Imagine this: you’re heading out for a fun day at the park, a picnic by the lake, or a weekend camping trip. You’ve packed all your snacks and drinks, but then you realize you need something to keep them perfectly chilled. That’s where a soft shell cooler comes in! But with so many different kinds out there, how do you pick the best one for your adventure? It can feel a little overwhelming, right?
Choosing the right soft shell cooler can be tricky. You want something that keeps your food and drinks cold for a long time, but you also need it to be easy to carry and not too bulky. Plus, you want it to be tough enough to handle being tossed in the car or carried on a hike. It’s a lot to think about!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great soft shell cooler. We’ll explore the different features to look for, like how well they keep things cold, how comfortable they are to carry, and how durable they are. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to find the perfect soft shell cooler that fits your needs and makes your next outdoor outing a refreshing success. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Soft Shell Cooler Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soft Shell Cooler Detailed Reviews
1. Carhartt Camping Cooler
Rating: 9.2/10
The Carhartt Camping Cooler, Worksite Lunchbox, Soft Shell Lunch Bag in Black is built tough for any adventure or workday. This lunch bag is designed to handle the roughest conditions, making it ideal for camping, construction sites, or just your daily grind. It’s a reliable companion that keeps your food fresh and your drinks cool, no matter where you go.
What We Like:
- Super strong and built to last, perfect for the outdoors and tough jobs.
- Easy to carry with strong handles, great for taking anywhere.
- Lots of room inside for all your food and drinks.
- Keeps your lunch and drinks at the right temperature with good insulation.
- Looks good and works great, combining durability with a nice style.
- It’s the perfect size at 10″ x 8.5″ x 4″ for packing your essentials.
What Could Be Improved:
- The soft shell design might not offer as much rigid protection as a hard cooler for very delicate items.
- While durable, more color options could be a nice addition for some users.
This Carhartt lunch bag is a solid choice for anyone who needs a dependable way to carry their meals. It’s a lunch cooler that truly lives up to the Carhartt name for toughness and functionality.
2. Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Cooler – 16 Can Zipperless Hardbody Cooler with Deep Freeze Insulation
Rating: 9.1/10
Say goodbye to struggling with zippers and crushed sandwiches! The Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Cooler in Moss Green is designed to keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled, no matter where your adventures take you. This cooler makes it easy to grab what you need and keeps everything cold for up to two days. It’s a fantastic companion for picnics, tailgates, road trips, and any outdoor fun.
What We Like:
- The Zipperless lid is super convenient. You can open it with just one hand to get your snacks and drinks quickly.
- It keeps ice frozen for a long time, up to two days. This means your food stays safe and cold all day.
- The HardBody liner with the SmartShelf is a game-changer. It stops soft foods like sandwiches from getting squished by harder items.
- The adjustable shoulder strap with a non-slip pad makes it comfortable to carry, even when it’s full.
- The outside material is tough and easy to clean. Spills wipe right off.
- It holds a good amount of drinks – up to 16 cans.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for keeping things cold, the two-day ice retention might not be enough for very long trips in extreme heat.
- The HardBody liner, while useful, takes up some space. If you need to pack a lot of bulky items, you might wish for more flexible space.
This cooler offers a smart and practical way to keep your refreshments cool and fresh. It’s a solid choice for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors and wants a reliable way to transport their food and drinks.
3. Titan by Arctic Zone 16 Can Zipperless Soft Cooler with HardBody Liner
Rating: 9.3/10
The Titan by Arctic Zone 16 Can Zipperless Soft Cooler in Seagrass is your new go-to for keeping drinks and snacks chilled on any adventure. Its special “flip-open” lid makes grabbing what you need super easy, without fumbling with zippers. This cooler can keep your ice frozen for up to two whole days and holds a good amount – 16 cans! It’s built tough and designed to make your life easier, whether you’re heading to a picnic, a game, or just out for the day.
What We Like:
- The Zipperless lid is a game-changer for quick access.
