10 Best Backpack Coolers 2025 in the United States

The Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Soft Cooler Bag is a compact yet effective choice for anyone looking to keep their food and drinks cool during outings. With a capacity to hold up to 10 cans or 7.2 quarts, it’s perfect for picnics, beach days, or hikes. The insulation can keep items chilled for approximately 12 hours, which is quite decent for a soft cooler of its size. The unique 'doctor's bag' design allows for easy access and adds a touch of style, making it suitable for both men and women. Additionally, the cooler features a durable construction with a sturdy zipper and snap-top handles, ensuring it can handle regular use without showing wear and tear quickly. The detachable shoulder strap adds to its portability, catering to users who prefer hands-free carrying.

There are a few things to consider. While the 12-hour cooling capability is good, it may not be sufficient for all-day outdoor adventures if you’re planning to keep items cold for longer than that. The size may also limit its use for larger groups or longer trips where more capacity might be needed. Some users may find the weight of 1.19 pounds slightly on the heavier side when fully loaded, especially during long hikes. Lastly, while it boasts a lifetime warranty, some users may be cautious about how well it holds up over time in various conditions.

The Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler is an excellent option for casual day trips and small gatherings. Those needing extended cooling or larger capacity may want to explore other options. It's stylish, practical, and built for life, but it's essential to align your needs with its specifications.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Charcoal is designed for those who need to keep their beverages or ice cold while having their hands free. With the capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, it offers ample storage for a day trip or a small gathering. The MAGSHIELD Access feature is a standout, with durable magnets that provide an ultra leak-resistant seal, making it easy to open and close the cooler securely. The closed-cell foam insulation, known as COLDCELL, ensures impressive cold retention, keeping your items frosty for extended periods.

The high-density DRYHIDE Shell material enhances durability by resisting punctures and UV rays, which is vital for outdoor use. Comfort is addressed with its backpack design, distributing weight evenly for easier carrying. Additionally, the external Kangaroo Pocket provides convenient storage for small essentials like phones, keys, or condiments. Weighing approximately 3.06 kilograms, it is relatively lightweight for its size and capacity.

However, some users might find the weight a bit heavy when fully loaded, especially over long distances. The price point may also be a consideration, as YETI products tend to be on the higher end. Ideal for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this cooler combines functionality with durability but may not be necessary for casual users who need a simpler and more affordable option.

The Maelstrom 35 Can Backpack Cooler is a versatile and practical option for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and picnics. One of its major strengths is its high-capacity design, able to hold up to 35 cans (32 liters), making it ideal for group outings. The cooler's high-density insulation and leak-proof liner ensure that food and drinks stay hot or cold for up to 16 hours, which is a significant advantage for day-long trips. Additionally, the easy-to-clean interior lining adds to its convenience.

The backpack cooler is designed for comfort with thick padded back support, ergonomic design, and adjustable shoulder straps that help reduce fatigue, making it suitable for long journeys. The inclusion of multiple compartments, including mesh side pockets, a front elastic rope net, and a shoulder strap card pocket, offers ample storage and organization options. Unique features such as a built-in bottle opener, condiment bottle holders, and webbing holes for extra gear enhance its functionality.

However, the cooler might be slightly bulky for some users, measuring 12.87”x 8.97”x 18.72” and weighing 0.95 pounds. This could be a drawback for those looking for a more compact and lightweight option. Additionally, while the cooler is marketed as unisex, the orange color might not appeal to everyone. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Maelstrom backpack cooler is a reliable and durable choice for various outdoor activities, offering excellent insulation, ample storage, and comfort features.