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10 Best The Backpack Cooler 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Charcoal

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,425
Capacity
Insulation
Comfort

Most important from
491 reviews

Capacity
Perfect for carrying drinks and snacks on outdoor adventures, with a capacity suitable for day trips or short excursions.
Insulation
The high-quality insulation keeps drinks ice cold for hours, even in the hottest weather.
Comfort
The backpack design is comfortable to wear with adjustable straps, allowing you to keep your hands free.
Durability
The durable construction and high-density DryHide Shell ensure the cooler can withstand rugged use and last a lifetime.
Additional Features
The MagShield Access makes it incredibly easy to open and close the cooler, preventing leaks and keeping contents secure.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a versatile and high-performing option for those in need of a practical cooler. With a capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, this cooler offers ample space for day trips or short outdoor adventures. The Coldcell insulation is a standout feature, ensuring that your beverages and ice stay cold for extended periods.

The durable MagShield access with powerful magnets makes it easy to open and close, preventing leaks and keeping contents secure. The high-density DryHide Shell adds to the cooler’s durability, protecting it from punctures and UV damage, making it ideal for rugged use. Comfort is well-addressed with the backpack design, allowing you to keep your hands free while carrying your items.

The exterior kangaroo pocket is a convenient addition, providing quick access to small essentials like your phone, keys, or wallet. However, the cooler's weight at 3.06 kilograms might be a bit heavy for some users, especially when filled to capacity. Additionally, its size (8 x 17 x 16 inches) might be bulky for smaller individuals or those looking for a more compact option. This cooler is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, excellent insulation, and convenience, and are willing to handle the extra weight for those benefits.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,425
Capacity
Insulation
Comfort

Most important from
491 reviews

Capacity
Perfect for carrying drinks and snacks on outdoor adventures, with a capacity suitable for day trips or short excursions.
Insulation
The high-quality insulation keeps drinks ice cold for hours, even in the hottest weather.
Comfort
The backpack design is comfortable to wear with adjustable straps, allowing you to keep your hands free.
Durability
The durable construction and high-density DryHide Shell ensure the cooler can withstand rugged use and last a lifetime.
Additional Features
The MagShield Access makes it incredibly easy to open and close the cooler, preventing leaks and keeping contents secure.
#2

SPARTER Backpack Cooler Insulated Leak Proof 30 Cans, Waterproof Lightweight Insulated Backpack Ice Chest, Portable Soft Cooler Bag for Beach Travel Camping Lunch

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Insulation
Comfort

Most important from
8198 reviews

Capacity
This cooler excels at keeping beverages cold on beach trips and camping, fitting lots of cans and bottles while being easy to use and offering good value for money.
Insulation
The insulation is impressive; even after a 21+ mile hike, water bottles remained mostly ice, and there were no leaks found inside the pack.
Comfort
For long hikes, the firm sides keep water bottles standing and comfortable without pressing against the back, even with 5 liters of iced water.
Durability
The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is the perfect carryon size with several zip pockets and a well-constructed design, making it ideal for various uses from shoe packing to day hiking.

The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is a feature-rich product designed for beach trips, camping, and other outdoor activities. It can hold up to 30 cans, which is quite spacious for its size. The thick foam insulation and silver PEVA seal promise to keep your drinks and food cool for up to 20 hours, making it reliable for day-long outings.

Additionally, it has two insulated compartments to separate drinks from dry foods, plus multiple pockets for small items like snacks, phones, and wallets. The included bottle opener is a handy bonus for convenience. Made from high-density, scratch-resistant nylon with a waterproof PU coating, it appears durable and suitable for rough use.

