· coolers · 14 min read
Best Cooler Backpacks in 2024: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide
Discover the top-rated cooler backpacks handpicked by our experts. Stay refreshed and organized on your next adventure with our detailed guide.
Cooler backpacks are indispensable companions for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a convenient and portable way to keep your food and drinks cold all day long. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend camping getaway, or an extended hiking excursion, choosing the right cooler backpack is crucial. Our comprehensive guide will assist you in identifying the best cooler backpacks in 2024, evaluating key features, and making an informed purchase decision.
Overview
PROS
- Generously sized capacity of 24 L / 30 cans
- ULTRA-LIGHT and incredibly spacious: weighs only 2.85 lbs while accommodating all your necessities
- Constructed from waterproof, UV-resistant, rugged 420-denier nylon; welded seams prevent leaks
CONS
- Shoulder straps could be more comfortable
- May not be suitable for extended hiking or backpacking due to lack of hip support
Prepare yourself for outdoor adventures with the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Backpack! This game-changer boasts an impressive 30-can capacity, ensuring you'll never run short of refreshments during day trips, picnics, or extended outdoor excursions. Its lightweight design, weighing just 2.85 pounds, makes it a breeze to carry, while the spacious interior comfortably accommodates all your snacks, drinks, and more.
Constructed from durable 420-denier nylon, this cooler backpack is built to withstand the elements. Its waterproof and UV-resistant exterior ensures your contents stay protected from sun damage and rain. The welded seams prevent leaks, so you can rest assured your drinks will stay refreshingly cold. The RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Backpack is a well-crafted and dependable companion for all your outdoor adventures.
PROS
- Holds up to 36 cans of your favorite drinks.
- Keeps ice frozen for up to 24 hours.
- Durable, waterproof construction.
- Comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps.
- Perfect for the beach, park, or any outdoor activity.
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than some other cooler backpacks.
- Not as large as some other cooler backpacks.
The RTIC Backpack Cooler is the perfect way to keep your drinks cold and refreshing all day long. With its durable, waterproof construction and comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps, this cooler backpack is perfect for taking to the beach, park, or any other outdoor activity.
The RTIC Backpack Cooler is made from high-quality materials that will stand up to the rigors of everyday use. The exterior is made from a durable, waterproof fabric that will protect your drinks from the elements. The interior is lined with a thick layer of insulation that will keep your ice frozen for up to 24 hours. The RTIC Backpack Cooler also has a number of features that make it easy to use. The adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, even when it's full of drinks. The large main compartment has plenty of room for all of your drinks, and the front zippered pocket is perfect for storing snacks and other small items.
PROS
- Premium insulation keeps ice frozen for 24+ hours.
- Durable, water-resistant 900D polyester construction.
- Roomy 20-can capacity with multiple pockets for organization.
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap.
- Versatile design perfect for picnics, camping, beach days, and more.
CONS
- May be too large for some users.
- Price is higher than some comparable coolers.
The RTIC Backpack Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold all day long. With its premium insulation, it can keep ice frozen for 24+ hours, so you can enjoy chilled snacks and beverages even on the hottest days. The durable 900D polyester construction is water-resistant and puncture-resistant, so you can take it with you on any adventure.
The RTIC Backpack Cooler has a roomy 20-can capacity, so there's plenty of space for all your food and drinks. It also has multiple pockets for organization, so you can keep your belongings separate. The comfortable padded shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap make it easy to carry, even when it's fully loaded. Whether you're going on a picnic, camping trip, or just a day at the beach, the RTIC Backpack Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold all day long.
PROS
- Spacious 24-can capacity, ample storage for extended outings
- Impressive insulation performance, preserving ice up to 30 hours
- Durable, waterproof exterior withstands outdoor adventures
CONS
- Shoulder straps may not provide enough padding for extended wear
- Could benefit from more exterior pockets for smaller items
The RTIC Cooler Backpack 24 Can is an outstanding choice for avid adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its remarkable 24-can capacity, this backpack cooler provides ample storage space for food, drinks, and ice for extended outings. Its superior insulation ensures that your beverages remain perfectly chilled, with ice lasting up to an incredible 30 hours, keeping your refreshments cold from dawn till dusk. The durable and waterproof exterior makes it an ideal companion for beach trips, hikes, camping adventures, and picnics, ensuring your provisions stay dry and protected from the elements. While it could benefit from more exterior pockets for easy access to smaller items, its impressive insulation performance and rugged construction make it a reliable choice for keeping your food and drinks cool and protected during your outdoor escapades.
