The Best Backpack Coolers of 2024

Backpack coolers keep getting cooler. They’re more comfortable, powerful, and decked out than ever. If you’ve never considered one, carrying a backpack cooler is a convenient choice for hands-free, single-person transport of tasty refreshments. That could mean tailgating after a run club meetup, heading to a local softball game with your leashed dog, or riding a cruiser to a park BBQ.

These packs are useful when you have your hands full with kiddos or other gear. Or they can help commuters swoop their groceries for the day, like the ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt. Some built-out designs are great for day hikes and picnics at faraway alpine lakes. Others can be strapped down to a motorcycle, SUP, or raft for multiday and whitewater adventures, including the premium ICEMULE BOSS.

While all cooler packs are super-transportable and insulated, they come with a range of styles and distinct features. Since we first penned this guide in 2022, we’ve tested dozens of designs at the hands of eight outdoor athletes, guides, and experts (plus their families and clients). With surprising complexity, backpack coolers also offer a range of capacity, ice retention, and special characteristics to help make your outdoor experience more supported and better fueled.

For more information about backpack coolers and how we tested them, check out our Buyer’s Guide tips or jump to the Price & Value summary. You can also consult the Comparison Chart to help steer your decision process. Otherwise, read our full gear guide and scope out our awarded picks.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Backpack Coolers guide on November 14, 2024, with field tests and ice retention tests for the Arctic Zone Titan Eco and YETI Hopper M12, as well as the award-winning Everfun 30-Can and Engel Roll Top High-Performance Backpack Cooler. We also tested the Beer Mountain AD25 Cooler Backpack — but it leaked.

The Best Backpack Coolers of 2024

• Best Overall Backpack Cooler: ICEMULE BOSS
• Best Budget: Everfun 30-Can Leakproof Insulated Black Cooler Backpack
• Most Stash Pockets: Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can
• Most Durable & Compact Backpack Cooler: Engel Roll Top High-Performance Backpack Cooler
• Sturdiest Everyday Backpack Cooler: RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler
• Best Adaptable Backpack-to-Cooler Pack: REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler
• Most Simple and Streamlined: ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt

---

Backpack Cooler Comparison Chart

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

Backpack Cooler	Price	Size (H x W x L)	Capacity	Weight	Ice Retention Test
ICEMULE BOSS	$375	17″ x 11″ x 24″	30 L	7.5 lbs.	~5.5 days
Everfun 30-Can Leakproof Insulated Black Cooler Backpack	$38	11.5″ x 7.75″ x 16.25″	22 L	1.21 lbs.	~2 days
Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler	$70	11.81″ x 10.24″ x 19.75″	32 L	4.96 lbs.	~3.5 days
Engel Roll Top High Performance Backpack Cooler	$220	14″ x 9″ x 20″	24 L	3 lbs., 8 oz.	~4 days
RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler	$159	15” x 10” x 20.25”	25 L	6 lbs.	~3.5 days
Carhartt Cooler Backpack	$90	12.5″ x 8″ x 17.8″	29 L	1.5 lbs.	~25 hours
Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler	$70	15.7″ x 10.6″ x 5.5″	20 L	1.4 lbs.	~2 days
Titan by Arctic Zone 24 Can Welded Backpack Cooler	$165	15.5″ x 8.25″ x 21.5″	20L	3.37 lbs.	~1.75 days
REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler	$100	17″ x 9″ x 22″	30.5 L	3 lbs., 4 oz.	~3 days
Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack	$200	13″ x 7.8″ x 17.7″	20 L	3 lbs.	~2.5 days
ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt	$170	10”x9.5”x18”	20 L	2 lbs.	~3 days
YETI Hopper M12 Soft Backpack Cooler	$275	17″ x 8″ x 16″	34L	4.5 lbs.	N/A

How We Tested the Best Backpack Coolers

Our team has developed backpack cooler guides for several years, objectively testing dozens of coolers in the field, from whitewater raft trips to fly fishing adventures and crewing 100-mile ultrarunning races. For this guide, we examined the most popular, highly acclaimed, and bestselling backpack coolers with diverse capacities, ice retention ability, and a wide price range.

Our Expert Testers

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton developed and has managed the backpack coolers buyer’s guide since 2022, with the help of seven local outdoor experts testing backpack coolers in the field. She’s worked with from a professional fly fishing and whitewater raft guide to an adventure photographer and traveling ultra and trail runners.

