Our other grievance is we wish there was an exterior pocket on this soft cooler to help carry utensils and napkins or slide in trash. The 1-inch closed-cell high-density foam worked well to keep our food and beverages chilled while baking under the sun during a mid-summer music festival. We’re not surprised, given RovR makes one of the best hard-side coolers, hands down. The robust zipper closure takes some effort and time to open, but the wide T-shaped pull makes the job comfortable. The Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote ($150) offers a streamlined, lightweight, and durable design. We used this cooler for park BBQs and loved how comfortable it was to slip over our shoulders and carry.
One exception is REI Co-op, which offers a full refund or replacement within one year of purchase for members (90 days for non-members). Finally, it’s worth noting that many companies provide different warranties for their hard-sided versus soft-sided offerings. For example, YETI’s hard-sided Tundra series is covered with a five-year warranty compared to three for the Hopper collection. External Attachment Points
Many soft coolers, including YETI’s Hopper Flip 12 and REI Co-op’s Cool Haul 24, have daisy chain webbing along the outside for securing extra gear.
On the outside, a large zippered pocket provides a good amount of dry storage, and its duffel-style handles can be joined together for easy transportation. Its flexible shape allows you to fold it flat for storage (a unique feature that most of the competition can’t claim) and easily accommodates tall objects, such as 750 ml wine bottles. We’ve vetted, purchased, and tested over 30 soft coolers since 2017. Our most recent test compares 17 of the best models available today. Soft coolers offer portability and versatility that traditional hard coolers can’t.
Our new Marine Ultra Soft Sides collection will keep your drinks and contents cold (or hot) all day long. Sturdy, stylish, and destined to become the indispensible companion for smooth sailing. While our testers noted this cooler is large and heavy and not the easiest to lug around, we also appreciate that the cooler floats in the water, is spill- and leakproof, and comes in four sizes.
Check out all the need-to-know details, from volume and rigidness to ice retention, plus key features to help you pick the best soft cooler for your next adventure. Compared to the hard-shelled coolers of RTIC and Yeti, soft ice chests lack some glacial retention, animal-proofness and stackability but make up for that by being lightweight, cacheable and crushable. And soft cooler is a misnomer, given many are substantial enough to pyramid other gear or tumble off the truck bed. While rigid coolers occasionally have wheels for smooth transport, soft coolers are easier to single-handedly grab over the shoulder versus heavier options. Being able to store cold and warm food is among the best benefits of Igloo soft coolers.
For being so small, it is expensive for the average consumer, despite its quality construction. The Yeti Hopper Flip 18 is one of the best soft coolers you can buy right now. Read on for a look at the best soft coolers on the market right now. Whatever drinks and snacks your soft cooler holds will be able to stay in prime consuming condition thanks to the insulation.
It’s also leakproof, letting no water drip through the zipper or moisture penetrate the sides. Since the heavy-duty zipper is extra-tight and water-sealed, it’s sometimes hard to unzip, but it comes with lubricant for this exact reason. Soft coolers igloo soft cooler may have shoulder straps — which are typically removable — buckles, attachment points, and interior or exterior pockets. Some pockets have durable, waterproof zipper closures, but many are not weather-resistant or secured with a closure.
Perfect for the boat, the TravelR has a watertight zipper and is floatable. Likewise, it’s equipped with carry handles, a padded shoulder strap, and daisy chain clip points for extra gear. We appreciate the wide lid that stays open during loading, and its large size can tackle all those odd-shaped food items or wine bottles.
By adding a fully supportive, weight-bearing waist belt, this cooler is ideal for relieving your shoulders when you need your cooler filled to the brim with delicious picnic provisions. While the IceMule is our favorite igloo soft cooler for smaller and medium loads because of its comfortable straps and flexible body, the Trail Pack is our go-to choice for heavy cargo. It’s comfortable like a daypack and saves your shoulders over the long haul.