The Best Coolers for Your Outdoor Adventures
Add the best cooler to your outdoor essentials.
A cooler is an ideal vessel to keep your drinks chilled and close at hand this summer. The best cooler should be mobile, large enough to carry your desired amount of items, and able to withstand the heat of the sun or extended periods outside of the fridge, all the while keeping its contents at a desired temperature. Read this guide to discover the best cooler for your on-the-go cooling needs.
In This Guide:
Soft-Sided Coolers vs. Hard-Sided Coolers
Best Soft-Sided Coolers
Best Backpack Coolers
Best Coolers for Camping
Best Small Coolers
Best Coolers With Wheels
Best Beach Coolers
Soft-Sided Coolers vs. Hard-Sided Coolers
When it comes to the best coolers, there are two distinct types to choose from: soft-sided coolers and hard-sided coolers. They both work the same to cool down their contents, but each of these coolers has its own features that are appropriate for different uses and settings.
Soft-Sided Coolers: Soft-sided coolers, made from sewn-together fabric, come in many shapes and sizes all usually under 40L. They are measured by how many cans they can hold, though their soft construction and smaller size means they offer smaller storage space. Soft-sided coolers usually come with straps or handles that make them easy to transport while their collapsibility makes them easy to store. Soft-sided coolers are insulated by malleable closed-cell foam in their walls and lid. They are usually opened and closed with a zipper or magnets. They are the best coolers for daily lunches and short outdoor day trips because they are lighter and easier to carry than hard-sided coolers. Due to their smaller size and fabric construction, soft-sided coolers generally cost less than hard-sided coolers. Soft coolers can be made from materials such as canvas, cotton, neoprene, polyester, vinyl, and strong nylon that is water-resistant.
Hard-Sided Coolers: Hard-sided coolers are usually made from a thick rotomolded plastic shell with insulation in the walls and lid. They can also be manufactured from stainless steel and aluminum. For this reason, hard-sided coolers are more costly than their soft-sided counterparts. Hard-sided coolers have a larger storage capacity (which is measured by volume) than soft-sided coolers, though this can make them more cumbersome to transport. Some hard-sided coolers have wheels to improve their portability, which is especially helpful when transporting a heavy load. Hard-sided coolers usually have a hinged lid or a lid that comes off entirely. These coolers are perfect for big parties, tailgates, all-day outings, and camping.
Best Soft-Sided Coolers
The best soft-sided coolers combine ease of transport with large capacity to give you the most versatile and least cumbersome experience possible. Here are number of our favorites
1. 24-Can Merritt Insulated Bag Picnic Cooler
The 24-Can Merrit Insulated Bag Picnic Cooler offers a unique design that is especially suited for outdoor use. This soft cooler boasts a uniquely designed fold-out table that extends to 20" x 13". This is the best soft-sided cooler for picnics because it folds out into a table to keep your food items off the ground. This large, fully insulated, and leak-proof cooler can hold over 24 cans of your favorite beverage with additional room for food. The mesh pockets on the inside of this cooler are perfect for holding ice packs and other accessories for picnics, while the straps make for easy transportation.
The 36 Qt. Ultimate Folding Picnic Cooler is made of polyester canvas (polycanvas). The sewn-in wire frame and built-in side supports keep this cooler from sagging and spilling after the ice has melted. This is the best soft-sided cooler for those in search of a cooler that has both hard and soft cooler qualities. Its high-density thermal foam insulation and heat-sealed, leak-proof lining can keep drinks cold for up to 18 hours when fully packed with a 2:1 ratio of ice to cans. This cooler measures 21" x 10" x 10" and folds flat to be stored away when not in use. The strap makes this cooler exceptionally easy to carry.
The 24-Can Pop-Up Party Cooler is compact and collapsable, the best soft-sided cooler for personal use. Its top zips open and also has a built-in door (pop-top) for easy access to your beverages and food. Its carry straps have a centered, padded hand grip for easy carrying. Made with waterproof PEVA lining and thermal shield, this cooler is food safe and leak proof. As a handy added extra, this cooler comes with a clip-on corkscrew for all of your beverage needs.
