Eddie Bauer states that this cooler tote can hold up to 36 cans plus ice, which we found to be accurate. For the low-cost price, the pros of this cooler make up for the subpar ice retention. If you have limited storage space, consider the REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler ($50). This origami-inspired design collapses and folds flat when it’s not a cube or a tote. When transformed into a box or bag shape, the cooler is light, nimble, and malleable.
One exception is the Icemule Classic, which has a dry bag-like shape and exterior with a roll-top closure that can be fully submerged in water. This makes it particularly great for igloo trailmate activities like kayaking or paddle boarding when it might be exposed to a lot of water. It also floats, which provides added assurance should conditions get rougher than expected.
It has a leak-proof zipper, adjustable shoulder strap, and Molle webbing. The Orca Soft Cooler impressed us with its modular storage is and adorable whale tale zipper pulls. When igloo soft cooler we lugged this Yeti around, we liked the feel of the handles and shoulder straps. The hitch points on the front allows for you to secure all sorts of gear within easy reach.
The Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53) is a great budget cooler that keeps our ice cold for long durations. A trio took the cooler fly fishing on Colorado’s Gunnison River, carrying along water and various canned beverages. Its material is supportive and soft, almost like igloo soft cooler a memory foam pad, and it made carrying the cooler along the trail a much better experience. After sitting in direct sun for a few hours with an ice pack inside, our bubbly waters and snacks were still refreshingly cold and chilled thanks to the closed cell technology.
Some soft coolers even have a mesh pocket that may hold a water bottle nicely. Importantly, not all coolers measure interior capacity in the same way. Some use cans as a unit of measure, while others use liters, quarts, or gallons. That said, “cans” is the most commonly used measurement for soft coolers (hard-sided models are generally listed in quarts), and we’ve utilized that spec throughout this article whenever available. That said, there are still some discrepancies to be aware of, the biggest of which is whether or not ice is included in that estimate.
Two additional streamlined buckles connect each strap end to the cooler body. The sensor at the top of the cooler was removed daily to record its findings and simulate the temperature gains that occur when a cooler is opened during normal use. We ran these temperature tests until there was no ice inside the cooler. During our cold retention tests, the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 maintained an internal temperature of below 40°F for over 46 hours. For web orders returned in store, please take the item in original packaging, along with invoice to any
Camping World retail locations for a refund or exchange. Refunds
are issued to the original form of payment; some exclusions may apply.
Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store
where some exclusions may apply. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store where some exclusions may apply. When you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a pack’s ice retention, including the frequency of opening the cooler, direct sunlight, and ambient temperature. For instance, the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler preserved ice for 60 hours during our test but only for 18 hours during one toasty car camp trip. For a variety of conditions, the soft coolers in this guide provide enough cooling power to serve a range of recreation needs. Each soft cooler was stationed indoors at around 65 degrees, shaded, and filled with the same ratio and type of ice.
We also tested the Orca Walker Tote ($225), which is equally well-made but in a slightly different style. This Igloo product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service for 1 year from the date of original purchase. For additional information, please visit the Warranty Service page under Customer Care.
Igloo’s small Playmate coolers are also perfect for your everyday needs, keeping everyone’s lunch cold on the worksite for over 45 years. A soft sided cooler that accommodates 12 cans of your favorite drinks, ideal for picnics, family outings or tailgating. Packing the cooler is simple and easy, just unzip by using the dual zippers located at the top. The main compartment is spacious, the interior is designed with an enhanced insulation and antimicrobial liner. On the front is a zippered pocket for holding your smartphone, keys or other essentials.
Soft coolers that are wider or more bucket-style are easier to access, as far as finding a specific item. Coolers with a broad, flat surface that rests against you can help absorb that swing and bounce. The Igloo Pursuit Tote ($100) preserved our bubbly water, hummus, pepperoni, peppers, and arugula while car camping and crewing the Hardrock 100. Unfortunately, the shape and height of the cooler makes the storage space pretty narrow. Looking at it from the outside, the cooler looks like it will fit more than it actually can. The shape works well for canned drinks, but other than that, the narrowness of the storage space makes it difficult to organize.