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Whether you’re taking a walk on the beach or trekking through trails up a mountain, there’s nothing quite like cracking open an ice-cold beer — especially compared to one that’s been heating up all day in your pocket. Likewise, setting up a sophisticated picnic with fresh cheese and charcuterie is nicer than a PB&J or a squished, half-melted protein bar. Level up your on-the-go snacks and drinks with a backpack cooler!
Perfect for summer, the best backpack coolers are easy to carry, keeping your food as cool as you are. Based on expert opinions and plenty of research, I’ve compiled this list of some of the top models out there.
Make sure the size of the bag will fit your specific needs. You might not need a large one — maybe you only need one big enough to fit a few beers for the beach, for example. On the other hand, if you have a family of five, a large cooler backpack would make schlepping around snacks for the entire family much easier. Give your regular cooler a break, throw your backpack cooler over your shoulders and leave your hands free to carry your beach chairs.
Sure, the best beach wagons will help you lug around a heavier cooler, but if you buy a cooler backpack that’s comfortable to wear, it’ll leave both your hands free, meaning fewer trips back to the car. Comfort is always key, especially if you’re hiking to a beautiful view to enjoy your picnic. The last thing you want to be doing is adjusting straps and being distracted by uncomfortable pulling and digging while you’re on the trail.
Think about your intended use and why you want the cooler backpack. Are you using it to hike up a mountain? Maybe you need something really lightweight and breathable. Are you going to chill in one of the best beach chairs when bringing it to the ocean? You’ll want something easy to brush the sand off of so it doesn’t get in your car.
If there’s a good option out there that doesn’t cost a needless amount, well, that’s always ideal, right? This cooler features quality, dense insulation to help prevent leaking and stays cold for up to 16 hours with proper ice packs tucked inside. Best of all, it costs less than $40 and has 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon, with over 24,000 ratings.
If you’re looking for a budget option to keep your food and drinks cold, this is under $40 and comes highly rated by Amazon users.
Get it here: TOURIT Cooler Backpack
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe you’re a firm believer that you get what you pay for (that saying exists for a reason!). This Hydro Flask is the perfect splurge because it’s under $200, still fairly reasonable compared to other options out there and is built to keep items cold for 36 hours. Although I’m specifically focusing on the 20-liter backpack, there are also options for 18 liters or 26 liters.
If you’re looking for a high-quality option but still within a reasonable price, this is a great choice and will keep your items nice and chilly.
Get it here: Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Insulated 20 L Cooler
The Carhartt Insulated Compartment Cooler Backpack is a great option, especially for hikers, as it’s essentially a two-in-one. It has an area to keep your food and drinks insulated and cold, but there’s also a sizable main section to carry other necessities that don't need refrigeration. It’s a great option for traveling in general.
For a great option that gives you a little bit of both worlds, go with this backpack.
Get it here: Carhartt Insulated Compartment Cooler Backpack
The Monti Mayfly has a lot of amazing features. It not only folds and compresses to save space when it’s empty, but when unfolded, it’s set up to keep your items cold for up to 30 hours. It’s super lightweight, comfy and easy to travel with. If you’re not a fan of the crossbody strap, they also have an option to purchase backpack straps.
If you’re looking for a comfortable backpack cooler that's easy to store and travel with, this is a fantastic option to stuff in your suitcase.
Get it here: Monti Mayfly 14L Cooler
If you’re looking for a backpack cooler with plenty of pockets that can easily store smaller items, Pamela Holt, travel expert and host/executive producer of "Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel,” goes for Picnic at Ascot. “I love the cooler backpacks from Picnic at Ascot,” she says. “More appropriate for small picnics for two to four, this elegantly designed cooler backpack features convenient compartments for wine, snacks and drinks.”
If you’re looking for a cooler backpack that has a lot of nooks and crannies to organize your gear, go with this bag.
Get it here: Picnic at Ascot Backpack Cooler
Although this particular write-up is about backpacks, it helps to have wheels just in case things get too heavy to haul. If you’re looking for a backpack that has wheels in case you need to roll it home and take the pressure off your shoulders for a bit, go with the Coleman Chiller.