Best Backpack Coolers
If you regularly spend time outdoors and need a hands-free way to transport and chill your food, consider investing in a backpack cooler. Backpack coolers come with straps for easy carrying. A single sling strap works well when carrying the cooler shorter distances as it can become uncomfortable over time, especially if the cooler is heavy. The best backpack coolers for longer distances should have double shoulder straps for ease of use and comfort.
1. Jaunt Large 12-Can Cooler
The Jaunt 12-Can Cooler is hands-free and effortlessly portable thanks to its two padded air mesh shoulder straps. This backpack is both waterproof and water-resistant, with the added feature of buoyancy, making it the best backpack cooler for water sports adventures. This backpack ice chest cooler has a top-roll design which opens wide to allow quick and easy access to food and drinks inside. The small zippered pocket on the front is great for storing small accessories and necessities. This cooler's ultra-tough exterior and interior and its insulation give it strength and superior ice retention – it can maintain ice-like temperatures for up to two days. This backpack cooler lets you add air for increased insulation and buoyancy while its 15qt. storage capacity makes it ideal for personal use.
The 2-Can Insulated Wine Tote Cooler is a thermal shield-insulated wine tote bag made from strong 600D polyester canvas. The leak-proof lining and movable padded interior divider make this the best backpack cooler for storing larger bottles. The adjustable shoulder strap allows you to carry your perfectly chilled items with ease. The front zipper opens up to reveal the included cutting board with juice groove, stainless steel cheese knife, and corkscrew. If you are looking for the best backpack cooler for an outdoor cheese and wine get-together, party, picnic, or concert, then look no further.
Best Coolers for Camping
If you enjoy camping, you will understand the importance of having a heavy-duty cooler to keep large amounts of food cool. Most camping coolers are hard-sided as they need to be built to survive the wear-and-tear that comes with camping. The more rugged models can even serve as additional seating when the lid is on or closed. Hard-sided coolers are ideal for camping as they provide better ice retention, often able to keep ice frozen for two to three days at a time. The best camping cooler should also be bear-proof to keep pesky predators at bay.
Tip!
Freeze your food and drink before you go camping to keep them colder for longer.
1. 9 Qt. Portable Freezer Cooler
When it comes to luxury, the 9 Qt. Portable Freezer Cooler is at the top of the list. This electric cooler comes complete with a DC adaptor which can be plugged into your car for a power source. This cooler is not only great for camping, but also long road trips. The included bottom drain can be opened to easily let water out as ice melts within the cooler. The strong and lightweight plastic housing of this cooler means it can double up as additional seating. A digitized temperature adjustment allows you to control the mode and temperature via a convenient LCD display. This cooler's fast-cooling andcompressor-cooling technology means this cooler can go as low as -4℉. Its 9 qt. storage capacity gives you ample space to pack your foods for your camping trip.
The 54 Qt. Coleman Reunion Steel Belted Cooler can hold up to 85 cans. This is one of the best coolers for camping because of its ability to keep ice frozen for up to four days in temperatures as high as 90℉. The Have-a-Seat lid can support up to 250lbs, making for an extremely sturdy additional seating option. Enjoy the built-in bottle opener to quickly open your chilled beverages. This cooler's rust-proof and leak-resistant channel drain provides no-tilt draining for easy cleanup. Its comfort-grip handles make this cooler easy to lift and carry to your campsite.
Tip!
If you're using a cooler for a number of days, be sure to drain it regularly as water can make the ice melt faster.
Best Small Coolers
A cooler doesn't have to be a cumbersome trunk filled to the brim with food and drink. Sometimes all you need is a small cooler to hold a drink or two. Small coolers can be both hard-and-soft-sided. The best small cooler should be limited in size and easy to transport while still fitting your necessary food and beverages for your outing.
