The Best Soft Coolers of 2026

Bottom Line: A high-performance sleeper that prioritizes accessibility and hygiene for a modest price. The Trail Gate is the ideal choice for the organized traveler who wants elite-level ice retention and a removable liner that makes post-trip cleanup painless.

The REI Co-op Trail Gate Cooler ($160) is a sleeper hit that genuinely outperforms the big-name status symbol coolers for about half the price. It solves the two most annoying things about soft-sided insulation: those stiff, knuckle-scraping zippers and the hassle of scrubbing out the bottom of a floppy bag. If you want a rugged, dependable cooler that delivers on its promises without a $300 price tag, the Trail Gate is worth considering.

The Tech: Performance-wise, the numbers are impressive. In a standard ice-retention test, it lasted 6 full days. This beat our previous ice-retention winner, the YETI Hopper M30, by 2 days. Whether it is sitting in a hot car during a road trip or being opened constantly at a soccer tournament, the Trail Gate stays a literal icebox much longer than you would expect for the price. This secret sauce: the structured foam insert that provides a consistent barrier against exterior heat.

What We Like: The real winner here is the wide-open top. Instead of peeking through a narrow slit, you can access the entire interior once you unzip it. It makes packing flat items — like food containers or glass dishes — way easier, and you do not have to dig around to find a specific drink. Post-trip maintenance is also a lot simpler than usual. Just lift the entire structural foam insert out of the shell, hose it down in the driveway, and let it air-dry. This common-sense design ensures you are not stuck with lingering smells or spills trapped in the fabric corners.

What We Don’t: It’s not perfect, as the shoulder strap could definitely use more padding for more comfortable carries over longer distances. We also found the side pockets a bit tight, meaning they’re only usable for very slim essentials. Because it is so easy to see what you are doing, you spend less time with the lid open. This keeps the cold air trapped inside, but the cooler’s physical bulk remains significant even when empty.

Should You Buy It? For those who prioritize raw performance and easy cleanup over brand prestige, this is a top-tier choice. It is a pro-grade cooling solution that offers better ice retention than many of its expensive competitors. If you need a reliable workhorse for multi-day road trips or weekend-long events, the Trail Gate provides incredible value and utility.

Bottom Line: A practical daily driver built for folks who are tired of fighting stiff, waterproof zippers to grab a Gatorade. It trades a perfect air-tight or submersible seal for unmatched convenience and internal organization. 

Looking to ditch the zipper on your soft cooler without sacrificing cooling power? The Titan by Arctic Zone 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler ($70) stands out for its functional, user-friendly design. We specifically loved the zipperless flip-top lid for its easy access during road trips and soccer games. It made grabbing snacks and drinks quick and hassle-free. Impressively, the lid stayed secure even after we pushed the cooler over from every side — it never popped open.

The Tech: This cooler uses Deep Freeze high-performance insulation and an integrated radiant heat barrier to reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat. The interior also features a removable HardBody liner made from food-grade materials. This is paired with a ColdBlock base that concentrates insulation at the bottom of the cooler where we want it most. In our controlled ice retention tests, this setup kept our items cold for up to 3 days. But that dropped to a solid 1.5 days during real-world use with regular opening and closing.

What We Like: The removable SmartShelf is a standout feature, allowing us to keep soft foods separate from heavy drinks so nothing gets soggy or crushed. The flat-top lid design with a bungee cord is a big win. Not only did it add versatility, but we even used it as a mini prep station to make sandwiches on the go. Outdoor expert Constance Mahoney also appreciated the multiple carry handles that made loading in and out of the car easy, and the stain-resistant exterior proved its worth by wiping clean after a mustard mishap.

What We Don’t: While the Backsaver shoulder strap features anti-slip padding, we’d love a bit more cushioning for longer treks. Additionally, we had to remove the HardBody liner after each use because a small amount of water seeped between the liner and the cooler’s edge. It’s a pain, but removing it is a must for the interior to properly dry.

Should You Buy It? If you are tired of wrestling with painful zippers and want a budget-friendly, high-capacity option for everyday use, this is a top contender. Much like the Hydro Flask 20L Carry Out, it prioritizes accessibility and organization. It’s an ideal choice for active families or road-trippers who want a durable, no-fuss cooler that delivers reliable cold retention without the premium YETI price tag.

