishing, or any outdoor activity. The Orca Walker 20 features an integrated insulation system with a seamless, one-piece construction, providing maximum ice retention for up to an entire day. The heavy-duty roto-molded construction makes it incredibly durable and able to withstand the toughest conditions.
One unique feature of the Orca Walker 20 is its Orca whale tail latches, which provide a secure and tight seal to keep the cold in and ensure your items stay fresh for longer periods. These easy-to-use latches are not only unique in their design but also allow for quick and convenient access to the cooler’s contents.
The Orca Walker 20 is the ideal companion for any outdoor adventure, offering unparalleled ice retention and durability in a sleek and stylish design.
3. Hydro Flask Soft Cooler
Capacity: 20 cans
Price: $68
What We Love: This is a good, affordable design of cooler that does when it needs to do without straining a budget.
The Hydro Flask Soft Cooler is one of the more affordable options, but it is nonetheless a versatile and durable cooler designed for those who want to keep their food and drinks cold on the go.
Made with a waterproof and mildew-resistant materials, it’s ideal for outdoor activities like camping, beach trips, and picnics. This cooler can keep its contents cold for up to 48 hours, thanks to its innovative TempShield insulation technology. The wide opening makes it easy to pack and unpack, and the multiple pockets provide convenient storage for small items.
One unique feature of the Hydro Flask Soft Cooler is its adjustable and comfortable shoulder strap, allowing users to carry it comfortably even when it’s fully loaded. The strap can be adjusted to fit different body sizes and can be removed if not needed. This makes it easy to transport the cooler, whether you’re hiking through the woods or walking along the beach. The strap also allows for hands-free carrying, giving users the freedom to use their hands for other tasks while transporting the cooler.
5. Stoic 30-Can Heavy Duty Cooler
Capacity: 30 cans
Price: $47
What We Love: The extra tarp shell adds another layer of insulation.
The Stoic 30-Can Heavy Duty Cooler is a reliable and durable option for keeping your drinks and food cold on all your outdoor adventures.
With a 30-can capacity, this cooler is great for day trips, tailgates, or camping excursions. The heavy-duty construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, while the insulated design keeps your items cold for extended periods of time.
One unique feature of the Stoic cooler is its built-in bottle opener, making it convenient and easy to crack open a cold drink without having to search for a separate tool. This handy addition sets the Stoic cooler apart from others on the market and adds an extra level of functionality for outdoor gatherings.
The Stoic 30-Can Heavy Duty Cooler is a standout option for anyone in need of a reliable and user-friendly cooler for their outdoor activities.
6. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60
Capacity: 60 cans
Price: $63
What We Love: This cooler incorporates wheels into the body making it easy to move around.
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 cooler is a highly durable and reliable option for anyone in need of a large capacity, high-performance cooler.
This cooler is designed to keep ice for up to 4 days, making it perfect for long camping trips, fishing excursions, or tailgating parties. With a 60-can capacity, it provides plenty of space for food and drinks for a group of people.
One key differentiating aspect of the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 cooler is its patented Deep Freeze high-performance insulation. This insulation is designed to keep contents cold for an extended period of time, even in extreme temperatures. This makes it stand out from other coolers on the market and ensures that your food and drinks stay at the ideal temperature for longer.
In addition to its superior insulation, the cooler also features a leak-proof, easy-to-clean lining, multiple pockets for storing accessories, and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transportation. The rugged exterior and integrated bottle opener further add to the convenience and functionality of this cooler.
Overall, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 cooler offers exceptional performance and durability, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Yeti Hopper Flip 18
Capacity: 16 cans
Price: $300
What We Love: When used properly, this cooler will keep things cold for days.
The Yeti Hopper Flip 18 is a highly durable and portable cooler that sets itself apart from other coolers on the market. The cooler is designed with a DryHide Shell that is waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures, and UV rays, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The cooler also features ColdCell Insulation that keeps ice and contents cold for days, making it ideal for long trips or camping.
One unique and popular feature of the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 is its wide-mouth opening, making it easy to access and pack items without struggling to fit them through a small opening. The wide-mouth opening also allows for easy cleaning, ensuring that the cooler stays fresh and ready for the next use. Additionally, the cooler has a HydroLok Zipper that is leakproof and ensures that no water or air escapes, maximizing the cooler’s insulation capabilities.
