mybest
Outdoor

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Outdoor
  3. 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More)
  • 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More) 5

10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More)

While hard coolers can keep your beer ice cold for days, not every activity needs heavy-duty refrigeration. For hiking, fishing, beach days, sporting events, and road trips, soft coolers can work just as well and are often lighter and easier to carry. They come in a range of sizes fit for individuals, couples, and groups. Plus, their extra outside pockets are perfect for storing utensils, condiments, and quick snacks.


We've compiled a list of the top 10 best soft coolers, with Arctic Zone's Titan Deep Freeze taking the number one spot. This cooler has an insulated soft exterior and a hard inner liner for extra insurance against bumps and leaks. Check out the rest of our picks below and read through our buying guide for tips and information on how to pick the best soft cooler for your needs.

Last updated 09/26/2023
mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose Soft Coolers

There are many different factors when it comes to choosing a soft cooler, including the size, capacity, insulation, and materials. Here, we will walk you through the most important things to consider so that you can find a cooler that fits your lifestyle.

1

Pick a Size That Fits Your Needs

Cooler capacities can be measured in quarts, but the manufacturer will most often list how many 12-ounce cans they can hold to help you get a better idea of the size. One quart equals roughly three-quarters of a can, so a 12-quart cooler can hold around nine cans.

Cooler Capacity Should Match Your Group Size

Cooler Capacity Should Match Your Group Size

Items inside a cooler will stay colder if they’re packed tightly, so it’s best to go with the smallest size that will still fit your needs. For personal use, go for a six or eight-can cooler, which can hold food and drinks for one person plus a few ice packs. 


A 12- or 18-can cooler can hold enough for a couple of people and retains its temperature longer than a mini cooler. For groups of three to four people or longer trips, a medium 18- to 24-can cooler will provide more room for food. 


A standard cooler has a capacity of around 30 to 40 cans and can hold food and drinks for multiple people while camping, boating, tailgating, or other outdoor activities. Large coolers above 40 cans are ideal for large groups or longer trips where you want the ice to last for a while.

Remember That Ice Will Take up Space

Remember That Ice Will Take up Space

When choosing a cooler capacity, don’t forget to account for your ice or ice packs. The ideal ratio of ice to food and drinks is two to one, so ice should take up most of the space inside.


With smaller coolers, you can often get away with less ice since it usually won’t need to last longer than a day. However, with larger coolers, you need more ice to help maintain the cool temperature. To avoid leaks, which are a common issue with soft coolers, opt for ice packs since they won't melt into water.

Exterior Size Matters Too

Exterior Size Matters Too

In addition to the cooler’s capacity, don’t forget to consider its overall size and footprint. Check the dimensions to ensure it will fit in your car, boat, tent, or wherever you may be planning to use it. 


Some soft coolers feature a hard liner and soft outer shell, which improves stability. Others have fully flexible walls that will make them easier to squeeze into tight spaces or allow you to collapse them for storage when not in use.

2

Pick a Soft Cooler Style for Portability

Thanks to their cushioned exterior, soft coolers are fairly comfortable and easy to transport. They generally come in two styles: cooler bags and cooler backpacks.

Cooler Bags for Stationary Activities

Cooler Bags for Stationary Activities

Cooler bags have a rectangular shape with a flat bottom and handles on the top. They’re usually wider than they are tall, giving you easy access to everything inside. However, because they’re a bit bulky, they’re not ideal for carrying long distances.


They’re better for activities where you stay primarily in one place, like car camping, boating, or picnics. To make a cooler bag easier to carry, look for one with a shoulder strap.

Cooler Backpacks to Carry Around All Day

Cooler Backpacks to Carry Around All Day

If you need a soft cooler that’s super portable, a cooler backpack is the way to go. These are great for hiking or other activities where you are constantly moving, and they feature padded straps to keep you comfortable. Some cooler backpacks are rectangular, while others have a more rounded shape. 


Just keep in mind that the shape of the backpack will affect its ability to stand up on its own. In addition, they’re usually taller than they are wide, which means that items at the bottom will be harder to access. However, you can easily pack the cooler so that your most necessary items are on top

3

Check Reviews to Determine the Level of Insulation

Check Reviews to Determine the Level of Insulation

Soft coolers use closed-cell or open-cell foam as insulation to keep the inside temperature stable. Closed-cell foam contains individual enclosed air bubbles. It’s generally the more expensive option, but it’s super dense and impermeable to water, making it a great insulator. 


