Not only that, but it proved to be leakproof, showing no signs of drips when we flipped it upside down with melted ice inside. Unlike hard-sided coolers, the pliable-sided construction of soft coolers makes them easy to store when not in use. Many soft coolers can be collapsed and stored away after being emptied and wiped clean of water.
Depending on the size and type you’re planning to take with you, you may have already put some limitations on your adventures. Without considering overall capacity, the most portable coolers will be more comfortable to carry for longer distances and amounts of time. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs. Choose a soft cooler based on the storage capacity and type of support you need for the load. A super malleable product like the Snow Peak Soft Cooler might not be the best for carrying dozens of heavy cans compared to a more rigid design like the RovR TravelR 30.
“They also typically have a higher capacity, which is worth the extra weight for space,” says Newar. Some can support up to 250 pounds, so they even double as impromptu seats. This soft cooler has a grab handle and an adjustable shoulder strap that won’t dig into your skin. It’s also handily collapsible, so you can pack it in a suitcase or stuff it in a backpack and easily store it when it’s not in use. After throwing it on the ground during our tests, there were no scuff marks or visible damage. Though the Dolphin Mini is billed as leakproof, water seeped through the zippers once the ice had melted.
But we got about 10 cans in the insulated section, with enough ice to keep them cold. 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. All things considered, we think the price range is more than reasonable.
igloo water coolerFor the ultimate in portability, soft-sided backpack-style coolers are the way to go. The designs borrow heavily from hiking daypacks, sharing features like shoulder straps, padded backpanels, and exterior pockets for added gear storage. Additionally, backpack coolers are fairly expensive considering their modest storage capacity and all-around performance (the Day Escape is pretty average in this category at $200). But if the approach to your favorite picnic spot or fishing hole involves walking more than a half mile or so, it may be worth the investment. For more on the topic, check out our article on the best backpack coolers. Hard coolers are more durable and stout and have a larger size range, given they can hold more weight without collapsing.
We know it’s a good quality product because the manufacturer is willing to put their money where their mouth is. We’ll talk about that in a bit, but the point is that it is built perfectly to do its job. We personally can’t wait to take this cooler out on an upcoming kayaking trip. I have peace of mind knowing I won’t have to worry about getting it in the water. They have a wide array of products and, though the vast majority of their ice chests are not rotomolded, and they’re still not Yeti, we really admire how well they meet customer needs. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
This 100-quart option holds up to 160 cans and can keep ice frozen for days in temps as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. It also has built-in cup holders that can hold 30-ounce tumblers and are molded to the lid to prevent spills. Plus, its 6-inch wheels and handle help make for easy travel, according to Coleman. The durable lid doubles as a seat that can support up to 250 pounds, while the leakproof drain plug and stain-resistant liner help with cleanup, as detailed on the brand’s website.