Gear tester and writer Kylie Collins is an avid outdoorswoman who believes that high-quality gear makes outdoor adventures all the more fun. She has lived in the Elk Mountains of Colorado since 2010 and enjoys trail running, pack rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, and alpine touring. Collins has been putting gear through the wringer for GearJunkie since 2019.

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.

Our Testing Grounds

Our crew put these packs to the test in conditions from sunny high-alpine hikes in Colorado to pontoon boating in Wisconsin and camping in Wyoming’s Teton Range. We also used them while crewing a 100-mile race through the Crazy Mountains of Montana, among other ultra-trail races in Colorado.

Our Testing Process

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

Throughout the tests, we periodically check and make notes regarding the melt rate, leaks, and condensation. Each reported time is based on when 100% of the ice was converted to water.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Backpack Cooler

Storage Capacity

Choose a cooler backpack based on the storage capacity and type of back support you need. The larger the group, the more cargo room you’ll want.

A wide range of storage capacity exists among backpack coolers. We’ve highlighted the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler on the more compact end at 20 L, and the 30 L ICEMULE BOSS among the larger options. The majority of cooler packs range from 20 to 29 L.

To give you an idea, we found that a 29-liter pack offers more than enough space for a two-person, single-day fishing trip. And the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack fits enough nutriments for a four-person hiking group.

The exterior dimensions of each pack will give you a solid picture of the available storage space. However, the interior dimensions of each pack will be a tad smaller, depending on the type and rigidity of the insulation.

Depending on the trip, a backpack cooler might be a good addition to a sturdier, stationary cooler. For long road trips with the camper trailer, you might opt for a variety of hard and soft coolers (include one you can carry on a hike) for each day’s adventure. If you’re posting up at a campsite for several days, need a cooler on wheels, or are serving a large picnic, check out our Best Coolers guide, too.

Backpack Cooler Compartments & Pockets

A handful of our favorite backpack coolers have separate interior compartments or exterior pockets for dry storage, a portion of which are non-insulated. Some of our favorite backpack coolers had tons of interior and exterior stash pockets, while other favorites had few or none. While the pockets didn’t make or break a cooler for us, they changed the experience and were helpful in different applications.

For instance, you could pack a rain jacket in the non-cooler section of the Carhartt Cooler Backpack or a book in the side pocket of the ICEMULE BOSS. For water trips, non-waterproof and non-secure exterior pockets were not super helpful. But for solo trips, exterior pockets were a must.

The Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler is full of stash pockets. This pack makes it easy to only bring one bag for a short or solo trip, picnic, or day at the beach.

But the ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt is one of our favorite sleek and streamlined coolers, and the exterior zipper pocket is essential for a cell phone and keys. The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler has an interior divider pocket, which we appreciate for small bagged items and condiment packets.

That said, a lot of backpack coolers don’t have any exterior pockets at all. Some folks prefer that streamlined, simple approach. Others need at least one mesh side pocket for a water bottle and a pocket to stash a cellphone and keys.

Backpack Cooler Straps & Handles

Backpack coolers all have shoulder straps, some have sternum straps and waist belts, but all perform and carry differently. When looking at a backpack cooler, it’s important to think about how you’ll use the pack. Longer hikes might benefit from padded and adjustable straps, whereas strap considerations are less critical for days at the beach or river floats that entail shorter walks. That being said, backpack coolers don’t all come in a range of sizes like more technical backpacks typically do. Straps won’t fit all torso lengths and body shapes the same.

The RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler is one of the heaviest coolers we tested. The shoulder straps and waist belt are heavily padded to match the increased weight and heft of the pack, yet we found it challenging to find a comfortable fit. The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler is much simpler with non-padded straps and no sternum strap or waistbelt, but the small size and lightweight don’t necessarily warrant padded straps for shorter days.

On the other hand, the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler falls in the middle of this range with lightly padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap, but no waist belt. The straps are comfortable when the cooler is loaded down for your hike to the lake or bike ride.

We appreciate grab handles on coolers that do not sport waterproof zippers. For instance, the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler can be easily kept upright with the top carry handle, so melted ice does not spill out the top.

Backpack Cooler Weight

Backpack coolers are generally more compact and made of softer, lighter materials than hard coolers, so they weigh less. They usually have sturdy shoulder straps plus handles that are easy to grab, so the weight feels relatively easy to transport. A pack’s weight is higher when the capacity, durability, and insulation capability increase.

