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The Best Soft Coolers of 2024

From picnics to standup paddleboard trips and road tripping up the coast, soft coolers have a solid place in our lineup of on-the-go refrigeration tools. Here are our favorite picks.
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing soft coolers; (photo/Eric Phillips)
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Weโ€™ll always have a spot in our gear closet for a hard cooler, but soft coolers have proven to be just as essential. They weigh less and are easy for one person to grab and quickly transport from the deck to the truck bed.

Thereโ€™s a broad range of sizes and softness in soft coolers. Some of these designs are actually very rigid, stout, and stackable, such as the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler. Others are fully collapsible and pliable, like the REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler, and we celebrate the space-saving option for storage.

For day-long roams, weekend adventures, road trips, or running errands, these soft coolers kept our provisions chilled without weighing us down. At the end of the list, read the Buyerโ€™s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart to see how ski pants stack up. Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys for 2024.

Editorโ€™s Note: We updated our Soft Coolers buyerโ€™s guide on October 25, 2024, with the Yeti Hopper M15 Tote, Orca Wanderer 24, and Icemule Impulse.

The Best Soft Coolers of 2024


  • Size: 14.3" x 10.7" x 12.0"
  • Capacity: 12L
  • Weight: 1361 g (3 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~3 days

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Waterproof
  • Great Insulation
  • Floats

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Zipper is not the most durable

  • Size: 15" x 10" x 13.5"
  • Capacity: 33L
  • Weight: 816 g (1.8 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~3 days

Pros

  • Great ice retention
  • Two over-the-shoulder straps Velcro together alongisde an optional shoulder strap
  • Includes bottle opener

Cons

  • A few of us donโ€™t prefer the look
  • The lidโ€™s zipper is not waterproof

  • Size: 15" x 10.5" x 15.25"
  • Capacity: 24L
  • Weight: Unavailable
  • Ice retention test: ~3 days

Pros

  • Cooler wonโ€™t leak through waterproof top zipper or seams
  • Two exterior stretchy pockets that are water resistant

Cons

  • Exterior pockets don't have zippers

  • Size: 19" x 12.5" x 12.5"
  • Capacity: 38L
  • Weight: 1,724 g (3.8 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~2.5 days

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Supple and easy to carry

Cons

  • The lidโ€™s zipper is not waterproof
  • A bit overpriced for the low ice retention but worth the cost for collapsibility
Best Collapsible Design for Storage

REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler

  • Size: 10" x 11" x 15"
  • Capacity: 32L
  • Weight: 680 g (1.5 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~2+ days

Pros

  • Daisy chains and spacious external pocket with a zipper
  • Transforms into a tote, cube, and flat for storage
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Canโ€™t stack any items on top of this soft cooler
  • Tote is wobbly and doesnโ€™t dependably stand upright
  • Top zipper is not waterproof
Best Soft Cooler Tote With Bike Attachment

Icemule Impulse

  • Size: 11" x 4.25" x 9"
  • Capacity: 4.5L
  • Weight: Not Available
  • Ice retention test: ~1.5 days

Pros

  • Super adaptable cooler
  • Interior sleeve for ice pack or food item
  • Fits on bike handlebars super well
  • Cross-body tote is comfortable

Cons

  • Not quite large enough for a picnic for two with bevies

  • Size: 20.3" x 16" x 9.2"
  • Capacity: 17L
  • Weight: 2,268 g (5 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~4 days

Pros

  • Comfortable, smooth shoulder strap
  • Powerful magnetic closure stays shut
  • The closure doesn't snap shut when you're shuffling items in and out
  • Excellent ice retention

Cons

  • Narrow closure toward the top: it's hard to see the bottom of the tote
  • Premium build means high price

  • Size: 12.2" x 20.5" x 7.8"
  • Capacity: 18L
  • Weight: 1,134 g (2.5 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~2.5 days

Pros

  • Tote straps comfortably slide over the shoulder
  • Waterproof zipper
  • Cooler is completely leakproof

Cons

  • Exterior pocket is great for a phone but lacks zipper for security
  • No integrated pockets

  • Size: 13.5โ€ x 9.5โ€ x 13.75โ€
  • Capacity: 12L
  • Weight: 1360 g (3 lbs)
  • Ice retention test: ~3 days

Pros

  • Multiple handles for carrying options
  • Great insulation
  • Ability to float

Cons

  • Narrow storage makes it difficult to organize and see cooler items at the bottom
  • Additional pocket is small and tight