Bottom Line: Stealthy and ideal for office environments, grocery runs, or as a snack station in the passenger seat. While it sacrifices the multiday ice retention and leakproof seal of the Hopper series, it gains points for accessibility and style.

The YETI Daytrip 14L Tote Bag ($145) delivers a sophisticated solution for those seeking a lunch-and-snack hauler that balances performance with a clean aesthetic. This soft-sided tote keeps contents fresh without the traditional bulk of a hard-sided cooler. Whether you are heading to a farmers market, packing for a beach picnic, or hauling snacks to the office, the Daytrip offers a refined look that avoids the typical cooler appearance.

The Tech: As the largest option in the Daytrip collection, this 14L model offers significantly more capacity than the 6L Lunch Bag, fitting up to 12 cans or three upright wine bottles. It utilizes ColdCell Flex Insulation, a lightweight, closed-cell foam designed for all-day temperature control. In our controlled test, it retained cold for 60 hours. Access is managed through the MagSnap Closure, a slender magnetic strip that snaps shut instantly without the need for traditional zippers or buckles.

What We Like: We appreciated the two lengthy shoulder straps and the smooth Velcro handle that keeps them neatly together for a comfortable carry. For bike park builder Dane Tudor, who worked 12-hour shifts at RED Mountain Ski Resort, the two exterior stash pockets were essential for organizing utensils, first-aid supplies, and multiple meals. The durable outer material is remarkably easy to wipe clean, and the addition of a grid on the back allows you to clip on extra gear as needed.

What We Don’t: The magnetic closure is convenient but not leakproof, meaning loose ice cubes should be avoided in favor of ice packs. Because the top does not create a hermetic seal, this isn’t the best choice for SUP missions. We also noted that the lid will not snap shut if items like fruit or Tupperware press too close to the top, which limits its overall utility. Additionally, we saw a small amount of exterior condensation under hot, humid conditions.

Should You Buy It? At more than a C-note, the Daytrip is a premium splurge designed more for urban outings and office commutes than a utility workhorse made for comfort. While it has less carry power than the Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote, it excels as a snazzy accessory for those who prioritize style and ease of access. If you want a cooler that performs well and looks good in a park or office setting, this is a top-tier pick.

Bottom Line: For outdoor pros who need a cooler that retains ice for multiple days without leaking a drop, the Hopper justifies its investment. Points are docked for the slightly stiffer zipper, but YETI’s Hopper Flip sets the benchmark for a bulletproof, super-cool personal cooler. 

This 12-can soft cooler is the Goldilocks choice for outdoor day missions, as long as you can stomach the higher price. From the get-go, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler ($250) proved to be the most reliable and durable companion in our soft cooler testing. While it also comes in a smaller “8” or a larger “18-can” size, this one meets a happy middle ground. We put this cooler through the wringer, from multiple fishing trips to a grueling 9.5-hour drive from Southern Utah back to Colorado. It never wavered in its ability to keep contents chilled through varying sun exposure.

The Tech: Behind the rugged exterior is YETI’s ColdCell technology, a closed-cell rubber foam that offers far superior insulation compared to standard soft coolers. The shell is constructed from DryHide, a high-density fabric that is waterproof and resistant to punctures and UV rays. To seal it all in, the HydroLok Zipper (borrowed from survival suits) ensures the bag is 100% leakproof and airtight, allowing the cooler to actually float if it takes a swim.

What We Like: We were impressed by the rigid, boxy construction that refuses to collapse even when other heavy gear bags are stacked on top of it in the car. Assistant Ski Patrol Director at Brian Head Resort, Makena Gross, specifically praised the additional clip-on shoulder strap for its soft, memory-foam-like padding, which made trekking along rocky trails much more comfortable. Inside, the antimicrobial liner is a breeze to clean. The wide-mouth opening makes it painless to organize and view your snacks. In our ice retention tests, it held ice for a full 3 days, matching top-tier competitors like the RTIC 20.

What We Don’t: The primary hurdle here is the price point. At $250, it is a significant investment for a 12-can capacity. Additionally, because the HydroLok Zipper is airtight, it can be quite stiff to pull. YETI includes a maintenance lubricant, but it requires more effort than a standard zipper. Also, while the shell is incredibly durable, the C0-equivalent finishes on modern gear mean you should still wipe away oils and sunscreen to prevent long-term staining.

