Ever packed a picnic or planned a beach day, only to have your ice melt too soon? It’s a bummer when your cold drinks get warm, right? Choosing the right soft-sided cooler can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which one will keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled on your adventures.
You want a cooler that’s easy to carry, tough enough for the outdoors, and actually keeps things cold. But with all the brands and features out there, it’s easy to get confused. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This post will help you figure out what makes a great soft-sided cooler.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important stuff so you can pick a cooler that fits your needs and makes your next outing a success. Let’s dive in and find your perfect cool companion!
Our Top 5 Soft Sided Coolers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soft Sided Coolers Detailed Reviews
1. Titan by Arctic Zone 16 Can Zipperless Soft Cooler with HardBody Liner
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Titan by Arctic Zone 16 Can Zipperless Soft Cooler in Seagrass – your new best friend for keeping things cool on the go. This cooler makes it super easy to grab your snacks and drinks without a struggle. It’s built to keep ice frozen for up to two whole days and can hold a good amount of cans, perfect for sharing.
What We Like:
- The Zipperless lid is a game-changer; you can get to your items fast.
- It keeps ice for a long time, so your drinks stay cold all day.
- The HardBody liner with its SmartShelf is clever; it stops your sandwiches from getting squished.
- The inside lining is leak-proof and has special protection to stop yucky stuff from growing.
- The shoulder strap is comfy, and the outside is tough and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it holds 16 cans, fitting larger bottles might be a bit tight.
- The HardBody liner, while useful, takes up some space when you need to pack more.
This cooler is designed to make your outings more enjoyable. Whether you’re heading to a picnic or a game, the Titan cooler handles the job with ease and style.
2. Maelstrom Soft Sided Cooler Bag
Rating: 8.9/10
The Maelstrom 30 Can Soft Sided Cooler Bag is your go-to companion for keeping your drinks and snacks refreshingly cold on all your adventures. This large, leakproof, and portable insulated ice chest is designed for convenience, whether you’re heading to the beach, the campsite, or out for a kayaking trip.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: It easily holds up to 30 cans of 330 ML drinks, offering about 22L of storage space for all your essentials.
- Superior Insulation: With five insulated layers, including a waterproof PVC layer and food-grade PEVA material, it keeps contents cold for up to 24 hours.
- Completely Leakproof: The seamless ultrasonic welding technology ensures no leaks, so you can pack it with confidence.
- Smart Storage: It features a large main pocket, two front zipper pockets for your phone, two side pockets for small items, and a back pocket perfect for an iPad.
- Handy Bottle Opener: A detachable bottle opener is included, so you’re always ready to enjoy a cold beverage.
- Versatile Carrying Options: You can carry it by the comfortable top handle, use the detachable shoulder strap, or utilize the two side handles for group carrying.
- Collapsible Design: When not in use, it folds down easily, making it super space-saving and portable.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for keeping things cold, the exact temperature retention can vary based on external conditions.
This Maelstrom cooler bag offers fantastic storage and excellent insulation for all your outdoor activities. Its thoughtful design and portability make it a highly recommended choice for anyone who loves to explore.
3. Maelstrom Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler – 75 Cans Extra Large Lunch Cooler Bag Insulated Leakproof Camping Cooler
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for your next adventure with the Maelstrom Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler! This extra-large cooler in cool blue is designed to keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled, no matter where you go. It’s perfect for everything from long camping trips to quick grocery runs.
What We Like:
- It holds a ton! You can fit up to 75 cans, or 60 cans plus 15 pounds of ice.
- It keeps things cold for a long time, up to 12 hours, thanks to its special 5-layer insulation.
- The cooler is built tough with strong materials and reinforced handles, so it can handle heavy loads.
- You can easily grab your snacks with the quick-access flip-top lid.
- It’s super versatile and works great for camping, road trips, tailgating, and even carrying groceries.
- It comes with an attached bottle opener, which is super handy.
- It’s surprisingly lightweight for its size, weighing only 1.65 lbs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s leakproof, it’s always good practice to be careful when packing it.
This Maelstrom cooler is a fantastic companion for any outing, offering ample space and reliable cooling. It’s a smart choice for anyone who loves to explore and enjoy good food and drinks on the go.
4. YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access
Rating: 8.6/10
The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Wild Vine Red is your new go-to for keeping drinks and snacks chilled. It’s designed for comfort, letting you carry up to 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice while keeping your hands free. This cooler is built tough for your adventures.
What We Like:
- It’s super comfortable to wear as a backpack, making it easy to carry.
- The MagShield Access is awesome! It uses strong magnets to seal shut, stopping leaks.
- It stays open when you need it and closes with just a little push.
- The ColdCell Insulation keeps your drinks frosty cold for a long time.
- The DryHide Shell is made of tough fabric that resists tears and sun damage.
- The HitchPoint Grid lets you easily attach other YETI accessories like a bottle opener or gear case.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it holds a good amount, some might wish for even more space for bigger trips.
- The price point is a bit high, which might make it a splurge for some.
Overall, the YETI Hopper M20 is a fantastic, durable cooler that makes carrying your cold treats a breeze. It’s a solid investment for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
5. Titan by Arctic Zone 48 Can Zipperless Soft Cooler with HardBody Liner
Rating: 8.9/10
The Titan by Arctic Zone 48 Can Zipperless Soft Cooler in Marine Blue is your ultimate companion for keeping your food and drinks perfectly chilled on any adventure.