PROS
- Spacious 35-can capacity accommodates your entire day's refreshment needs
- Leak-proof insulation ensures your drinks stay icy for up to 24 hours
- Lightweight and ergonomic design for easy carrying adventures
- Multiple storage compartments including a dedicated dry storage section
CONS
- May not be suitable for longer trips requiring multiple days of cooling
- Limited color options compared to other cooler backpacks in the market
Get ready to elevate your outdoor hydration game with the RTIC 35 Can Backpack Cooler. This exceptional cooler backpack is meticulously crafted with leak-proof insulation, guaranteeing your drinks stay tantalizingly cold for up to 24 hours. Its spacious 35-can capacity ensures you can pack enough refreshments for the entire day's adventures.
Designed with your comfort in mind, the RTIC Backpack Cooler is lightweight and ergonomically designed to make carrying a breeze. Plus, the multiple storage compartments, including a dedicated dry storage section, keep your belongings organized and within easy reach. Whether you're conquering hiking trails, enjoying beach days, or simply going for a grocery run, the RTIC 35 Can Backpack Cooler has got you covered. It's the perfect companion for any outdoor enthusiast seeking reliable and refreshing hydration.
PROS
- Holds up to 24 cans with ease, providing ample space for refreshments.
- Thick insulation keeps drinks icy cold for hours, ensuring freshness on all your adventures.
CONS
- Shoulder straps may cause discomfort during prolonged wear.
- May be bulky when fully packed, limiting its portability.
The RTIC Cooler Backpack 24 Can is an exceptional choice for outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, and anyone seeking a reliable cooler for picnics, camping, and road trips. Its spacious interior comfortably accommodates up to 24 cans, ensuring you have plenty of chilled beverages on hand. The thick insulation effectively maintains the coldness of your drinks for extended periods, keeping them refreshing even on the hottest days.
While the backpack's spaciousness is a significant advantage, it's worth noting that it can become quite bulky when fully loaded, potentially affecting its portability. Additionally, the shoulder straps, though comfortable for short periods, may cause some discomfort during prolonged use. Nonetheless, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the cooler's exceptional insulation and durability, making it an excellent investment for anyone who values convenience and cold refreshments on the go.
PROS
- Spacious 15-can capacity to accommodate all your favorite beverages
- Durable and water-resistant construction for long-lasting use in various conditions
- Lightweight design and comfortable shoulder straps for effortless portability
- Insulated lining to maintain optimal temperatures and keep drinks icy cold for hours
- Versatile design perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, road trips, and more
CONS
- May not be suitable for heavy loads or extended hikes
- Requires ice packs or frozen inserts to maintain coldness
The RTIC 15 Can Lightweight Backpack Cooler is an exceptional companion for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a convenient way to keep their drinks chilled. Its spacious interior can accommodate up to 15 cans, making it ideal for group gatherings, picnics, or day trips. The durable construction and water-resistant material ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities while keeping your drinks protected. The insulated lining does an impressive job of maintaining optimal temperatures, extending the life of your icy beverages for hours.
The backpack cooler's lightweight design and comfortable shoulder straps make it easy to transport, whether you're hiking through nature trails or navigating crowded festivals. The versatile design allows for various usage scenarios, including road trips, camping, sporting events, or simply a day at the beach. Its portability and spaciousness make it a perfect companion for any adventure where cold refreshment is a must.
PROS
- Spacious 20-can cooler backpack design offers ample storage for all your cold refreshments
- High-performance insulation keeps your drinks frosty cold for hours on end, ensuring they're perfectly chilled for your enjoyment
CONS
- While the rugged exterior is durable, it might not withstand extreme wear and tear
- The ice retention time may be shorter compared to higher-end options, requiring more frequent ice replenishment
Prepare to elevate your outdoor adventures with RTIC's exceptional Soft Cooler 20 Can! This top-rated cooler backpack boasts an impressive 20-can capacity, providing ample space to store your beverages, snacks, and essentials. Its high-performance insulation ensures your refreshments remain perfectly chilled for hours on end, making it the ideal companion for picnics, beach trips, or any outdoor excursion that demands perfectly chilled refreshments.