Should You Buy It? If you are a casual picnicker, the Hopper Flip 12 is overkill. However, for the backcountry adventurer, angler, or road-tripper who demands pro-grade gear that won’t leak in the trunk or fail after one season of abuse, the Hopper Flip 12 is the premier choice. It’s a style-forward, ethically built shield against the heat that simply stands apart from the rest of the market.

Bottom Line: Its ability to fold completely flat makes it the best travel-friendly option, ideal for flying to a destination and having a cooler ready for the rental car. If you prioritize convenience and space-saving over 3-day ice retention, this is a must-have utility piece.

If you have limited storage space, the REI Co-op Campwell 18L Folding Cooler ($40) is the ultimate space-saver. This origami-inspired design allows the cooler to collapse and fold completely flat when not in use. When transformed into its cube or tote shape, the cooler is light, nimble, and malleable — features we appreciated when squeezing it into the awkward floor space behind our Jeep seats, where no other cooler would fit.

The Tech: The Campwell is built with an emphasis on environmental responsibility, featuring a recycled polyester upper and an abrasion-resistant recycled nylon outsole. It is also Bluesign approved, ensuring the materials meet strict environmental and worker safety standards. Despite its folding nature, it offers surprisingly decent insulation for a soft-sided bag. Our ice retention tests showed it can hold ice for up to 57 hours and has a total capacity of 24 12-ounce cans.

What We Like: Ultrarunner Nick Couts put this cooler to the test while jeeping Colorado’s high-altitude Alpine Loop, a rugged 65-mile route through the San Juan Mountains. The light, packable design was ideal for hauling lunch meats, cheese, and seltzer waters across bumpy mining roads. We found the construction to be remarkably durable for the price, and the ability to switch between a boxy cube and a carry-all tote makes it one of the most versatile grab-and-go options in our fleet.

What We Don’t: Because of its collapsible, malleable nature, this cooler lacks the rigid structural integrity of a hardbody or box-style soft cooler. If you stack heavy gear on top of it while it’s in the car, it squishes softer food items like bread or fruit inside. While the 57-hour ice retention is impressive on paper, it is best suited for single-day outings rather than multi-day camping trips, where constant opening and closing reduce its cooling power.

Should You Buy It? If you live in an apartment or drive a compact vehicle where every inch of storage matters, this is a must-buy for your summer kit. It’s an affordable, eco-friendly, and highly portable solution for day-trippers and trailhead tailgaters who want a packable cooler that still gets the job done.

Bottom Line: Arguably the best bang-for-your-buck technical cooler on the market. For outdoor enthusiasts who need a cooler that floats, won’t leak in the backseat, and can take a beating on the river, this is a top-tier contender without a premium tax.

Compared to the YETI Hopper Flip 12 soft cooler, the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler ($99) delivers equally impressive ice retention and insulation. Plus, it is significantly cheaper. We brought this cooler car camping with us in Leadville, Colo., for 3 days. We started with a large ice pack. And once that thawed, we switched to bags of ice. Our food stayed nice and cool for the first couple of days before the ice started to melt faster and the air inside the cooler warmed.

The Tech: This RTIC pack was reliable and effective at its job thanks to thick walls composed of closed-cell foam. The cooler is built to be leakproof, waterproof, and buoyant, making it ideal for any activity on the water. These floating capabilities would come in handy after a boat flips on a rapid. RTIC claims the 20-can volume keeps your drinks cool for 24 hours, but our ice retention test ended after approximately 3 days, by which point all the ice had fully melted. What a win.

What We Like: Considering it was sitting in the sun for most of the day during our testing, we found it to be a very capable performer. The fact that its stats were comparable to the YETI Hopper Flip 12 while remaining much more budget-friendly is a major win. This RTIC soft cooler did indeed fit 20 cans, just as its name suggests, and it proved to be a great overall cooler for watergoers.

What We Don’t: Unfortunately, the shape and height of the cooler make the storage space pretty narrow, as noted by Wilderness Medicine course instructor Makena Gross. Looking at it from the outside, the cooler looks like it will fit more than it actually can because the walls are two inches thick and the lid is robust. The shape works well for canned drinks. Otherwise, the limited storage space makes it difficult to organize.

Should You Buy It? If you are looking for YETI-level ice retention without the premium price tag, this is an excellent alternative. It is particularly well-suited for rafters, boaters, or anyone spending time on the water who needs a waterproof, buoyant shield for their beverages. While it may not be the easiest to organize for bulky food items, its cooling power and price make it a high-value choice for short trips.

