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From picnics to standup paddleboard trips and road tripping up the coast, soft coolers have a solid place in our lineup of on-the-go refrigeration tools. Here are our favorite picks.
We’ll always have a spot in our gear closet for a hard cooler, but soft coolers have proven to be just as essential. They weigh less and are easy for one person to grab and quickly transport from the deck to the truck bed.
There’s a broad range of sizes and softness in soft coolers. Some of these designs are actually very rigid, stout, and stackable. Others are fully collapsible and pliable, and we celebrate the space-saving option for storage.
For day-long roams, weekend adventures, road trips, or running errands, these soft coolers kept our provisions chilled without weighing us down. For more information about soft coolers, check out our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article.
Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys for 2023.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Soft Coolers buyer’s guide on November 16, 2023, to add newly launched and tested products, educational sections, and field imagery.
From the get-go, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler ($250) was reliable and durable. It was reassuring to know it would get the job done and keep our things cold through all the adventures. This cooler also comes in a smaller size 8 or larger size 18.
We took this cooler out on multiple fishing trips and day trips to check out some new lakes, as well as a long drive back to Colorado from Southern Utah. At the lake, the Hopper Flip was the perfect size for our day trip and fit enough drinks and snacks for two or three people. 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. It remained waterproof as it floated near the shore after the lake waves drug it into the water.
In the car, along with being lightweight and easy to carry with lots of different carrying options (like the lid handle, side handles, and the additional adjustable shoulder strap), the box shape of the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 was convenient to store and didn’t collapse when other bags were stacked on top of it. It kept our drinks and produce cool for the whole nine and a half hour drive with varying temperatures and sun exposure.
We loved the the additional clip-on shoulder strap. Its material is supportive and soft, almost like a memory foam pad, and it made carrying the cooler along the trail a much better experience.
The exterior material was incredibly durable and withstood scratches and dents after being scraped against branches along the trails and dragged around on the rocky ground. Once the lake day was over and we were unpacking, cleaning out the inside out of the cooler was made easy since we could see all the corners and get to all the crevasses. The rigid construction kept the side walls from caving in and the openness of the insulated liner provided fast, easy cleaning, and also made it painless to organize and see the contents inside.
Our ice retention test concluded that the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler can hold ice for about 3 days. These results were similar to the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler, and both of these coolers were among our best performers. Yeti doesn’t claim a specific number of hours for ice retention due to the myriad environmental factors you may encounter. The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 can fit 24 cans only or solely 16 pounds, to give you an idea of the capacity. This soft cooler is definitely on the pricier side, but the insulative effectiveness and other design features made it stand apart from the other coolers in this guide and as our top favorite.
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. The temps that day hovered around 80 degrees.
Despite being left in the car for a full day following the river outing, the cooler still had ice and felt cold. That well-founded retention is thanks to the brand’s blend of proprietary insulation, interior radiant barrier, and thick base made of three layers of SuperFoam. We also found the water- and stain-resistant exterior very durable. The inside was easy to wipe clean.
The shape and weight feel easy to move around, and the handles are comfortable. We appreciate all of the pockets to help us keep odds and ends organized. There are two zippered pockets, including one that fits a phone, and two huge, broad mesh pockets.
According to our ice retention test, the Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote is capable of holding ice for up to 70 hours. This cooler could fit two dozen 12-ounce cans. We’re quite confident it’s the best soft cooler for the price.
We used the Orca Walker 20 ($250) for tailgating at trailheads after hikes and park BBQs. Ultimately, this is an excellent cooler for single-day adventures. Our team was most impressed by the 840-denier textile exterior, which is tough and doesn’t get banged up.
The insulation is a metal-coated plastic blend, which did a solid job of preserving the ice and goods. We loved the soft interior liner and the waterproof zipper that prevents any leaks from the top.
The two side handles aren’t the most comfortable to grab, and we wish they weren’t adjacent to the shoulder straps’ attachment points. The center magnetic handle is smooth and nice to grab. But when the handgrip is detached into two separate pieces, they’re not comfortable to grasp.
According to our ice retention test, the Orca Walker 20 is capable of holding ice for up to 70 hours. This cooler could fit 20 12-ounce cans.
We also tested the Orca Walker Tote ($225), which is equally well-made but in a slightly different style. It also retained ice for nearly 28 hours. For more info, check out the full review.