On of our favorite lighter backpack coolers weighs 635 grams or 1.4 pounds: the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler. Cooler bags can weigh as much as 3,402 grams or 7.5 pounds. On the beefier side, our favorites include the ICEMULE BOSS, which is 3,402 grams (7.5 pounds).

Be mindful that the heavier the fare in your pack, the more the load will weigh overall. If you’ve stuffed a 30-liter pack with canned beverages, the end weight will be quite high compared to veggies and dipping sauce. Be sure to test out shorter hikes with a full load in your pack, and to pull on appropriate supportive footwear like hiking boots, when needed.

Hip Belts

Not all backpack coolers have an integrated hip belt and not all hip belts are created equal. But a padded, wide hip belt can help make a trip more comfortable and buoy up the cooler’s weight especially if the pack is full of heavy ice and cans.

The ICEMULE BOSS has thick hip pads and a wide strap, plus the belt is adjustable. The REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler likewise has a padded, well-articulated hip belt that supports the pack weight. 

Many backpack coolers offer a sternum strap. Though most designs, like the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack, have no weight-bearing hip belt even though the carrying capacity is moderate to high. 

If you struggle with back, shoulder, or neck pain, consider a design with an integrated hip belt. 

Materials

A pack’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, shoulder straps and pads, back panel, zippers, buckles, and attachment points. The quality of materials influences the waterproofness, durability, insulation value, and whether or not the face fabric produces condensation. The materials also determine comfort, breathability, or support.

Premium materials come at a higher price, but those products also typically last longer and withstand outdoor elements. To this point, the ICEMULE BOSS is made with Polar Layer XT Insulation, a proprietary closed-cell foam that’s 3 cm thick, with an air valve for insulation boosts.

The strong exterior is waterproof 1,000-denier tarpaulin, a tenacious material used for crash pads. Other coolers we’ve tested have been made with layers of high-density superfoam plus a lightweight heat-reflective material around the exterior. But that material isn’t as strong.

Important specs to pay attention to are a waterproof lid zipper, welded seams, and whether the exterior fabric produces condensation. These aren’t nonnegotiable, but we don’t like getting caught off guard by an unexpected spill or puddle.

Comfort: Shape, Rigidity, Support

Simply put, backpack coolers are generally not as supportive, ergonomic, and comfortable as regular day packs or backpacking packs. But we found some are comfortable enough for day hikes, like the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack and ICEMULE BOSS.

Our testers all found that with narrower, longer backpack coolers, the contents were inevitably harder to reach. In contrast, a wider, shorter cooler with the same volume offers easier access — but that’s not compatible with the human torso. The solution is to be really strategic with how you pack.

Backpack coolers have a range of firmness, and the firmest packs have more insulation, which increases ice retention. On the other hand, softer packs can feel more malleable and comfortable to wear. Also, some designs have a stiff back panel and others have padded mesh. Rigid designs have a stable base. But some lack a padded hip belt and pressed into the sacroiliac joint of testers, causing discomfort on longer treks.

The shoulder straps also influence overall comfort. Wider, stiffer, or broadly placed straps can limit range of motion or feel unpleasant. One of the most ergonomic strap sets is on the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler. The design allowed us to have a full range of motion.

Hip and chest straps add stability to the load, so it doesn’t swing around. Hip belts offer comfort and evenly redistribute the weight off the shoulders.

Ice Retention

In our controlled ice retention test, the Carhartt Cooler Backpack kept ice for 25 hours, which has a large dry cargo space, while the ICEMULE BOSS held ice for 133 hours. That’s a large range, but the majority of our favorites preserved ice for a few days.

Most cooler packs preserved ice for 2.5 to 3 days. That includes the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack.

The REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler held ice for more than 3 days. The most expensive coolers in our guide retained their ice for 4 to 5.5 days.

Generally, the higher the price tag, the better the ice retention. However, this is not always the case, as the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler held ice for 80 hours at the lower price of $70.

Our ice retention test was completed with controlled variables. Each cooler backpack was stationed indoors, shaded, at a steady 65 degrees F, with the same ratio and type of ice. The coolers were monitored and the ice status was recorded until every bit melted. When you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a pack’s ice retention, including the frequency of opening the cooler, direct sunlight, and ambient temperature.

