We’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.
There’s a broad range of sizes and softness in soft coolers. Some of these designs are actually very rigid, stout, and stackable. Others are fully collapsible and pliable, 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. For more information about soft coolers, check out our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article.
Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys for 2024.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Soft Coolers buyer’s guide on November 16, 2023, to add newly launched and tested products, educational sections, and field imagery.
The Best Soft Coolers of 2024
- Best Overall Soft Cooler: YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
- Best Budget Soft Cooler: Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote
- Runner-Up Best Soft Cooler: Orca Walker 20
- Best Large Soft Cooler: Snow Peak Soft Cooler
- Most Eco-Friendly: Cotopaxi Hielo
- Best Collapsible Design for Storage: REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler
- Most Adaptable Soft Cooler: Icemule Impulse
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Great Insulation
- Floats
Cons
- Pricey
- Zipper is not the most durable
Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote
Pros
- Great ice retention
- Two over-the-shoulder straps Velcro together alongisde an optional shoulder strap
- Includes bottle opener
Cons
- A few of us don’t prefer the look
- The lid’s zipper is not waterproof
Orca Walker 20
Pros
- Cooler won’t leak through waterproof top zipper or seams
- Small stretch exterior pocket
- Bungee cords to hold down items
Cons
- Magnetic split handle is not comfortable to grab when divided as two straps
Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38
Pros
- Large capacity
- Supple and easy to carry
Cons
- The lid’s zipper is not waterproof
- A bit overpriced for the low ice retention but worth the cost for collapsibility
Cotopaxi Hielo 12L Cooler Bag Del Dia
Pros
- Saves throwaway scraps from the landfill
- Each cooler bag is one-of-a-kind
- The design process empowers employees behind each cooler pack
Cons
- The zippers, zipper pulls, buckles, and thread are tailored to each bag — so you're not totally sure what to expect
REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler
Pros
- Daisy chains and spacious external pocket with a zipper
- Transforms into a tote, cube, and flat for storage
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can’t stack any items on top of this soft cooler
- Tote is wobbly and doesn’t dependably stand upright
- Top zipper is not waterproof
Icemule Impulse
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
Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Compactable
- Made from recycled materials
- Storage capacity
Cons
- Shorter ice retention
- Exterior is not waterproof
- Not leakproof
Yeti Hopper M15 Tote
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 means it's hard to see collectibles at the bottom of the tote
- Premium build means high price
RovR TravelR
Pros
- Waterproof, leakproof zipper is comfortable to open with the wide T-shaped pull
- Tall height is nice for resting food or other items while sitting in a camp chair
Cons
- Hand straps lack padding for comfortable carry while loaded
- Shoulder strap attachments are not dependable or durable
Mountainsmith Takeout
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
- Lid’s zipper leaks
Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote
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
RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler
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
Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote
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
Mountainsmith Sixer
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
- We’d like the lightweight removable shoulder strap to be burlier
- Cooler bottom can absorb moisture
- Lid’s zipper is not waterproof
Igloo Pursuit Tote
Pros
- Two tote straps comfortably slide over the shoulder
- Padded removable shoulder strap
Cons
- Ice melts fast in a hot vehicle or sunny conditions
- Top zipper is not waterproof and can leak
- Fair amount of condensation appeared on cooler’s exterior
REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler
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 pack’s lid
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
Soft Cooler Comparison Chart
Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Size, Capacity, Weight, Ice Retention Test.