Despite its sturdy construction, it is lightweight at just 1.13 pounds, and the padded shoulder straps and back add to its comfort, making it easier to carry on long hikes or trips. However, the zipper is not leak-proof, so you need to be cautious about tipping it over to prevent spills. This backpack cooler excels in capacity, insulation, comfort, and durability, while its main drawback is the non-leak-proof zipper.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Insulation
Comfort

Most important from
8198 reviews

Capacity
This cooler excels at keeping beverages cold on beach trips and camping, fitting lots of cans and bottles while being easy to use and offering good value for money.
Insulation
The insulation is impressive; even after a 21+ mile hike, water bottles remained mostly ice, and there were no leaks found inside the pack.
Comfort
For long hikes, the firm sides keep water bottles standing and comfortable without pressing against the back, even with 5 liters of iced water.
Durability
The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is the perfect carryon size with several zip pockets and a well-constructed design, making it ideal for various uses from shoe packing to day hiking.
#3

Hydro Flask 20 L Carry Out Soft Pack Trillium

Rating
9.5
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
502 reviews

Capacity
Large, roomy, and durable with a great color.
Durability
Handles are very durable and can hold a decent weight.

The Hydro Flask 20 L Carry Out Soft Pack Trillium is a versatile backpack cooler designed to keep your items cold for up to 27 hours. With a 20-liter capacity, it provides enough space to store drinks and snacks for a day out. The insulation is lightweight yet effective, ensuring that your contents stay cold when used with an ice pack.

One of its standout features is its easy-access hinge top, making it simple to load and clean. The cooler is built from 100% recycled polyester with a durable coating, offering water resistance and added stability thanks to its compression-molded lid and base. This makes it a durable option for various outdoor activities.

Comfort is also a key feature, with padded, stowable shoulder straps that allow for hands-free carrying, and easy grab handles for quick transport. However, at 2.02 kilograms, it might feel a bit heavy for some users when fully loaded. Additionally, while the 5-year warranty is a great perk, the cooler's relatively high price point could be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers. This cooler would be ideal for someone who frequently enjoys outdoor activities like camping or picnicking and values durability and good insulation.

Rating
9.5
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
502 reviews

Capacity
Large, roomy, and durable with a great color.
Durability
Handles are very durable and can hold a decent weight.

Buying Guide for the Best The Backpack Cooler

Choosing the right backpack cooler can make a significant difference in your outdoor adventures, whether you're hiking, camping, or just spending a day at the beach. The key is to find a balance between capacity, insulation, comfort, and durability that suits your specific needs. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a backpack cooler and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the backpack cooler, usually measured in liters or cans. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can carry. Smaller capacities (10-20 liters) are great for short trips or solo outings, while medium capacities (20-30 liters) are suitable for day trips with a few friends. Larger capacities (30+ liters) are ideal for longer trips or larger groups. Consider how much you typically need to carry and choose a capacity that matches your needs.
InsulationInsulation is what keeps your items cold inside the backpack cooler. Good insulation is crucial for maintaining the temperature of your food and drinks over extended periods. High-quality insulation can keep items cold for up to 24 hours or more, while lower-quality insulation might only last a few hours. If you plan on being out for a long time, look for a backpack cooler with thick, high-density foam insulation. For shorter trips, less insulation might be sufficient.
ComfortComfort is determined by the design of the straps, padding, and overall fit of the backpack cooler. This is important because you'll be carrying it on your back, sometimes for long periods. Look for adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for better comfort. Some models also have chest or waist straps to help distribute the weight more evenly. If you plan on carrying heavy loads or hiking long distances, prioritize comfort features.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the backpack cooler can withstand wear and tear. This is important for ensuring that your cooler lasts through multiple trips and rough conditions. Look for materials like high-denier nylon or polyester, which are resistant to punctures and abrasions. Waterproof or water-resistant materials can also be beneficial, especially if you'll be near water or in wet conditions. Consider the environments you'll be using the cooler in and choose a durable option that can handle those conditions.
WeightWeight is the overall heaviness of the backpack cooler when empty. This is important because it affects how easy it is to carry, especially when fully loaded. Lighter backpack coolers are easier to carry but might compromise on insulation or durability. Heavier models might offer better insulation and durability but can be more cumbersome. Think about how far you'll need to carry the cooler and how much weight you can comfortably manage.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a backpack cooler. These might include extra pockets for organization, bottle openers, attachment points for gear, or even built-in ice packs. While not essential, these features can make your experience more enjoyable. Consider what extra features might be useful for your specific activities and look for a backpack cooler that includes them.

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