The 10 Best Backpack Coolers We Tested on Picnics, Hikes, and Beach Days

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Michelle Dupre

People / Michelle Dupre

These compact and convenient coolers come in a variety of styles and sizes with unique features to consider. With so many options out there, we took 10 coolers out for a spin, and after 117 hours of testing, our team found that all of the coolers met and exceeded our standards.

So, if you’re in the market for a backpack cooler and need one that aligns with your lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Sparter Backpack Cooler at Amazon$37Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner-Up:YETI Backpack Soft Cooler at Yeti.comJump to ReviewBest Value:SALETourit Lightweight Cooler Backpack at Amazon$46$37Jump to ReviewBest Durable:Carhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest for Hiking:Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler at Amazon$41Jump to ReviewBest Design:SALECorkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler at Amazon$170$129Jump to ReviewBest Insulation:Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack at Amazon$120Jump to ReviewMost Spacious:IceMule 33L Backpack Cooler at Amazon$135Jump to ReviewBest Compact:Stanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Overall:Sparter Backpack Cooler at Amazon$37Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner-Up:YETI Backpack Soft Cooler at Yeti.comJump to ReviewBest Value:SALETourit Lightweight Cooler Backpack at Amazon$46$37Jump to ReviewBest Durable:Carhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest for Hiking:Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler at Amazon$41Jump to ReviewBest Design:SALECorkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler at Amazon$170$129Jump to ReviewBest Insulation:Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack at Amazon$120Jump to ReviewMost Spacious:IceMule 33L Backpack Cooler at Amazon$135Jump to ReviewBest Compact:Stanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack at Amazon$170Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Overall:Sparter Backpack Cooler at Amazon$37Jump to Review

Best Overall:Sparter Backpack Cooler at Amazon$37

Best Overall:

Best Overall, Runner-Up:YETI Backpack Soft Cooler at Yeti.comJump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:YETI Backpack Soft Cooler at Yeti.com

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Best Value:SALETourit Lightweight Cooler Backpack at Amazon$46$37Jump to Review

Best Value:SALETourit Lightweight Cooler Backpack at Amazon$46$37

Best Value:

SALE

Best Durable:Carhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack at Amazon$100Jump to Review

Best Durable:Carhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack at Amazon$100

Best Durable:

Best for Hiking:Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler at Amazon$41Jump to Review

Best for Hiking:Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler at Amazon$41

Best for Hiking:

Best Design:SALECorkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler at Amazon$170$129Jump to Review

Best Design:SALECorkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler at Amazon$170$129

Best Design:

Best Insulation:Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack at Amazon$120Jump to Review

Best Insulation:Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack at Amazon$120

Best Insulation:

Most Spacious:IceMule 33L Backpack Cooler at Amazon$135Jump to Review

Most Spacious:IceMule 33L Backpack Cooler at Amazon$135

Most Spacious:

Best Compact:Stanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack at Amazon$170Jump to Review

Best Compact:Stanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack at Amazon$170

Best Compact:

Best Lightweight:Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler at Amazon$45

Best Lightweight:

Best OverallSparter Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Amazon$37 at Amazon$25 at Walmart

Best OverallSparter Backpack Cooler

Best Overall

Sparter Backpack Cooler

PHOTO: Amazon

$37 at Amazon$25 at Walmart

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceHigh-quality constructionPractical design that holds 30 cansRed FlagsNot the most stylish option on our list

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceHigh-quality constructionPractical design that holds 30 cans

Budget-friendly price

High-quality construction

Practical design that holds 30 cans

Red FlagsNot the most stylish option on our list

Not the most stylish option on our list

And sand is of no concern: Since the nylon material has a PU coating, too, it’s super easy to brush off sand, so you don’t bring half the beach home with you. The backpack is also very easy to lift — even when full of cans — and comfortable to carry, thanks to the padded straps. It also has a top handle, so you can carry it like a regular cooler if you need to. It also has enough pockets to stash other items, including wallets, keys, and sunglasses. Plus, it comes with a handy bottle opener keychain.

