Out of two dozen backpack coolers, these are our favorites
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Whether you're headed to the beach, a park, or the top of a mountain, a backpack cooler can make a cumbersome carry easier. Hard coolers do a great job keeping drinks and food cold, but even equipped with wheels, they're difficult to take to certain places, such as beaches that swallow them in the sand, rough trails, or any area that is further than a few hundred yards away from your house or vehicle. Soft backpack coolers offer a hands-free solution in a surprising array of forms.
We tested top options first in our Brooklyn lab and then the field to dive into the merits of their insulation and extras (as well as discuss their value and what activities they'd be suitable for) to help you decide which backpack cooler is right for you.
Editor's note: Please note that we previously recommended the Yeti Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler, but it has been removed due to the March 9, 2023 safety recall.
Capacity is smaller than advertised
We picked Igloo's Outdoor Pro Snapdown Backpack Cooler as our overall winner for its functionality and value. Other coolers performed as well as the Igloo during our tests but also cost $100-plus more. Simply put: We have yet to see a more cost-efficient backpack cooler than the Outdoor Pro Snapdown. Coolers are first meant to insulate and keep your items chilled. Igloo's Snapdown does just that with its advanced MaxCold insulation. The insulated liner inside the cooler is also odor- and stain-resistant and easy to wipe clean; ideal for a backpack cooler, which tends to get slung around and inverted more than a traditional hardside cooler.
The zippered entry features a wide opening, which our testers found efficient for packing and unpacking larger items. We also love that this cooler has a few more features, including an integrated bottle opener, external pockets, and oversized webbed loops for attaching extra gear. Our testers found this pack comfortable to carry thanks to adjustable shoulder straps and a sternum strap for stability.
Our one nitpick is we couldn't fit the 42 cans Igloo claims (it was more like 40). And with the proper two-thirds ice ratio, we only fit 14 cans.
Price at time of publish: $140
Size: 13 x 7 x 17.5 inches | Capacity: 42 cans (claimed) | Weight: 2.18 pounds
Difficult to see items in main compartment
The IceMule Boss is heavy-duty, rugged, and spendy. And while the pack is good for cold and ice-retention (more on that in a bit), our testers particularly enjoyed how easy it was to carry despite its bulk. "This is the best big cooler for carrying," one tester noted. Our testers loved that the straps are not too thin and not too bulky, and the efficiency of the cooler's back padding and ventilation. They also liked the chest and waist straps. IceMule has emphasized the weight distribution of this backpack by including dual-zone suspension.
We also like some extra touches on the Boss compared to other coolers we tested, such as the additional pockets and places to attach gear you don't want inside the actual cooler. We appreciated how waterproof the cooler is, too.
It was good in terms of cold and ice retention, and there was still some solid ice in the cooler 24 hours later. Nevertheless, the inside temperature had increased by about 19 degrees after that time period. Our conclusion: If ice and cold retention are most important to you there are probably better options out there. But if you prioritize organization and a comfortable carry, the IceMule Boss is the way to go.
Price at time of publish: $375
Size: 12.5 x 9 x 25 inches | Capacity: 24 cans (including ice) | Weight: Not listed
Excellent cold and ice retention
RTIC's Backpack Cooler offered some of the best ice retention of all the coolers we tested. After 24 hours, its premium insulation technology meant that about 50 percent of the original ice was still solid.
Besides its exceptional cold retention, other design features we loved include the chest and waist straps for even weight distribution, a super padded back panel for boosted comfort, and a floatable structure. RTIC recommends using solid ice packs or putting loose ice into baggies to avoid leaking, but our testers didn't have any issues with leaking despite using free-floating ice.
One note: Many users on Amazon report the zipper into the primary compartment breaking, although it isn't an issue we experienced. Still, we didn't see many design or performance differences between the RTIC and some high-end coolers—but the RTIC is a lot more affordable.
