What is the best soft sided cooler?
It's critical to find the best Soft cooler for certain types of trips. If you’ve ever used a big, heavy, hard-sided cooler for a weekend trip, you probably know how inconvenient they can be. A soft sided cooler is a great option for smaller groups or shorter trips. This is due to their lightweight and portablility. Because they are typically smaller and lighter, they are often referred to as backpack coolers. Some of these coolers can actually be worn as backpacks. Others need to be carried over the shoulder.
What soft coolers are comparable to Yeti?
There are many brands of coolers that compare favorable to Yeti. Many are listed on this page. Some of the ones that compare most favorable are the RTIC 20 back and Engler backpack
You might think a soft cooler won’t stand up to the inevitable wear and tear of camping or other outdoor activities. However, many companies now make soft-sided coolers with that exact purpose in mind. Their outer shells have heavy-duty materials that can withstand puncturing and tears you might expect to happen easily.
If you’re looking for something a bit smaller than a hard cooler that can easily go wherever you go and still keep your contents cold and protected, a soft-sided cooler is the way to go. Also be sure to check out our our reviews of rotomolded coolers.
What soft coolers keep ice longest?
You would expect Yeti to be near the top of this list and you wouldn't be wrong. however the cooler that holds ice longest is the Polar Bear H2O cooler. In 11-degree weathe, this soft pack can keep ice code for 24 hours.
Finding the best soft Coolers
Are Soft Coolers any good?
As with any product, some are bad and some are good. Finding a high quality soft sided cooler can make lugging drinks to neighbors much easier.
Although there are several excellent soft-sided coolers on the market, there are some that stand out from the rest of the pack. The following cooler bags are currently some of the most popular, and highest-rated products:
Durability
A good soft cooler should be made from high-quality materials that are durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Insulation
The cooler should be well-insulated to keep your food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. The better the insulation, the longer your ice will last.
Portability
Soft coolers are designed to be portable, so they should be lightweight and easy to carry. Look for features like shoulder straps or handles that make it easy to transport.
Capacity
Choose a cooler with a size that is suitable for your needs. Consider the number of people you will be serving and the amount of food and drinks you want to store.
Leak-proof
A good soft cooler should be leak-proof to prevent any messes from spills or condensation.
Easy to clean
Look for a cooler that is easy to clean, especially on the inside, where bacteria can grow.
Additional features
Some soft coolers come with extra features such as built-in bottle openers, dry storage compartments, or removable liners that make them more versatile and convenient to use.
AO Vinyl Series
The Vinyl Series is quickly moving up the ranks as one of the most-loved soft-sided coolers for outdoor enthusiasts. This series is made specifically for those who put their bags through a lot of strenuous activity outdoors. From fishing to hunting to camping this soft cooler holds up the best. AO Coolers promise that its strong vinyl exterior will hold up to any terrain and weather, including ice, snow, or extreme heat. The vinyl is even protected from UV rays so it won’t crack when exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. AO Coolers offers several sizes in the Vinyl series, all with an optional shoulder strap or carry handles for easy transporting. This series of coolers comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The sizes start at 12 pack and go up th 36 pack. This tells you how many cans you should be able to fit in the cooler including ice. The colors include gray, blue and black.
The AO Vinyl Series cooler is a high-quality cooler made with thick insulation to keep your drinks and food cold for a long time. It has a vinyl exterior that is resistant to scratches and punctures, making it a durable choice for outdoor activities such as camping, picnics, and tailgating.
The cooler also has a heavy-duty lid that seals tightly to prevent air leaks, and the adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around. It comes in different sizes, including 12-pack, 24-pack, and 36-pack capacity, giving you a range of options to choose from depending on your needs.
Overall, the AO Vinyl Series cooler is a reliable and well-built cooler that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their drinks and food cold for long periods.
Pros
Cons
Coleman Cooler Bag
Coleman has been a leader in the cooler and outdoor gear industry for decades. The company is known for its hard coolers, but its cooler bags are just as good. They are a great fit for outdoor enthusiasts who need a lighter, more portable option for cold drinks and food. Coleman offers a variety of products with great designs and sizes. From smaller lunch-size bags to large, wheelable ice chests with a 42-can capacity. The soft-sided coolers definitely have a range of people in mind, whether you’re looking to make a day beach trip or a weekend-long camping trip. Coleman’s soft-sided coolers have either comfort grip handles, padded shoulder straps, or both for easy transporting wherever you need to go. Additionally, they’re extremely lightweight, with its largest 75-can cooler weighing just under 5 pounds.
