Tested: The 8 Best Backpack Coolers For The Money

The recent resurgence of hard-sided rugged coolers built for the outdoors has been nothing short of a blessing for individuals who live a more rough and tough extracurricular lifestyle. Yet, with that said, these hard coolers don’t come without their drawbacks. Especially when it comes to transportation, lugging these things around can be quite cumbersome, to say the least. Now, thanks to a little bit of common sense in conjunction with good old-fashioned innovation, we have a market of hybrid backpacks/coolers that – naturally – combines a soft-sided cooler with that of a standard backpack. So if you’re on the hunt for one of these handy outdoor companions yourself, look no further because we’ve tested our favorite backpack coolers to bring you the best around.

How We Tested

Needless to say, portable backpack coolers are ideal for afternoons at the beach, at the campsite, or out on the skiff for a day of fishing. Typically, they boast enough room for all the essentials – from canned cocktails to the day’s food items – and can keep cool for up two days in some cases. Not bad for a backpack right? Well we wanted to get hands-on with a bunch of these coolers, but first we had to figure out what we were looking at. To create a shortlist of units for testing, we scoured the space and looked at the major players as well as the buzzier new brands that people have been talking about in recent years. We took into consideration materials, capacity, aesthetic, durability, features, and brand reputation. From there, we sourced our units for testing to take a closer look.

Getting up close and personal with these backpack coolers meant using them as coolers, wearing them on our backs, and experiencing them first-hand. We also looked at temperature retention by filling each one halfway with ice and letting them sit for 24 hours to see if any ice was left. Essentially all of these offered ice retention over this period but not all of them were completely leak-proof. To check this out, we filled each with water and turned them sideways, upside down, and every which way to see how easily liquid came out, if any. These results and more are delivered to you below.

What To Look For

Weight: When traveling all day with your cooler on your back, you want to make sure it’s fairly light in weight. That said, all of these options will be significantly lighter than their hard-sided compatriots. Plus, they’re typically built with padded straps and back panels for extra comfort.

Capacity: Your cooler’s capacity will largely be determined by how long you need it for and how many people you’ll be accommodating. Usually delivered in terms of “cans,” coolers can range from as small as 6 to as large as 36.

Shell Material: If you’re planning on taking your backpack cooler into tougher conditions, consider getting one with a tougher outer shell, such as ripstop polyester or nylon, which will both also help with bolstering water resistance and shedding weight.

Ice Retention: Any cooler’s worth can be measured by how long it keeps its items cold for. Ice retention, while an estimate, should always be at least as long as your outing. But keep in mind that the number of hours may, in the field, be fewer (or more) than what’s listed on a company’s website.

*NOTE: Ice retention quotes will be affected by external conditions and temperatures and aren’t 100% accurate.

Coleman XPAND

Best Budget Cooler: Why spend more when you don’t have to? Coleman is somewhat of a legend when it comes to wallet-friendly outdoor gear, and the brand’s XPAND backpack cooler is no exception. Capable of holding up to 30 cans and keeping them cold for up to 34 hours, this soft-shelled unit is built with an antimicrobial liner to combat odors and mildew, with welded seams that won’t trap messes and make for easy cleanup. For the price especially, this cooler has some nice features, including a bungee pouch on the outside and a stretchy external pocket for extra gear.

If we’re being honest, most backpack coolers will do you a disservice if you need an actual backpack. However, Coleman’s XPAND gives you plenty of pockets for items other than food or drink. There’s a large water bottle pocket on the side that easily fit my fat 32oz thermos, but the side of the cooler bent inward a bit, so this won’t work as well if it’s filled with food. The “Active-Stretch” front pocket is deceptively large and includes an interior sleeve pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, and a mini carabiner key leash. It opens up all the way so you don’t have to go digging. However, if you’re planning on taking this into the rain, be aware that the zippers will indeed let unwanted moisture in. And while we didn’t notice any seepage through the material, these types of bags have the tendency to do so, which could be an issue if you’re keeping your phone or wallet in the exterior pocket. This won’t be a problem if you’re using ice packs instead of actual ice that can melt.

Again, this backpack isn’t waterproof, which will be an issue for melted ice but the retention was pretty good after 24 hours and a lot, if not most, of the ice was still left. I really liked how comfortable this bag was on my back. And at under 3lbs, it won’t add a ton of extra weight. My biggest complaint would probably be the bungee pocket on the front which doesn’t really tighten and is tethered on one side rather than the bottom. It only held clothing efficiently when stuffed full but they fell out easily otherwise.

