Tested: The Absolute Best Coolers For Any Adventure

Though rudimentary cold storage vessels for prolonging the shelf-life of perishable goods and foods have existed for centuries, it wasn’t until February of 1951 that the first portable ice chest was patented in the United States. In the subsequent seven decades, these portable offerings — which we know today simply as the “cooler” — have hugely evolved, with advancements in insulation and construction techniques giving way to a host of increasingly efficient, mobile, rugged, and lightweight models. Today, insulated coolers are better than ever, which is why we’ve assembled this guide of the best around based on models we tested.

How We Tested

Because outdoor coolers are designed and engineered with different applications in mind, today’s market encompasses an enormous variety of models, massively varying in not only size and type, but also in overall quality and efficiency. And with the dog days of summer now fully upon us, there’s no better time to invest in a proper outdoor cooler. So, to help you sort through the sea of mediocre coolers, and shine a light on the creme of the cooler crop, we’ve looked at a bunch of our favorites, as well as models from renowned brands in the space. We created a shortlist based on aesthetic, quoted ice retention, materials, functionality, and extra features.

From there, we sourced our units for testing. Testing required us to spend time with each cooler and seeing what we liked and didn’t like about each one, relative to its intended use (i.e., a wheeled cooler will have a different use than a backpack cooler). We also filled each cooler with ice to see how much, if any, of the ice was still there after 24 hours. These results and more are detailed below.

What to Consider

Because all coolers perform the same basic function, it can be tricky distinguishing the different models or understanding the justification behind some of the higher MSRPs attached to many of today’s more top-shelf coolers. To help give you an idea of what to look for, we’ve put together this guide on the qualities to hone in on when buying a cooler.

Soft Versus Hard-Sided: Though there are hybrid products, the two most common types of coolers and hard and soft-sided. Both styles have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, with hard coolers typically boasting more rugged and robust construction and often more efficient insulation than their soft-sided counterparts. Soft-sided coolers have the benefit of being lighter, and thus more travel friendly. Plus, the aforementioned advancements in insulation have allowed for several soft-sided models that can rival hard-sided coolers in terms of prolonged temperature regulation.

Intended Application: Your hunt for a new cooler should start with considering how you plan on using the thing. A jumbo-sized rolling hard cooler might be a great choice for tailgating, though will obviously be less-than-conducive to hike-in camping applications. Your intended use should help to narrow down your search and figure out which style works best for your situation.

Materials & Application: This area determines overall durability. Common constructions utilized for hard coolers are plastics and polymers, while many soft-sided items are comprised of high-denier nylons — both varieties of which often sport TPU and polyurea-coatings. In terms of construction, many of the best hard coolers are manufactured using rotational molding (or “roto-molding” as it’s often referred to), while high-end soft-sided units can often be found with welded seams and outfitted with full membranes or liners. Clasps, hardware, zippers, and other closures are also of importance, as the more high-end offerings tend to be equipped with more premium parts such as water and leakproof zippers and Duraflex hardware, to name a few.

Insulation & Cooling Properties: Coupled with a cooler’s outside shell material and liner/membrane, the insulation is the factor that determines a given model’s thermal retention properties. High-density closed-cell foam is fairly common amongst modern coolers, though there are also numerous proprietary types such as YETI’s PERMAFROST and COLDCELL insulations. And, whether or not you fully comprehend what these materials mean, the lion’s share of coolers will typically advertise how long they can realistically remain cold while out in the field.

Physical Dimensions & Storage Space: This one circles back to the intended use, as that’s the area that should be determining what size of cooler you should be getting. It is important to note that external dimensions don’t necessarily reflect internal storage space, as well as the fact that pretty much all coolers require a cooling element (such as ice) in order to operate, and said element takes up some of the available space. To give you a better sense, most companies will advertise internal restate (usually in liters), as well as how many cans it can hold.