One of our favorite products overall was the Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 ($185). Even given its large size, it was still very comfortable to transport, due to the soft, malleable walls. With the simple, wide handles Velcroed together, we could sling the cooler over our shoulders when it was fully loaded.
A hard cooler this size would require two hands to move. But the flexible walls allowed us to flatten and fold the cooler for easy storage, saving us space in a tight apartment.
The exterior is made of synthetic plastic and nylon, so it’s not resilient for a rugged whitewater trip but is suitable for basecamp. There’s ample space to carry multiple meals for several people. The insulated walls have an interior aluminum coat that helps trap cold air, and the ice retention is adequate for single- and 2-day adventures.
The Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 did well on a weekend road trip to climb in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains and camp out, but wouldn’t be able to retain ice for longer durations. Our ice retention test corroborated that experience, showing the cooler is capable of holding ice for nearly 2.5 days.
If you want a versatile cooler with a bit more volume than a traditional soft cooler, look no further.
The Cotopaxi Hielo ($105) is among Cotopaxi’s (Re)Purpose Collection, so each bag is constructed with leftover high-quality nylon and polyester fabric from other companies’ manufacturing runs, saving those scraps from going to the landfill.
At the brand’s partner factory in the Philippines, the designers and sewers choose mixed-and-matched fabric for each pack. No two coolers bags are the same — each one is creatively unique.
What is the same: each pack features a roll-top closure that’s secured with a buckle. The interior liner of the Cotopaxi Hielo is waterproof and the foam insulation, which is likewise repurposed, keeps the goods chilled. And there’s a water bottle pocket (up to 3 inches in diameter) on the side.
For grab-and-go, there’s a handle on the back and a carry tote-style strap. For scale, the bag can carry up to a dozen 12-ounce cans.
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. No other cooler would’ve fit into the awkward floor space behind our seats.
We loaded the Pack-Away into our jeep for navigating Colorado’s high-altitude Alpine Loop, a 65-mile route that circumnavigates old mining roads through the San Juan Mountains. The cooler held lunch meats, cheese, veggies, dark chocolate, and seltzer waters.
The eco-friendly design features a recycled polyester upper and recycled nylon bottom. It’s also Bluesign-approved, which we appreciate.
Overall, we found the REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler durable, given it’s made with a tough polyester shell and abrasion-resistant nylon bottom. It also had decent ice retention. The size and insulation are ideal for a single day out. According to the ice retention test, this cooler can retain ice for 57 hours and fit 24 12-ounce cans.
This soft cooler is a triple-whammy design. Dubbed the Icemule Impulse ($100), this lunch cooler adapts with simple straps to become a hand-carry, cross-body tote, or a bike handlebar bag. Inspired by the musette bags that became more known in the U.S. following mega race events, namely the Tour de France, this design is a step up: It’s waterproof for any weather or puddles that might cross your path and of course, it’s insulated to keep your grub or drinks cold.
We were pleasantly surprised by how durable, soft, and dense this material feels, especially for such a small pail. This bag really does feel like it’s built with tenacity, much like any bikepacking bag.
For the cross-body tote, we like that the strap is thick and had a central buckle, so you can easily disconnect if needed — though, we didn’t totally find it necessary with how long the strap can extend. Two additional streamlined buckles connect each strap end to the cooler body.
The two straps that attach the soft cooler to bike handlebars have reflective material, a touch we appreciate. Inside, there’s a sleeve that works great for a slender ice pack. On the backside of the exterior, there’s a small pocket with a zip closure that’s big enough for a spork, ID, or that lean, removable shoulder strap.
Overall, we love that we can cruise to a riverside park with weight on our bike, easily pull off our lunch bag, transition the tote to a cross-body bag, and hike around to find a picnic spot. Of course, that means we need to carry the removable shoulder strap with us, but it isn’t too cumbersome. The Icemule Impulse is a cool triple-bargain and well-executed design.
The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote ($80) surprised us with its ease of use, affordability, and sustainable design features. These elements made up for the zipper not being leakproof and for the cooler not staying as cold as other options in this guide.
We appreciated that this cooler is made with recycled polyester fibers from Repreve — providing a more eco-friendly option. Other notable design components include the water resistant outer material, and the easy-to-use zipper. The cooler also floats when empty on the water.
The Bygone Cooler Tote joined us on a long cross-country road trip, holding our travel snacks for us. It fit nicely behind the car seat. When we got hungry, it was easy to grab whatever we wanted to munch on. When the cooler was fully unhinged, the mouth opened up extra wide and it was easy to see all the goods.
