10 Best Soft Insulated Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M15 Portable Soft Cooler in Agave Teal is designed for beach trips, boating, and hiking. It features a notable MagShield Access, using durable magnets for an ultra leak-resistant seal that easily opens and closes. The cooler's ColdCell Insulation, made of closed-cell foam, effectively maintains cold temperatures, ensuring your drinks and snacks stay chilled. With a capacity to hold up to 32 cans or 15.5 pounds of ice, it offers substantial storage for a portable cooler.

The DryHide Shell, made from high-density fabric, is built to resist punctures and UV rays, enhancing its durability, while the exterior Kangaroo Pocket provides convenient storage for small items like phones and keys. Weighing 3.49 kilograms, it is relatively heavy for a soft cooler, which may impact its portability for some users. Additionally, the hand-wash only care instructions might be seen as a drawback for those preferring low-maintenance products.

Despite these minor issues, the YETI Hopper M15 stands out in terms of its insulation, leak-proof design, and durability, making it a suitable choice for those who need a reliable cooler for outdoor adventures.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Cosmic Lilac is a robust and versatile cooler suitable for various outdoor activities like picnics, fishing, camping, and hiking. It boasts a capacity of holding up to 36 cans of beverages or 22 pounds of ice, making it spacious enough for most needs. The ColdCell insulation ensures excellent cold retention, keeping your items frosty for extended periods. The MAGSHIELD Access system, with its powerful magnets, creates an ultra-leak-resistant shield that is easy to open and close, adding convenience and security against spills.

The high-density DryHide Shell fabric is notable for its durability, standing strong against punctures and UV rays, which means it's built to last through tough conditions. With a weight of 6 pounds, it is relatively easy to carry, especially with the backpack design, allowing hands-free transport. The Hitchpoint Grid offers utility by enabling users to attach additional gear like the included Sidekick Dry Gear Case or other YETI accessories.

The cooler might be on the pricier side, and its weight, while manageable, could be a bit heavy when fully loaded. Additionally, its capacity at 5.2 gallons might not be sufficient for larger group outings. Nevertheless, for those looking for a highly durable, well-insulated, and versatile cooler, the YETI Hopper M20 is a strong contender.

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler stands out in the soft-insulated-cooler category due to its superior insulation and durable build. It features ColdCell Insulation, a closed-cell foam that keeps contents cold longer than many ordinary soft coolers. The capacity is modest, holding up to 6 cans plus ice, which is suitable for personal use during short trips like fishing, camping, or hiking.

It measures 11.5 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 10.5 inches high, and weighs 2.8 pounds when empty, making it fairly portable. The cooler's high-density fabric and DryHide Shell are resistant to punctures, abrasions, and UV rays, enhancing its durability in rugged outdoor environments. Additionally, the 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper ensures no spills, maintaining its contents securely.

While it excels in durability and insulation, some users might find the price point higher compared to other soft coolers with larger capacities. The YETI Hopper Flip 8 is a robust, reliable option for individual use or short outdoor excursions, offering excellent insulation and durability but with a relatively limited capacity.