Open-cell foam contains interconnected air bubbles that allow air to pass through. This makes it lightweight, but also water permeable and less effective at insulating. However, it’s generally less expensive than closed-cell foam and is usually covered with waterproof material.


Not all manufacturers will specify whether they use closed cell or open cell foam, although the price is usually a good indicator. To get a better idea of the insulating power of a cooler, read reviews and look for comments about how long a cooler can hold ice before it melts.

4

Look For Durable Construction

Look For Durable Construction

A soft cooler needs to be durable enough to withstand moisture on the inside and the wear and tear of travel and the elements on the outside. Soft coolers are usually made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester and linings made from plastic or vinyl. Some are reinforced with rubber for extra protection. 


While all of these materials can make a solid soft cooler, the construction can make or break its effectiveness. Look for reinforced stitching for added strength and welded seams to prevent leaks. Also, check the zippers to make sure they’re solid.


For more durability, you can find coolers with reinforced bottoms. And if you’re going to be somewhere wet, make sure the outside of the cooler is waterproof. To confirm the durability of a cooler, you can always check the customer reviews.

5

Consider Additional Features for Convenience

Consider Additional Features for Convenience

Some soft coolers have extra features that can help make your life easier. For example, some have partitions on the inside so you can separate your dry food from your liquids


Others have additional storage on the outside, like zippered pockets, mesh pockets, or straps that let you keep snacks, utensils, and personal items on hand. And if you’re buying a large soft cooler, you can even find options with wheels to help you easily get from one place to another.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Soft Coolers Ranking

Here are the best Soft Coolers, ranked according to 10 Best Soft Coolers (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Arctic Zone

Titan Deep Freeze30 cans

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 1

$49.99

Mid

Keep Your Food Secure With a Hard Liner

2

IceMule

Classic Large 20L

IceMule Classic  1

$94.95

High Mid

An Easy-to-Carry Cooler for Basic Use

3

AO Coolers

Original Soft Cooler24 cans

AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler 1

$78.95

High Mid

Five Layers of Insulation for Long-Lasting Cold

4

Yeti

Hopper Backflip 2420 cans

Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 1

$299.98

High

Take This Rugged Backpack Cooler Anywhere

5

Carhartt

Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag

Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag 1

$29.99

Low Mid

A Portable Lunch Bag for Work or School

6

RTIC

Day Cooler8 cans

RTIC Day Cooler 1

$24.99

Low

Mesh Pouches and an Outer Pocket for Extra Storage

7

Tourit

Cooler Backpack

Tourit Cooler Backpack 1

$36.99

Low Mid

A Cooler You Can Pass off as a Backpack

8

Thermos

Under Armour 24 Can Soft Sided Cooler24 cans

Thermos Under Armour 24 Can Soft Sided Cooler 1

$44.99

Mid

A Soft Exterior With a Hard Inner Shell

9

Coleman

42-Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels

Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels 1

$54.80

Mid

Transport Drinks for a Crowd With This Rolling Cooler

10

CleverMade

Tahoe Collapsible Cooler

CleverMade Tahoe Collapsible Cooler 1

$39.97

Mid

Collapses Flat for Storage and Travel

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Arctic ZoneTitan Deep Freeze30 cans

Titan Deep Freeze 1
Reference price
$49.99
Mid
Reference price
$49.99
Mid

Keep Your Food Secure With a Hard Liner

The Titan Deep Freeze features a hard liner with a soft exterior to keep your food cold and protected throughout the day. There's a removable tray, insulated front pocket, and mesh side pocket for better organization. The zipperless lid flips open for quick access, too. The padded shoulder strap is adjustable for a comfortable fit.


This cooler is durable, too; it's water-resistant, and the outer material is designed to resist abrasion and punctures. For smaller and larger groups, check out the other sizes that range from nine- to 48-can capacities.


Some reviewers disputed the claim that it keeps ice cold for three days, saying that it lasts about a day. However, many said it's sturdy and still keeps their food and drinks at a nice cold temperature. Plus, they appreciated the useful extra pockets and inner tray.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

IceMuleClassic Large 20L

Lowest price
$94.95
High Mid

An Easy-to-Carry Cooler for Basic Use

This is a shoulder strap model from Icemule that has a roll-down closure and folds up compactly when not in use. 