Mobility & Weight: The contents inside of coolers — liquid and food typically — can add up quickly, and be extremely heavy. For this reason, it’s important to minimize the weight of the cooler itself. Fortunately, modern materials and construction have allowed for some impressively lightweight models. The general rule is that if you can’t comfortably carry a cooler (when full), then you’re going to want to opt for a rolling cooler equipped with wheels. Additionally, there are also backpack- and sling-style coolers that make transportation easier and free up the use of both of your hands. This is also an area in which intended use once again comes to the surface.

*NOTE: Ice retention quotes below are estimates and will change depending on multiple factors, including external temperatures.

Coleman XPAND

Best Budget Cooler: Expensive coolers aren’t a necessity if you don’t want them to be. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Coleman should be one of the first brands you turn to. Built with an antimicrobial liner to combat odors and mildew, their XPAND backpack cooler is one of the best backpack options regardless of price, capable of holding up to 30 cans with a quoted 34-hour coldness retention time. It’s features include a bungee pouch on the outside for storing extra items and a stretchy external pocket for gear. Plus, the welded seams prevent messes from getting trapped for years and also make for an easier cleanup.

Backpack coolers aren’t necessarily known for being great gear backpacks. On the other hand, you have the XPAND, which provides you with plenty of pockets for things besides drinks and food. Aside from the deceptively large size of the “Active-Stretch” front pocket, it also includes an interior sleeve pocket, zippered mesh pocket, and mini carabiner key leash. Likewise, it opens up all the way so you can easily peer into it. Though, keep in mind that the zippers will indeed let unwanted moisture inside, so this isn’t necessarily ready for rainy outings. However, while no seepage was noticed through the material, these types of polyester bags tend to let in moisture that way as well. So consider this before keeping your phone or wallet in the exterior pocket. Or you could simply use ice packs and this won’t be an issue since they don’t actually melt.

While the large water bottle pocket on the outside easily fit my fat 32-ounce thermos, this won’t be as effective if the cooler is filled with food since the external wall won’t bend as much. However, my biggest issue is probably the bungee pocket on the front, which is tethered on one side rather than at the bottom, thus affecting its ability to tighten properly. It can hold clothing when stuffed full but otherwise things will fall out. I love how comfortable the XPAND felt on my back, and at under 3lbs, there’s not a lot of extra weight outside of the items you’re carrying. Also, this bag had surprisingly great ice retention. Most of the ice was still left after the 24-hour period.

Verdict: It’s not waterproof but the Coleman XPAND has only a few other flaws worth mentioning, especially for its $40 price tag. A great option for beach trips, day hikes, or even picnics, this bag has lots of extra storage for non-food gear as well, and is lightweight so you won’t dread lugging it around. This is easily the best cooler for the price.

NorChill BoatBag xTreme Marine Cooler

Best Soft-Sided Cooler: Soft-sided coolers can be great for days when you’re lugging around a lot of perishables but don’t necessarily need all the ruggedness of a hard-sided or wheeled ice chest. Although it’s made for boating, fishing, and kayaking, NorChill’s BoatBag xTreme Marine Cooler is a superb soft-sided cooler for any occasion, with waterproof construction and rugged YKK zippers on not only the main pocket but both side pockets as well. Featuring fusion-welded, double-stitched seams to prevent any seepage, the liner is puncture-resistant and the shell itself comes from a tear-resistant PVC tarpaulin that’s both anti-mildew and UV-resistant for longevity. Also, if you want to tether this to the floor, there are integrated anchor hooks, assisted by an anti-skid canvas bottom.

If you’ve dealt with enough waterproof options, you’ll notice that most of them are incredibly difficult to open and close. However, the NorChill’s zipper wasn’t a pain to unzip quickly. And still, this didn’t seem to affect its temperature retention at all, since ice was still left after the 24-hour testing window, even if most of it was melted. However, water will still spill out of the top if this is left upside down. I also loved the large exterior pockets, which are also water-sealed. If you consider the interior capacity of 24 cans (12- and 48-can options are available too), the width of the bag might seem too bulky, especially with the added bulk of the external pockets. However, it doesn’t change much in size when you add to the bag due to its sturdy walls, compared to other tote-style coolers. It’s also important to note that a lot of soft coolers are annoying to lug around, but the sturdiness of the BoatBag xTreme kept the weight compact, while the padded handles weren’t tough on my hands.

