Best Soft Coolers
Have you ever been on a camping trip and wished you had better gear? Soft coolers are an excellent option for those seeking outdoor adventures with their friends and families.
Have you ever been on a camping trip and wished you had better gear?
Soft coolers are an excellent option for those seeking outdoor adventures with their friends and families. Not only are they lightweight and portable, but the innovative insulation capabilities make them perfect for keeping your beverages cold or food warm during lengthy hikes. Plus, the portability features of today’s models enable them to be easily transported so that carrying your supplies doesn’t weigh too heavily on your shoulders.
Now you can explore nature with confidence knowing that all of your favorite snacks and drinks will stay fresh as if you were chilling in your own backyard. Choose from a variety of colors, sizes, and designs so that there is an ideal cooler to match any traveler's individual needs – no matter where the journey leads!
Learn more about soft coolers now to find out which one best fits your lifestyle and needs!
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Soft Coolers
Soft coolers are an ideal choice for those who enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Made from durable materials such as canvas or PVC-coated fabric, soft coolers are lightweight, waterproof, and easy to carry. They provide excellent insulation to keep your food and drinks cold for longer periods of time than the insulated lunch bags of yore and have an easy clean lining to keep them fresh.
Some models have additional features like a padded shoulder strap with anti slip qualities or removable compartments for easy access and storage of dry goods. Soft coolers also come in many sizes and styles so you can find the perfect option for your needs. With one of these coolers, you can enjoy all the benefits of a hard cooler without the added bulk and weight — perfect for a day at the beach, a hike on a mountain trail, or a weekend camping trip!
How We Pick'em
You want to go camping, but don't know what gear to buy.
It can be tough trying to decide what camping gear is the best for you and your needs. With all of the options out there, it's hard to know which product is right for you.
Outdoor Verified has got you covered. With our decades of experience in the camping gear industry, we use that experience to narrow the list and review the best products on the market in several categories to help you know which way to go. We'll help you find the perfect gear for your next outdoor adventure.
Keep in mind, we consider the use of the product with features and benefits and THEN price when recommending the best value. We do NOT simply find the least-expensive item out there and suggest it is a good value. The purpose being accomplished reasonably well is always first and foremost.
What we like
The Engel HD30 is a must-have for camping and outdoor adventures. This incredibly durable and versatile cooler stands out from typical coolers by having all its seams welded, instead of sewn, for maximum insulation. Its 840 denier fibers provide abrasion resistance, while the thermal plastic urethane film on the cooler both front and back add another layer of strength and puncture resistance.
The closed-cell foam insulation improves the cooler's thermal range, allowing it to keep your drinks cold for up to 3.5 days! Not to mention the waterproof zipper ensures no water or air leaks. With a capacity of 32Qts, this hardworking Engel HD30 will meet all your camping needs with ease—perfect for families of campers and kids alike.
More details
The Engel HD30 can hold 48 12oz cans, and ice and has an integrated bottle opener and unique vacuum seal technology that keeps unwanted air away from the unit's insulation. With exterior measurements of 20.5" x 9.5" x 17" and interior measurements of 18.5" x 7.5" x 15", you'll be able to fit all of your snacks and drinks in one place to make packing stress free or keep food cold throughout the day while outdoors.
Concerns
- Zippers are tough to operate one-handed
- Straps can fray if used for transport
What we like
Enjoy hassle-free, convenient cooling with the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler. This top-notch cooler is designed to keep your food and drinks fresh and cool – up to 3 days of thermal performance. Featuring a patented zipperless cooler top lid that you can flip open, you can have easy, quick access to whatever’s inside quickly and easily without any hassle. The interior comes equipped with a durable HardBody entire liner along with a SmartShelf that allows you to make full use of the cooler while keeping hard stuff separate from soft stuff like sandwiches and other soft foods so they don’t get crushed. Additionally, the adjustable backsaver shoulder strap adds some extra support as it centers load weight for easier carrying. Perfect for trips, camping, large family outings, or for all your outdoor needs.
More details
It expertly combines durability and convenience — with exterior dimensions of 16.5 x 11 x 12.75 inches and an interior that can easily store up to 30 cans of your favorite cold beverages. This cooler uses high-performance insulation and our patented Cold Block™ Base Technology to ensure that your food and drinks stay cold for extended periods of time — making it the ideal choice for a variety of outdoor activities! With its heavy-duty construction and advanced technology, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is the perfect way to keep your groceries fresh throughout any adventure or journey. Its convenient size and large compartment make it easy to transport and store while the exterior is water resistant as well.