Colors:5 |Material:Nylon, PU coating, PEVA liner |Dimensions:7.5 x 10.5 x 17.5 inches |Capacity:5.55 gallons

PHOTO: People / Sarah NaftzgerPHOTO: People / Sarah NaftzgerPHOTO: People / Sarah NaftzgerPHOTO: People / Sarah NaftzgerPHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger

Best Overall, Runner-UpYETI Backpack Soft CoolerPHOTO: YetiView on Yeti.com$275 at REI$35 at Crate & Barrel

Best Overall, Runner-UpYETI Backpack Soft Cooler

Best Overall, Runner-Up

YETI Backpack Soft Cooler

PHOTO: Yeti

View on Yeti.com$275 at REI$35 at Crate & Barrel

Star QualitiesStylish designIce stays intact for 24 hoursLightweightRed FlagsSmaller capacity than our best overallExpensive

Star QualitiesStylish designIce stays intact for 24 hoursLightweight

Stylish design

Ice stays intact for 24 hours

Lightweight

Red FlagsSmaller capacity than our best overallExpensive

Smaller capacity than our best overall

Expensive

TheYeti M12 Backpack Soft Cooleris one of the most splurge-worthy options on our list. Despite its ultra-high price tag, it received high marks from our testing team (and convinced us that it’s 100 percent worth the investment). This durable backpack cooler boasts a stylish and sleek design, holds up to 12 pounds of ice, and even fits full size wine bottles.

Colors:7 |Material:Dryhide shell |Dimensions:17x 8 x 16 inches |Capacity:20 cans

PHOTO: People / Deidre GalvinPHOTO: People / Deidre GalvinPHOTO: People / Deidre GalvinPHOTO: People / Deidre GalvinPHOTO: People / Deidre Galvin

Best ValueTourit Lightweight Cooler BackpackPHOTO: Amazon$46$37 at Amazon$37 at WalmartStar QualitiesBudget-friendly priceComfortable and sturdy shoulder strapsHigh-quality constructionRed FlagsDoesn’t keep cool overnightCan’t fill with iceWe think this budget-friendly option from Amazon is also worth considering. The overall quality of construction is impressive, especially given the low price. The design offers comfortable and durable shoulder straps — though you have to use ice packs for the inner chamber rather than actual ice.We tested it in several ways, including on a grocery store run in the city and a steamy 88-degree excursion to the pool. We found that our groceries remained cool from the store to our fridge, even without an ice pack. And, while at the pool, our beverages also stayed chilled, though the ones closer to the ice packs were the coldest. This bag is a great choice for those who live in a city and walk or take public transportation to the grocery store.Colors:5 |Material:600D Oxford, EPE foam, PEVA |Dimensions:7.5 x 13 x 17 inches |Capacity:7.4 gallonsPHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle Dupre

Best ValueTourit Lightweight Cooler BackpackPHOTO: Amazon$46$37 at Amazon$37 at Walmart

Best ValueTourit Lightweight Cooler Backpack

Best Value

Tourit Lightweight Cooler Backpack

$46$37 at Amazon$37 at Walmart

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceComfortable and sturdy shoulder strapsHigh-quality constructionRed FlagsDoesn’t keep cool overnightCan’t fill with ice

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceComfortable and sturdy shoulder strapsHigh-quality construction

Comfortable and sturdy shoulder straps

Red FlagsDoesn’t keep cool overnightCan’t fill with ice

Doesn’t keep cool overnight

Can’t fill with ice

We think this budget-friendly option from Amazon is also worth considering. The overall quality of construction is impressive, especially given the low price. The design offers comfortable and durable shoulder straps — though you have to use ice packs for the inner chamber rather than actual ice.

We tested it in several ways, including on a grocery store run in the city and a steamy 88-degree excursion to the pool. We found that our groceries remained cool from the store to our fridge, even without an ice pack. And, while at the pool, our beverages also stayed chilled, though the ones closer to the ice packs were the coldest. This bag is a great choice for those who live in a city and walk or take public transportation to the grocery store.

Colors:5 |Material:600D Oxford, EPE foam, PEVA |Dimensions:7.5 x 13 x 17 inches |Capacity:7.4 gallons

PHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle DuprePHOTO: People / Michelle Dupre

Best DurableCarhartt Insulated Cooler BackpackPHOTO: Amazon$100 at Amazon$90 at ZapposView on Carhartt.com

Best DurableCarhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack

Best Durable

Carhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack

$100 at Amazon$90 at ZapposView on Carhartt.com

Star QualitiesSturdy materialMultiple compartmentsDurable handlesRed FlagsIce melts after several hours

Star QualitiesSturdy materialMultiple compartmentsDurable handles

Sturdy material

Multiple compartments

Durable handles

Red FlagsIce melts after several hours

Ice melts after several hours

The Carhartt Insulated Cooler Backpack was not only the most durable backpack we tested but the best for commuters. Our tester works in construction and brought this bag to a job site. Its sturdy material, durable handles, and varied compartments make it a great choice for keeping your lunch and beverages chilled, as well as storing work essentials like a notebook, pen, water bottle, tablet, and more.