Read Review: YETI Drops 2 Sizes of Its Fan-Favorite M Series Soft Coolers

Bottom Line: The evolved soft cooler that ditches a zipper in favor of high-powered magnets. You get the thermal performance of a premium cooler without the maintenance or two-handed struggle of a traditional waterproof seal. 

YETI completely reworked and relaunched the magnetic closures for their soft coolers, and the powerful design is back and better than ever. The brand launched the Hopper collection with magnetic closures, including the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Soft Cooler ($350). This version comes in a large tote style that holds 42 cans, offering significantly more capacity than the smaller M15, M12, or M20 backpack versions. Despite being a large bag, it feels remarkably slender due to a tapered design and sleek crown.

The Tech: To close up this cooler, you snap the top of the tote shut, fold down the rim, and then click two wide buckles over the top for extra security. Either side of the mouth is lined with a strip of super-strong magnets. We can confirm that, despite the shark-clamp grip that this magnet offers for holding in cold air or liquid, when the clasp is manually set open, the gap remains. Senior Editor Morgan Tilton never saw the cooler slam shut when propped open. Without a doubt, the ice retention of this soft cooler is among the industry’s frontrunners.

What We Like: We were impressed with how comfortable this YETI tote is to carry. The base is wide and sturdy, so we don’t need to worry about setting the load down on gravel or uneven ground. One of our favorite details is the removable shoulder strap, which features a lean yet cushy, grippy, and soft pad. There are also two additional hand straps for a close-to-torso carry. A narrow yet wide slide-in kangaroo pocket on the side is perfect for a phone or wallet, and the exterior is buttery-smooth, easy to wipe down, and durable from top to bottom.

What We Don’t: The only challenge we had was closing the two buckles. One of our easiest solutions was to place a knee on top of the tote to slide the ends together more easily, though the pressure of a palm also works. Additionally, the specific shape of this cooler means it is not our first choice for grocery store runs, as it is simply not big enough for certain food containers. The barebones hand straps are convenient but not nearly as comfortable as the longer padded body strap.

Should You Buy It? The Hopper M30 is a premium, classy soft cooler that will last through whatever you throw its way. It is a top-notch design for day adventures that require high-capacity cooling and a rugged build that can handle rough terrain. If you want a pro-grade tote that balances a massive 42-can capacity with a comfortable, sleek silhouette, this YETI is a premier investment for the long haul.

Bottom Line: A beefy, airtight vault that bridges the gap between soft bags and hard chests. It’s built for the user who values a secure seal and effortless interior cleaning over lightweight portability.

The hybrid Titan PRO 36 Can High Performance Welded Cooler ($225) serves as a rugged middle ground, trading the collapsible convenience of a typical bag for the rigid, easy-to-clean interior of a hard-sided chest. At 13 pounds empty, it is the heaviest option in the category and clearly a cooler for people who will treat it as serious gear.

The Tech: This cooler features a flip-up lid and an Air Lock latch that seals with a distinct, refrigerator-like hiss. The seal is remarkably secure. Even when tipped upside down or jostled in a side-by-side, not a single drop escapes. In our testing, the PRO Welded Cooler held ice for 4.5 days, placing it in high-performance territory for a soft-sided hybrid. While it won’t replace a massive 60-quart rotomolded chest for a week-long expedition, it offers plenty of ice retention for long weekends.

What We Like: Maintenance is where this cold-storage unit pulls ahead of the competition. It features a removable HardBody-style liner that can be lifted out of the welded shell, allowing you to hose it down in the driveway. Colorado-based outdoor expert Constance Mahoney appreciated the ease of cleaning after using it as a runner aid station; sticky gels and spilled electrolytes rinsed out easily. She also liked the removable interior shelf that creates a dedicated dry zone for sandwiches, keeping delicate items away from the ice and cans below.

What We Don’t: The weight is a factor; it’s hefty when fully loaded. While the oversized, reinforced handles help, the two mesh side pockets are somewhat obstructed by the shoulder strap clips, making them difficult to use for taller items. Additionally, pulling the liner out for cleaning requires some muscle; our tester found the best way was to step on the shoulder strap and pull up on the handles to break the tight fit.