Verdict: A fantastic option for day hikes, picnics, or beach trips, the Coleman XPAND has plenty of extra gear compartments and isn’t a hassle to lug around. For just around $40, it’s not waterproof or leak-proof, but if you’re looking for the absolute best backpack cooler for the price, this one is it.

RTIC Backpack Cooler

Best Flat-Top Cooler: If you’re looking for something along the lines of CamelBak or Hydro Flask but at a cheaper price, try RTIC, a Texas-based brand known for its wilderness-ready drinkware and gear. Its Backpack Cooler is a medium-sized model, with a claimed 24-can capacity, but we think it can do a bit more if pressed. With 24-hour ice retention, this bag has a flat top, which makes stacking and packing a breeze, and even has a cinchable bungee pocket on the outside for some extras. Likewise, it’s available in several colorways to suit your style. If the 24-can capacity is too small to fit your needs, there’s also a 36-can version.

In terms of looks, the RTIC is one of the more attractive backpack coolers we found. But better than looks, this unit was both leak proof and held its ice really well. Unlike other leak-proof units, the zipper wasn’t a pain to open and close, although there was decent resistance as expected. If you’re the type of person who likes grab options, the RTIC also has several handles, including one on each side, tote-style carrying handles up top, and the option for an add-on sling strap. The cooler isn’t the lightest option in the world, so these will get some good use. However, the carrying handle on the rear side (against the back) kept getting in the way when I was trying to wear this as a backpack. Likewise, the shoulder straps are fairly short, leading the cooler to wear somewhat awkwardly no matter how it was adjusted. On the other hand, there’s a sternum strap that’s very agreeable and I liked how the padding felt on my back, which served it well when packed with ice and drinks.

If you’re familiar with RTIC’s standard Soft Pack Cooler, you may be expecting there to be some sort of external pocket. Yet the only thing included here is a bungee pouch on the back, which has a decent adjustment system. However, a lid compartment or side water bottle pouch would have been nice. After all, a lot of people will want to use this as a primary pack for outings. Luckily, the flat top allows it to be stackable with other bags and boxes. The rigidity of its walls prevent the cooler from packing away but at least the tall-not-wide profile helps it fit into smaller spaces if necessary. Also, it floats in water, so the top can be used as a makeshift table for your beverage.

Verdict: Stackable but not packable, RTIC’s Backpack Cooler is a soft-sided option for those who like the rigidity of a hard-sided cooler. Relatively easy to open and close, it still refrains from leaking and gets you solid ice retention. While the unit is attractive, it could use some more external pockets and be less awkward when worn on the back. However, at this price point, it will be hard to beat (but there are a couple that may be a better pick).

IceMule Pro Cooler

Best for Hiking: IceMule has several fantastic backpack cooler models, but its Pro Cooler is the best for the price. Weighing just 3.5lbs, the cooler holds 32 cans with ice and features a thick PolarLayer foam insulation layer for a day’s worth of coldness. Whether you’re going hiking or heading to the beach, the padded shoulder straps and back panel will ensure that this bag won’t be a burden. Equipped with an adjustable bungee outer pocket, the nylon-polyester shell can compress down when not in use thanks to the IM air valve. And in the case of emergencies, the bag can also float.

If you’re a fan of the dry bag style but want something with meaningful insulation, the IceMule Pro Cooler is a great pick. Large yet lightweight, this 32-can unit is obviously heavy-duty at first glance thanks to its 1,000-denier ripstop shell. The bungee pouch on the outside is a nice touch, although I would have preferred the cinch to be on the bottom to make it easier to tighten around the base of your extra gear rather than the top. Unfortunately, this is the only pocket you’ll get with this bag. On the other hand, the benefit of its design is its ability to compress down more and more as you take more food or drinks out. Likewise, it’s great for packing down in your car or RV when not in use.

This bag is relatively waterproof thanks to its roll-top design, although I wouldn’t recommend submerging it underwater despite the fact that it can float. And while you will experience leaks if this is turned upside down, the bag won’t seep water from its shell after the ice melts. On the other hand, the top portion, which is a bit thinner for rolling, will seep water and takes a while for to dry once it’s wet. Speaking of which, the bag kept the ice after 24 hours, despite my doubts; most non-rigid soft coolers have trouble with keeping ice in my experience. Another caveat is how this wears on your back when it’s full. While it’s pretty comfortable otherwise, its soft structure will create unwanted lumps and ridges that may uncomfortably press into your body.