Again, don’t let the boating-focused design fool you; the BoatBag xTreme is a fantastic soft-sided cooler for any occasion. And from a subjective point of view, it looks really good too. Matching its seafaring purpose, the white PVC tarpaulin shell brings a unique aesthetic to your adventure compared to your typical soft-sided cooler. However, the look has a purpose as well. The reinforced base is really side, allowing the cooler to stand up on its own. And although it’s long at 18″, the corners of the top can be clipped down easily for storing into tighter spaces. You can also tighten or loosen these buckle clips without much hassle, helping it accommodate different-sized loads. If I had to pick a downside, it’s that the white walls may be more prone to dirt over time, although they’re fairly easy to clean.

Verdict: Despite the boating-focused intention of the NorChill BoatBag xTreme, it’s still the most impressive soft-sided cooler we tested, and for just $100 no less. Sporting a tote-like style, it has a total of 24 gear loops on the outside, integrated hooks for tethering, and an anti-skid bottom. The white walls may be prone to dirt and it’s not completely leakproof but this is a fantastic soft-shelled option regardless of the price.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler

Best for Road Trips: The best soft-sided coolers will be waterproof and tough, yet compact and lightweight. When it comes to modern options, very few models can compare with RTIC’s Soft Pack, a leakproof cooler that can float on water, and is also available in a plethora of colorways and four different size options. Built with a heavy-duty nylon shell, this unit is insulated with closed-cell foam and liner, both of which are resistant to punctures and abrasions. Featuring multiple carrying options for any type of adventure, it also sports an exterior pocket for any extras you need to store.

Another brand that’s fantastic when trying to save some cash without compromising quality is RTIC. About the same price as cheaper, tote-style coolers, the brand’s Soft Pack Cooler is made with the spirit of a hard-walled ice chest when it comes to rigidity and sturdiness, but without adding a bunch of weight. Nonetheless, there’s still a thick wall of insulation that’s obvious when opening the lid, and yet it only weighs 4lbs. After our 24-hour ice test, there wasn’t any ice left. However, the temperature of the water was still under 40ºF (albeit barely at 39.9ºF), which is within the maximum refrigeration temperature recommended for food safety.

As expected with soft-sided coolers featuring waterproof zippers, the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler was pretty darn difficult to unzip, which can deter you from zipping it back up, thus lowering the internal temperature retention. On the other hand, the cooler is pretty easy to carry, even if its handles could use individual padding. They’re very thin but can be combined and wrapped together with the included Velcro. There’s also attachment points on the side for the included shoulder strap. I did love the grab handles on either side, which make this easier to drag or pull out of a packed car, or even carry with two people. Since the one external pocket is rather small and a bit too tight to put anything realistic inside, I could’ve used an extra pocket or two on the outer shell. Significantly cheaper than the YETI Hopper Flip it’s so often compared to, it does lack the latter’s gear loops on the outside, which could have been a nice way to add some extra gear pouches.

Verdict: Leak-proof and capable of floating on water, the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler is an affordable soft-sided option for people who want something more similar to a hard-sided cooler. The ice didn’t survive after 24 hours but the internal temperature was still capable of refrigerating food, technically. Great for road trips due to its stackable and compact nature, this is a lightweight and sturdy option that will perform well and give you some serious bang for your buck.

Igloo Trailmate 24-Can Backpack

Best for Hiking: We’re all well aware of Igloo’s prowess and importance in the ice chest space. With plenty of fantastic options across several price ranges, the brand has always been good at not only giving in to growing trends but doing them better than the pack. Consider, for example, their Trailmate Backpack cooler, a 24-can soft-sided option constructed from 600D coated polyester fabric with a rectangular shape and mouth that allow you to stow the cans inside without taking them out of the box. When empty, this thing is only 4lbs heavy, adding very little extra to your load. However, it’s still crush-proof despite its soft-shelled exterior.