Our ice retention test demonstrated that the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote remained cold and held some ice for 51 hours. Compared to the ice retention of all the coolers in this guide, this cooler seemed to be the least effective at staying cool and keeping ice.
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. It’s a great find in the budget arena.
Yeti completely reworked and relaunched the magnetic closures for their soft coolers — and the powerful design is back and better than ever. This time, the brand launched the Hopper collection with the magnetic closures including the Yeti Hopper M15 Tote ($300), which comes in an even larger M30 tote that fits 42 cans of bubbly water over the 32 cans that can stack into the M15. There’s also a shoulder strap verion: the Hopper M12 or M20 Backpacks.
To close up this cooler, you snap shut the top of the tote, fold down the rim, then click two wide buckles over the top for extra security. Either side of the mouth is lined with a strip of super-strong magnets. We’ll be the first to confirm: Despite the shark-clamp this magnet offers to hold in cold air or liquid, when the clasp is manually set open, the gap stays. We never saw the cooler slam shut when propped open. And without doubt, the ice retention of this soft cooler is among the front runners. The only challenge we had was with closing the two buckles: One of our easiest solutions was to place a knee on the top of the tote to more easily slide the ends together. But the pressure of a palm will also do.
Also, the shape of this cooler means it’s not our choice for grocery store runs — it’s simply not big or boxy enough — but is a classy, top-notch design for day adventures.
The narrow but wide slide-in kangaroo pocket on the side of the cooler is perfect for sliding a phone or wallet while you stroll. And we’re a sucker for a comfortable grab handle that’s as ergonomic and strong as this one has.
One of our favorite details of this tote is the lengthy shoulder strap, which is removable but has a lean yet cushy, grippy and soft pad right where you need it most. There are two additional hand straps as an alternative loop to grab, which can slide over your shoulder, too for a close-to-torso carry. Those straps are convenient but barebones and not as comfortable as the longer body strap.
We were impressed with how slender this large bag feels, due to the tapered design and sleek crown to this tote. The exterior is buttery smooth, easy to wipe down, and is just as durable as all the other touchpoints from top to bottom. Overall, despite being large, this Yeti tote is simply comfortable to carry. Yet the base is wide and sturdy, so we don’t need to worry about where we set the load down — gravel and uneven ground isn’t an issue. The Yeti Hopper M15 Tote is a premium soft cooler that’ll last through whatever you throw its way.
Brand new to the soft cooler scene, RovR just bridged their long-standing hard cooler craftsmanship into their sister category. The brand recently launched the 28L RovR TravelR 30 ($250), a tall-standing and oval-shaped soft cooler with generous space.
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.
With a unique spin, the cooler is compatible with a removable insert called the KeepR ($150), which organizes fare into different compartments like a golf bag. The dividers are secured via Velcro, so the compartments are adjustable. The center of the basket has a circular sleeve for the 3L Icer ($50), a double-wall vacuum-sealed ice holder with a 3.5-pound capacity.
We tested all of the accessories, and most enjoyed pulling clean, super cold ice out of the Icer to put directly into our lemonade while boogying to music all day outside. The SnackR containers were also great for pouring in fresh, chilled salsa and carrying sliced cheese. They were easy to slide in and stack on top of items inside the cooler.
While we liked the size, capacity, and shape of the RovR TravelR 30, the hand straps are not cushioned or wide enough to comfortably carry this cooler when it’s loaded with all the eats, drinks, and ice.
When we picked up the cooler with the detachable shoulder strap — which is padded — the attachment point completely broke within 20 seconds — thankfully, the cooler didn’t land on our toes. So we used a different shoulder strap to carry the cooler on our 15-minute walk to our picnic spot.
But even with a pad, the strap was not comfortable for the weight-to-weight ratio of this tall cooler. So don’t plan on walking far with this softie or make sure your shoulders are covered for a little extra cushion.
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 Mountainsmith Takeout ($30) accompanied us on a standup paddleboard session down Colorado’s Slate River, a mellow run sans whitewater. 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 design is super lightweight and felt comfortable to carry around. It was easy to sling over our shoulders with the removable strap. The material dried surprisingly fast after it got wet while paddling. This design is too small for an all-day adventure, but for a lunchbox or outing, it’s great. And the wide shape allows easy access to the grub inside the cooler.