- It keeps ice cold for an impressive two days.
- The HardBody liner with SmartShelf is awesome for preventing sandwiches from getting squished.
- The leak-proof interior lining with Microban protection is a big plus for cleanliness.
- The adjustable shoulder strap makes it comfortable to carry.
- The exterior is water and stain repellent, so it’s easy to clean up.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it holds 16 cans, it might feel a bit snug if you pack a lot of other items alongside them.
- The HardBody liner, while useful, does take up a bit of space when you want to maximize soft item storage.
This Titan cooler blends smart design with serious cooling power. It’s a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable and convenient way to keep their food and drinks cold.
4. Maelstrom Soft Sided Cooler Bag
Rating: 8.6/10
The Maelstrom 30 Can Soft Sided Cooler Bag is your new go-to for keeping things cool on any adventure. It’s a large, leakproof, and portable insulated ice chest that’s perfect for camping, kayaking, beach days, and more. This gray cooler is designed to make your outdoor experiences easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Extra Large Capacity: It holds up to 30 cans (about 22L), which is plenty for drinks and snacks for a group.
- Keeps Food Cold: The five insulated layers keep your items cold for up to 24 hours, and it’s totally leakproof thanks to its special construction.
- Lots of Pockets: It has a main compartment, two front zipper pockets, two side pockets, and a back pocket for all your gear and essentials.
- Handy Bottle Opener: A detachable bottle opener is included, so you can always open your drinks.
- Multiple Ways to Carry: You can carry it by the shoulder strap, the top handle, or the two side handles, giving you options.
- Folds Flat: When you’re done, it folds up easily, saving you space.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for keeping things cold, the 24-hour claim might vary depending on how often it’s opened and the outside temperature.
- The “iPad pocket” might be a tight fit for larger tablets.
Overall, the Maelstrom Soft Sided Cooler Bag is a versatile and reliable choice for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. It offers great storage and keeps your food and drinks at the perfect temperature.
5. RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can
Rating: 8.8/10
The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can is your go-to companion for keeping drinks and food cold on any adventure. This tough, insulated bag is designed to handle whatever you throw at it, from a backyard picnic to a weekend camping trip.
What We Like:
- Keeps things cold for up to 2 days!
- It actually floats, so you won’t lose it in the water.
- Super strong nylon outside, but still easy to carry.
- Great for lots of different things: lunch, beach trips, camping, and more.
- The special zipper stops all leaks and spills.
- Comes in different sizes to fit your needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While tough, the zipper might require a little extra effort to open and close.
- It’s a soft cooler, so it doesn’t hold its shape perfectly when empty.
This cooler is a fantastic option for anyone who needs reliable cooling on the go. It’s built tough and designed for fun, making it a smart choice for your next outing.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Soft Shell Cooler
When you’re heading out for a picnic, a beach day, or a camping trip, keeping your drinks and snacks cool is super important. A soft shell cooler is a great choice because it’s flexible and easy to carry. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a soft shell cooler, keep an eye out for these important features:
Insulation Quality
- Thick Padding: Look for coolers with thick, high-density foam insulation. This is the most important thing for keeping your food and drinks cold for a long time.
- Liner Material: A good liner helps keep cold air in and warm air out. Look for liners that are easy to wipe clean and are leak-proof.
Durability and Construction
- Strong Fabric: The outside fabric should be tough and resist rips and tears. Nylon and polyester are common and good choices.
- Sturdy Zippers: Zippers can be a weak spot. Heavy-duty zippers that glide smoothly are best. Some zippers are even waterproof to prevent leaks.
- Reinforced Seams: Strong stitching on the seams makes the cooler last longer.
Portability and Design
- Comfortable Straps: Padded shoulder straps or sturdy handles make it easier to carry, especially when the cooler is full.
- Multiple Pockets: Extra pockets are handy for storing utensils, napkins, or your phone.
- Size Options: Coolers come in many sizes. Think about how much food and drink you usually pack.