If you’re looking for a portable option under $60 that has wheels in case your shoulders need a break, this is a great choice.
Get it here: Coleman Chiller Series Insulated with Ice Retention, Wheeled & Backpack Cooler
The ICEMULE Boss Backpack is the ideal large bag to carry plenty of items while keeping them cool. It’s the perfect blend of having the space to fit plenty of goodies while also being comfortable and high-quality. This one has a bit of a hefty price tag, but it’s built to keep things cold for more than 24 hours.
If you don’t mind splurging a bit for a cooler that will give you a larger capacity, go with this backpack.
Get it here: ICEMULE Boss Backpack Cooler
It would be a crime to have a list of the best backpack coolers and not include Yeti, who has a reputation for a reason and is definitely worth the money. “I love the Yeti M12 Backpack Soft Cooler, which is the perfect size to bring enough beverages and snacks for a small group picnic or hike without being too bulky or heavy,” says Holt. “In addition to great insulation, this super durable backpack has a leak-resistant shield and is mildew-resistant. I also love the range of limited edition colors it comes in!”
If you don’t mind spending a little more, Yeti makes incredibly durable products and this is a great bag to fulfill any backpack cooler needs you have for your next hike or trip.
Get it here: Yeti M12 Backpack Soft Cooler
With so many clunky backpack cooler options out there, a lightweight option comes in handy. The SPARTER backpack has a few insulated sections, along with two side pockets and a compartment in the front to hold smaller items. At just over a pound, this bag is perfect for your next trip to the beach, hike, road trip and more. Plus, it’s extremely affordable.
If you’re looking for a lightweight option that’s just over a pound, go with the SPARTER backpack for your next outing.
Get it here: SPARTER Backpack Cooler Insulated Leak Proof Lightweight Backpack
For a portable and easy-to-travel-with collapsible backpack, go with the ICEMULE Classic Collapsible. It’s designed to keep your items cool for over 24 hours. Not only is the bag high-quality and collapsible, but it comes in a variety of colors (13 to be exact), so you can carry it in style.
If you’re looking for an affordable, quality collapsible bag that you can take with you on the go, go with this.
Get it here: ICEMULE Classic Collapsible Backpack Cooler
When it comes to selecting the best backpack coolers, I kept a few things in mind:
Again, size is a key factor when selecting the right backpack cooler. “When shopping for cooler backpacks, I’m generally looking for the right size — nothing too big or bulky so I can manage to bring them on my travels, day trips or hikes without being weighed down,” says Holt.
If you’re stuffing a backpack cooler full of cans, food and heavy items, making sure the backpack can handle it is important. “Durability is important, especially if you’ll be bringing your cooler backpack on hikes, so it’s important to look for something that’s constructed with quality in mind,” says Holt.
When there’s ice involved, making sure the bag is waterproof is crucial. “I also look for backpacks that are leak-proof and waterproof so I don’t have to worry about much cleanup,” explains Holt. “Thoughtful storage compartments that keep things organized are also a plus.”
Each individual cooler backpack should come with its own set of guidelines and instructions, so it’s always best to follow the manual. On a general level, a bit of soap and hot water is a great way to get it clean, followed by letting it dry upside down so the water doesn’t collect.
All airlines have their own rules and regulations, so it’s always best to check with the particular airline you’re traveling with to see if it’s allowed. Generally, you can fly with backpack coolers as long as they meet the size standards of a carry-on or a personal item. Just make sure to use a solid ice pack and not just a bunch of ice cubes in a sandwich bag to keep the items cool.
The best coolers are all built to be long-lasting, but the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Insulated Cooler is designed to keep items nice and cold for around 36 hours.
It’s probably best to avoid this. Dry ice in the cooler might be OK, but it’s usually too cold and can lead to items freezing.
It really depends on your preference. Even the soft-sided coolers tend to be thick and very durable, plus they’re generally a little more lightweight, making it easier to walk and hike with it on your back.
Snowboard Bag AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.