1. 6-Can Insulated Bag Cooler
The 6-Can Insulated Bag Cooler has a durable vinyl interior lining that doesn't leak. This cooler can accommodate six 12 oz. cans, making it one of the best small coolers for drinks. The dual-side mesh pockets and front-zippered pockets offer convenient spaces to store essential items such as cutlery, napkins, or drinkware. Its soft sides mean this cooler is collapsable for easy storage, while its included strap makes for easy portability. The waterproof interior and water-resistant exterior of this cooler ensure it will look good and last for a long time.
The small, hard-sided 5 Qt. FlipLid Personal Picnic Cooler holds six cans. The FlipLid actually reverses to become a serving tray with two molded cupholders, making it one of the best small coolers for drinks. Its wide bottom gives added stability, so you can rest assured that your beverages are safe and secure. The 5 qt. capacity is more than enough for a trip to the park or a summer BBQ.
Best Coolers With Wheels
Wheels make a cooler easy to move around, an especially valuable trait since these types of coolers are generally hard-sided and thus can be heavy and difficult to transport using handles alone. The more cumbersome a cooler, the more convenient wheels are, particularly when using large outdoor deck coolers or for taking a rolling cooler to a location that is a distance from your car.
Tip!
A cold cooler keeps ice for longer, so pack it with ice the night before your outing instead of the day of.
1. 100 Qt. Coleman® 316 Series™ Wheeled Cooler
The 100 Qt. Coleman 316 Series Wheeled Cooler is a heavy-duty hard-sided cooler. Its two durable wheels make this cooler easy to tow, while its swing-up handles help you haul a full load. This cooler has a fully insulated lid and body that can keep ice frozen for up to five days. Its lid can be used as a seat and also has a cup holder molded into it. Its large capacity fits up to 101 cans or 100 qts. makes this one of the best coolers with wheels.
If you plan to host many BBQs this summer, consider the 80 Qt. Ice Chest Cooler. Its 80 q., 20 gal., 36-can capacity and its serving cart station make this one of the best wheeled coolers for outdoor entertaining. This stainless steel cooler/ice cart comes with a detachable tub that can be removed for easy portability. This cooler's conveniently attached bottle opener comes with a cap catch for disposing of popped lids. Its bottom shelf provides extra storage so you can easily replenish your cooler with drinks. Its four casters (two locking and two non-locking) allow you to easily move this high-quality 304-grade stainless steel cooler to wherever you need it. Reach your drinks using the two-sided easy-access lids with solid aluminum knobs.
Best Beach Coolers
The beach is a summer attraction that you will want to enjoy for hours without worrying about keeping your drinks cool. No one wants to lug a heavy and hard-to-carry cooler across the sand; the best beach cooler will provide you a hassle-free way to keep your food chilled while you swim and sunbathe.
1. 15-Can Go Bar Cooler
What could be better than a mobile serving table? The hard-sided 15-Can Go Bar Cooler not only holds up to 15 cans, but also features a retractable side-table to place your drinks on. This cooler made of resin, plastic, and polypropylene, is easy to transport thanks to its lightweight construction and comfortable handle. If you are in search of the best beach cooler, this on-the-go cooler (which is also UV-resistant and easy to clean) is the way to go.
The 31.7 Qt. Fold-able Insulated Cooler has a large 30 L. capacity. Its sturdy aluminum frame with a reinforced base and comfortable double-padded handle make this cooler lightweight and easy to carry. Constructed from high-quality polyester, this soft-sided cooler folds flat for easy storage. Its double-zip opening gives quick and easy access to its contents while its insulated aluminum foil lining offers superior temperature retention that keeps your food cool for hours. Consider this cooler when in search of the best beach cooler.
No matter where or when you need to chill your food this summer, you can find the best cooler to meet your cooling needs by browsing our wide selection of coolers.