Ice Retention Test Results

• ICEMULE BOSS — 133 hours
• YETI Hopper M12 Soft Backpack Cooler — 96 hours
• RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler — 85 hours
• Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler — 80 hours
• REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler — 77 hours
• ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt — 75 hours
• Arctic Zone Titan Eco Backpack Cooler with Ice Walls — 72 hours
• Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack — 60 hours
• Arctic Zone Titan 24 Can Welded Backpack Cooler — 48 hours
• Everfun 30-Can Leakproof Insulated Black Cooler Backpack — 48 hours
• Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler — 48 hours
• Carhartt Cooler Backpack — 25 hours

In various conditions, the backpack coolers in this guide provide cooling power that serves a range of recreational needs.

How to Clean a Backpack Cooler

Keeping your backpack cooler clean is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Empty and Rinse: Start by removing all contents and emptying any melted ice or liquid. Rinse the interior with cold water to remove loose debris.

2. Wash with Mild Soap: Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the interior and exterior. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the materials.

3. Pay Attention to Stains: For stubborn stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water to gently scrub the affected areas. Rinse thoroughly to ensure all residues are removed.

4. Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, wipe the interior and exterior down with a dry cloth. Leave the cooler open in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely, preventing mold and odors.

5. Clean Accessories: Don’t forget to wash any detachable parts, like removable liners or straps, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Regular cleaning will keep your cooler fresh, free of stains and odors, and keep it in peak condition.

Extra Features & Attachment Points

Backpack coolers are designed with versatility in mind, so many of these bags are equipped with attachment points, such as hard clip points, daisy chains, webbing straps, and bungee cords, for carrying extra gear.

These attachment points allow you to secure additional gear like trekking poles, water bottles, or even a small tent. Integrated utility pockets keep essentials within easy reach, while modular attachments let you customize your setup for different adventures. With additions like waterproof covers, built-in bottle openers, and reflective logos these backpack coolers are pretty built out.

How to Properly Pack a Backpack Cooler

On the bottom, place frozen ice blocks, reusable ice packs, or cubed ice. This should take up close to 66% of the cooler, if possible. Next, put heavier pre-chilled or frozen items closest to the ice on the bottom and layer with another round of cubed ice. Keep layering in that order. Place lighter, more delicate items, such as sandwiches or fruits, on top. Use separate containers for easy access and to avoid squishing consumables. At the very top, add more cubed ice. 

Fill any extra space with contents because air speeds up the ice melt. If needed, you could pack crumpled paper or small towels in there, too. Store smaller essentials like utensils, bottles, cans, or other items that don’t necessarily need to be cold in external pockets or dedicated compartments to keep them organized and within easy reach.

Price & Value

Our highlighted backpack coolers range from as low as $35 to as high as $359. That’s a big gap with lots of factors at play.

Budget: $100 or Less Backpack Coolers

Backpack coolers under $100 may not retain ice as well as more expensive counterparts. Or, they might be made of less durable materials. They are generally more compact and compromise certain design details like ample pocket options or extra grab handles. For example, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler ($100) does not have a waterproof zipper on the lid.

The face fabric of some of these lower-cost pack coolers can create condensation. And some aren’t the most ergonomic or offer the greatest lumbar or back support. So, they aren’t our top choice for hiking those longer durations.

However, these are great options for short trips, picnics, and anyone on a budget. In this price range, check out the Carhartt Cooler Backpack ($90), REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler ($100), or Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler ($70). There’s also the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler ($70).

Mid-Tier

Mid-range coolers are a step below the high-cost cooler backpacks. These designs offer waterproof options, great features, and good ice retention below $300.

In this price range, you’ll find the Titan by Arctic Zone 24 Can Welded Backpack Cooler ($165), RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler ($159), ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt ($170), and Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack ($200).

Premium: Higher Cost Backpack Coolers

The priciest coolers, $300 and above, retain ice longer. They are made from durable materials, and they go above and beyond with features. These premium coolers are created with materials that are puncture-proof, waterproof, or water-resistant. That way, they can be trusted on a whitewater rafting trip, for instance.

For instance, the ICEMULE BOSS ($350) falls in this category and has MuleSkin 1,000-denier fabric. And the YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Cooler is made with high-density fabric.

These top-tier coolers also have larger capacities and won’t leak through the top closure. The most expensive coolers tend to be more rigid and supportive. However, cost does not necessarily reflect a pack’s overall comfort, which is influenced by the back panel and shoulder straps.

Frequently Asked Questions