Price at time of publish: $136
Size: Not listed | Capacity: 20 or 30 cans with a bag of ice | Weight: Not listed
Strong and durable outer materials
A bit big for smaller users
Pelican's Dayventure Backpack Cooler had some of the best cold retention of all the coolers we tested in our Brooklyn lab. Twenty-four hours after filling it with ice and beverage cans, the internal temperature had increased by only about 2.5 degrees. Like similar high-end soft and backpack coolers, Pelican uses dense closed-cell insulation to boost its cold-saving chops.
We particularly like the double compartments of this pack, making it ideal for overnights in the wilderness. And because of its total waterproofness and heavy-duty puncture-resistant outer, we'd have no hesitations in taking this on a kayak, boat, or SUP.
While the double-compartment organization of this pack is fantastic, our smaller testers didn't like how bulky and wide the straps were on their shoulders. They also thought the height of the pack was a bit too large. Still, we envision this pack as perfect for the adventurer looking to separate food, drinks, and gear but only carry one pack.
Price at time of publish: $290
Size: 12.1 x 7.1 x 21.7 inches | Capacity: 18.36 liters | Weight: 9.3 pounds
Separate cooler and storage compartments
If you're looking for a backpack and a cooler instead of a backpack cooler, the Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler is just that. Carhartt's backpack cooler is divided into two sections: The insulated bottom fitting up to 12 cans, and the top, which is suitable for other items you might need to take hiking, to school, or to work. Bonus: There are numerous pockets and compartments for extra storage.
Carhartt uses its classic 1200-denier polyester and some proprietary durable water repellent to boost the durability of this pack. While it didn't do as well at cold and ice retention as other packs we tested, our testers loved how comfortable and easy it was to carry. They also enjoyed the cooler pack's simplistic design and school backpack feel. One main issue with this pack is that it leaks through the zipper. Our testers noted that it couldn't be turned upside down if you use loose ice, which inevitably melts. Of course, the best way around this is to use ice packs.
Price at time of publish: $65
Size: 12.5 x 8 x 17.75 inches | Capacity: 12 cans | Weight: Not listed
Our testers loved how light and easy to carry the Igloo Pursuit 24-Can cooler was. In particular, they enjoyed the padding on the back and straps and its overall compactness, especially compared to others tested. Igloo uses a durable and water-repellent outer material yet somehow keeps the weight of this pack down to just 2 pounds.
That lightness likely came at the expense of insulation, as this pack also had some of the worst ice and cold-retention results. There were no solid ice cubes left after 24 hours. And the internal temperature had risen by about 17 degrees. Our testers also had issues with melted ice leaking through the zippers. "When tipped, water pours out easily," they reported. So, if you do decide to go with this pack, make sure you invest in some ice packs or ways to keep melted ice in a secure container.
Price at time of publish: $160
Size: 18.9 x 7.5 x 12.6 inches | Capacity: 24 cans | Weight: 2.09 pounds
Good padding and weight distribution
Leaked past inner and outer zippers
Cold retention could be better
Sometimes a name says it all. That's the case for the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler, which has ample plush cushioning and a well-placed sternum strap. Combine that with a very lightweight build (2.5 pounds), and you've got the ideal trail cooler pack. We also really love that there are separate compartments and pockets to carry gear and items you don't wish to get cold or place with your food and drinks.
Like other lightweight cooler packs we tested, the cold and ice retention were not great. After 24 hours, all the ice we placed in the pack had melted, and the internal temperature had increased by about 17 degrees. Still, there are other intelligent features to appreciate about this pack, like a removable cooler liner and attachment points for bulky items. Bonus: The pack was crafted with recycled and bluesign-certified materials, making this one of the most eco-friendly coolers we tested.
Our testers did have issues with melted ice leaking through the zippers. As previously noted, avoiding loose ice and utilizing reusable ice packs is the way around that.