According to the ice retention test, the Mountainsmith Takeout can retain ice for 21 hours. To put the size in perspective, this cute cooler could fit six 12-ounce cans.
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.
The exterior is made of a 600-denier polyester shell that’s waterproof. The zipper is completely watertight with welded seams, so leaking isn’t on the menu. We noticed the zipper is hard to pull one-handed, and we typically need to counter-pull the side handles to open or close it.
We were surprised to see the cooler’s exterior sweat quite a bit during the ice retention test. The ice melted at a faster rate compared to other coolers, lasting for about 60 hours, but well above the brand’s 36-hour stamp. The 18-liter Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote could fit two dozen 12-ounce cans.
The RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler ($99) definitely compared to the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 soft cooler in that it had impressive ice retention and insulative effectiveness. Plus, it’s significantly cheaper.
We brought this cooler car camping with us in Leadville, CO for three days. To begin the trip, we kept a large ice pack in it. Once that thawed, we switched to bags of ice. Our food stayed nice and cool for the first couple days before the ice started to melt faster and the air inside the cooler warmed. Considering it was sitting in the sun for most of the day, this RTIC pack was reliable and effective at its job thanks to the thick walls composed of closed cell foam.
This cooler is leak proof, waterproof, and buoyant. It’s ideal for any activity on the water. The floating capabilities would come in handy after a boat flips on a rapid.
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 walls are two inches thick and the lid is robust. The shape works well for canned drinks, but other than that, the narrowness of the storage space makes it difficult to organize.
Our ice retention test for the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler ended approximately three days in when all the ice had fully melted — comparable stats to the Yeti Hopper Flip 12. RTIC claims the 20 Can can keep your drinks cool for 24 hours — a claim that our tests more than verified. RTIC 20 can Soft Pack Cooler did indeed fit 20 cans, just as its name suggests.
This is a great overall cooler — especially for water goers.
The Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote ($199) is more than just a cooler tote. This cooler doubles as a dry bag when you take the removable liner out. When the insulative liner is in the bag, there is room for extra storage in between the exterior shell and the liner for your dry goods. However, be cautious about any ice melt or liquid that could spill into the dry goods side if the cooler is tipped over.
We brought this cooler on a car camping trip to Colorado for five days and tested it out on the lake, in the car, and on the trail. We used this cooler for our snacks and drinks, and it did well to keep our things cold for a couple days at a time. We had to switch out the ice every two days or so.
We noticed was that it was challenging to organize and see everything that was inside because the zipper doesn’t open very wide and the material around the zipper is stiff. This made cleaning the inside a bit troublesome, but removing the insulating liner helps with this problem. On the plus side, the zipper is leakproof and closing it is a piece of cake.
This cooler’s exterior material is super tough and held up against the gritty rocks and dirt around the lake. The exterior is also waterproof and the tote itself floats on the water, making this another great water activity cooler. Being a tote cooler, it doesn’t have completely rigid walls. It can be compressed and be stored efficiently if need be. The additional shoulder strap is a great way to carry this cooler tote around with you.
The Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote holds ice for about 53 hours. Its 30 L capacity can hold 36 cans plus a five pound bag of ice.
The Mountainsmith Sixer ($35) was a great cooler for lunch on the go. Our tester, a Colorado-based electrician and mountain biker, packed it with a canned drink, sandwich, fruit, and chocolate. The cooler’s shape and size were easy to fit in a messy work truck.
Inside and out, the cooler was easy to clean. It seems durable, and we like the vintage look. The haul handle is ergonomically sound and comfortable to grab. However, our ice melted fast on hot days, and with minimal room in the cooler, the food can get wet. But, the seamless liner did hold the water and showed no sign of leaks.
According to the ice retention test, this cooler can preserve ice for 25 hours. The Mountainsmith Sixer can fit one dozen 12-ounce cans.
The Igloo Pursuit Tote ($100) preserved our bubbly water, hummus, pepperoni, peppers, and arugula while car camping and crewing the Hardrock 100. It was easy to carry around from the van to the hotel porch. We most appreciated the lightweight design and malleable fabric.
We could stuff lots of goods inside or squish the cooler down for storage. The slender shape doesn’t bounce around and feels smooth to carry over the shoulder.
We really like the exterior front zipper pocket. But we wish the side mesh water bottle pockets were hardy like the rest of the cooler — they felt flimsy and easily snagged. Also, we loved that the top entry opened wide and had a two-way zipper, though the wide rim made drying out the cooler a challenge.
