A smaller cooler tote bag may be ideal for a day hike with your significant other, whereas a more sizable cooler is great for larger outdoor gatherings. In our testing, we found the side handles of the Fishpond Blizzard Soft Cooler and OtterBox igloo trailmate Trooper 20 Cooler were stalwart and comfortable to grab. We liked the wide, soft material of the two swing-up straps on the Snow Peak Soft Cooler. We pay attention to that variable to know if a cooler needs to always be upright.
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 igloo water cooler and basically a non-issue considering the cooler’s price and how it fared in other portions of our test. Of course, large capacity always comes with a trade-off in how far you’re willing to carry it.
Unlike hard-sided models that can keep food and beverages cold for days (or even weeks) on end, soft models aren’t built to keep contents cold for more than a few days at maximum. They’re also generally much smaller than hard-sided designs, typically offering around 30 liters of capacity at the high end. With this in mind, soft coolers have limited appeal for multi-day outings. Instead, they’re best-suited for weekend getaways or day trips to the park or beach, tailgates, afternoons on the water, or quick errands like grocery store runs. They can also be a great supplement to a larger hard-sided model, providing additional space to store extra food or beverages when camping with a larger group.
Even with a friend to help, this fully loaded bag isn’t the ideal cooler to cart a mile down the beach. But, if you want good performance that isn’t hard on your wallet, the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler would be a better option. 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.
The zipper is supremely leak-proof and the DryHide exterior resisted scratches and punctures. Even when it’s chock-full of ice and cans, this Arctic Zone cooler is easy to maneuver. 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. Depending on igloo soft cooler the amount of perishables you plan to take with you and how far you’re going, 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. Because it has no top, the KeepR is limited in what you can do with it.