Colors:3 |Material:600 denier fabric with rain defender |Dimensions:21 x 16.5 x 10 inches |Capacity:12 cans

PHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

Best for HikingColeman Soft Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Coleman$41 at Amazon$53$40 at WalmartView on Lowe’sStar QualitiesUltra-lightweightDoesn’t leakKeeps ice packs frozenRed FlagsNot the most durable on our listWe wish it was biggerWe tested the Coleman Backpack Cooler in a few different ways, including during a round of golf in 85-degree weather and a summer beach day. It’s an excellent choice for those looking at backpack coolers for outdoor activities, including hiking, because it has a super lightweight construction, doesn’t leak, and keeps ice packs frozen to ensure continued insulation throughout the day.Plus, it has all the usual backpack features with the added benefit of insulation. It also has a bungee cord detail on the front, so you can stow a light layer without taking up space inside. It’s not the most durable option on our list, but the lightweight construction makes it one of the more appealing designs for short-term use.Colors:2 |Material:Recycled polyester |Dimensions:18.75 x 12.5 x 2.75 inches |Capacity:28 cansPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex Huang

Best for HikingColeman Soft Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Coleman$41 at Amazon$53$40 at WalmartView on Lowe’s

Best for HikingColeman Soft Backpack Cooler

Best for Hiking

Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler

PHOTO: Coleman

$41 at Amazon$53$40 at WalmartView on Lowe’s

Star QualitiesUltra-lightweightDoesn’t leakKeeps ice packs frozenRed FlagsNot the most durable on our listWe wish it was bigger

Star QualitiesUltra-lightweightDoesn’t leakKeeps ice packs frozen

Ultra-lightweight

Doesn’t leak

Keeps ice packs frozen

Red FlagsNot the most durable on our listWe wish it was bigger

Not the most durable on our list

We wish it was bigger

We tested the Coleman Backpack Cooler in a few different ways, including during a round of golf in 85-degree weather and a summer beach day. It’s an excellent choice for those looking at backpack coolers for outdoor activities, including hiking, because it has a super lightweight construction, doesn’t leak, and keeps ice packs frozen to ensure continued insulation throughout the day.

Plus, it has all the usual backpack features with the added benefit of insulation. It also has a bungee cord detail on the front, so you can stow a light layer without taking up space inside. It’s not the most durable option on our list, but the lightweight construction makes it one of the more appealing designs for short-term use.

Colors:2 |Material:Recycled polyester |Dimensions:18.75 x 12.5 x 2.75 inches |Capacity:28 cans

PHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex HuangPHOTO: People / Alex Huang

Best DesignCorkcicle Lotus Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Corkcicle$170$129 at AmazonView on Corkcicle.comStar QualitiesSturdy, chic, and durable designKeeps ice frozen, even in direct sunlightTakes 31 hours for ice to fully meltRed FlagsTop heavy when emptyMaterial gets dirty easilyIf we had to choose a bag for its looks alone, we’d go with theCorkcicle Lotus Backpack Coolerevery time. But, as it turns out, this bag isn’t just cute, it’s also super functional and has one of the best insulation times on our list. The bag was tested in 90-degree beach weather and not only kept items cool but also kept ice frozen, even in direct sunlight. Once home, we left the ice in the backpack, and it took 31 hours for it to fully melt.The design also has lots of functional details, like side pockets for water bottles and a front pouch for essentials. It’s also incredibly comfy to wear — even while commuting — and can holda lotfor its size. While it is a little top heavy when empty, the bag is very durable and feels sturdy on the shoulder when filled with food and drinks. Our only real complaint? Since it’s made from a neoprene fabric, the material gets dirty easily.Colors:4 |Material:Neoprene |Dimensions:Not listed |Capacity:24PHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein

Best DesignCorkcicle Lotus Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Corkcicle$170$129 at AmazonView on Corkcicle.com

Best DesignCorkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler

Best Design

Corkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler

PHOTO: Corkcicle

$170$129 at AmazonView on Corkcicle.com

Star QualitiesSturdy, chic, and durable designKeeps ice frozen, even in direct sunlightTakes 31 hours for ice to fully meltRed FlagsTop heavy when emptyMaterial gets dirty easily