Sporting a clean aesthetic that doesn’t sacrifice function, the Igloo Trailmate Backpack is one of our favorite coolers in general –– backpack or otherwise. Spending any amount of time with this cooler, it’s clear that the beauty is truly in the finer details. Take, for instance, the roomy zippered pocket on the front side that has a clever slant at the bottom that puts any leaked water into a puddle, preventing any gear inside from resting in the water. A lot of these rigid units lack decent external pockets but the Trailmate pack isn’t one of them. I also loved how the waterproof zippers aren’t difficult to unzip. I also love that there are two zippers, letting you get inside without having to unzip it all the way and encouraging a quicker melting time. Not to mention, the ice retention here is solid, with a lot of ice present after 24 hours. Another nice details on this bag is the lid design in general, which unzips farther around the back so that it doesn’t keep snapping shut automatically when you’re trying to get inside. Likewise, this keeps you from thinking it’s zipped shut when it’s not.

With some nice handle options, including the pair of grab handles on the side and top-side carrying handles that can be Velcroed together, the Trailmate Backpack is very lightweight considering its larger size. While the handles on the side could benefit from being parallel to the ground rather than perpendicular, this design allows you to pull it from a packed car much easier. On your back, the pack is really comfortable. However, I do wish the sternum strap could adjust a bit more easily. This could be an issue if you’re lugging a full 24-pack on your back and need all the support you can get.

Verdict: Weighing just under 4lbs, the Igloo Trailmate provides you with a lot of real estate at a fair price. We loved the meticulous design details, such as the clever lid construction and the large reservoired exterior pocket. While it’s not fully leak-proof, we’ll forgive it for its waterproof capability, overall function, and the fact that it’s just so darn good-looking. For the best all-around cooler to hit the trails with, this one is the winner.

ENGEL HD30 Waterproof Soft-Sided Cooler Tote Bag

Best Soft-Sided for Multiple Days: The thing about soft-sided coolers is that they’re not known for keeping things cold for multiple days. However, if you’re limited on space, you might still need a soft-shelled ice chest for your travels. Built with an 840D shell, the ENGEL HD30 features welded seams and the highest quoted temperature retention on this list, at over 4 days, even in 90-degree temperatures! Big for its kind, this unit sports an 840D shell with thermoplastic polyurethane-laminated front and back, as well as closed-cell foam insulation. Bolstered by its patent-pending Vacuum Valve, which lets you inflate or deflate air between the interior and exterior layers (similar to a vacuum-insulated water bottle), this award-winning unit also has heavy-duty hardware, buckles, a bottle opener, and a padded carrying handle and ergonomic shoulder strap

While a 24-hour ice retention standard isn’t necessarily difficult to meet with good enough construction, the ENGEL HD30 has the most ice left over after this testing period. After a whole day with ice, I didn’t see any noticeable melting at all. With some features almost exclusive to its hard-shelled counterpart, the 48-can ice chest features multiple grab handles with a soft in-hand grip and the top lid corners can fold down and clip to save more space when you’re packing for your trip. To use the Vacuum Valve at the base, you simply put an actual vacuum hose at the opening to eliminate excess air. This has the added benefit of firming up the wall of the cooler too.

Continuously stunned by how rugged it is for a soft-shelled unit, the HD30 may be unappealing for some due to its large, 48-can volume. However, this is also a selling point for many and a spec that matches its insane ice retention. Spanning 20.5″ across, the cooler might now fit into a lot of tight spaces, so keep that in mind if you’ve got a smaller vehicle or are more prone to packing heavy. On the other hand, the dry weight of this chest is a mere 5.25lbs, which is quite impressive nonetheless. My biggest complaint is that there’s no actual drain at the bottom, which most hard-shelled coolers will have. However, it’s light enough to tip over at least. Also, while the side exterior zippered pocket keeps itself tight against the outside wall, it’s deep and wide enough that you’ll actually get some nice usage out of this compared to the ostensible pouches on other soft-shelled units. I also loved the added attachments, such as the webbing loops on the exterior and the included bottle opener.

