Coolers are a crucial piece of equipment for keeping food and drink cold when you’re spending time in warm weather, but hard-sided coolers can be a hassle to carry from place to place. Of course, they’re often bulky and heavy as well. That’s where the venerable backpack cooler comes in. This clever design allows you to carry drinks (and food) hands-free, wherever you roam, whether you’re embarking on a hike with friends or simply ending your day with a walk to the local lake. Of course, the best backpack coolers retain ice all day and are comfortable to carry.
Store food, drinks and other essentials in a capable backpack cooler
JEREMY KORESKI
Some backpack coolers on this list have storage space for dry goods, while others stick with the basics, like premium insulation and a strap system. And while you may or may not consider this a virtue, some make you look like an astronaut. Ready for liftoff? Check out our picks below to find the best option for your next adventure.
If you’re looking for a do-it-all backpack cooler that you can take to the beach or the backcountry, Hydro Flask’s rendition tops our list thanks to it’s versatility and lightweight design that’s perfect for trips both short and long. You can fill it with 36 cans of your favorite beverage (although you can probably fit closer to 20 cans with ice), and this backpack will keep them chilled for nearly two days.
Design features, like a Tru Zip zipper and welded seams, take this cooler to another level—one where you never have to worry about leakage. On the side, a large, stretchy mesh pocket fits a water bottle or other belongings. But, if you need room for more gear, you can purchase waterproof, dry storage bags that clip to the exterior. One great perk of the Day Escape cooler is that it comes with a 5 year warranty, but we’d be surprised if you had to use it.
Pros
More affordable than other high-end soft coolers
Roomy side pocket for a water bottle or phone
Padded strap system
Cons
Lack of hip belt limits carrying comfort
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This little backpack cooler is small yet durable, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for it day after day. At only 1.5 pounds, it’s lighter than any of the other backpacks on this list, and it’s designed by Carhartt, a brand known for crafting durable, hardwearing goods. Consider this the perfect lunchbox backpack for a workday.
The clever 2-in-1 design allows you to pack your essentials in the top portion of the pack, while the zippered, insulated bottom compartment stores a cold drink and snacks. The front pockets provide extra storage space, and the side pockets fit 12-ounce cans but are too shallow for tall water bottles.
Pros
Functions as a traditional backpack with a cooler base
Small and portable for everyday use
Cons
DWR finish isn’t waterproof
Shallow side pockets
Best Hiking Backpack Cooler
Supportive Pack For Day Hikes And Backcountry Picnics
Part hiking backpack, part backpack cooler, the Cool Trail Pack Cooler from REI is a great option for hikers who want to carry perishable goods or cold beverages on longer hikes. While other cooler backpacks skimp on padding (or eliminate it entirely), this pack employs a comfortable, contoured hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps that are in line with REI’s traditional day packs. When you just need a standard pack, you can remove the cooler insert and load it with your favorite essentials.
Front lash straps contribute to this pack’s classic trail aesthetic but also serve as anchoring points for larger gear items like a picnic blanket. The side pockets are well designed—a mesh exterior pocket sits on top of a roomy zippered pouch to fit a water bottle and snacks all in one spot. It’s a great pick for hikers looking to strike a balance between function and ice retention.
Pros
Padded hip belt creates comfort for all-day carrying
Removable cooler insert
Large external side pockets
Cons
Only fits waists up to 46 inches
Not 100% leakproof, so not suited for longer trips
This backpack cooler has a lot going for it despite the budget-friendly price. First, it’s less than half the price of other high-end options on this list but works well for all-day cooling. The interior and exterior are both easy to clean, and come protected against odors thanks to an antimicrobial Microban coating (an especially important trait if you use this as a lunchbox or food cooler.) It’s spacious with plenty of pockets, like the mesh side pockets and zippered top pocket to store your keys, wallet and phone.
However, while it boasts up to two days of ice retention, it realistically only keeps food and drink cold for one day if you fill it up halfway with ice. You also won’t want to tip it upside down, as the top zipper is not watertight. As long as you know what to expect, this little pack will serve you well whether you’re bringing it to work or the beach.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to carry
Great capacity for day use as a travel bag or lunch box
For fishing trips, hunting trips or camping trips when you need multi-day ice retention, the IceMule Boss should be at the top of your list. It’s designed like a hiking backpack but has the performance of top-level soft coolers—hence the hefty price tag. Welded seams and a roll-top closure design create a completely water- and weather-proof interior. The side pockets serve as dry storage compartments and come equipped with PakShield zippers, so you’ll keep your drinks cold and your electronics dry.
This backpack cooler warrants the name “Boss” for many reasons; it’s large, durable and designed to withstand the elements. However, for many casual users, it’s overkill because of its bulk and heft. But if premium performance is what you’re seeking, you can’t get much better than this.
Pros
Excellent ice retention for multi-day use
Waterproof pockets store essentials and electronics
Not everyone needs weekend-long ice retention. In fact, some people are simply looking for a backpack cooler to take to sports games, family reunions and picnics. This leakproof cooler from Igloo is a great value for casual day use thanks to its comfortable straps, solid carrying handles and welded seams that keep it watertight.
The rectangular shape is not as comfortable to carry as other models over long distances, but it is ideal for maximizing space. Easily pack it full of food and drink, then load it up in your car or on the boat and rest assured it’ll stay in place thanks to the textured base material.
Yeti is really good at making coolers, as evidenced by the brand’s diehard, dedicated fanbase. Their backpack cooler, though a departure from their well-known hard-sided coolers, is no exception—it performs well as a hands-free carrying cooler and is one of the best you can buy in terms of ice retention. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality cooler that’s easy to carry to beach barbecues, camping weekends or fishing trips, it’s a great option because of the puncture-resistant, waterproof fabric and closed-cell foam insulation.
However, it doesn’t have much functionality as a backpack beyond keeping things cold—Yeti eliminated side and top pockets in favor of more insulation. While you can attach some gear to the HitchPoint grids, we would have loved to see a built-in storage pocket. If you need extra storage space, you can purchase the YETI SideKick Dry Bag add-on separately.
Pros
High quality insulation provides long-lasting ice retention
Magnetic lid and buckle closure eliminates zippers
Cons
Roll-top closure is bulky and takes two people to close
Heavy without many added features
What To Consider When Buying A Backpack Cooler
Intended Use
When you’re shopping for a backpack cooler, consider how you intend to use it. Do you need to keep food and drinks cold for a weekend trip, or will you be using it for less than 24 hours? High-end brands like Yeti and IceMule offer longer ice retention but premium insulation comes at a price. Alternatively, brands like Igloo and Arctic Zone are more affordable, but the ice will melt faster.
You should also consider how long you plan to carry your backpack cooler. If you’re hiking for more than a mile, look for a cooler with supportive and comfortable padding, as well as a hip or chest belt to reduce the weight on your shoulders.
Can You Put Dry Ice In A Backpack Cooler?
Most backpack coolers are soft coolers, which means they’re constructed from more pliable materials than those found in hard-sided coolers. With this in mind, you should avoid using dry ice in soft coolers as it could damage the insulation and soft materials.
How To You Keep a Backpack Cooler Cold As Long As Possible
To keep a backpack cooler cold as long as possible, you should pack it with pre-chilled food and drink and reference the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper ice-to-goods ratio. Your primary cooling method should be ice blocks or ice packs, and then you can use ice cubes to fill in any empty space. When possible, chill your backpack cooler in the fridge or freezer before loading it up so your ice or cold packs won’t have to expend energy to cool down the backpack.