Verdict: Taking notes from the world of dry bags, the IceMule Pro Cooler is less rigid than others on this list but extremely durable nonetheless. Great for hiking trips, especially considering how easily it packs away, the soft shell isn’t completely leak-proof and may cause unwanted lumps when filled up. However, it allows this to be a lightweight option that can be compressed according to how much is inside.

Igloo Trailmate 24-Can Backpack

Best Overall: It would be a huge mistake for one of the most well-known cooler brands on the market to not participate in this growing trend. Well, fortunately, Igloo isn’t behind the times here, and with their handy Trailmate Backpack, you won’t be either. Constructed with super-durable 600D coated polyester fabric, the cooler boasts enough capacity for 24 cans, but without needing to unbox the cans thanks to the squared-off shape and wide mouth. Adding only 4lbs extra (when empty) to your load, the bag is still completely crush-proof despite the soft exterior. Not to mention, there are multiple grab handles and straps.

Another one of our favorite-looking backpack coolers, or coolers in general, is the Igloo Trailmate Backpack, sporting a clean aesthetic without sacrificing function. While a lot of these rigid units forego meaningful external pockets in favor of tight pouches that are difficult to get in and out of, the Trailmate has a roomy zippered pocket in front that slants at the bottom in an attempt to separate your gear from any water that may have seeped inside. Like the RTIC, the zippers aren’t as big of a pain to open as other waterproof coolers, although it’s not totally leak-proof. And after 24 hours, the ice inside was still very much present. I also liked that there are two zippers so that you don’t have to unzip the bag all the way to get something inside quickly (opening all the way would encourage the ice to melt faster).

Lightweight despite its size, the Trailmate also has some decent handle options with the two grab handles on the side and the top carrying handles that can be Velcroed together. Although some may prefer the side grab handles to be level with the ground rather than perpendicular, the design helps when trying to rip this out of a packed car. Worn on your back, it’s quite comfortable, however, the sternum strap doesn’t adjust easily. If you’re carrying a 24-pack on your back, you’ll want to make use of all the support you can get. On the other hand, it’s the small details of the Trailmate that make it so great. For instance, the lid unzips farther around the back of the lid so that the lid doesn’t automatically snap shut when you’re getting inside –– which isn’t just obnoxious but can fool you into thinking its closed when it’s not.

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 backpack cooler, this one is the winner.

Hydro Flask 20L Day Escape

Best Large Cooler: With the largest can capacity on this list, you’d expect Hydro Flask’s 20L Day Escape to weigh a good deal more than the coolers that boast half the capacity. However, at well under 3lbs, this backpack cooler is quite impressive. The drinkware brand gets the job done thanks to its 600D polyester shell and lightweight insulation. As far as all-day comfort, this bag has you covered too, with padded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel for ventilation, and a woven sternum strap to help distribute the load easier. Also, the compression-molded base allows it to stand up on its own when you need to rifle through it.

The Day Escape may not look as attractive as some of the other options on this list but it’s guaranteed to perform just as well, if not better. Despite an easy-to-open zipper, the ice retention was superb after 24 hours and it didn’t leak a drop upon getting turned over. I even stepped on it a bit to see if any water could get squeezed out, but it remained moisture-locked. At just 2.63lbs, the bag is remarkably lightweight for its size. Plus you get a stretchy side pocket for your water bottle and plenty of webbing on the side and front (and even a couple on the shoulder straps) for hooking on extra bags or bottles –– this backpack is deceptively modular! On the back, the Day Escape is surprisingly comfortable and the interior items don’t jam into your spine or anything, which I was surprised by considering the soft structure. However, despite the light weight, the shoulder straps were a bit trickier to adjust, as well as the sternum strap.

While they’re good for carrying with two people, the side handles could be a bit lower down on the body. Positioned at the top of the bag, it could make dragging along the ground or out of a packed car more difficult due to the physics of the pull. Some may also take issue with the thinness of the bag itself, which admittedly allows it to hold more inside but does narrow the space on the inside, which could eliminate usage of certain Tupperware containers and simply make it difficult to dig down to the bottom. It also prevents the mouth from opening a bit wider –– although that was only a nominal issue. Yet despite the tall stature and lack of rigidity, the Day Escape is capable of standing up on its own and is hard to knock over thanks to the compression-molded base.