Should You Buy It? If you need the durability of a hard chest but want the carry profile of a tote, this pro-grade hybrid takes a beating. It is an excellent choice for off-roaders or group event organizers who need a secure, leakproof seal and a liner that sanitizes in seconds. For those who want the organization shelf without the 13-pound starting weight, the Titan by Arctic Zone 30 Can Zipperless HardBody is a lighter alternative.

Bottom Line: A streamlined, user-friendly cooler that trades bulky insulation for a slim, cart-friendly profile. It’s the perfect high-end grocery and day-trip companion for those who prioritize a smooth, leakproof zipper and easy carrying.

The Hydro Flask 26L Day Escape Soft Cooler ($200) hits a nice balance between everyday usability and performance, especially for those who want a lighter, slim cooler that still holds its own on longer outings. While the YETI Daytrip leans into urban aesthetics, the Day Escape is built for the field, offering a fully submersible zipper and a more rugged shell that handles the grit of a ranch or a raft better than a standard lifestyle tote

The Tech: In our ice retention test, it kept ice for about 3.5 days — solid performance for a cooler in this category. The TRU Zip zipper paired with welded seams creates a fully leakproof design, and Colorado-based tester Constance Mahoney really appreciated how smooth it felt in use. This specialized zipper eliminates the scraping and fighting common with stiffer, pro-grade waterproof seals. Tradeoff: While the interior stays chilled, the black polyester shell can get quite warm to the touch when left in direct sun for hours.

What We Like: The overall build is thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry even when fully stocked. Because of its slim profile and wide shape, this quickly became one of Mahoney’s go-to grocery coolers. It fits nicely in a cart and accommodates bulky items like gallons of milk or rectangular containers without awkward stacking. Mahoney, who manages a ranch, also found it to be a perfect fit behind a tractor seat. She also found the dual top handles and side handles especially useful for lifting the load in and out of a truck.

What We Don’t: While the streamlined design is excellent for portability, the lack of external pockets means you have nowhere to stash dry goods or small essentials like a phone or keys. Additionally, while the shell is easy to wipe clean, the soft-sided nature of the bag means it doesn’t offer the same crush protection for delicate food items as a more rigid hybrid or hard-sided cooler.

Should You Buy It? If you are looking for a leakproof, lightweight cooler that excels at grocery runs, day trips, and everyday commutes, the Day Escape is a top contender. It is particularly well-suited for someone who values a smooth-operating zipper and a shape that tucks away easily in tight spaces. For those who need a reliable, waterproof hauler that is easy to clean after a day in the field, this Hydro Flask delivers.

Bottom Line: Hits the sweet spot for those who don’t want to drop $200 on a soft cooler. While it isn’t 100% leakproof when it tips, its blend of smart storage, solid insulation, and no-lube-needed zips makes it a practical daily driver.

The Igloo Trailmate 18-Can Cooler Bag ($70) became our favorite snack-and-drink companion for road trips thanks to its compact size, efficient insulation, and travel-friendly design. With room for up to 18 cans, our snacks and drinks for a family of three were cold for a full day on the road. While it doesn’t match the ice retention of the similarly designed YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, the Igloo Trailmate was our top pick for riding up front. It is the right size to keep snacks and drinks within easy reach at a fraction of the price.

The Tech: This cooler utilizes MaxCold Ultra insulation with 20mm HDPE foam to maintain temperatures throughout the day. Its structured EVA top and bottom provide superb stability and shape, whether fully packed or half empty. Outdoor expert Constance Mahoney found the 600D-coated polyester exterior durable despite tossing it in and out of the car during a long desert road trip. Additionally, while zippers can be tricky, these water-resistant zippers with corded pulls were smooth and easy to use.

What We Like: The low profile and boxy shape make it easy to stack on and around when not using it up front for snacks. When placed up front in the car, the wide zippered lid with a pull tab makes it easy to pack and access food and drinks from nearby seats. Dual top handles and a removable padded shoulder strap were nice touches that offered varied carrying options. We also appreciated the built-in bottle opener hidden in the front pocket and the front zip pocket with space for napkins, utensils, or a phone.

What We Don’t: Because this is a pro-grade day-tripper rather than a deep-freeze vault, it lacks the multi-day ice retention required for extended camping trips. The water-resistant zippers, while easy to glide, do not provide a 100% submersible seal. Be careful not to tip it over if it is filled with loose ice melt. We also noticed that while the shoulder strap padding is helpful, it can slip slightly during longer walks when the bag is loaded to its full 18-can capacity.