Ultimately, due to the ice retention, the Igloo Pursuit Tote is a solid option for errands and small trips but be sure to cool the bag before use. According to the ice retention test, this cooler can retain ice for 40 hours. It can fit 30 12-ounce cans.
Our team loudly applauded the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler ($100), which was a dependable tool for whitewater rafting Colorado’s Gunnison River, car camping, and crewing the Hardrock 100. We found the size good for a duo.
The cooler’s exterior is made with stout ripstop nylon that easily wipes down. Inside, the insulated polyester liner is durable and removable. It’s also super easy to pull out and clean.
While adventuring, this cooler did a noteworthy job of preserving ice in sunny conditions and exceeded the capabilities of other coolers we tested. The seams are sealed to prevent leaks. A two-way zipper provides easy top access, and the cube shape nicely slides into tight spaces on a boat or in the truck bed.
According to our ice retention test, the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler is capable of holding ice for up to 60 hours. To put the size in perspective, this cooler could fit one dozen 12-ounce cans.
Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Size, Capacity, Weight, Ice Retention Test.
Our team has developed cooler guides year after year, objectively testing dozens of soft, hard, and backpack coolers in the field, from whitewater raft trips to fly fishing adventures and music festivals in the mountains.
For this soft cooler guide, we examined the most popular, innovative, highly acclaimed, and bestselling products with diverse storage and carry capacities, ice retention ability, and across a price spectrum.
Lead tester Morgan Tilton, Senior Editor specializing in Snow Sports Buyer’s Guides, coordinated a range of studious gear testers to adventure with and examine the soft coolers in this guide from ultrarunners and ski mountaineers to fly fishing and whitewater rafting guides.
Gear tester Makena Gross is the assistant ski patrol director, and a ski and bike patroller, at Brian Head Resort, alongside teaching Wilderness Medicine courses. While adventuring throughout the Southwest, Groos took these coolers on a multitude of activities ranging from day trips to the lake to go fishing and swimming to multi-day road trips. Gross always tests the coolers across a range of conditions.
Our crew took these coolers through myriad conditions from summertime park BBQs to camping in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, guiding fly fishing sessions on rivers, and road-tripping to ski mountaineer in the Pacific Northwest.
We also performed a controlled in-house ice retention test to verify brand claims. For the experiment, we filled each pre-cooled cooler approximately 70% with fresh, frozen cubed ice and set them in a shaded, dry indoor space at a steady average of 65 degrees.
We periodically checked, making notes regarding melt rate, condensation, and leaks. Each reported time is based on when 100% of the ice was converted to water. This data provides a benchmark. But when traveling outdoors, these controlled variables disappear and the ice will likely melt faster.
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.
The larger the group, the more cargo space you’ll need. The soft coolers in our guide range from the Mountainsmith Takeout, which can fit six cans, to the 38 L Snow Peak Soft Cooler. Most of our choice soft coolers are either larger (30 L to 38 L) for group multiday trips or more compact (12 L to 19 L).
Other than the main storage pocket, which typically has an insulated liner inside, there are plenty of other pocket and storage features to consider when choosing a soft cooler to fit your needs.
Some coolers like the Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote only have the main storage compartment with no other pockets or mesh liners to put extra objects in. However, this cooler offers dry side storage with the ability to take out the liner where you can add items in between the exterior shell and the liner.
Other coolers such as the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler have an additional exterior zip up pocket that fits small items, like your phone, keys, and wallet, and is waterproof for extra safekeeping. Some soft coolers even have a mesh pocket that may hold a water bottle nicely.
You may also see coolers with a hitchpoint grid, like the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, which has daisy chain loops that you can clip your keys, other carabiners, or straps to for additional items or maybe secure your cooler down on the boat.
The weights of soft coolers are typically reflected by their size and capacity. The smallest design in our guide is the Mountainsmith Takeout, which weighs less than a pound. The heaviest soft cooler is the 4-pound, 7-ounce RovR TravelR, which has a 28L capacity and the best ice retention.
Even the heaviest soft cooler in our guide is lighter than a hard cooler. For comparison, the YETI Tundra 45 Cooler weighs 23 pounds, and the RovR Products RollR 45 weighs more than 37 pounds.
Soft cooler totes are long, slender, and streamlined against your side. They’re comfortable to carry over a shoulder. However, taller coolers get trickier with access to buried items, so you have to be mindful when packing the cooler.