Verdict: Some may take issue with its narrowness or general aesthetic but the Hydro Flask Day Escape is a deceptively large backpack cooler for its size and weight. Never succumbing to its own lack of rigidity, the bag stands up on its own and is comfortable to wear, especially if you have to do so for extended periods of time.

BruMate MagPack 24-Can Backpack Soft Cooler

Best for the Beach: Just because they’re straightforward doesn’t mean backpack coolers can’t still find ways to evolve. Known for its drinking vessels and coffee makers, BruMate always has its eye on innovation. Case it point is this unique MagPack which features a zipperless construction, opting for a magnetic closure instead. Made from a super-durable proprietary waterproof shell with closed-cell foam insulation, it blends the toughness of a hard-sided cooler with the comfort of a soft-sided cooler. Not to mention, there are several exterior zippered pockets and removable backpack straps. We got hands-on with the 24-can model but it comes in 12- and 18-can options as well.

If we’re being honest, I was skeptical about the ice retention, let alone the coldness retention, of the magnetic closure on the MagPack. However, after 24 hours, this cooler had some of the best ice retention with almost all of the ice still frozen. On the other hand, it wasn’t very leak-proof at all, with water spilling out almost immediately upon tipping over onto its side. We loved the aesthetic of the BruMate cooler as well, with a clean and unique design. The three exterior zippered pockets are very low profile –– almost too low profile –– with one on the lid and one on each side of the shell. However, these were difficult to get into. There’s also a couple of gear webbing loops for adding attachments, which is a thoughtful touch.

While the MagPack is billed as a soft-sided cooler, it almost exclusively acts as a hard-sided cooler –– save for the pockets and gear loops. Weighing nearly 8lbs, this unit is very heavy, which could be okay if you’re not walking far (say, say from the car to your beach blanket) but since its sole function is that of a portable ice chest, you’ll likely need to opt for another model if you’re trying to go hiking. However, the removable backpack straps almost imply that BruMate fully intends for this to be a standard non-backpack cooler as well. The magnetic closure is pretty awesome, especially when so many of these coolers are a pain to open and close. But there’s also the added hazard of not knowing if it’s fully clamped shut or not, which can negatively affect temperature or ice retention.

Verdict: Albeit new to the scene, the BruMate MagPack is a really fun backpack cooler but definitely needs a few improvements –– namely a reduction in weight, more practical pockets, and perhaps a leak-proof lid (if possible with the magnetic closure). Quite expensive as well, the MagPack is a nice option for beaches or picnics but loses utility if you’re wanting to hit the trail.

Pelican Dayventure Backpack

Best Split-Compartment Cooler: Have you ever been hiking, excited to eat the sandwich you made for yourself, but then taking it out you realize it’s been crushed by water bottles and ice packs? Not fun at all. But with Pelican’s Dayventure Backpack, you can store food and beverages in two separate, pouches. It may be a bit pricier than some other models, but the Dayventure Backpack is built with the same quality know-how that goes into the brand’s insanely-durable gear cases. Featuring an 840D TPU construction with a compression-molded base that allows the bag to stand on its own, this cooler also has some webbing attachments on the outside for extra gear.

On paper, the Pelican Dayventure Backpack is a fun bag to use. Guided by the brand’s knack for incredible durability, the backpack features rigid lower construction and a dry bag-style upper compartments. Not only does it provide two separate insulated compartments but its unique shape makes this look the most like an actual backpack than any other we tested –– not everyone wants to look like they’re lugging an ice chest on their back. When strapped on, the Dayventure Backpack was also the most comfortable, with its 3-pound weight helping a ton in that regard. Despite a basic back padding, the cooler almost suggests that you don’t just throw in a bunch of beer cans. Instead, users will be more meticulous in what they’re carrying, and even use one of the compartments for something other that food or drink. In terms of ice retention, only the upper roll-top compartment held its own, while the lower compartment melted the ice almost completely, with a 35.6-degree water temperature after 24 hours, which is still fine for refrigeration. On the other hand, only the bottom compartment was completely leak-proof.

