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10 Best Waterproof Soft Coolers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

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

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a versatile and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts. It can carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, making it suitable for picnics, camping, and hiking. The closed-cell foam insulation, known as COLDCELL, ensures excellent cold retention, keeping your beverages and food items chilled for extended periods.

The MAGSHIELD ACCESS feature, which uses strong magnets, provides an ultra leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close with just a gentle push. This cooler is also built to last, thanks to its DRYHIDE SHELL, a high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage. Additionally, the exterior Kangaroo Pocket adds convenience by allowing you to store small items like keys, a phone, or a wallet within easy reach.

On the downside, the cooler's weight of just over 3 kilograms may be a bit hefty for some users, especially when fully loaded. The capacity listing of 12 ounces in the specs seems to be a mistake, as the main description suggests a much larger capacity. Despite this minor confusion and the weight, the YETI Hopper M12 offers a robust and highly functional solution for those needing a reliable, portable cooler that can withstand tough outdoor conditions while keeping contents cold.

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#2

YETI Roadie 15 Cooler, Wild Vine Red

YETI Roadie 15 Cooler, Wild Vine RedYETI

The YETI Roadie 15 Cooler in Wild Vine Red is a compact yet powerful option for those who need a reliable cooler for picnics, fishing trips, camping, and hiking. Its capacity allows for 22 cans or 16 lbs of ice, and it can comfortably fit standard wine and two-liter soda bottles on their side, making it versatile for various types of outings.

The insulation is made from polyurethane foam, which helps keep contents cold for an extended period, and the cooler boasts excellent waterproofing and non-slip feet to prevent sliding around, whether on a boat or in a car. It's also equipped with a DoubleDuty Strap for hands-free carrying or a comfortable grip, and LipGrip Handles that stay out of the way while providing ease of transport.

Constructed from durable polyethylene, this cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh environments, making it a durable choice. However, at a weight of 5.42 kg and dimensions of 17.25 x 15.5 x 12 inches, it might be a bit heavy and bulky for some users to carry for extended periods. This cooler is suitable for individuals who need a sturdy, well-insulated cooler for various outdoor activities and don't mind the slightly heavier weight for the durability and features it offers.

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#3

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler, Charcoal

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler, CharcoalYETI

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, excelling in its ability to keep items cold with its ColdCell Insulation, which is a closed-cell foam offering superior cold-holding compared to ordinary soft coolers. With a capacity of 8 liters, it can hold up to 6 cans plus ice, making it suitable for day trips or personal use during activities like fishing, camping, and hiking.

The cooler stands out for its waterproofing, featuring a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper, and its DryHide Shell is resistant to punctures and abrasions, ensuring durability even in tough environments. The high-density fabric also guards against UV rays, adding to its longevity.

At an empty weight of 2.8 lbs and dimensions of 11.5 inches by 8 inches by 10.5 inches, it is relatively portable and easy to carry, thanks to its sturdy handle. However, while it is highly durable and performs well in terms of insulation and waterproofing, its capacity may be limited for those needing to store more items. Additionally, the premium build quality comes at a higher price point, which might not suit budget-conscious buyers. Despite these considerations, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 is a reliable, high-performance cooler ideal for personal use on short excursions.

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Buying Guide for the Best Waterproof Soft Coolers

When it comes to picking a waterproof soft cooler, it's important to consider how and where you'll be using it. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a camping trip, or a picnic in the park, the right cooler can make all the difference in keeping your food and drinks fresh and cool. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing the best waterproof soft cooler for your needs.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler, usually measured in quarts or liters. This spec is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Small coolers (10-20 quarts) are great for personal use or short trips, medium coolers (20-40 quarts) are suitable for small groups or day trips, and large coolers (40+ quarts) are ideal for extended trips or larger groups. Choose a capacity based on the number of people and the duration of your outings.
InsulationInsulation is what keeps the contents of your cooler cold. This spec is crucial because better insulation means your food and drinks will stay cold for longer periods. Soft coolers typically use foam insulation, and the thickness can vary. Thin insulation (less than 1 inch) is suitable for short trips, medium insulation (1-2 inches) is good for day trips, and thick insulation (over 2 inches) is best for extended trips. Consider how long you need to keep items cold when choosing the insulation level.
WaterproofingWaterproofing ensures that the cooler can withstand exposure to water without leaking. This is important if you plan to use the cooler in wet environments or if it might get splashed. Look for coolers with waterproof zippers and seams. Some coolers are fully submersible, which is ideal for boating or rafting. If you need a cooler for general outdoor use, a water-resistant model may suffice.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the cooler. This is important if you need to transport it over long distances or rough terrain. Soft coolers often come with shoulder straps, backpack straps, or handles. Small coolers are usually light and easy to carry, while larger coolers may have wheels or require two people to carry. Consider how far and how often you'll need to carry the cooler when choosing the right level of portability.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand wear and tear. This is important if you plan to use the cooler frequently or in rugged conditions. Look for coolers made from high-quality materials like heavy-duty nylon or polyester. Reinforced seams and sturdy zippers also contribute to durability. If you need a cooler for occasional use, a less rugged model may be sufficient, but for frequent or rough use, opt for a more durable option.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your cooler. These might include extra pockets for storage, bottle openers, or attachment points for gear. While not essential, these features can add convenience and versatility. Think about what extra features might be useful for your specific needs. For example, if you often bring utensils or small items, extra pockets could be beneficial.

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