 We measured ice retention at 17.25 percent, which isn't a stellar result. A quality ice pack and the right ratio of food and drink to ice will be essential for longer-term cooling.


Although the only carrying option is its shoulder strap, this is comfortable. It has good padding and a balanced feel against the body. Even when full, it sits well and doesn't feel like a heavy burden. 


The roll-down closure is simple to operate. However, no matter how tightly we rolled it, it sometimes leaked melted ice. Be careful how you handle the cooler when moving it around. Also, the interior has loose-fitting material, making it tricky to wipe down. It doesn't have any extra features that would have bumped up its usability score. 


 The shoulder strap's ring is small and it doesn't have reinforced stitching. The durable coated exterior is waterproof and abrasion-resistant. The interior is also coated, and overall it feels like a quality item.

No.3

AO CoolersOriginal Soft Cooler24 cans

Original Soft Cooler 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$78.95
High Mid
Reference price
$78.95
High Mid

Five Layers of Insulation for Long-Lasting Cold

AO's Original Soft Cooler can hold ice for up to 24 hours in 120-degree weather, thanks to its five layers of insulation and leak protection. The interior features a flexible but durable liner, and this size can hold 24 cans and 14 pounds of ice.


The cooler is easy to carry to parties, sporting events, and picnics thanks to the handles on the top and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. Use the buckles on the sides to convert it into a tote bag for tall items.


Some reviewers say the zipper can leak and recommend keeping this cooler upright. Some also noted that condensation can make the canvas wet. However, users agreed that this cooler is extremely effective, saying it can keep frozen items frozen for a full day and drinks cold for multiple days. They also confirmed that it's very easy to carry.

No.4

YetiHopper Backflip 2420 cans

Hopper Backflip 24 1
Source:amazon.com
Hopper Backflip 24 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$299.98
High
Reference price
$299.98
High

Take This Rugged Backpack Cooler Anywhere

For fans of Yeti's insulated tumblers, this backpack cooler won't disappoint. Closed-cell rubber foam provides excellent insulation, and the exterior fabric is waterproof, UV-resistant, and puncture-resistant. The zipper is built to withstand both leaks and the elements, too.


There's a handle, padded backpack straps, and buckles to help you carry heavy loads comfortably. Attach a bottle opener, multi-tool, or other accessories to the front using the Hitchpoint grid. This cooler is spacious, with room for 20 cans with a two-to-one ice ratio. 


The main complaint from reviewers was that the zipper can be hard to unzip, although using the included lubricant helps. Some found that condensation caused the cooler to sweat. But overall, many people were pleased that it's very spacious yet easy to carry. They appreciated the high-quality build and said it keeps items chilled all day.

No.5

CarharttDeluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag

Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag 1
Source:amazon.com
Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$29.99
Low Mid

A Portable Lunch Bag for Work or School

If you don't have access to a fridge at school or work, this lunch cooler bag from Carhartt is the next best thing. It's made from heavy-duty water-repellent polyester with triple-needle stitching for durability. 


The main compartment can hold up to six cans or lunch for one. There's also an insulated top compartment for extra storage and a zippered pocket in the front for utensils, condiments, and other items. There's a top handle and an attached shoulder strap for easy carrying.


Some reviewers disliked that the strap isn't adjustable. On the other hand, many were pleased with its durability and size, saying that it keeps their food fresh until lunchtime. Kids loved taking it to school, and adults said it's great for jobs where you're inside, outside, or driving all day.

No.6

RTICDay Cooler8 cans

Day Cooler 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.99
Low
Reference price
$24.99
Low

Mesh Pouches and an Outer Pocket for Extra Storage

This cooler will keep your snacks and drinks chilled for up to 24 hours. The main compartment has an eight-can capacity, plus there's a zippered pocket in the front and two mesh pockets on the sides to hold additional snacks and utensils. 


The exterior is made from heavy-duty polyester with an insulating lining that's soft enough to collapse down for storage and travel. The shoulder strap is padded and can be adjusted. 


Some reviewers had issues with the quality of this cooler, saying that the stitching began to come apart or the zipper broke. But many others said the eight-can size is lightweight, fits enough for one to two people, and keeps food and drinks cold all day.