  • Size: 8" x 9" x 6"
  • Capacity: 7L
  • Weight: 363 g (0.8 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~21 hours

Pros

  • Two tote straps comfortably slide over the shoulder
  • Has an interior zippered mesh pocket in lid for utensils
  • Zippers are substantial

Cons

  • Exterior pocket is great for a phone but lacks zipper for security
  • Lidโ€™s zipper leaks

  • Size: 22.5" x 14.38" x 8"
  • Capacity: 30L
  • Weight: 975 g (2.15 lbs)
  • Ice retention test: ~2.5 days

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Storage capacity
  • Doubles as a dry bag

Cons

  • Difficult to clean
  • Difficult to organize and see inside with how wide the zipper opens

  • Size: 11" x 11" x 6"
  • Capacity: 12L
  • Weight: 499 g (1.1 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~25 hours

Pros

  • Two tote straps comfortably slide over the shoulder
  • Great for park concerts
  • Zippered interior mesh pocket inside cooler lid for utensils
  • Two flat pockets on the side

Cons

  • Weโ€™d like the lightweight removable shoulder strap to be burlier
  • Cooler bottom can absorb moisture
  • Lidโ€™s zipper is not waterproof

  • Size: 14" x 11" x 11"
  • Capacity: 15L
  • Weight: 1,415 g (3.12 lbs.)
  • Ice retention test: ~2.5 days

Pros

  • Daisy chain webbing and bottle opener included
  • Interior zippered pocket inside lid keeps food items above ice
  • Strong, smooth side and top handles
  • Helpful cooling tips are listed inside the packโ€™s lid
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons

  • The cube shape bounces off your back when using the shoulder strap
  • Top zipper is not waterproof, so watch for leaks
  • Exterior front pocket lacks zipper to secure items
woman standing with cooler tote on shoulder
Instead of a hard shell, soft coolers are, well, softer; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Soft Cooler Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Size, Capacity, Weight, Ice Retention Test.

Soft CoolerPriceSizeCapacityWeightIce Retention Test
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler$25014.3″ x 10.7″ x 12.0″12L1,361 g (3 lbs.)~3 days
Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote$5315″ x 10″ x 13.5″33L816 g (1.8 lbs.)~3 days
Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38$18519″ x 12.5″ x 12.5″38L1,724 g (3.8 lbs.)~2.5 days
Mountainsmith Takeout$308″ x 9″ x 6″7L363 g (0.8 lbs.)~21 hours
REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler$5510″ x 11″ x 15″32L680 g (1.5 lbs.)~2+ days
ICEMULE Impulse$10011″ x 4.25″ x 9″4.5LUnavailable~1.5 days
Yeti Hopper M15 Tote$30020.3″ x 16″ x 9.2″17L2,268 g (5 lbs.)~4 days
Orca Wanderer 24$25015″ x 10.5″ x 15.25″24LUnavailable ~3 days
Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote$15012.2″ x 20.5″ x 7.8″18L1,134 g (2.5 lbs.)~2.5 days
RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler$9913.5โ€ x 9.5โ€ x 13.75โ€12L1360 g (3 lbs)~3 days
Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote$20022.5″ x 14.38″ x 8″30L975 g (2.15 lbs)~2.5 days
Mountainsmith Sixer$3511″ x 11″ x 6″12L499 g (1.1 lbs.)~25 hours
REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler$10014″ x 11″ x 11″15L1,415 g (3.12 lbs.)~2.5 days
two women sitting next to lake with soft cooler
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing soft coolers; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How We Tested Soft Coolers

Our team has developed cooler guides year after year, objectively testing dozens of soft, hard, and backpack coolers in the field, from whitewater raft trips to fly fishing adventures and music festivals in the mountains.

Our Expert Testers

Lead tester Morgan Tilton, Senior Editor specializing in Snow Sports Buyer’s Guides, coordinated five studious gear testers to adventure with and examine the soft coolers in this guide from ultrarunners and ski mountaineers to fly fishing and whitewater rafting guides. With that test team, she wrote the original soft coolers and backpack coolers buyer’s guides that were first published in 2022.

Dedicated outdoor enthusiast Constance Mahoney explores trails, goes fly fishing, and crews 100-mile races: She knows when to invest in high-quality gear and when budget-friendly options will do the job. Constance has been a GearJunkie contributor since 2019, after she reviewed outdoor gear for FitnessTravelGear.com for two years.