Price at time of publish: $80
Size: 22 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | Capacity: 31.5 liters | Weight: 2.5 pounds
Two separate compartments for organization
Some leakage through the top
Strategic packing is essential when it comes to preparing a picnic. One wrong decision and your sandwiches or produce will be smushed. Enter Arctic Zone's Welded Backpack Cooler, which helps boost your strategic packing capabilities by featuring two major compartments. This will allow you to separate food and drinks, hopefully keeping your sandwiches intact.
Our testers also loved the extra pockets and webbed loops for attaching gear, which, again, helps keep your items organized. Sternum straps and adjustable shoulder straps increase the carrying comfort. Deep Freeze insulation and SuperFoam help boost cold retention capabilities, which our testers found excellent.
Price at time of publish: $165
Size: 15.5 x 8.25 x 21.5 inches | Capacity: 24 cans | Weight: 3.37 pounds
We easily fit more than the claimed amount
Air can be added or reduced
Some leaking from the top
We love the simple aesthetic of the IceMule Pro. But don't let it fool you—the Pro has some souped-up tech and features, making this pack a great option, especially if going on the water is in your outdoor plans. IceMule employs its double proprietary inner and outer fabric to boost durability. It also uses proprietary insulation to amp cold and ice retention, making the Pro one of the best performers during our 24-hour ice test. A day after initially putting ice into the cooler pack, the internal temperature only rose about 7 degrees and some solid ice remained.
Our testers liked how padded and comfortable the backpack's straps were on their shoulders and the chest strap for weight distribution. And while the pack was a bit heavy and some water leaked out of the roll-top closure, our testers still gave the Pro top marks across all rated attributes. We also like some travel- and boat-specific features like the air valve, which allows you to add—or remove—extra air from the insulation section. This makes the cooler more buoyant (with extra air) or more compact (with less air) as required. Bonus: The straps on the outside of the cooler allow you to attach extra gear to the pack or secure the pack to a boat, kayak, or SUP.
Price at time of publish: $135
Size: 14 x 11 x 18 inches | Capacity: 18 cans | Weight: Not listed
For a durable, portable backpack cooler that keeps your items frosty at a great price point, you can't do better than the Igloo Outdoor Pro Snapdown. If you're a stickler for organization, we also recommend the IceMule Boss.
Tourit Loon Insulated Cooler: The Tourit Loon is a solid budget backpack cooler. Our testers liked how comfortable it was. The cold and ice retention were average compared to the other packs we tested. However, testers noted that the zippers did come apart slightly, and some moisture leaked out.
Tourit Cygnini Cooler Backpack: Our testers didn't like that they could feel the cans inside the pack protruding into their backs when testing. Water came out through the zippers, and this was the only cooler we tested that had a can inside of it that broke and leaked.
Forich Backpack Cooler: The Forich is another budget option that scored poorly across the board. Our testers noted that while the pack was decently comfortable and fine to carry, water leaked out in various places, and the insulation was not excellent.
Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Cooler Pack: We were surprised that this popular choice from Hydro Flask scored the lowest for many attributes among our testers. While the durability was solid, the cold and ice-retention were not. What's more, our testers did not like how heavy and uncomfortable the pack was to carry.
Backpack coolers were selected based on the prior knowledge of TripSavvy editors and writers, online product review research, and which backpack coolers were listed on other popular industry sites. We narrowed it down to 15 top choices to test in our New York City lab and in the real world. We picked items that offered a wide range of price points and uses.
Our travel editors spent a day in our New York City lab space, testing 30 coolers side by side. After an initial examination of the coolers to make note of any special features or design innovations (such as method of closure, additional pockets or compartments for organization), we filled them all to the manufacturer-recommended capacity. For ones that did not come with a recommendation, we filled them with cans and ice at a ratio that a user would realistically choose.
Once filled with ice and beverage cans, we let them sit for a while. We took a temperature reading two hours after filling to see how the insulation was holding up. We also let them sit overnight and then took a temperature reading after 24 hours.