Verdict: Large and in charge, the ENGEL HD30 has phenomenal ice retention, while also benefitting from a unique patent-pending Vacuum Valve technology that improves that insulation even more. It might be difficult to find space for this in your jam-packed car or RV, but it will serve you well on a multi-day camping trip and has some extra features that make this a great alternative to a hard-sided cooler of the same size.

CamelBak ChillBak Pack 30

Best Backpack Cooler Upgrade: $300 is admittedly a lot to spend on a backpack cooler, but the CamelBak ChillBak Pack will make you reconsider what “too much” is when it comes to the price tag. Not for the faint of heart, this backpack cooler is worth every penny, boasting TPU-coated 400D ripstop nylon for the outer shell, a 24-can capacity, and a 3-day temperature retention quote. Not to mention, the secondary compartment provides you with a 6-liter water reservoir for hiking or picnics, sporting a waterproof zipper and spigot hose (stored inside the exterior mesh pocket on the side of the pack) for bottle refills all day long.

Blending the overall design of the bag with its actual performance, the ChillBak is second to none. The most expensive backpack cooler on this list, the higher price point is totally justified. I love how the water reservoir is built into the padding into the back so that you don’t notice it’s there. Also, you can remove it entirely if you don’t need it, thus creating an additional zippered pocket on the outside. There’s a side mesh water bottle pocket that fits my 32-ounce water bottle and a zippered mesh pocket on the other side, which is admittedly tight but at least you can see inside of it. My favorite feature is the makeshift top compartment sandwiched between the ice box below and the roll-top closure. Separated by a heavy-duty Velcro surface that stays put due to the backpack’s physics, this spot is fantastic for storing some extra non-frigid gear, like clothing, a small toiletries kit, or even a hot food thermos.

My least favorite part of the pack is its weight. Not as massive as it could be, the 4.5-pound frame (when empty) was noticeable when the bag was full, especially compared to the sub-3-pound bags we tested. Also, without grab handles on the outside (save for the shoulder straps up top), this can be hard to pull out of a packed vehicle. However, I loved the adjustable waist strap, which no other backpack cooler had that we tested. This actually helps offset the weight when it’s got stuff inside (along with the sternum strap). Although I expected the roll-top lid to leak, there was nothing that spilled out when I tipped it onto its side. Likewise, the ice retention was top-notch, with almost all of the ice still solid after the 24-hour testing period.

Verdict: Despite being over $300, the ChillBak from CamelBak is a sight to behold. Not only does it have great ice retention but its thoughtful features made it our favorite top-shelf backpack cooler. Featuring outside-the-box details such as an additional water reservoir with spout, a makeshift top compartment, and an actual waist strap, this cooler might be bulky but should also be way heavier than it is. If you’re looking for the best, regardless of price, the ChillBak Pack is easily the best backpack out there if money isn’t an issue.

YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

Best for Camping: YETI’s fantastic range of insulated vessels, from water bottles to coolers of all sizes, is just about unrivaled. For its Tundra Haul Hard Cooler, the brand has made the ultimate hard-sided wheeled unit for long weekend trips and group outings. The cooler features roto-molded construction and 3″ of YETI’s proprietary PERMAFROST insulation thanks to the Fatwall design. The lid is secured via a heavy-duty T-REX lid latch system and Neverfail hinges that together are virtually indestructible and have been certified bear-proof by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Other features include tie-down slots for attaching to your truck bed or trailer, military-grade polyester rope handles, and non-slip feet. Tipping the scales at just 37.5lbs when empty, the cooler is made to house 82 canned beverages (without ice).