Gear tester Makena Gross is the assistant ski patrol director, and a ski and bike patroller, at Brian Head Resort, alongside teaching Wilderness Medicine courses. While adventuring throughout the Southwest, Groos took these coolers on a multitude of activities ranging from day trips to the lake to go fishing and swimming to multiday road trips. Gross always tests the coolers across a range of conditions. 

woman riding cruiser bike across bridge with soft cooler attached to handlebars
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing soft coolers in Crested Butte, Colorado; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Our Testing Grounds

Our crew took these coolers through myriad conditions from summertime park BBQs to camping in Coloradoโ€™s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, guiding fly fishing sessions on rivers, and road-tripping to ski mountaineer in the Pacific Northwest.

Our Testing Process

For this soft cooler guide, we examined the most popular, innovative, highly acclaimed, and bestselling products with diverse storage and carry capacities, ice retention ability, and across a price spectrum.

We also performed a controlled in-house ice retention test to verify brand claims. For the experiment, we filled each pre-cooled cooler approximately 70% with fresh, frozen cubed ice and set them in a shaded, dry indoor space at a steady average of 65 degrees.

We periodically checked, making notes regarding melt rate, condensation, and leaks. Each reported time is based on when 100% of the ice was converted to water. This data provides a benchmark. But when traveling outdoors, these controlled variables disappear and the ice will likely melt faster.

best soft coolers stacked by a lake
Our GearJunkie team thoroughly tested a range of soft coolers including a controlled ice retention test; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Buyerโ€™s Guide: How to Choose a Soft Cooler

Storage Capacity

Choose a soft cooler based on the storage capacity and type of support you need for the load. A super malleable product like the Snow Peak Soft Cooler might not be the best for carrying dozens of heavy cans compared to a more rigid design like the Orca Wanderer 24.

The larger the group, the more cargo space youโ€™ll need. The soft coolers in our guide range from the Mountainsmith Takeout, which can fit six cans, to the 38L Snow Peak Soft Cooler. Most of our choice soft coolers are either larger (30 L to 38 L) for group multiday trips or more compact (12 L to 19 L).

soft cooler attached to cruiser bike handlebars
A wide variety of soft coolers exist including small, packable, and adaptable designs; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Compartments & Pockets

Other than the main storage pocket, which typically has an insulated liner inside, there are plenty of other pocket and storage features to consider when choosing a soft cooler to fit your needs. 

Some coolers like the Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote only have the main storage compartment with no other pockets or mesh liners to put extra objects in. However, this cooler offers dry side storage with the ability to take out the liner where you can add items in between the exterior shell and the liner.

Other coolers such as the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler have an additional exterior zip-up pocket that fits small items, like your phone, keys, and wallet, and is waterproof for extra safekeeping. Some soft coolers even have a mesh pocket that may hold a water bottle nicely. 

You may also see coolers with a hitchpoint grid, like the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, which has daisy chain loops that you can clip your keys, other carabiners, or straps to for additional items or maybe secure your cooler down on the boat.

clipping buckles on Yeti tote
Buckles, zippers, clasps, or magnets are all possible latches for a soft cooler; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Weight

The weights of soft coolers are typically reflected by their size and capacity. The smallest design in our guide is the Mountainsmith Takeout, which weighs less than a pound. The heaviest soft cooler is the 5-pound Yeti Hopper M15 Tote, which has a 17L capacity and the best ice retention.

Even the heaviest soft cooler in our guide is lighter than a hard cooler. For comparison, the YETI Tundra 45 Cooler weighs 23 pounds, and the RovR Products RollR 45 weighs more than 37 pounds.

sliding phone into tote side pocket
Pockets are often available on the exterior of a soft cooler; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Soft Cooler Shape

Soft cooler totes are long, slender, and streamlined against your side. Theyโ€™re comfortable to carry over a shoulder. However, taller coolers get trickier with access to buried items, so you have to be mindful when packing the cooler.

Soft coolers that are wider or more bucket-style are easier to access, as far as finding a specific item. But, they can feel more cumbersome to carry over a shoulder. Coolers with a broad, flat surface that rests against you can help absorb that swing and bounce.

Boxier coolers can be easier to stack โ€” as long as the walls and base are rigid โ€” while sleeker coolers can more likely slip behind a seat in your car. Shorter, more compact coolers are easier to fit in tight spaces on a boat.

woman holding interior shoulder pad of tote bag
Some straps are removable while others are fixed and the designs can be softly padded for comfort and absorbing sweat; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Soft Cooler Materials

A soft coolerโ€™s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, and handles. A range of top closures exist, the most common being waterproof and leakproof zippers or non-waterproof and leakproof zippers.