What We Like:
- Its patented Zipperless lid opens easily so you can grab what you need fast.
- It keeps ice cold for up to three days, which is amazing for longer trips.
- This cooler holds a lot – up to 48 cans!
- The Deep Freeze Performance Insulation with a radiant heat barrier keeps everything frosty.
- The removable HardBody Liner with SmartShelf is a game-changer; it stops your soft foods from getting squished by hard items.
- The liner is also leak-proof and has Microban protection to keep it clean and germ-free.
- Carrying it is super comfy thanks to the adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with an anti-slip pad.
- The outside material is tough, water-repellent, and easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the HardBody liner is great for organization, it does take up some space when you need to pack extra items.
- The “up to three days” ice retention is fantastic, but real-world performance might vary depending on how often the cooler is opened and the outside temperature.
This cooler offers fantastic features for keeping your refreshments cold and protected. It’s a smart choice for anyone who loves outdoor fun.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Soft-Sided Cooler
Soft-sided coolers are awesome! They’re way lighter and easier to carry than hard coolers. Think picnics, beach days, camping trips, or even just tailgating. They keep your drinks and snacks cold without weighing you down. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect soft-sided cooler for your adventures.
What to Look For: Key Features
Insulation is King
The most important job of a cooler is to keep things cold. Look for coolers with thick insulation. This means more layers of material designed to stop heat from getting in. Some coolers have really good insulation that can keep ice frozen for a whole day, or even two!
Durability Matters
You want a cooler that lasts. Check out the fabric it’s made from. Strong, rip-resistant fabric is important. Also, look at the zippers. Smooth-gliding, sturdy zippers are a sign of a well-made cooler. Some coolers have reinforced stitching, which means they’re built to handle a lot of use.
Easy to Carry
Since these coolers are soft, they should be comfy to carry. Padded shoulder straps make a big difference. Handles are also great for when you need to grab and go. Some coolers have multiple ways to carry them, which is a nice bonus.
Size and Capacity
How much stuff do you need to keep cold? Coolers come in all sorts of sizes, from small lunch bags to big duffel-style ones. Think about how many drinks or food items you usually pack. A cooler that’s too small won’t hold enough, and one that’s too big can be bulky and heavy.
What’s Inside: Important Materials
The outside fabric is usually made of tough materials like nylon or polyester. These fabrics resist water and are hard to tear. Inside, you’ll find the insulation. This is often made of foam. A good liner inside the cooler is also important. It should be leak-proof and easy to wipe clean.
What Makes a Cooler Great (or Not So Great)
Quality Boosters
- Thick Insulation: This is the biggest factor in how long your cooler stays cold.
- Strong Zippers: They should open and close easily without getting stuck.
- Waterproof Liner: No one likes a leaky cooler!
- Comfortable Straps: Padded straps make carrying much easier.
- Durable Fabric: Ripstop fabric holds up well against rough handling.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Insulation: Your ice will melt quickly.
- Flimsy Zippers: They can break easily and let cold air escape.
- Cheap Fabric: It might tear or wear out after a few uses.
- No Padding on Straps: Carrying a heavy cooler can be uncomfortable.
- Poor Stitching: Seams can come apart over time.
Using Your Cooler: User Experience and Use Cases
Soft-sided coolers are super versatile. They’re perfect for a quick trip to the park with sandwiches and drinks. Take one to the beach to keep your water cool under the sun. They’re great for camping, fitting easily into a backpack or car. For sports events, they’re lightweight and easy to carry to your seat. Many people use them for work lunches too, keeping their meals fresh all day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long can a soft-sided cooler keep ice frozen?
A: It really depends on the cooler’s insulation and how often you open it. Some can keep ice for 12-24 hours, while others might only last a few hours.
Q: Are soft-sided coolers waterproof?
A: The outside fabric is often water-resistant, but the zippers can sometimes let water in or out. The inside liner is usually waterproof to prevent leaks.
Q: Can I put ice directly into a soft-sided cooler?
A: Yes, you can, but it’s better to use ice packs or block ice. These melt slower than crushed ice and won’t make your cooler soggy as they melt.
Q: How do I clean my soft-sided cooler?
A: Most can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Wipe the inside and outside, then let it air dry completely before storing.
Q: Are soft-sided coolers better than hard coolers?
A: They’re better for portability and storage because they’re lighter and can be folded. Hard coolers generally offer better insulation and are more durable.
Q: What’s the best way to pack a soft-sided cooler?
A: Pack it tightly! Fill any empty space with towels or extra ice packs. Pre-chill your cooler and your items before packing.
Q: Can I put hot food in a soft-sided cooler?
A: While some coolers can help keep hot things warm for a short time, they are designed for keeping things cold. It’s best to use them for cold items.
Q: Do soft-sided coolers come in different styles?
A: Yes, they come in many styles like tote bags, backpacks, duffels, and even lunch boxes.
Q: How much do soft-sided coolers usually cost?
A: Prices can vary a lot, from $20 for a basic lunch bag to over $100 for high-end, super-insulated models.
Q: What is the main advantage of a soft-sided cooler?
A: The main advantage is their light weight and flexibility, making them easy to carry and store.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.