Concerns
- The lid is not watertight
- Good for a day trip of cold drinks
What we like
Introducing the YETI Hopper Flip 12, your perfect companion for all of life's outdoor adventures. With ColdCell Insulation and a capacity of up to 12 cans plus ice, you'll have the flexibility to keep food and beverages cold for long periods of time. Not only that, but it features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and high-density fabric that stands up to even the toughest conditions.
The DryHide Shell is waterproof and resists punctures and abrasions so it can face anything Mother Nature or your lifestyle throws at it. Take on full days in the tree stand, early mornings in a duck boat, or afternoons on the water—the Hopper Flip 12 is truly up for all your outdoor activities. So grab your YETI Hopper Flip 12 today and get ready for every mission worth undertaking.
More details
The convertible and lightweight design easily fits into tight spaces while providing unbeatable durability to keep your things safe and secure. With its leak-proof HydroLok Zipper and ColdCell Insulation, this cooler can hold up to 12 cans plus ice, so you’ll always have enough drinks on hand. So take on the wilderness or the job site knowing that your Hopper Flip 12 will be ready to stand the test of time.
Concerns
- Zippers are a challenge to operate
- No outside pockets
What we like
Enhance your outdoor experience with the RTIC Backpack Cooler! Convenient and practical, this designed hands-free cooler bag provides an effective way to keep both food and drinks cool wherever you go. Embark on hikes, camp overnight, or even attend a pool party - this cooler bag floats, so you won't have to worry about it sinking! And with its comfortable straps that distribute weight evenly, your arms are free to explore or do whatever else comes next.
Each one measures 12 x 10 x 16 inches – just the right size for all your needs! Enjoy time outdoors with friends and family in complete comfort and convenience when you add the RTIC Backpack Cooler to your packing list.
More details
Built using premium insulation, it will keep your items cold for days. The leak-proof design and durable zipper protect your snacks and other soft foods and beverages from spills or leaks, while the thick straps offer hands-free portability. Plus, it comes in two sizes - 20 can cooler bag and 30 can cooler bag - so there’s something for everyone!
Whether you’re fishing, tailgating, or headed to the beach, our backpack cooler is designed to make sure you have everything you need all in one convenient package. This may just be the portable backpack cooler you were hoping to find.
Concerns
- Zipper Is a challenge to use
- Customer service is not satisfying in some cases
What we like
The AO Coolers Soft Cooler is designed for cold food and beverages but can also keep items warm for those potluck dinners and family gatherings. It boasts impressive 24-hour ice retention in 120-degree heat before you need fresh ice, so whatever your destination, your refreshments will stay cool to the last sip.
This innovative cooler features clip-down ends and a removable shoulder strap making it easy to transport anywhere you need to go. Plus it comes equipped with an exterior side pocket that can store drinks separate dry goods and other necessities - keeping the interior snugly sealed while its soft outer shell won’t scratch up any delicate surfaces like gel coat or upholstery.
As if that weren't enough, this high-performing cooler is built with ultra-durable TPU liner derived from waterbeds and aboveground pools - able to withstand impact, abrasions, tears, and more.
More details
With five layers of insulation and an insulated front compartment with the capacity to hold 24 cans plus about 14 pounds of ice, you’ll be able to keep all of your food and beverages smartly stored and perfectly chilled. Whether you’re going camping with your family or roughing it around a campfire, never worry about temperature control for up to 48 hours – meaning more time for fun.
Weighing just 3.2 lbs, this cooler effortlessly comes along without weighing you down at 17”x10”x12”. Put your food storage needs on lockdown while you enjoy nature at its finest!
Concerns
- Shoulder strap padding frays
- The strap is not long enough to carry at the hip.
What we like
The Maelstrom Soft Cooler is an extra-large bag that weighs only 1.65 lbs and holds up to 75 cans of your favorite drinks while keeping them cold and fresh for longer. Simply fill it with 2-4 ice packs or 15lbs of ice – and you’ll be ready for your camping, fishing or family picnic trips!