We pay attention to that variable to know if a cooler needs to always be upright. Some unique closures don’t allow leaks. Other coolers have magnetic seams, like models made by YETI. Welded seams also help prevent leaks.

Soft coolers may have shoulder straps โ€” which are typically removable โ€” buckles, attachment points, and interior or exterior pockets. Some pockets have durable, waterproof zipper closures, but many are not weather-resistant or secured with a closure.

The quality of materials influences the waterproofness, durability, insulation value, and whether or not the face fabric produces condensation. The materials also determine the comfort, breathability, support, and overall cost.

Recycled Materials

Certain soft coolers, like the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler, are made from recycled materials, offering eco-conscious options for your outdoor excursions.ย ย 

woman pulling grab handle with hand
Wider handles are generally more comfortable to grab than narrow handles and some are more ergonomic than others; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Straps & Handles

Handles and straps are constructed with a variety of materials. Some are more ergonomic, comfortable, and durable than others.

Most soft coolers have side or top handles, two straps that swing up to secure together above the cooler, or a removable shoulder strap. A bunch of designs have a combination of handles and straps, too. For coolers on the larger side, like the Yeti Hopper M15 Tote, it’s key to have padding on the hand or shoulder straps for comfort while carrying a fully loaded cooler.

In our testing, we liked the wide, soft material of the two swing-up straps on the Snow Peak Soft Cooler.

The handles on the Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote were a great length and easy to slide over one shoulder.

sliding buckle on ICEMULE cooler
Smaller coolers are great for half-day periods and offer ample cooling power for that purpose but aren’t built for multiday prowess; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Soft Cooler Base

The base of a soft cooler can play a significant role in the integrity of your cooler. A strong base keeps your cooler walls from collapsing, while a flimsy base could result in the walls caving in.

Another factor is how well-insulated the base is. A thicker, more insulated base can keep your contents cooler for longer while it is sitting on a hot truck bed, dock, or boat.

Both the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler and the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler are more box-shaped and have a thick, sturdy base that provides stability and insulation support.

Tote-style coolers including the Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote have welded seams on the base that prevent leakages and keep the cold insulation from escaping.

opening tote cooler to view drinks in ice
The narrower the mouth of a cooler, the harder it is to see the items at the bottom of the load; however, the shape can be comfortable to carry under arm; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Ice Retention

We completed our ice retention test with controlled variables. Each soft cooler was stationed indoors at around 65 degrees, shaded, and filled with the same ratio and type of ice.

Ice Retention Test Results

For a variety of conditions, the soft coolers in this guide provide enough cooling power to serve a range of recreation needs.

When you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a packโ€™s ice retention, including the frequency of opening the cooler, direct sunlight, and ambient temperature. For instance, the REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler preserved ice for 60 hours during our test but only for 18 hours during one toasty car camp trip.

soft cooler on bike with mountain backdrop
Many soft coolers are made with a nylon, polyester, or canvas exterior that is easy to wipe clean; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Extra Features & Attachment Points

Soft coolers come with various attachment points and other features to enhance functionality. That includes hard clip points, daisy chains, webbing straps, and bungee cords for carrying extra gear. The ICEMULE Impulse offers unique straps that can be used to attach it to bike handlebars. Many models also feature reflective logos and built-in bottle openers.

For organization, some of these soft coolers offer extra storage options โ€” both inside and on the exterior โ€” that’s perfect for stowing items like phones, keys, chapstick, or utensils. Also, padded customizable straps like the ones on the Igloo Pursuit Tote are comfortable yet removable when not being used, and you can switch to utilizing a hand strap.

However, itโ€™s worth noting that many soft coolers lack tiedown points, which could be particularly beneficial for river adventures or motorcycle trips. Having this feature would provide additional security for your gear while on the go.

woman showing contents of soft cooler
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing soft coolers; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How to Properly Pack a Soft Cooler

The best way to pack a soft cooler is to pre-chill it. This simple step can make a significant difference in keeping your food and drinks cold. You can pre-chill the cooler by placing ice packs or crushed ice inside for a few hours to maintain a low temperature.

After a pre-chill, begin with a layer of ice at the bottom, followed by your food and drinks. Pack these tightly to minimize air space, which helps keep everything cold. Overall, you want a โ…” to โ…“ ice to food/drink ratio.  

Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top, grouping similar items for easy access. This will not only keep your cooler organized but also make it easier to find what you need. Utilize any external or internal pockets for small items like utensils, keeping them separate from the main contents.

Once packed, ensure the cooler is closed up completely to minimize air exposure and prevent temperature loss. Fill any extra space with contents, because air speeds up the ice melt. If needed, you could pack crumpled paper or small towels to take up air space.

Try to avoid frequent openings โ€” as each time you do, cold air escapes, raising the temperature inside. Ideally, when you arrive at your destination, place the cooler in the shade on a cool surface to help maintain its temperature and prevent the acceleration of ice melt.

woman pulling beverage out of YETI soft cooler on river bank
Make sure the ice is packed on the bottom of the soft cooler with food and beverages on top; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How to Care for Your Soft Cooler

Some soft coolers have materials that are mildew-resistant and antimicrobial like the interior liner of the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler. YETI also treats the interior and exterior of its Hopper Flip soft coolers to be mildew resistant, which helps with keeping your tote sanitary while extending the life of the product. 

Between uses, you can clean the interior of a soft cooler with a sponge, lukewarm water, and standard dish soap. You can wipe down the exterior and zipper, too โ€” donโ€™t miss the feet and bottom, which touch ground surfaces. Let the interior completely air dry or use a towel to wipe down before zipping shut for storage. 

The most airtight, temperature-regulated, and waterproof soft coolers boast burly zippers that take hand grease to open and close. A handful of brands even send you home with zipper lubricant, like RTIC and YETI. 

For instance, YETI advises applying the lubricant to the front and back of the zipper including the teeth and seal. RTIC says to add a couple of drops, and then open and close the zipper a few times. The moisturizer can be applied every 6 months to help protect the zipper teeth โ€” around the time you head in for an oil change. Easy. 

two women sitting next to river with soft cooler and drinks
Most soft coolers are built with foam insulation; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Price & Value

The price of a soft cooler is reflected by the size, durability, quality of materials, design features, and ice retention.

Checking the tags, the prices of soft coolers in our guide range from the $30 Mountainsmith Takeout, which is the smallest cooler, to the Orca Wanderer 24 ($250) or with the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler ($250) with top-shelf ice retention.

Budget

Plenty of soft coolers are fairly comfortable to use and reliable (as long as it’s not too sunny or scorching hot out) in the less-than-$100 category. Those choice designs include a range of designs such as the Mountainsmith Takeout ($30), REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler ($55), and Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53).

Mid-Tier

Soft coolers in the medium price range include the Snow Peak Soft Cooler ($185), REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler ($100), ICEMULE Impulse ($100), and the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler ($99). The well-constructed, premium Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote is available at a moderate price ($150).

Premium

You’ll also find the Yeti Hopper M15 Tote ($300) at the premium end, which unsurprisingly had the queen hours for ice retention at 96 hours of stay power. The volume is on the larger end for soft coolers, and the attachable shoulder strap is really sleek, durable, and comfortable, plus there’s an exterior pocket and ample attachment points for accessories.

With average ice retention but waterproof prowess, the Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote ($200) is near that high-tier price, too, and offers a greater amount of volume and space compared to smaller soft coolers on our list. Also, this tote’s liner is removable, so the piece can double as a dry bag.

hand adding cans to soft cooler
The lids of some soft coolers can zip shut while others roll over and are clasped or buckled down; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hard or soft coolers better?

Thereโ€™s utility for both designs. Hard coolers are more durable and stout and have a larger size range, given they can hold more weight without collapsing. Hard coolers can also preserve ice for longer durations and some even come in an electric option, ensuring your items stay consistently cold. If youโ€™re going on a weeklong car camping trip with limited access to ice, itโ€™s advantageous to have a hard cooler for fresh food.

On the other hand, a soft cooler is a preferred choice for being lightweight, easy to carry โ€” especially for one person โ€” and simple to transport. The compact sizes are great for picnics, day trips, overnight camping, and grocery shopping. Another benefit is some soft coolers are collapsible, so they occupy less space in storage than a hard cooler.

For road trips, you can separate daytime beverages and snacks into a soft cooler, which limits opening of the hard cooler and preserves ice.

Do soft coolers leak?

If the coolerโ€™s seams are not welded and leakproof, they can leak. Soft coolers can also leak through the lid closure if the zipper isnโ€™t waterproof or the clasp isnโ€™t leakproof.

woman holding tote bag by side
You can use ice cubes or ice packs to cool the inside of a soft cooler; (photo/Eric Phillips)
How effective are soft coolers at retaining ice?