YETI’s brand of streamlined, borderline-minimalist aesthetic can always be relied upon, and this Tundra Haul is no different. One of the most ubiquitous coolers on the market (aside from some of the more affordable Igloo options maybe), the wheeled ice chest comes in plenty of colorways for your taste, although I personally dig the orange colorway (part of YETI’s new “King Crab” line), which is perfect for the beach or campground. While we didn’t test this cooler with bears, the bear-resistant clamps are incredibly rugged and yet are still easy for us mere humans to take on and off. To roll the cooler, you’ll use the handle grips, which are incredibly soft, adding to the user-friendliness of the smooth wheels. Though it’s on the heavier side at 37.5lbs, this is not a difficult ice chest to roll by any means. I also loved how the handle tucked itself away when I wasn’t using it, though it didn’t just drop down every time I released it. Instead, it’s optimal for when you’re looking for the right spot at the beach or campground but don’t want to keep bending over to pick it up. And then, when you’re done, you can just tap it to make it fall all the way back down flush with the unit.

However, I was surprised when I opened the cooler to notice the interior seemed less capacious than I expected, with the thick outer wall eliminating some room on all four sides. Plus, the wheel wells indent a larger portion of the bottom than other coolers. On the other hand, the cooler held its ice exceptionally well, as to be expected with YETI. Like all of the coolers we’ve tested from the brand, the Tundra Haul held its ice almost entirely after just 24 hours, although I do wish it had options for dividers. Another thing I noticed was how loudly the lid closed, which isn’t too big of a deal except for when you’re trying to get your midnight snack when everyone else is sleeping.

Verdict: Equipped with YETI’s signature design language, the Tundra Haul is a big-enough-wheeled cooler that happens to be just one of the many size options from the brand. With superb ice retention, the ice chest is easy to open and close despite being bear-resistant. Likewise, it rolls really smoothly with the bulky wheels on multiple terrains. Minor quibbles aside regarding the interior space and lid noise, this is the best wheeled cooler you can get for the price.

Oyster Tempo 23

Best Hard-Sided without Wheels: Vacuum-insulated items have become the standard in the water bottle industry over the last few years, prized for their ability to keep hot drinks hot or cold drinks cold for extended periods of time with tremendous efficiency while coming in at relatively minimal weights. Recognizing the obvious merits of this style of construction, newcomer Oyster has saved room inside of its cast aluminum double-walled Tempo cooler by swapping out the foam insulation so that your drinks will stay cold without needing any ice whatsoever. With a 23L interior, the unit is designed to be deconstructed for repairs tool-free. The brand’s available bundle comes with the cooler, an adjustable strap, and two ice packs.

Oyster burst onto the scene last year with this incredibly rad Tempo cooler. We wouldn’t blame you if you purchased it just for the design alone, although it carries some nice features as well. I loved the dual-sided clamp opening, which is nice those times when it’s sitting between you and someone else. Also, there’s no chance of it being placed the “wrong” way against a wall, since it doesn’t matter which side you open it from. Despite the metal housing, it’s not as heavy as it could be, thanks to the aluminum build. However, the handle up top could definitely be more comfortable in your hand and will become almost unbearable if you need to lug this a far distance.

On the other hand, $600 is a LOT for any hard-sided cooler, especially one that’s not terribly large. Another downside is the temperature transfer between the inside of the cooler to the outer wall. We’re not saying it gets frigid but the coldness is certainly noticeable. Regardless, the ice retention is still impressive. After 24 hours, a lot of the ice was still left, including a couple of larger chunks intact. Perhaps the worst part of the Oyster Tempo cooler is the removable handle function. While it’s nice that you have this as an option, the reality is the twist knobs come undone WAY too easily, and even popped off accidentally one time when I went to lift it. This could cause some serious injury, so be forewarned.

Verdict: Arguably the most beautiful cooler you’ll ever see, the Oyster Tempo is far more than just a pretty face. It holds its ice for longer than we expected and is also not terribly heavy despite the metal walls. Our main issue came from the handle design, which isn’t comfortable to lug around and can pop off easily, despite its removability being a convenience at times. Expensive to say the least, this is still an ice chest worth considering for both form and function.