Star QualitiesSturdy, chic, and durable designKeeps ice frozen, even in direct sunlightTakes 31 hours for ice to fully melt

Sturdy, chic, and durable design

Keeps ice frozen, even in direct sunlight

Takes 31 hours for ice to fully melt

Red FlagsTop heavy when emptyMaterial gets dirty easily

Top heavy when empty

Material gets dirty easily

If we had to choose a bag for its looks alone, we’d go with theCorkcicle Lotus Backpack Coolerevery time. But, as it turns out, this bag isn’t just cute, it’s also super functional and has one of the best insulation times on our list. The bag was tested in 90-degree beach weather and not only kept items cool but also kept ice frozen, even in direct sunlight. Once home, we left the ice in the backpack, and it took 31 hours for it to fully melt.

The design also has lots of functional details, like side pockets for water bottles and a front pouch for essentials. It’s also incredibly comfy to wear — even while commuting — and can holda lotfor its size. While it is a little top heavy when empty, the bag is very durable and feels sturdy on the shoulder when filled with food and drinks. Our only real complaint? Since it’s made from a neoprene fabric, the material gets dirty easily.

Colors:4 |Material:Neoprene |Dimensions:Not listed |Capacity:24

PHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein

Best InsulationHydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler PackPHOTO: Hydroflask$120 at AmazonView on Hydroflask.com$120 at Dick’sStar QualitiesIce is still intact after 20 hours of useHigh-quality construction and firm shapeEasy and comfortable to wearRed FlagsBulky shapeCan get heavy when fully packedThe Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack impressed us with its insulation capabilities. This backpack cooler has a firm shape that maintains its structure whether full and empty, and it has comfortable straps for convenient portability. We took it to the park in 80-degree weather and let it sit in the trunk of our car to see just how well it performed.The bag has a high-quality construction and design that is easy and comfortable to wear (though the shape makes it a bit bulky). After 20 hours, there were still chunks of ice inside, and the melted ice water remained chilled. When empty, the bag feels like it weighs nothing, but, since it is so large, it can get heavy when fully packed, especially with ice packs and glass bottles.Colors:4 |Material:Recycled polyester, water-resistant 600D fabric |Dimensions:11.5 x 18.20 x 2.60 inches |Capacity:20 litersPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord

Best InsulationHydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler PackPHOTO: Hydroflask$120 at AmazonView on Hydroflask.com$120 at Dick’s

Best InsulationHydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack

Best Insulation

Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack

PHOTO: Hydroflask

$120 at AmazonView on Hydroflask.com$120 at Dick’s

Star QualitiesIce is still intact after 20 hours of useHigh-quality construction and firm shapeEasy and comfortable to wearRed FlagsBulky shapeCan get heavy when fully packed

Star QualitiesIce is still intact after 20 hours of useHigh-quality construction and firm shapeEasy and comfortable to wear

Ice is still intact after 20 hours of use

High-quality construction and firm shape

Easy and comfortable to wear

Red FlagsBulky shapeCan get heavy when fully packed

Bulky shape

Can get heavy when fully packed

The Hydroflask Carry Out Soft Cooler Pack impressed us with its insulation capabilities. This backpack cooler has a firm shape that maintains its structure whether full and empty, and it has comfortable straps for convenient portability. We took it to the park in 80-degree weather and let it sit in the trunk of our car to see just how well it performed.

The bag has a high-quality construction and design that is easy and comfortable to wear (though the shape makes it a bit bulky). After 20 hours, there were still chunks of ice inside, and the melted ice water remained chilled. When empty, the bag feels like it weighs nothing, but, since it is so large, it can get heavy when fully packed, especially with ice packs and glass bottles.

Colors:4 |Material:Recycled polyester, water-resistant 600D fabric |Dimensions:11.5 x 18.20 x 2.60 inches |Capacity:20 liters

PHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler AlvordPHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord

Most SpaciousIceMule 33L Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Amazon$135$121 at Amazon$150 at Dick’s$145 at REIStar QualitiesUltra-large design that holds 33 litersFront bungee cord featureChest strap and ventilated backRed FlagsNot a lot of pocket spaceThis backpack cooler can hold a whopping 33 liters and is one of the more durable options on our list. This large backpack cooler has a nice coating on it (similar to the Yeti designs) so it doesn’t leak or feel moist once ice melts. Since its large size can get heavy, the bag has a chest strap to relieve some weight from your shoulders, plus padded shoulder straps for comfort.The backpack was tested in 90-degree weather and used for soccer games, picnics, playground playdates, and even a short hiking trip. The ice started to melt after around three hours of use, but it remained mostly intact for all of our tests and kept its contents chilled. It also has a unique valve feature that allows you to blow air into it for further insulation. The massive capacity is actually quite hard to fill to the brim. With ice, it can hold 32 cans and, without, it can hold 56, so it’s great for a large party or when you’re on snack duty for your kids’ sporting events.Colors:5 |Material:Not listed |Dimensions:14 x 11 x 24 inches |Capacity:33 litersPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry Yung

Most SpaciousIceMule 33L Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Amazon$135$121 at Amazon$150 at Dick’s$145 at REI

Most SpaciousIceMule 33L Backpack Cooler

Most Spacious

IceMule 33L Backpack Cooler

$135$121 at Amazon$150 at Dick’s$145 at REI

Star QualitiesUltra-large design that holds 33 litersFront bungee cord featureChest strap and ventilated backRed FlagsNot a lot of pocket space

Star QualitiesUltra-large design that holds 33 litersFront bungee cord featureChest strap and ventilated back

Ultra-large design that holds 33 liters

Front bungee cord feature

Chest strap and ventilated back

Red FlagsNot a lot of pocket space

Not a lot of pocket space

This backpack cooler can hold a whopping 33 liters and is one of the more durable options on our list. This large backpack cooler has a nice coating on it (similar to the Yeti designs) so it doesn’t leak or feel moist once ice melts. Since its large size can get heavy, the bag has a chest strap to relieve some weight from your shoulders, plus padded shoulder straps for comfort.

The backpack was tested in 90-degree weather and used for soccer games, picnics, playground playdates, and even a short hiking trip. The ice started to melt after around three hours of use, but it remained mostly intact for all of our tests and kept its contents chilled. It also has a unique valve feature that allows you to blow air into it for further insulation. The massive capacity is actually quite hard to fill to the brim. With ice, it can hold 32 cans and, without, it can hold 56, so it’s great for a large party or when you’re on snack duty for your kids’ sporting events.

Colors:5 |Material:Not listed |Dimensions:14 x 11 x 24 inches |Capacity:33 liters

PHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry Yung

Best CompactStanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler BackpackPHOTO: Stanley$170 at Amazon$170 at TargetView on Stanley1913.comStar QualitiesCute and functional designDurable materialTakes around 18-20 hours for ice to fully meltRed FlagsExpensive for the sizeOur newStanley obsessionisn’t a tumbler — it’s The All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack. This small backpack cooler is seriouslycute and fun, plus it’s functional enough for activities like pool days and park hangs. We love that it resembles a classic backpack but opens up to reveal high-quality insulation that keeps beverages and food cool for hours.While testing this bag out, we packed it with snacks and drinks for a hot summer day at the pool. It kept our items chilled for the duration of our excursion, plus the ice stayed intact for around 18 to 20 hours, so it has a good insulation time. Much like Stanley water bottles, this backpack cooler comes with a hefty price tag, especially when you consider its compact size, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of ease of use, overall durability, and function.Colors:9 |Material:Recycled polyester |Dimensions:11.8 x 7.87 x 16.14 inches |Capacity:20 cansPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina Ollinger

Best CompactStanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler BackpackPHOTO: Stanley$170 at Amazon$170 at TargetView on Stanley1913.com

Best CompactStanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack

Best Compact

Stanley All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack

PHOTO: Stanley

$170 at Amazon$170 at TargetView on Stanley1913.com

Star QualitiesCute and functional designDurable materialTakes around 18-20 hours for ice to fully meltRed FlagsExpensive for the size

Star QualitiesCute and functional designDurable materialTakes around 18-20 hours for ice to fully melt

Cute and functional design

Durable material

Takes around 18-20 hours for ice to fully melt

Red FlagsExpensive for the size

Expensive for the size

Our newStanley obsessionisn’t a tumbler — it’s The All Day Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack. This small backpack cooler is seriouslycute and fun, plus it’s functional enough for activities like pool days and park hangs. We love that it resembles a classic backpack but opens up to reveal high-quality insulation that keeps beverages and food cool for hours.

While testing this bag out, we packed it with snacks and drinks for a hot summer day at the pool. It kept our items chilled for the duration of our excursion, plus the ice stayed intact for around 18 to 20 hours, so it has a good insulation time. Much like Stanley water bottles, this backpack cooler comes with a hefty price tag, especially when you consider its compact size, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of ease of use, overall durability, and function.