Some soft coolers are superior at ice retention, which is generally reflected in the price tag but not always. Some pricier coolers offer adequate ice retention mixed with other qualities like durability and capacity.

In our side-by-side ice retention test, the soft coolers that retained ice the longest were the RovR TravelR, YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, RTIC 20 can Soft Pack Cooler, which are each capable of holding ice for up to 72 hours, to each brand’s claim. However, the Yeti Hopper M15 Tote was the reigning champ at retaining ice for up to 96 hours.

It was closely followed by the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Bucket Tote and Orca Wanderer 24, which held ice for 70 hours. The lowest ice retention recorded was 21 hours for the small Mountainsmith Takeout.

In daily adventures, melt speed slightly fluctuates based on the frequency of opening the cooler, how long itโ€™s open, ambient heat, and direct sunlight. A bunch of other variables influence ice retention, too, including the type and quantity of ice, extra space in the compartment (which decreases effectiveness), and if the cooler was prechilled.

Can you put dry ice in a soft cooler?

For most soft coolers, dry ice will burn the interior materials. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs.

opening up soft cooler tote to see drinks inside on ice
As with any cooler, pre-cooling is recommended for the best ice retention on your trip; (photo/Eric Phillips)
How can I make my soft cooler stay colder, longer?

For the longest-lasting ice retention and cooling capability, aim to use a 2:1 ratio of ice to contents. You can quickly prechill your cooler with a sacrificial bag of ice a few hours before loading it up, especially if the cooler was stored in a hot place. Or, bring the cooler inside a cool room to lower the temperature the night before use.

The type of ice makes a difference. Block ice and fresh cubed ice from freezers are denser than chipped ice or crushed ice from ice machines. If you get super strategic, you can use a mix of block ice โ€” which melts slowly โ€” and cubed ice โ€” which cools down the container quickly.
As the ice melts, itโ€™s ideal to retain the ice water, which helps the other ice stay cold. Limit your access to the cooler because opening it up releases the cold air.

Keep your cooler in the shade to prolong that low temperature. If youโ€™re under direct sun, toss a towel or blanket over the cooler to help alleviate a heat spike.

clipping soft cooler next to river
Not all soft cooler are airtight, meaning not all can be submerged in water or tipped over with melted ice; (photo/Eric Phillips)
Are soft coolers better than hard coolers?

Both soft coolers and hard coolers have their strengths and weaknesses. Hard coolers tend to be better for longer trips or catering to larger group sizes, while soft coolers are great for shorter trips for fewer people. 

The benefits of hard coolers are that they typically are more durable, sturdier, and keep ice longer than soft coolers. Some downsides to hard coolers are that they are more difficult to move and carry, and they can be harder to store since they donโ€™t compact like soft coolers do.

On the other hand, the benefits of soft coolers are that they are more compact, store well, are more lightweight and easier to carry. Although they donโ€™t preserve ice for as long as hard coolers, there are several neat design features, like extra pockets, hitchpoints, and additional carrying methods. 

It really is ideal to have options to choose from depending on what adventure youโ€™re planning. Having a hard cooler designated for food for the trip and having a soft cooler to get your drinks separated can be a helpful way to organize and keep your things cold and fresh.

holding tote soft cooler against side
Certain soft cooler designs are totally leakproof, meaning the lid does not allow liquids to leak in or out; (photo/Eric Phillips)
What size soft cooler do I need?

When selecting the right size soft cooler, it’s crucial to factor in the number of people you’ll be serving and the duration of your outing. For instance, a larger cooler that can store more food and drinks might be necessary for a longer trip, such as a weekend camping adventure. 

Another key consideration when choosing a soft cooler is the type of items you’ll be packing. If you’re planning to bring bulky items like sandwiches or larger containers, a bigger cooler would be more suitable. However, if you just need to bring a few beverages a smaller cooler will do the trick. This factor, along with portability, should guide your decision. If you are looking for superior portability in a cooler, check out backpack coolers, instead.

In addition to choosing a larger volume for a longer trip or for outings in warmer climates, examine the ice retention and consider how much cooling power you realistically need. The greater the volume, the more ice you can fit inside the cooler.

Finally, some coolers come with extra pockets or compartments, which can enhance organization. You might want to choose a slightly larger size to take advantage of those features. 

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