Should You Buy It? If you are looking for a highly functional and durable road trip companion that fits perfectly in a passenger footwell or trunk, this is an excellent value. It is the ideal choice for those who want an easy-to-organize cooler without paying a premium price. For everyday errands and weekend excursions, the Trailmate offers all the utility most users will ever need.

Bottom Line: A modular, high-performance cooler built for the system-oriented adventurer. It trades traditional carry features for rugged versatility and a unique collapsible design that integrates perfectly into a larger gear kit.

The Rux Soft Cooler ($200) leans more into the gear system category than your typical soft-sided hauler. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the RUX 70L gear box, it is a specialized option for everything from long road trips and basecamp setups to serving as a rugged lunch box. Much like the REI Co-op Campwell 18L, this cooler can be folded flat when not in use, making it easy to tuck out of the way once the day is done.

The Tech: In our testing, ice retention was highly impressive. This unit held ice for up to 4 days, putting it on par with elite options like the YETI Hopper M30 2.0. Credit: the roll-top closure system, which we found made loading and unloading much more straightforward than traditional zippers or magnetic seals. The exterior is exceptionally tough and features lash points on every side for securing the load in a truck bed, raft, or trailer.

What We Like: The roll-top design is a major win for utility. Field tester Constance Mahoney works on a ranch and was able to quickly access the interior even while wearing heavy work gloves. We also value the system-based versatility. For those who prioritize organization, the cooler functions like a nesting doll. You can fit four 5L Cooler Cubes inside this soft cooler, which then fits neatly into the larger RUX Gear Bag. The wide, flat bottom ensures it stays stable on uneven ground. And the lifetime warranty provides peace of mind for long-term use.

What We Don’t: The roll-top design is not for everyone. It can feel like you are reaching through extra fabric to get to your items, and the lack of a rigid lid makes it easier to overpack, which can compromise the seal. While the nesting capabilities are a highlight, the cooler is clearly at its best when used within the Rux ecosystem. As a standalone unit, some users might find the lack of traditional pockets or a shoulder strap limiting compared to more conventional totes.

Should You Buy It? If you already own the RUX 70L or plan to build a modular gear system for overlanding and camping, this is a pro-grade addition. It offers top-tier ice retention and a ruggedness that few other soft coolers can match. For the user who wants an adaptable, collapsible cold-storage unit that can be lashed down anywhere, the Rux is a versatile and durable investment.

Bottom Line: A path-of-least-resistance cooler, this is an elite choice for the weekend warrior who wants a stylish, high-capacity hauler for the beach or for driving home from the store. Although it lacks waterproof seals, the zipper moves more easily.

The Hydro Flask 20L Carry Out Soft Cooler ($100) is a lightweight, everyday cooler that shines in short-term use. We found it perfect for grocery runs, day trips, or keeping in the back of a vehicle for errands and impromptu adventures. If you are looking for something compact, lightweight, and easy to grab, it is a great choice — just don’t expect it to replace a heavy-duty hauler.

The Tech: While it is not designed to keep items frozen for a week, it reliably holds a chill for over 24 hours in real-world use and nearly 3 days in our ice-retention test. The shell is made from 100% recycled polyester with a durable 600D water-resistant coating, offering solid protection against everyday wear and light moisture. The compression-molded lid and base add much-needed structure. According to lead tester and angler Constance Mahoney, the cooler stays upright whether in a trunk or on uneven rocks by the river.

What We Like: With a 38-can capacity and a wide top opening, the Carry Out is incredibly easy to pack and can accommodate bulky items like Tupperware or large juice jugs. Mahoney especially appreciated the stable, flat base that prevented tipping during grocery runs in rural Colorado. The inclusion of a removable cross-body strap makes carrying heavier loads much more convenient, and the external webbing loops allow you to attach accessories for added versatility in the field.

What We Don’t: One thing to note is that while the lighter color options look great out of the box, they tend to show dirt and scuffs quickly after being tossed in a car trunk or used outdoors. Additionally, the exterior stash pocket is quite tight and lacks a secure key ring or interior organization — features that make the YETI Daytrip 14L Tote a more convenient option for those who need to keep small essentials separate from the main cold compartment.

