Best Backpack Cooler: The Ultimate Cooler Showdown of 2024

Imagine heading out on an exciting outdoor adventure with the perfect cooler that meets all your needs, keeping your food and drinks refreshingly cold without any hassle. In 2024, the market has seen a surge in innovative and convenient backpack coolers catering to various preferences and outdoor activities. With numerous options available, choosing the ideal chill companion may seem daunting. However, we’ve conducted research and tested the best backpack coolers of 2024 to simplify your decision-making process.

A Cool Rundown: The Best Cooler Contenders

To help you find the perfect backpack cooler for your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top contenders, including some of the best backpack coolers on the market. Each of these coolers excels in different areas, ensuring there’s something for everyone, regardless of your specific needs and preferences.

QUICK SHOP

IceMule Boss: Peak Performance

For peak performance, the IceMule Boss is a standout choice. With its large capacity, durable construction, and excellent insulation, this backpack cooler is perfect for those who demand the best. The Boss is made from a 1000 denier tarpaulin exterior, ensuring it withstands the rigors of outdoor adventures. Its double-layered insulation keeps your drinks cold even as ice melts, making it a reliable companion on long hikes or camping trips.

The IceMule Boss also takes comfort into account, with its padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel. While its price tag might be higher than other options, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and performance. If you’re willing to invest in a top-of-the-line cooler, the IceMule Boss is undoubtedly the way to go.

RTIC Backpack Cooler: On-the-Go Chilling

The RTIC Backpack Cooler offers:

• Versatility, waterproofing, and comfort for mobile cooling needs
• Tough and hardwearing exterior that can handle all sorts of adventures
• Tall shape that accommodates standard-sized wine bottles
• Wraparound zipper that offers comprehensive access and visibility into the main compartment, making it easy to load and unload your drinks and snacks
• Waterproof feature and ability to float, so you don’t have to worry about it getting soaked during a day at the beach or on a boat.

While the top zipper can be a bit stiff and the rigid backpanel may decrease carrying comfort, the RTIC Backpack Cooler offers superior durability and storage compared to similarly-priced options like the Hydro Flask Day Escape. Its padded, thick shoulder strap and additional chest strap also help distribute the load more evenly. For a versatile and budget-friendly cooler, the RTIC Backpack Cooler is worth considering.

Pelican Dayventure: Adventure Ready

The Pelican Dayventure cooler caters to those seeking a sturdy and dependable cooler for their outdoor escapades. Its robust yet lightweight construction ensures it can handle the challenges of the great outdoors while still being easy to carry. The foam insulation keeps your food and drinks cold, even in the most demanding conditions.

Although the Pelican Dayventure is on the pricier side, its durability and performance are worth the investment. The leak-proof construction means you can confidently pack it full without worrying about any spills. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who needs a tough and reliable cooler, the Pelican Dayventure is the perfect choice.

Igloo Gizmo Backpack Cooler: Casual Outings Champion

The Igloo Backpack Cooler is an ideal choice for relaxed excursions, providing the following features:

• Straightforward loading
• Ample storage sections
• Quick access to drinks and snacks
• Various pockets for additional storage
• MaxCold^® insulation – an additional 25% added to keep food and drinks cooler, longer

However, it’s worth noting that the Igloo Backpack Cooler’s capacity may be smaller than advertised, so you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly. Nonetheless, for casual outings like picnics, beach trips, or short hikes, the Igloo Backpack Cooler is a fantastic choice.

IceMule Pro: Collapsible Convenience

The IceMule Pro, a foldable, lightweight soft cooler backpack, provides satisfactory insulation and endurance, ensuring your beverages stay cold and preventing melted ice, making it one of the best soft coolers in the backpack style coolers category on the market. Its features include:

• Large capacity that can hold up to 18 cans of soda with ice
• Perfect for outdoor gatherings or family picnics
• Hands-free carrying design with backpack straps for easy transportation

One drawback is the lack of a zipper on the backpack’s opening, which may make it less convenient for some users. However, the IceMule Pro’s air valve allows you to add extra insulation, ensuring your items stay cold for longer periods. If you’re looking for a collapsible and lightweight cooler backpack that won’t break the bank, the IceMule Pro is an excellent choice.