The Coleman cooler bag is an essential item for anyone who loves the outdoors or enjoys picnics and camping trips. This versatile cooler bag has several features that make it stand out from other cooler bags on the market. Firstly, it is designed to keep your food and drinks cold for up to 24 hours, thanks to its high-performance insulation technology. The bag also features a leak-proof lining that ensures that any spills or leaks are contained, making it easy to clean. The exterior of the bag is made of durable fabric that is both water-resistant and easy to clean, while the interior features a removable hard liner that adds extra protection for fragile items. The cooler bag also has an adjustable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry, while the side mesh pockets provide additional storage for utensils or other small items. Overall, the Coleman cooler bag is a reliable and practical option for anyone who wants to keep their food and drinks cold and fresh on the go.
Pros
Cons
Engel Backpack Cooler HD30
Engel Backpack coolers stand above the competition for their rugged exteriors and build that can stand up to whatever you throw at it in your outdoor activities. These coolers were built with the outdoors in mind, whether you hike, fish, hunt, or camp. They have a convenient carry handle. This means you can evenly distribute weight as you transport the cooler. The cooler itself is only two pounds empty, so it won’t put extra strain on your back. This cooler has the best insulation compared to many others and has ice retention for up to three days. You’ll likely find the Engel Backpack Cooler one of the easiest to clean, too, with a removable liner bad that’s easily washable.
Pros
Cons
Igloo Marine Series
Igloo is a top name in soft coolers and active gear, and their products back it up. Igloo currently has a few different types of cooler bags, but its Marine series that has the best cooler you’ll want to use for more frequent outdoor use and exposure to the elements. You can choose between a 24-can square cooler or the 36-can square and snap-down versions. All three are made with the marine life in mind, so they’re good choices for fishers and boaters. The exterior is protected against mildew and the non-slip feet will keep the cooler in place no matter where you are. Additionally, the thick liner will prevent tears and leaks and help to keep your contents cool for up to two days.
Pros
Cons
Polar Bear Cooler Nylon Series
Polar Bear Coolers has a few to choose from, but its Nylon Series is a customer favorite. The tough nylon exterior is designed never to crack, tear, or scratch, so it can withstand some heavy outdoor usage. You can choose from a small 6-can capacity to a huge 48-can capacity, with all sizes above the 6-can having optional carry handles or a comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying. Every cooler in the Nylon Series are packed with about an inch of high-density foam insulation all around the cooler to keep contents as cold as possible for as long as possible. Additionally, the heavy-duty bottom saddle not only prevents liquid from seeping into your cooler, but it also protects your contents from warming on a hot surface. a Polar Bear Cooler guarantees that your ice will remain ice for about 24 hours, even in 100-degree heat.
Pros
Cons
RTIC Soft Pack Cooler
RTIC is one of the most popular brands of soft coolers next to the YETI. Their Soft Pack series offers similar sizing options to the YETI but is considerably cheaper. This makes it a great choice for people who have lower budgets. This brand of soft cooler have heavy-duty nylon shells that keep them waterproof and allow them to hold their shape better than other soft sided coolers. Their rugged design holds up well for frequent use and excessive wear and tear from outdoor activities. Two inches of foam insulation on the top and one inch on the sides help these cooler bags keep your contents cold for as long as five days, and ice may even retain itself for this long if the cooler isn’t kept in direct sun.
Pros
Cons
YETI Hopper/Hopper Two
There’s a reason you’ve likely heard of the YETI Hopper several times when searching for the best soft cooler. YETI is a leader in all things of all shapes and sizes. Although its higher price-points make some wonder if they’re worth the cost, most customers admit that once they try a YETI, they’ll never again look elsewhere. So, if you have it in the budget, the YETI Hopper is likely one of the best soft coolers you’ll find. Yeti now has the Hopper Two as an addition to the Hopper line, which has the added benefits of easier opening, better cooling power, and more comfort when transporting. The ColdCell insulation continues to make the YETI Hopper cooler stand out from the pack with their ability to retain ice and keep contents cold for days.
Pros
Cons
Best Soft Cooler Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with any of the above soft sided cooler options. Although they vary greatly in price, they’re all highly-rated for meeting the needs of their intended outdoor enthusiasts, from the day-long beach goer to the week-long adventurer.
When choosing the perfect soft cooler, keep in mind the frequency of which you’ll use it. If you intend to use it consistently, you’ll want one that can hold its shape well and stand up to outdoor elements. However, keep the length of your trips in mind. Some cooler bags are better for longer trips than others, but they often come at a higher price point. If soft sided coolers aren't your thing, check out our review of the Nash Sub Z Cooler