Dometic CFX3 35 Powered Cooler

Best Powered Cooler: If you’re RVing or overlanding, an electric cooler can be an attractive option. For one, you don’t need to continually stock up on ice since it powers itself. Likewise, there are always solar add-ons you can get to charge up these units. Dometic is one of the brands that owns this category and its CFX3 is just one of its many “mini-fridge” options that functions like an ice chest for your food and drinks. It’s a 36-liter hard-sided cooler with a variable speed compressor and smartphone compatibility for remote operation and energy optimization history.

If you choose to run with this Dometic cooler, you’re likely not going to be transporting this much. At 37lbs, it’s very heavy for a unit without wheels –– almost impractically so. It’s simply not designed to be moved much, especially when packed. However, it can plug into the AC adapter in your truck, RV, or even car for constant power. Featuring a sleek design, the control pad makes it easy to adjust the temperature, which can get as low as -7°F, reaching about 40ºF in around 15 minutes. Serving as essentially a fridge intended to be transported, the CFX3 is very easy to open. However, I also noticed it doesn’t latch closed automatically if you just let the lid fall, which could compromise the interior temperature, and also be a hazard for animals getting inside. Basically, keep this inside your vehicle overnight.

Inside could be optimized for storage more, but that’s the nature of these types of units. The battery takes up space and thus limits interior space compared to a non-electric cooler. Here, the back third of the interior is raised up to make space for the battery inside. However, this also allows for more segmentation inside. There’s a removable wire basket that can be used for separating certain items from others. I love how the basket isn’t too large and can fit perfectly between the raised area and the opposite wall. The wired basket is easy to look into and can be taken out (where it’s also easy to look into) when you’re searching for something specific. However, I do wish there were a smaller basket option that could separate the items inside with, say, canned beverages or less-frequently needed items. Or a way to simply stack this basket on top of other items underneath.

Verdict: Basically a refrigerator for camping, the Dometic CFX3 35 is a nice-sized cooler that can be charged from your truck’s outlet and is easy to adjust the temperature, allowing you to use this as a freezer as well. Sporting a sleek design, the unit has no wheels and is challenging to transport. However, it’s easier to open than other hard-walled coolers (though don’t leave it outside unless you want Yogi to get inside).

Coolers Comparison Chart

Honorable Mentions

Definitely more dry bag than cooler, this 33-liter Pro Cooler from IceMule was still incredibly durable despite its lack of rigidity. However, it leaked and wasn’t the most comfortable on the back.

Hydro Flask is a brand that covers a lot of ground in the drinkware and outdoor space. As such, its 20L Day Escape is a well-performing backpack cooler with an unusual silhouette and a mouth that’s a tad too narrow.

YETI’s Hopper Flip soft-sided cooler is a great soft cooler with great ice retention and extra gear webbing on the shell. However, it’s small, pricey, and has some fussy features (a lid that snaps closed and zippers that are dificult to open and close).

Running into some practicality issues with its construction — and a steep price tag — Pelican’s Dayventure Backpack sling is still a unique cooler with dual compartments for separate items. Despite having one of the most practical uses of all the backpack coolers we tested, it felt like a better idea on paper.

BruMate’s MagPack is certainly unique and a fun cooler to use. However, the lack of practicality in its first iteration left us longing for more. On the other hand, there are some pretty memorable features such as the magnetic zipper-less closure and a removable strap system.

Another great option from Pelican is their 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler. However, it was very similar to the YETI Tundra but had some marginal drawbacks. If you’re a fan of Pelican’s performanc, this is a solid pick for you.

ORCA’s 65-Quart Wheeled Cooler impressed us a lot but, like the Pelican above, was just slightly inferior to the YETI Tundra Haul. Although, this option is a bit larger in space and is known for its versatility.

Tested: The Best Soft Coolers

If you want something that’s not terribly big and bulky, head over to our guide to the best soft-sided coolers where we tested out our favorites.