Soft coolers that are wider or more bucket-style are easier to access, as far as finding a specific item. But, they can feel more cumbersome to carry over a shoulder. Coolers with a broad, flat surface that rests against you can help absorb that swing and bounce.
Boxier coolers can be easier to stack — as long as the walls and base are rigid — while sleeker coolers can more likely slip behind a seat in your car. Shorter, more compact coolers are easier to fit in tight spaces on a boat.
A soft cooler’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, and handles. A range of top closures exist. The most common are waterproof and leakproof zippers or non-waterproof and leakproof zippers.
We pay attention to that variable to know if a cooler needs to always be upright. Some unique closures don’t allow leaks. Other coolers have magnetic seams, like models made by YETI. Welded seams also help prevent leaks.
Soft coolers 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.
The quality of materials influences the waterproofness, durability, insulation value, and whether or not the face fabric produces condensation. The materials also determine the comfort, breathability, support, and overall cost.
Handles and straps are constructed with a variety of materials. Some are more ergonomic, comfortable, and durable than others.
Most soft coolers have side or top handles, two straps that swing up to secure together above the cooler, or a removable shoulder strap. A bunch of designs have a combination of handles and straps, too. For coolers on the larger side (like the RoVR 30) it’s key to have padding on the hand or shoulder straps for comfort while carrying a fully-loaded cooler.
In our testing, we liked the wide, soft material of the two swing-up straps on the Snow Peak Soft Cooler.
The handles on the Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote were a great length and easy to slide over one shoulder.
The base of a soft cooler can play a significant role in the integrity of your cooler. A strong base keeps your cooler walls from collapsing, while a flimsy base could result in the walls caving in.
Another factor is how well insulated the base is. A thicker, more insulated base can keep your contents cooler for longer while it is sitting on a hot truck bed, dock, or boat.
Both the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler and the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler are more box-shaped and have a thick, sturdy base that provides stability and insulation support.
Tote-style coolers including the Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote have welded seams on the base that prevent leakages and keep the cold insulation from escaping.
We completed our ice retention test with controlled variables. Each soft cooler was stationed indoors at around 65 degrees, shaded, and filled with the same ratio and type of ice.
For a variety of conditions, the soft coolers in this guide provide enough cooling power to serve a range of recreation needs.
When you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a pack’s ice retention, including 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.
Additional features on soft coolers include hard clip points, daisy chains, webbing straps, and bungee cords for carrying extra gear. Some packs also include a reflective logo or bottle opener.
Many soft coolers do not have tiedown points, which would be a good feature for river or motorcycle trips.
Some soft coolers have materials that are mildew resistant and antimicrobial like the interior liner of the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler. YETI also treats the interior and exterior of its Hopper Flip soft coolers to be mildew resistant, which helps with keeping your tote sanitary while extending the life of the product.
Between uses, you can clean the interior of a soft cooler with a sponge, lukewarm water, and standard dish soap. You can wipe down the exterior and zipper, too — don’t miss the feet and bottom, which touch ground surfaces. Let the interior completely air dry or use a towel to wipe down before zipping shut for storage.
The most airtight, temperature-regulated, and waterproof soft coolers boast burly zippers that take hand grease to open and close. A handful of brands even send you home with zipper lubricant, like RTIC and YETI.
For instance, YETI advises applying the lubricant to the front and back of the zipper including the teeth and seal. RTIC says to add a couple of drops then open and close the zipper a few times. The moisturizer can be applied every six months to help protect the zipper teeth — around the time you head in for an oil change. Easy.
The prices of soft coolers in our guide range from the $30 Mountainsmith Takeout, which is the smallest cooler, to the Orca Walker Cooler ($220) or $250 with the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler with top-shelf ice retention. The Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote at $199 is near that high tier.
The price of a soft cooler is reflected by the size, durability, quality of materials, design features, and ice retention.
Soft coolers in the medium price range include the Snow Peak Soft Cooler ($185), Igloo Pursuit Tote ($120), REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler ($100), and the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler rounds out this segment at $99. The well-constructed, premium Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote is available at a moderate price ($150).
Plenty of soft coolers are fairly comfortable to use and reliable (as long as it’s not too sunny or scorching hot out) in the less-than-$100 category. Those choice designs include a range of designs such as the Mountainsmith Takeout ($30), REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler ($50), and Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53). Also on the cheaper end of the spectrum, the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote ($80) is an affordable option and provides awesome storage capacity and cool design features, such as an exterior pocket and recycled materials.
