We tested the extra-large 33-liter size and the 23-liter large size, which is probably plenty for most people’s day trips. While perhaps not its most exciting use, we also found the Icemule Pro a great addition to grocery trips to keep refrigerated and frozen items cold in my vehicle. Additionally, unlike hard coolers, the difference in ice retention between soft-sided models isn’t all that sizable, which can make it harder to justify spending up for such a premium and expensive model. To be sure, these top-end designs have their appeal for those who want the easier portability of a soft cooler without compromising on build quality, but they’re not worth the investment for most.
Plus, cargo nets on the side and a zippered flap on the front allow you to roll out all the essentials like wipes and additional snacks. The Arctic igloo soft cooler Zone Titan Deep Freeze is the best soft cooler we’ve tested. But if you view it as your long-term cooler companion, it’s worth its high price.
Unlike several other competitors, the RTIC 65 has two drainage ports for quick cleaning and draining. Additionally, as dry ice constantly emits carbon dioxide, store it outdoors or, lacking that, in a well-ventilated area. The build quality and aesthetics of each cooler were also taken into consideration.
We also found the cooler very easy to load and unload with a well-executed, zipper-equipped opening that’s wide, fully leakproof, and provides nearly uncompromised access to food and beverages. A final highlight is the accessory-ready exterior, which allows you to easily connect add-ons like their Rambler Bottle Sling or SideKick Dry Gear Case (sold separately). The benefits of a soft cooler are flexibility, lighter weight, and portability compared to hard coolers.
And we dig the bonus features like side pockets, webbing to attach gear to, and an attached bottle opener. Despite the product’s claim to be a leakproof cooler, we did have some leaking. But it was minimal and basically a non-issue considering the cooler’s price and how it faired in other portions of our test. The grip handle comes with an ergonomic and rubberized igloo trailmate design to ensure the user’s hands don’t feel pressure or annoyance. The shoulder strap is adjustable in case you’re bringing plates of food or other items to a party, and the front slip pocket has space for extra food. The retention foam allows drinks and food to stay cold for a whole day, which will keep everyone at the occasion you’re attending satisfied.
Anything smaller, and you end up carrying a lot of bag and not carrying much of anything else. There just isn’t enough room in those smaller sizes for them to be functional for anything except an individual lunch or a few drinks. Durability varies considerably between soft coolers, and a good way to differentiate between models is to look at denier (D), which is a measurement of fabric thickness. RovR’s TravelR 30 is another standout in terms of durability with a burly TPU base and welded seams that give it a very hardwearing feel. The third Hydro Flask design to make our list this season is the 20 L Carry Out Soft Cooler, which splits the difference between their Insulated Tote and backpack-style Day Escape above.