Soft Cooler | Price | Size | Capacity | Weight | Ice Retention Test |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler | $250 | 14.3″ x 10.7″ x 12.0″ | 12L | 1361 g (3 lbs.) | ~3 days |
Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote | $53 | 15″ x 10″ x 13.5″ | 33L | 816 g (1.8 lbs.) | ~3 days |
Snow Peak Soft Cooler 38 | $185 | 19″ x 12.5″ x 12.5″ | 38L | 1,724 g (3.8 lbs.) | ~2.5 days |
Mountainsmith Takeout | $30 | 8″ x 9″ x 6″ | 7L | 363 g (0.8 lbs.) | ~21 hours |
Cotopaxi Hielo 12L Cooler Bag Del Dia | $105 | 18″ x 14″ x 5.5″ | 12L | 708 g (1.6 lbs.) | Unavailable |
REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler | $50 | 10″ x 11″ x 15″ | 32L | 680 g (1.5 lbs.) | ~2+ days |
Icemule Impulse | $100 | 11″ x 4.25″ x 9″ | 4.5L | Unavailable | Unavailable |
Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote | $80 | 15″ x 15.1″ x 9.8″ | 30L | Unavailable | ~2.3 days |
Yeti Hopper M15 Tote | $300 | 20.3″ x 16″ x 9.2″ | 49L | 2,268 g (5 lbs.) | Unavailable |
Orca Walker 20 | $250 | 14.5″ x 11″ x 13.25″ | 33L | 1,633 g (3.6 lbs.) | ~3 days |
Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote | $150 | 12.2″ x 20.5″ x 7.8″ | 18L | 1,134 g (2.5 lbs.) | ~2.5 days |
RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler | $99 | 13.5” x 9.5” x 13.75” | 12L | 1360 g (3 lbs) | ~3 days |
Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote | $199 | 22.5″ x 14.38″ x 8″ | 30L | 975 g (2.15 lbs) | ~2.5 days |
Mountainsmith Sixer | $35 | 11″ x 11″ x 6″ | 12L | 499 g (1.1 lbs.) | ~25 hours |
Igloo Pursuit Tote | $100 | 22.4″ x 3.7″ x 15.7″ | 21L | 907 g (2 lbs.) | ~1.5 days |
REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler | $100 | 14″ x 11″ x 11″ | 15L | 1,415 g (3.12 lbs.) | ~2.5 days |
RovR TravelR | $250 | 19″ x 17″ x 14″ | 28L | 2,013 g (4 lbs. 7 oz.) | 72+ hours |
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.
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.
Lead tester Morgan Tilton, Senior Editor specializing in Snow Sports Buyer’s Guides, coordinated a range of 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.
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.
Our crew took these coolers through myriad conditions from summertime park BBQs to camping in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, guiding fly fishing sessions on rivers, and road-tripping to ski mountaineer in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
Buyer’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 RovR TravelR 30.
The larger the group, the more cargo space you’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).
Compartments and 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.
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 4-pound, 7-ounce RovR TravelR, which has a 28L 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.
Shape
Soft cooler totes are long, slender, and streamlined against your side. They’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 — as long as the walls and base are rigid — 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.
Materials
A soft cooler’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, and handles. A range of top closures exist. The most common are 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 — which are typically removable — 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.
Straps and 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 RoVR 30) 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.
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.
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
- RovR TravelR – 72 hours
- YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler – 72 hours
- RTIC 20 can Soft Pack Cooler – 72 hours
- Orca Walker Cooler – 70 hours
- Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote – 70 hours
- Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote – 60 hours
- REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler – 60 hours
- Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote – 60 hours
- Snow Peak Soft Cooler – 60 hours
- REI Co-op Pack-Away Soft Cooler – 57 hours
- Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote – 53 hours
- Igloo Pursuit Tote – 40 hours
- Mountainsmith Sixer – 25 hours
- Mountainsmith Takeout – 21 hours
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 pack’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.
Extra Features
Additional features on soft coolers include hard clip points, daisy chains, webbing straps, and bungee cords for carrying extra gear. Some packs also include a reflective logo or bottle opener.
Many soft coolers do not have tiedown points, which would be a good feature for river or motorcycle trips.
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 — don’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 then open and close the zipper a few times. The moisturizer can be applied every 6 months to help protect the zipper teeth — around the time you head in for an oil change. Easy.
Price
The prices of soft coolers in our guide range from the $30 Mountainsmith Takeout, which is the smallest cooler, to the Orca Walker Cooler ($220) or $250 with the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler with top-shelf ice retention. The Booe 30L Waterproof Insulated Tote at $199 is near that high tier.
The price of a soft cooler is reflected by the size, durability, quality of materials, design features, and ice retention.
Soft coolers in the medium price range include the Snow Peak Soft Cooler ($185), Igloo Pursuit Tote ($120), REI Co-op Cool Haul Soft Cooler ($100), and the RTIC 20 Can Soft Pack Cooler rounds out this segment at $99. The well-constructed, premium Hydro Flask Day Escape Tote is available at a moderate price ($150).
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 ($50), and Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote ($53). Also on the cheaper end of the spectrum, the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Convertible Cooler Tote ($80) is an affordable option and provides awesome storage capacity and cool design features, such as an exterior pocket and recycled materials.
FAQ
There’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. If you’re going on a weeklong car camping trip with limited access to ice, it’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 — especially for one person — 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.
If the cooler’s seams are not welded and leakproof, they can leak. Soft coolers can also leak through the lid closure if the zipper isn’t waterproof or the clasp isn’t leakproof.
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.
It was closely followed by the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Bucket Tote and Orca Walker Cooler, 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 it’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.
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.
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 — which melts slowly — and cubed ice — which cools down the container quickly.
As the ice melts, it’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 you’re under direct sun, toss a towel or blanket over the cooler to help alleviate a heat spike.
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 don’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 don’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 you’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.
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