Yeti Hopper M20: Premium Pick

For those seeking a luxury option, the Yeti Hopper M20 is an excellent selection. It offers:

• Tough exterior
• High storage capacity
• Leak-proof design
• UV-resistant shell to maintain quality even after extended exposure to sunlight
• Naturally mildew-resistant material to keep your cooler fresh and odor-free

While the Yeti Hopper M20 comes at a higher price point, you’re paying for quality and durability that will last for years to come. It’s an excellent investment for those who want a high-end cooler that will perform well in various outdoor settings.

REI Cool Trail Split Pack: Dual Duty

The REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack features:

• Distinct sections for equipment and chilled items
• Keeps food and drinks chilled while still having room for other essentials
• Ergonomic strap set and padded, well-articulated hip belt for support and comfort during longer hikes or treks.

Although its capacity is limited compared to other coolers on the market, the REI Co-Op Cool Trail Split Pack is perfect for those who need a versatile cooler that can handle both gear and cold items. Its unique design and comfortable carrying experience make it a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the rei co-op cool factor.

TOURIT Cooler Backpack: Budget-friendly Buddy

The TOURIT Cooler Backpack is a commendable, cost-effective choice for those seeking a dependable backpack cooler without a hefty price tag. Its features include:

• Durable and high-quality materials that ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures
• Excellent insulation to keep your items cool
• Spacious main compartment that can hold all your essentials
• Leak-proof and insulated cooler compartment that can hold up to 28 cans

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, the TOURIT Cooler Backpack is perfect for those who need a dependable cooler backpack on a budget. With its comfortable design and practical features, this cooler backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet effective solution.

Choosing Your Chill Companion

Choosing the perfect backpack cooler may seem challenging, but it need not be so. By considering a few key factors, you can find the ideal chill companion for your needs and preferences, as not all backpack coolers are created equal.

Begin by considering your trip’s purpose and duration. Are you going for a short hike or a multi-day camping trip? Backpack coolers are better suited for shorter outings, while hard-sided coolers might be a better option for longer trips with higher capacity requirements.

Then, contemplate the quantity of cargo you’ll be hauling. The capacity of backpack coolers can vary widely, so make sure to choose one that will accommodate all your food and drinks. Don’t forget to account for the weight of liquid-filled cans and the additional items you’ll be packing, as this can significantly affect the overall weight of the bag.

Insulation is another significant aspect to ponder. The ability of a backpack cooler to maintain a cold internal temperature is essential for keeping your food and drinks cold throughout your adventure. Look for coolers with excellent ice retention and reusable ice packs to ensure your items stay cold even as ice melts.

Comfort is yet another vital factor to bear in mind. After all, you’ll be carrying your cooler on your back for extended periods. Make sure to choose a cooler with padded shoulder straps, adjustable shoulder straps, and possibly a waist belt or sternum strap for added support and comfort.

Remember to factor in any additional features that might be significant to you, such as:

• functional stash pockets
• external attachment points
• integrated bottle openers
• vacuum ports
• removable cooler inserts

These extra features can make your cooler even more versatile and convenient for your specific needs.

Lastly, give thought to your budget. While there’s often a correlation between price and build quality, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options that offer excellent performance and durability. Take your time to research and compare different backpack coolers to find the one that offers the best value for your money.

Considering all these factors will enable you to confidently select the perfect backpack cooler for your upcoming outdoor venture, ensuring that your food and beverages stay refreshingly cold, no matter where your journey takes you.

Summary

In conclusion, finding the perfect backpack cooler for your needs and preferences is possible with a bit of research and consideration. Whether you’re looking for peak performance, on-the-go chilling, adventure-ready durability, or a budget-friendly buddy, our comprehensive list of the best backpack coolers of 2024 has something for everyone. So, gear up and get ready to enjoy refreshingly cold drinks and snacks on your next exciting outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What soft coolers are as good as YETI?

Soft coolers like the Arctic Zone Titan Bucket Tote, Orca Walker 20, Snow Peak Soft Cooler, Cotopaxi Hielo, Orca Walker Tote, Engel HD30, Yeti Hopper Flip 12, Icemule Classic Medium 15L, Hydro Flask 20 L Carry Out, RovR Products TravelR 30 Soft Cooler and Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can offer comparable performance to YETI coolers at a lower price point.

Are soft coolers worth it?

Soft coolers can be a great option for those who need to keep their lunch and beverages cold for the day, but they won’t keep ice cold for more than a couple days. Therefore, soft coolers may be worth it depending on your needs.

What is the ideal capacity for a backpack cooler?

For most purposes, a backpack cooler with a capacity of 20 to 50 cans is ideal. Choose one that best fits your needs and duration of your trip.