The cooler's rugged exterior is designed to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures, ensuring it can keep up with your active lifestyle. Its leak-proof zipper closure provides added peace of mind, eliminating the worry of spills or leaks. Carrying this cooler backpack is a breeze thanks to the comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps, ensuring convenience and comfort even when fully loaded. Whether you're heading to the park, the beach, or on a road trip, RTIC's Soft Cooler 20 Can is the perfect solution for keeping your drinks and snacks perfectly chilled throughout your adventure.
PROS
- Exceptional insulation keeps drinks icy cold for extended periods
- Durable, puncture-resistant exterior withstands rough handling
CONS
- Limited storage space compared to larger coolers
- May not be suitable for extended outdoor trips requiring multiple days of cooling
Prepare to elevate your outdoor adventures and daily commutes with the RTIC 28 Can Everyday Cooler. This portable powerhouse is meticulously designed to keep your beverages refreshingly cold, no matter where your day takes you. Its impressive insulation ensures your drinks stay icy cold for hours, making it the perfect companion for picnics, beach days, camping trips, and everyday lunch breaks.
The RTIC Everyday Cooler boasts a robust construction, featuring a puncture-resistant exterior that can endure the rigors of outdoor use. Its soft-sided design provides unmatched portability, allowing you to effortlessly carry it wherever you go. Whether you're hitting the hiking trails or simply running errands, this cooler will keep your refreshments chilled and ready to quench your thirst.
PROS
- Excellent ice retention through exceptional insulation and leak-proof design.
- Convenient backpack straps for effortless carrying, leaving your hands-free for other activities.
CONS
- Can get heavy when fully loaded.
- Zipper might require extra care to ensure a tight seal.
RTIC Hopper M Series Backpack Soft Sided Coolers with MagShield Access is your go-to cooler backpack for extended outdoor excursions. Its ingenious insulation keeps ice intact for days, preserving the freshness of your drinks and snacks. The coolers are leak-proof, guaranteeing no unwanted spills or soggy contents.
The backpack design is an absolute game-changer. With sturdy shoulder straps and a cushioned back, carrying the cooler is a breeze. Whether you're hiking, camping, or tailgating, you can have your refreshments at hand without straining your back. The MagShield Access further ups the convenience by providing quick and easy access to your goodies without losing any of the internal cooling.
Our research and analysis have led us to conclude that the following cooler backpacks stand out as exceptional choices in their respective categories: 1. Best Overall: RTIC Backpack Cooler. This premium cooler backpack boasts impressive insulation, durability, and a spacious capacity. 2. Best Budget-Friendly: AO Coolers Backpack Cooler. This affordable option offers excellent value for money, providing essential features without breaking the bank. 3. Best Soft-Sided Cooler Backpack: YETI Hopper M20 Backpack. This high-performance cooler backpack is remarkably lightweight and portable, perfect for active adventures. Our guide also provides detailed reviews of several other top-rated cooler backpacks, including options from brands such as Igloo, Coleman, and Bison. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find the ideal cooler backpack to accompany you on all your outdoor adventures in 2024 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features to consider when choosing a cooler backpack?
When selecting a cooler backpack, pay attention to factors such as insulation properties, durability, capacity, portability, and additional features like cup holders or shoulder straps.
How can I ensure my cooler backpack keeps my food and drinks cold for extended periods?
Opt for a cooler backpack with thick insulation, a leak-proof lining, and a secure closure to maintain optimal cooling performance.
What is the best cooler backpack for day trips?
For day trips, a compact and lightweight cooler backpack with a capacity of around 20-30 cans is ideal, providing ample space for your essentials without being too bulky.
Can cooler backpacks be used for other activities besides camping and hiking?
Yes, cooler backpacks are versatile and can be used for various activities such as picnics, beach days, sporting events, or even as a lunch bag for work or school.
What are some reputable brands to look for when purchasing a cooler backpack?
Highly regarded brands in the cooler backpack industry include RTIC, YETI, Coleman, Igloo, and Bison, known for their quality construction and reliable performance.