Should You Buy It? For the user who needs a reliable, straightforward soft cooler for all-day adventures or errands, the Carry Out is a high-value pick. It is a pro-grade grocery and day-trip companion that prioritizes ease of access and a lightweight build. While bumpier 4×4 roads might require extra strapping to keep it secure, it remains one of the most user-friendly grab-and-go options for active daily use.

Bottom Line: This adventure musette is a specialized tool for cyclists, hikers, or commuters who want to bring a cold celebratory beverage or a fresh lunch. Its ability to transition from a handlebar bag to a shoulder tote makes it one of the most clever pieces of hydration gear. 

This soft cooler is a triple-whammy design. Dubbed the ICEMULE Impulse ($100), this lunch cooler adapts with simple straps to become a hand-carry, cross-body tote, or a bike handlebar bag. Inspired by the musette bags that became common in the U.S. following mega race events like the Tour de France, this design is a major step up. It is waterproof in any weather or in puddles and — of course — insulated to keep your grub or drinks cold.

The Tech: This bag really does feel built with tenacity, much like any pro-grade bikepacking bag. Senior Editor Morgan Tilton was pleasantly surprised by how durable, soft, and dense the material feels, especially for such a small pail. Inside, there is a sleeve that works great for a slender ice pack to maintain temperatures. It is waterproof enough to handle any environment, and the two straps that attach the soft cooler to bike handlebars feature reflective material for added safety.

What We Like: We love that we can cruise to a riverside park with the weight on our bike, easily pull off our lunch bag, transition the tote to a cross-body bag, and hike around to find a picnic spot. For the crossbody tote, the strap is thick and features a central buckle for easy detachment. On the backside of the exterior, there is a small pocket with a zip closure that is big enough for a spork, ID, or the removable shoulder strap itself. The Impulse is a cool triple-bargain and a well-executed design.

What We Don’t: To use the crossbody feature on the go, you have to carry the removable shoulder strap. While it isn’t too cumbersome, it is one more thing to keep track of. Because it is a small, specialized pail, it lacks the volume for group supplies and is strictly for solo meals or a few cans. Additionally, while the material is dense and soft, the small exterior pocket is only large enough for lightweight items and won’t comfortably fit a bulky set of keys or a larger smartphone.

Should You Buy It? If you are a cyclist, commuter, or hiker who wants a versatile, waterproof lunch hauler that transitions seamlessly between activities, this is a fantastic investment. It offers multi-sport adaptability that most standard soft coolers can’t match. For anyone looking for a durable, compact, and clever way to carry a meal on or off a bike, the Impulse delivers high-performance utility.

Bottom Line: Won’t win an ice-melt contest against a rotomolded box, but it is the king of capacity. It avoids the heavy-duty weight and stiff zippers of its competitors in favor of a massive, accessible interior and a foldable footprint. 

Our favorite larger soft cooler was the Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 ($130). Even given its large size, it was still very comfortable to transport due to the soft, malleable walls. If you want a versatile cooler with a bit more volume than a traditional soft-sided hauler, look no further. This Snow Peak did well on a weekend road trip to climb in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains and camp out, according to Senior Editor Morgan Tilton.

The Tech: The insulated walls have a unique interior aluminum coat that helps trap cold air, making the ice retention adequate for single- and two-day adventures. In our ice-retention test, the cooler was capable of holding ice for nearly 2.5 days. The exterior is made of a synthetic plastic and nylon blend. While it is suitable for basecamp, it is not resilient enough for a rugged whitewater trip where it might face heavy abrasion.

What We Like: With the simple, wide handles Velcroed together, we could comfortably sling the cooler over our shoulders even when it was fully loaded. A hard cooler this size would require two hands to move, but the flexible walls here allowed us to flatten and fold the unit for easy storage, saving us space in a tight apartment. There is also ample space inside to carry multiple meals for several people.

What We Don’t: The soft-sided nature of this cooler means it will not retain ice for longer durations compared to more heavily insulated, rigid models. We also found that the exterior material can be susceptible to scuffs and dirt if placed on rougher terrain. While the handles are strong, the bag can feel a bit unwieldy if it is unevenly packed, as the walls do not provide much internal structure to keep contents from shifting.

Should You Buy It? For those who need a high-capacity, space-saving tote for weekend camping or group picnics, this is a top-tier choice. It is a good option for basecamp that prioritizes easy storage and comfortable carrying over long-term ice retention or a rigid structure. If you have limited space in your home but need plenty of ice-box room for your adventures, the Snow Peak 38 is an excellent investment.