No.7

TouritCooler Backpack

Cooler Backpack 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$36.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$36.99
Low Mid

A Cooler You Can Pass off as a Backpack

This cooler from Tourit looks just like a backpack, and its foam insulation can keep your food and beverages cold for up to 16 hours. The high-density oxford fabric is durable and waterproof, making this backpack great for hiking, camping, and beach days. 


In addition to the main compartment, there's a zippered front pocket and two mesh side pockets. The adjustable straps are padded for comfort and feature a mesh pocket for your phone and a beer opener. 


The main complaint reviewers had was that this backpack can leak around the zipper or at the bottom; however, using ice packs will likely help prevent this. Most reviewers appreciated how roomy it is and said it keeps food fresh for a full day. Others added that it's comfortable to carry, which can be a rare thing for backpack coolers!

No.8

ThermosUnder Armour 24 Can Soft Sided Cooler24 cans

Under Armour 24 Can Soft Sided Cooler 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$44.99
Mid
Reference price
$44.99
Mid

A Soft Exterior With a Hard Inner Shell

For day trips or large lunches, check out this soft cooler from Under Armour and Thermos. Inside, there's a crush-resistant plastic liner that keeps your food protected and makes for easy cleanup. A layer of foam insulation helps keep everything chilled, and the exterior is made from durable polyester.


There are three zippered pockets on the outside for additional items like utensils, snacks, and condiments. Carry the cooler using the molded rubber handle on top or use the adjustable, removable shoulder strap.


Because the opening is lower at the front, some reviewers warned that ice can spill out when you open it if you fill the cooler too much. However, many people praised its sturdy, durable construction and spacious interior, saying this cooler is ideal for day trips and long work shifts.

No.9

Coleman42-Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels

42-Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$54.80
Mid
Reference price
$54.80
Mid

Transport Drinks for a Crowd With This Rolling Cooler

With two wheels and a telescoping handle, this soft cooler from Coleman lets you transport ice cold drinks with ease. The large main compartment can hold 42 cans and comes with a removable plastic liner to prevent leaks from melting ice. The liner is also treated to resist mildew, mold, and odors. 


Heat-welded seams throughout provide extra insurance against leaks. And there's plenty of additional storage: a zippered front pocket, two mesh side pockets, and bungee cords across the lid.


This cooler may be best for light use and shorter time periods, as some reviewers said the legs break easily, and ice can melt within a few hours. Still, many said it's handy for work, sporting events, pool parties, and groceries. They appreciated having the wheels and said the liner makes for a mess-free experience.

No.10

CleverMadeTahoe Collapsible Cooler

Tahoe Collapsible Cooler 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.97
Mid
Reference price
$39.97
Mid

Collapses Flat for Storage and Travel

The Tahoe Collapsible Cooler features three layers of leakproof insulation and a hinged wire frame. Simply push the sides in, and the cooler will collapse down to less than three inches tall for easy storage. The roomy interior lets you load up on food and drinks, too.


The cooler has an eight-gallon capacity, which can hold up to 50 cans plus ice, and it has an extra zippered pouch on the front. The bag itself can support up to 50 pounds and has a solid board base for extra stability. Carry it using the top handles or side handles.


Reviewers pointed out two main flaws with this cooler: it tends to leak and doesn't provide the best insulation. Therefore, it's best suited to day trips or situations where you can change the ice. Despite this, many reviewers said this cooler is great for travel since it can collapse flat. Plus, they loved how roomy it is!

How to Keep Your Cooler Extra Cold

Packing a cooler efficiently is a science, but the video above features tons of tips to break down that science easier. Learn in what order you should pack your cooler, how much you should pack it, how to keep beer at the optimal temperature, and more!

More Ways to Stay Cool As a Cucumber

There's nothing better than an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day. Whether you're camping out, enjoying the beach, or watching a game from the bleachers, here are more of our favorite products to keep your food and drinks chilled.

Top 5 Soft Coolers

No. 1: Arctic ZoneTitan Deep Freeze30 cans

No. 2: IceMuleClassic Large 20L

No. 3: AO CoolersOriginal Soft Cooler24 cans

No. 4: YetiHopper Backflip 2420 cans

No. 5: CarharttDeluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Outdoor
  3. 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2022 (Yeti, Coleman, and More)

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.