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. Some soft coolers are superior at ice retention, which is generally reflected in the price tag but not always. A bunch of other variables influence ice retention, too, including the type and quantity of ice, extra space in the compartment (which decreases effectiveness), and if the cooler was prechilled. At first glance, the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler may not look like much.
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 if you skip the ice and just fill it with food and a drink, this won’t be an issue. While they’re not standardized measures, we have found that most cooler companies’ estimates of their cooling power are reasonably helpful for rough comparison.
That makes them, generally speaking, easier to store and transport. To test the portability of each soft cooler, the team walked around with each of the coolers to see how comfortable they were to carry. The coolers were all tipped upside down to see if they were, in fact, leakproof. The Yeti Hopper Flip 18’s steep price tag—over $250—knocked it out of first place for best soft cooler.
This cute cooler carried and chilled several cans of microbrews and several sparkling waters. We also used it day-to-day on drives to bring along lunch, snacks, and beverages. The wide opening is great for quick, easy access, and the leakproof seal prevented igloo trailmate melted ice from dripping out (and also prevented rain from seeping in during storms). The models that scored lower in our durability tests use light to mid-weight nylon or canvas with middle-of-the-road zippers and regular seam construction.
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. Some unique closures include the clasp of the OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler, which doesn’t allow leaks. Soft coolers that are wider or more bucket-style are easier to access, as far as finding a specific item. Coolers like the OtterBox Trooper 20 Cooler with a broad, flat surface that rests against you can help absorb that swing and bounce. Even the heaviest soft cooler in our guide is lighter than a hard cooler.
With a lightly padded back panel, breathable mesh, and a more flexible structure, we had no trouble transporting this cooler around. However, if you’re wearing a swimsuit, it tends to rub against bare skin. That said, the more you roll, igloo trailmate the less internal capacity available. When fully loaded with a whopping 39 cans, we wish we had a waist belt to take some weight off our shoulders. But for lighter loads, wearing the IceMule is like carrying a small backpack.
These dry bag coolers did great in our submersion tests, and they float, making these a great option to take along on the kayak. The top half of the bag is a normal non-insulated pocket that can be used for hiking layers or cutlery. The cooler itself can hold 16 cans and can even pack in a wine bottle, though it does cause the pack to bend a bit. It’s worth noting that all coolers in our lineup can hold a wine bottle. Among backpack models, the RTIC Backpack 30 and the Engel Roll Top BP25 Backpack reign supreme. Much like other RTIC models, the Backpack Cooler 30 is made from heavy-duty materials, including a watertight zipper.
Keep your food and drink cold with the Igloo Trailmate 18 Soft Cooler. This soft-sided cooler is durable and helps keep your items at the right temperature. If you’re concerned about spillage, very little melted ice escaped these teeth. Plenty of soft coolers sit well below the top-tier tag but not all perform as impressively as this RTIC Soft Pack Cooler that keeps 30 cans of our favorite soda and beer frosty. When ranked among the best coolers, soft coolers might be the next great sandbaggers of the outdoors. Color options for this cooler include slate blue and tan, sandstone and red, and tank green and black, which should blend in depending on what environment you’re exploring.