Overall, the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 is a top-of-the-line cooler that stands out for its durability, insulation, and convenient design features, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. OtterBox Cube Cooler
Capacity: 24 cans
Price: $99
What We Love: This cooler includes a bottle opener. It’s a little thing, but nice to have.
The Otterbox Cube Cooler is a high-quality, durable cooler that is perfect for outdoor adventures, beach trips, and tailgating. With a price tag of $100, it is a mid-range option that offers excellent value for its features. The cooler has a 25-quart capacity, providing ample space for drinks and snacks for a day out.
One key feature that sets the Otterbox Cube Cooler apart is its superior insulation. The cooler is equipped with premium cooling technology that can keep ice frozen for up to 2 days, ensuring that your beverages stay cold even in the hottest of temperatures. This makes it a popular choice for camping trips and outdoor events where access to ice may be limited.
In addition to its impressive insulation, the Otterbox Cube Cooler is also designed for ultimate portability. It features a rugged, heavy-duty construction that can withstand rough handling and outdoor conditions. The cooler also has a convenient carrying handle and tie-down slots for easy transportation.
Overall, the Otterbox Cube Cooler stands out for its exceptional insulation and durability, making it a reliable option for any outdoor excursion.
9. RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy
Capacity: 3.5 lbs
Price: $174
What We Love: The compartmentalization makes this cooler great for transporting lots of different foods and beverages.
The RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy is a high-quality cooler that offers exceptional insulation, durability, and convenience for outdoor adventures.
This cooler is rigid, but flexible, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and beach trips. The cooler also features an IceR ice container. What is that? It’s a container that nests inside of the cooler that holds ice meaning that the contents of your cooler have an extra method for cooling and you can carry ice with you.
One key feature that sets the RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy apart is its compartmentalization. The cooler allows you to organize lots of different contents in a way that keeps everything separate and can prevent heavier objects from crushing lighter ones. This feature makes the cooler incredibly versatile and practical for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Additionally, the RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy is bear-resistant and includes a dry storage bin, giving users peace of mind and additional storage options. With its rugged construction and innovative design, the RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy is a standout option for anyone looking for a reliable and customizable cooler for their outdoor excursions.
10. Rtic Soft Pack Cooler
Capacity: 12-40 cans
Price: $94 to $154
What We Love: This cooler literally floats. It’s the perfect fishing trip companion.
The Rtic Soft Pack Cooler (it comes in 12, 30 or 40 can configurations) is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those who need a reliable cooler for their adventures.
This cooler stands out with its superior insulation, capable of keeping ice for up to 5 days, even in the hottest conditions. Its compact size makes it perfect for carrying on the go, and it can hold between 12 and 40 cans depending on the model. The exterior is made of durable, tear-resistant fabric, ensuring it can withstand rugged use. The cooler also features an antimicrobial liner, making it easy to clean and preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
What sets the Rtic Soft Pack Cooler apart is its heavy-duty nylon shell. This material not only makes the cooler resistant to tears and punctures, but it also adds an extra layer of insulation to keep your drinks and food cold for an extended period. The combination of toughness and insulation makes this cooler a popular choice for outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, and beach trips.
Whether you’re hitting the trails or spending the day by the water, the Rtic Soft Pack Cooler has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Soft Coolers
What is a soft cooler?
A soft cooler is a portable and lightweight cooler that is made with flexible materials such as fabric or vinyl. It is designed to keep drinks and food items chilled while on the go, and is often used for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, or beach trips.
How long can a soft cooler keep items cold?
The insulation in a soft cooler can typically keep items cold for about 24-48 hours, depending on the quality of the cooler and the surrounding outdoor temperature. Some higher-end models can even keep items cold for longer periods of time.
How do I clean a soft cooler?
Most soft coolers can be cleaned with a mixture of mild soap and water. It is important to thoroughly rinse and dry the cooler after cleaning to prevent mildew and odors from developing.
Can I use ice in a soft cooler?
Yes, ice can be used in a soft cooler to keep items cold. However, it is recommended to use ice packs or gel packs instead of loose ice, as the latter can create a mess as it melts.
Are soft coolers waterproof?
While most soft coolers are water-resistant, not all of them have a completely waterproof exterior or interior. It is important to check the product specifications to ensure that the cooler is suitable for use in wet and damp conditions.