Colors:9 |Material:Recycled polyester |Dimensions:11.8 x 7.87 x 16.14 inches |Capacity:20 cans

PHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina Ollinger

Best LightweightArctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack CoolerPHOTO: Amazon$45$40 at AmazonView on Arcticzone.com$30 at Kohls.com

Best LightweightArctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler

Best Lightweight

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler

$45$40 at AmazonView on Arcticzone.com$30 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesSturdy yet lightweight designExcellent for picnics and hikingComfortable, padded strapsRed FlagsNot the most stylish pick on our listDoesn’t keep items frozen

Star QualitiesSturdy yet lightweight designExcellent for picnics and hikingComfortable, padded straps

Sturdy yet lightweight design

Excellent for picnics and hiking

Comfortable, padded straps

Red FlagsNot the most stylish pick on our listDoesn’t keep items frozen

Not the most stylish pick on our list

Doesn’t keep items frozen

The bag has a comfortable, lightweight construction with durable padded shoulder straps and handles that make carrying it a total breeze. It can also carry a lot (and a good variety of items), so it’s a fantastic pick for a group of four on a short day trip.

Colors:8 |Material:Deep Freeze™ Performance Insulation, fabric |Dimensions:10.5 x 7.5 x 16.5 inches |Capacity:24 cans

PHOTO: People / Nathaly MartinezPHOTO: People / Nathaly MartinezPHOTO: People / Nathaly MartinezPHOTO: People / Nathaly MartinezPHOTO: People / Nathaly Martinez

What to Know About Backpack Coolers

Insulation Time

You want your cooler to keep your items cool — and, in some cases, frozen — so insulation is the most important thing to consider when shopping for these backpacks. Look at the product descriptions for information on insulation time to get a better idea of how long items can stay chilled when inside the coolers.

When considering the overall insulation, double check what kinds of ice are compatible with the backpack and choose the one that aligns best with your needs. Some backpacks allow you to add traditional ice cubes and frozen ice packs, while others are incompatible with traditional ice.

Construction

In addition to the insulation capabilities, you’ll also want to look at the overall construction. You should choose a backpack that is well-made with durable materials such as nylon and features like PU coating to ensure the backpacks stay dry once the ice starts to melt. While it’s not entirely necessary, it’s also worth looking at options that have mesh on the areas that touch the body to promote better breathability.

Comfort Features

Backpack coolers provide a functional way to keep beverages and food cool while on the go. And as much as this convenience offers, it can also get old quickly if your backpack isn’t comfortable or the construction isn’t durable enough to support a ton of weight (cans and bottles are heavy!). When shopping for the best backpack coolers, pay close attention to the shoulder straps and look for adjustable features and important design details like padding.

Price Range

Unfortunately, high-quality coolers — even when in backpack form — usually come with a high price tag. But, while it’s not uncommon (and honestly worth it) to spend upwards of $250 on a backpack cooler such as theYeti M12 Backpack Soft Cooler, you can find more moderately priced designs as well as some more budget-friendly options, too.

Case in point: Our top pick for the best backpack cooler overall, theSparter Backpack Cooler, costs $37 and is one of the cheapest options on our list, but also the option with the highest ranking. We also loved a lot of the more moderately priced coolers we tested, including theHydroflask 20 L Carry Out™ Soft Cooler Packand theCorkcicle Lotus Backpack Cooler.

Added Details

At the end of the day, a backpack cooler needs to keep your items cool and be comfortable and convenient enough to carry on the go. Added details aren’t necessarily make-or-break, but they are worth mentioning; with so many backpack coolers to choose from, details can up the ante and make you want to choose one over the other.

Depending on your preferences and needs, look for backpack coolers that don’t just nail the cooler part but also have features like additional pockets for other essentials, bottle opener keychains (like theSparter Backpack Cooler), and other carrying straps in case you want to change orientation while trekking to your destination.

People / Kalina Ollinger

To find the best backpack coolers, our PEOPLE Tested team spent 117 hours with 10 top-rated insulated backpacks. On average, we exposed them to 84 degrees Fahrenheit to better understand how they hold up (and keep items cool) in the sweltering summer heat. Out of the 10 backpack coolers we tested, six received 4.5 or higher scores. Overall, all of the backpacks performed well for various reasons, so we decided to include them on our best backpack coolers list.

People / Nathaly Martinez

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

source: people.com