Important Materials
The materials used in a soft shell cooler make a big difference in how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Outer Shell:
- Nylon: This is a very strong and durable fabric. It resists abrasion well.
- Polyester: Another good choice, polyester is also tough and can handle wear and tear. It’s often a bit more affordable than nylon.
- Insulation:
- Closed-Cell Foam: This type of foam traps air, which helps keep the temperature steady. It’s common in good quality coolers.
- Inner Liner:
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): This is a flexible, waterproof, and durable material. It’s also easy to clean.
- PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate): This is a common, non-toxic plastic that is also waterproof and easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a soft shell cooler work better or not as well.
- What Makes it Better:
- Thicker Insulation: More foam means colder food for longer.
- Leak-Proof Zippers: These stop cold air from escaping and water from getting out.
- Waterproof Outer Fabric: This protects your cooler from rain and spills.
- Good Quality Stitching: Strong seams prevent the cooler from falling apart.
- What Makes it Worse:
- Thin Insulation: This means your ice will melt quickly.
- Cheap Zippers: These can break easily and let cold air out.
- Flimsy Fabric: This can rip or tear, making the cooler useless.
- Poorly Glued Seams: These can come apart over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Soft shell coolers are really versatile. People use them for all sorts of things.
- Beach Trips: They are lightweight and easy to carry over sand.
- Picnics: Perfect for packing sandwiches, salads, and drinks.
- Camping: They are flexible and can fit into tight spaces in a car or backpack.
- Day Hikes: Smaller ones can hold enough snacks and water for a few hours outdoors.
- Tailgating: Keep your drinks cold at sporting events.
- Road Trips: Easy to access your snacks and drinks while on the go.
A good soft shell cooler makes your outdoor fun much more enjoyable. It keeps your food safe and your drinks refreshingly cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long do soft shell coolers keep ice frozen?
A: This really depends on the insulation quality, how full the cooler is, and the outside temperature. A high-quality cooler with thick insulation can keep ice for 12-24 hours, sometimes even longer.
Q: Are soft shell coolers waterproof?
A: The outer fabric might be water-resistant, but not all soft shell coolers are completely waterproof. The seams and zippers are the most likely places for water to leak. Look for coolers with waterproof zippers and sealed seams if you need full waterproofing.
Q: How do I clean my soft shell cooler?
A: Most soft shell coolers can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth. Let it air dry completely before storing it.
Q: Can I put raw meat in a soft shell cooler?
A: Yes, you can, but it’s important to pack raw meat securely in leak-proof containers or bags to prevent any juices from contaminating other food. Keep raw meat at the bottom of the cooler.
Q: What’s the difference between a soft shell cooler and a hard shell cooler?
A: Soft shell coolers are flexible, lighter, and easier to carry. Hard shell coolers are more rigid, offer better insulation for longer periods, and are more durable against rough handling.
Q: How much weight can a soft shell cooler hold?
A: This varies by size and construction. Most medium-sized soft shell coolers can hold between 10-30 pounds of food and drinks comfortably. Always check the product’s weight limit if one is provided.
Q: Do I need to use ice packs or loose ice?
A: Both work. Ice packs are reusable and less messy. Loose ice fills gaps better and can keep things colder for longer, but it will melt and create water.
Q: How can I make my soft shell cooler keep things cold even longer?
A: Pre-chill your cooler by putting ice packs or ice in it for a few hours before you pack it. Also, pack it as full as possible, and avoid opening it too often.
Q: Are soft shell coolers good for long trips?
A: For very long trips (multiple days), a high-quality hard shell cooler usually performs better. However, for day trips or overnight stays, a good soft shell cooler can be perfectly adequate.
Q: Where is the best place to store my soft shell cooler when not in use?
A: Store your soft shell cooler in a cool, dry place. Make sure it’s completely dry inside and out to prevent mold or mildew. Leaving it unzipped can help it air out.
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.