There’s utility for both designs. Hard coolers are more durable and stout and have a larger size range, given they can hold more weight without collapsing. Hard coolers can also preserve ice for longer durations. If you’re going on a weeklong car camping trip with limited access to ice, it’s advantageous to have a hard cooler for fresh food. On the other hand, a soft cooler is a preferred choice for being lightweight, easy to carry — especially for one person — and simple to transport. The compact sizes are great for picnics, day trips, overnight camping, and grocery shopping. Another benefit is some soft coolers are collapsible, so they occupy less space in storage than a hard cooler. For road trips, you can separate daytime beverages and snacks into a soft cooler, which limits opening of the hard cooler and preserves ice.
If the cooler’s seams are not welded and leakproof, they can leak. Soft coolers can also leak through the lid closure if the zipper isn’t waterproof or the clasp isn’t leakproof.
Some soft coolers are superior at ice retention, which is generally reflected in the price tag but not always. Some pricier coolers offer adequate ice retention mixed with other qualities like durability and capacity. In our side-by-side ice retention test, the soft coolers that retained ice the longest were the RovR TravelR, YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, RTIC 20 can Soft Pack Cooler, which are each capable of holding ice for up to 72 hours, to each brand’s claim.
It was closely followed by the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Bucket Tote and Orca Walker Cooler, which held ice for 70 hours. The lowest ice retention recorded was 21 hours for the small Mountainsmith Takeout. In daily adventures, melt speed slightly fluctuates based on the frequency of opening the cooler, how long it’s open, ambient heat, and direct sunlight. 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.
For most soft coolers, dry ice will burn the interior materials. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs.
For the longest-lasting ice retention and cooling capability, aim to use a 2:1 ratio of ice to contents. You can quickly prechill your cooler with a sacrificial bag of ice a few hours before loading it up, especially if the cooler was stored in a hot place. Or, bring the cooler inside a cool room to lower the temperature the night before use. The type of ice makes a difference. Block ice and fresh cubed ice from freezers are denser than chipped ice or crushed ice from ice machines. If you get super strategic, you can use a mix of block ice — which melts slowly — and cubed ice — which cools down the container quickly. As the ice melts, it’s ideal to retain the ice water, which helps the other ice stay cold. Limit your access to the cooler because opening it up releases the cold air. Keep your cooler in the shade to prolong that low temperature. If you’re under direct sun, toss a towel or blanket over the cooler to help alleviate a heat spike.
Both soft coolers and hard coolers have their strengths and weaknesses. Hard coolers tend to be better for longer trips or catering to larger group sizes, while soft coolers are great for shorter trips for fewer people.
Benefits of hard coolers are that they typically are more durable, sturdier, and keep ice longer than soft coolers. Some downsides to hard coolers are that they are more difficult to move and carry, and they can be harder to store since they don’t compact like soft coolers do.
On the other hand, the benefits of soft coolers are that they are more compact, store well, are more lightweight and easier to carry. Although they don’t preserve ice for as long as hard coolers, there are several neat design features, like extra pockets, hitchpoints, and additional carrying methods.
It really is ideal to have options to choose from depending on what adventure you’re planning. Having a hard cooler designated for food for the trip and having a soft cooler to get your drinks separated can be a helpful way to organize and keep your things cold and fresh.
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Based among the awe-inspiring peaks of Crested Butte, Colorado, Morgan Tilton is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie honing the SnowSports Buyer’s Guides alongside warmer coverage. More broadly, she’s an adventure journalist specializing in outdoor industry news and adventure travel stories, which she’s produced for more than a decade and more than 80 publications to date. A recipient of 14 North American Travel Journalists Association awards, when she’s not recovering from high alpine or jungle expeditions she’s usually trail running, mountain biking, or splitboarding in Southwest Colorado, where she grew up and lives today. From resort to backcountry and human-powered to motorized travel, she loves sliding across snow.
Makena Gross is a gear tester & contributor for GearJunkie. She has been writing about skiing, camping, and hiking for _ years. Makena is also the Assistant Patrol Director at Brian Head Resort and a wilderness medicine instructor for Desert Mountain Medicine. Prior to that, she was an Instructor for Colorado State University’s Outdoor Program. Based in Southern Utah, Makena is an avid skier, camping enthusiast, trail runner, climber, and mountain biker.
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