Compared to other leak-proof chests, the lower portion was the hardest to zip up. The extra weight above it (basically an entire backpack) and the awkward shape caused a bit of a struggle. Likewise, when it was full opened, the top portion is likely to fall backwards, tipping over the lower tub, which could be an issue if it’s filled with water. I’d suggest using an ice pack for this lower portion rather than actual ice (though it’s also designed to be leak proof, so…). If you’re after some extra compartments, even on top of the split-level situation, there’s a deep front pouch that closes via a G-hook and features an adjustment strap for expanding or compressing it. There’s also an interior mesh pouch in the top compartment. Another thing to point out is the steep price for this bag, which nears on the $300 mark –– not ideal considering the capacity but might be worth it for just how unique the backpack is.

Verdict: Allowing you to keep your 6-pack on the bottom without crushing everything else you’re lugging around, the lightweight, durable Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler has some nice features such as the G-hook exterior pocket and MOLLE webbing. It runs into some issues when picking apart the practicality of the bottom compartment. However, easy adjustments could be made to make this backpack worth the trouble.

CamelBak ChillBak Pack

Best High-End Backpack Cooler: When you get over the $300 threshold for backpack coolers, you may balk when readying to purchase even the best model. And CamelBak’s ChillBack Pack is not for the faint of heart. However, it’s worth every penny, with a TPU-coated 400D ripstop nylon outer shell capable of keeping 24 cans cold for more than three days, and that includes ice. If that’s not enough, there’s a secondary compartment that serves as a 6-liter water reservoir, equipped with a waterproof zipper and spigot hose for refilling your bottle, which can be stored inside the exterior mesh pocket on the side.

When it comes to blending the overall design of the bag with actual performance, the ChillBak is near perfect. While it’s the most expensive option here, the steep price tag isn’t without reason. The 6-liter reservoir is built within the back padding so you won’t notice it. And if you don’t need the reservoir, you can take it out and have for yourself an additional zippered pocket. 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. Perhaps the feature I liked the most was the makeshift top compartment between the roll-top closure and the ice box down below. It’s separated by a heavy-duty Velcro surface that stays put thanks to the physics of the pack. This spot is great for storing some extra clothing, a thermos, or perhaps a small Dopp kit –– get creative!

The one downside of this bag is the weight. While it’s not as massive as the BruMate MagPack, the ChillBak is 4.5lbs when empty, which makes a difference compared to the sub-3-pound bags. Likewise, there’s no real grab handles aside from the shoulder straps and one at the top of the bag. On the other hand, this bag has one thing no other backpack cooler we tested had: an adjustable waist strap. While nearly all of these had sternum straps, this one actually helps offset the weight a bit with this addition. I thought the roll-top closure would lead to some leaking, but alas nothing came out when tipped over on its side. And in terms of ice retention, the ChillBak performed the best, with essentially all of the ice still solid after 24 hours.

Verdict: 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 CamelBak ChillBak Pack is easily the best option here.

Backpack Cooler Comparison Chart

Benefits of Backpack Coolers

Aside from the obvious benefits of using a cooler in general, backpack coolers are a good choice for how they keep your hands free and allow you to kill two birds with one stone. Typically built with lightweight materials, these backpacks are great if your gear load is relatively light but still usually feature extra pockets for non-food items. Also, much of the time they’re built to be waterproof, which can give you the opportunity to keep gear inside without fear of it getting drenched in the rain.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re looking for another budget-friendly backpack cooler with some nice versatility, check out the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30. It won’t be nearly as cheap as the Coleman above, and almost double the weight, but there are even more external pockets and pouches if you’re into that.

Like the Pelican we featured in this guide, the Carhartt Cooler Backpack feels like a backpack-first, cooler-second type of unit. And it’s not as leak-proof as the Pelican, which can be an issue because of how shallow it is. However, Carhartt is a hugely popular brand and this unique bag is still worth a mention.

Igloo’s Trailmate isn’t their only backpack cooler. In fact, the South Coast Snapdown Backpack is a solid option for beach outings with its sleek aesthetic, squared design, snap-down lid, and water-repellent shell.

A decent in-between option, price-wise, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler is built for the outdoors and even has a removable insulated compartment if you want to use it simply as a backpack.

Polar Bear’s Original Nylon Backpack Cooler is another lightweigh option that rivals the Arctic Zone mentioned above. However, the much steeper price tag, which is comparable to more rigid options couldn’t justify inclusion over similar options.

Tested: The Best Soft Coolers to Buy

If a backpack cooler isn’t your style but you still want to shed weight, try some of the best soft coolers from our recent guide where we tested our favorites.