Between the two- and 24-hour marks, we tested for portability and durability while they were filled with cans and ice. We wore the backpacks around the lab, including walking up and down stairs to test for comfort and ease of carrying. We also pushed the coolers off tables onto a concrete floor, turned the backpack coolers upside down, and tipped them over to see if they would leak or become damaged. As we performed all these tests, we scored each cooler from one to five for insulation, design, capacity, portability, and durability.
Because backpack coolers are a type of soft cooler, many use open-cell foam to provide a decent balance between insulation and flexibility. However, there are a few backpack coolers that use closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam insulates better but generally costs and weighs more, so be sure you’re willing to pay literally and figuratively for the increased performance.
There are two other things to look for in your backpack cooler’s insulation: thickness and evenness. Not surprisingly, the thicker the insulation, the better the cold preservation, no matter what type of insulation is used. You should also look for weak areas in the insulation. The insulation needs to surround the inner compartment to be most effective. If there’s only insulation on three sides, the fourth side will be a weak link that can significantly decrease chill time, especially if it’s the side against your back.
The world of backpack coolers is a surprisingly sophisticated one—these days, there are plenty of advances in design and fabric technology that add to what seems like a reasonably necessary purchase. Look for the extras that are right for you and your intended activity, whether it's multiple storage spaces for cutlery, anti-mildew fabric, or an attached bottle opener. You'll also find ones explicitly built for specific activities—like overnight hikes into the woods, picnics, beach and water days, and hunting. Think about how you'll use this cooler and look for models that cater to your pursuits.
Consider what you'll primarily be using the cooler for and how much padding you'd like (and where you'd like that padding to be). If you're taking a cooler on an extended hike, you probably want to look for lighter-weight packs with hip and sternum straps and some extra padding. If you're simply going to the beach or other another destination where you won't need to carry the cooler far, you can prioritize other features over comfort.
Durability is also important. A cheaper option might initially be more appealing, but if it tears after minimal use or leaks when it gets tipped or inverted, you might find yourself quickly having to fork out for another cooler. Our humble opinion: Spend a bit more for the durability offered by waterproof materials, puncture- and scratch-proof materials, and a robust zipper (or other closure method).
The answer varies from pack to pack, but if the product description doesn’t specifically mention features that will prevent water from leaking out (or getting in, for that matter), there’s a good chance it may leak. Features include a waterproof cooler compartment, watertight zippers, and sealed seams.
The process for cleaning is the same as a regular hard or soft cooler. Often, simply rinsing and drying before storing is enough. If there’s more than water lingering inside, consider using disinfectant wipes after thoroughly cleaning with water and soap, then rinsing to remove any debris. Coolers should be completely dry before being packed away.
Because of their construction and likely contents, backpack coolers are heavier than typical soft coolers. The more effective coolers are generally the heaviest, but these aren’t intended for overnight or long-distance hikes. (Those camping in the backcountry overnight will need more gear than they can carry with a backpack cooler!).
While the packs themselves are heavier than average, the ice and liquids carried are also very heavy. A quart of water weighs over 2 pounds, not counting the water bottle. But keep in mind, that any soft cooler will generally be lighter than a hard cooler.
Again, this depends partly on the pack and its dimensions, but it also depends on the size and shape of the drinks being carried and the ratio of ice to drinks preferred. A commonly recommended ice-to-drinks ratio is 2-to-1, and some cooler manufacturers will list estimated drink counts based on that specific ice ratio.
If the product description lists several cans as its capacity without a specific amount of ice, assume that this number is much lower when accounting for ice. For example, a cooler that can hold 24 cans without ice would likely have eight cans if using a 2-to-1 ice-to-drinks ratio. If capacities are unclear from the product description, try contacting the manufacturer directly to clarify or find the product locally to assess the capacity firsthand.
Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor and has personally used many coolers on this list for his outdoor adventures. In addition, a team of travel editors spent a day testing more than 30 coolers (including 15 backpack options) side by side in our New York City lab space, evaluating each for insulation, portability, and more.
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