The bag features a convenient top-pull tab with a Velcro opening design that allows you to easily have quick access to your food without having to open the zipper all around the entire liner cover. This makes packing and unpacking effortless, so you can spend less time setting up and more time enjoying your adventures.
In addition, the multiple compartments and one large compartment make sure everything remains intact when moving from place to place. And who knows? With its sophisticated yet subtle black color design, you can even take the Maelstrom Soft Cooler along on a business picnic!
More details
Thoughtfully crafted with a 5 layer insulation design, this bag is versatile enough to keep your meals warm with its radiant heat barrier as well as cold. Its Exterior surface is made of rip-stop 600D Oxford material plus one layer of waterproof PVC. Inside this durable exterior are thick, reinforced food-grade PEVA materials with seamless ultrasonic welding for added strength, making it 100% leakproof and tear-resistant.
An EPE foam middle layer and 210D liner provide superior insulation that keeps its contents cold for up to 12 hours. Whether you’re headed out on a camping trip or just listening to the neighborhood barbeque, the Maelstrom Soft Cooler Bag has you covered.
Concerns
- Not the most durable straps
- It is a soft cooler, there is no support to retain its form.
FAQs For Soft Coolers
Camping can be a great experience, but it's hard to know what gear to take with you.
It can be tough to figure out exactly what camping gear you need, especially if you're not familiar with all the latest technology. And soft coolers are no exception.
Outdoor Verified is here to help. We've put together a list of FAQs so you can have the most information to make the best decision because some of these are not inexpensive. From soft coolers to tents, we've got you covered.
Do soft sided coolers work as well?
Traditional hard-sided coolers are still the gold standard when it comes to providing superior ice retention and exceptional durability, but for those of us who don't require a week's worth of fresh ice for cold food and drinks, then a soft sided cooler can be an excellent alternative. Soft coolers not only provide some serious weight savings when compared to their hard-shelled cousins, allowing you to more easily transport them from place to place, but they also usually come with a much lighter price tag too - making them an even sweeter deal!
How long do soft coolers stay cold?
Soft sided coolers 12 to 18 Hours. Quality soft sided coolers are definitely a much better bet than the regular styrofoam options as they are known to keep your ice frozen for at least less than 24 hours, plus they have a much more durable construction that makes them well worth the additional cost. As far as using dry ice in these coolers is concerned, unfortunately, there was no conclusive data on it, but it appears that these coolers are mostly used for same-day events where dry ice should suffice.
Do you put ice in a soft cooler?
The soft sided cooler that you get is nothing less than a miraculous bag with all the cooling and freezer-style lining that will keep whatever you put inside it ice cold for extended periods of time. You can easily put plenty of ice or ice packs to keep everything at its optimal temperature, and the bags are super easy to close since they come with either zippers or folding flaps. Plus, they are lightweight and designed in such a way that they don't become cumbersome during transport.
Why are Yeti soft coolers so expensive?
When it comes to the success story of Austin, Texas-based cooler company Seiders Brothers, there are two simple answers: cutting-edge technology and creative marketing. Founded by two outdoorsmen who desired to keep their catches, kills and beverages cold for extended periods of time, the brothers sought to create a product that was reliable and efficient. With their innovative technology and clever marketing strategies, they were able to craft a cooler that is now sought after by many outdoor enthusiasts.
What are some key features of a soft cooler?
For ease of use and clean up, look for a soft cooler with a leak proof easy clean lining with enough room to keep drinks separate from soft foods like sandwiches. A shoulder strap with anti slip shoulder pad goes a long way toward helping to center load weight while carrying the cooler. Some of these have a flip open patented zipperless cooler lid or better, a whole zipperless cooler, which may not sound like a big deal (like a strap that helps center load weight), but in the long run these features will pay off, especially since waterproof zippers are notoriously difficult to operate. When looking at capacity, make sure you consider how much room you will need for ice on top of the drinks and food to everything will truly be ice cold.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many choices out there when you are looking for a soft cooler. Whether you’re looking for the best overall soft cooler, the one with the best value, a solo option, one that resembles a backpack, or even one that works best for short-term usage, each person has their own unique needs and wants to be taken into consideration making research and comparison an important part of shopping for a soft cooler.
We hope this article was informative and gave some insight into which type of soft cooler might be right for you. Lastly, don’t forget to click the buttons beneath the pictures alongside each product review to check on store availability and pricing. Good luck with your search!
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~ Ron
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