The Best Backpack Coolers To Keep Your Food And Drink Cold In The Summer Sun

Material: 600D Polyester | Weight: 3 pounds | Capacity: 36 cans without ice

If you’re looking for a do-it-all backpack cooler that you can take to the beach or the backcountry, Hydro Flask’s rendition tops our list thanks to it’s versatility and lightweight design that’s perfect for trips both short and long. You can fill it with 36 cans of your favorite beverage (although you can probably fit closer to 20 cans with ice), and this backpack will keep them chilled for nearly two days.

Design features, like a Tru Zip zipper and welded seams, take this cooler to another level—one where you never have to worry about leakage. On the side, a large, stretchy mesh pocket fits a water bottle or other belongings. But, if you need room for more gear, you can purchase waterproof, dry storage bags that clip to the exterior. One great perk of the Day Escape cooler is that it comes with a 5 year warranty, but we’d be surprised if you had to use it. 

 Pros

• More affordable than other high-end soft coolers
• Roomy side pocket for a water bottle or phone
• Padded strap system

Cons

• Lack of hip belt limits carrying comfort

Material: 1200D Polyester | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Capacity: 12 cans

This little backpack cooler is small yet durable, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for it day after day. At only 1.5 pounds, it’s lighter than any of the other backpacks on this list, and it’s designed by Carhartt, a brand known for crafting durable, hardwearing goods. Consider this the perfect lunchbox backpack for a workday. 

The clever 2-in-1 design allows you to pack your essentials in the top portion of the pack, while the zippered, insulated bottom compartment stores a cold drink and snacks. The front pockets provide extra storage space, and the side pockets fit 12-ounce cans but are too shallow for tall water bottles.

Pros

• Functions as a traditional backpack with a cooler base
• Small and portable for everyday use

Cons

• DWR finish isn’t waterproof
• Shallow side pockets

Material: Recycled nylon and polyester | Weight: 3.25 pounds | Capacity: 31 liters

Part hiking backpack, part backpack cooler, the Cool Trail Pack Cooler from REI is a great option for hikers who want to carry perishable goods or cold beverages on longer hikes. While other cooler backpacks skimp on padding (or eliminate it entirely), this pack employs a comfortable, contoured hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps that are in line with REI’s traditional day packs. When you just need a standard pack, you can remove the cooler insert and load it with your favorite essentials.

Front lash straps contribute to this pack’s classic trail aesthetic but also serve as anchoring points for larger gear items like a picnic blanket. The side pockets are well designed—a mesh exterior pocket sits on top of a roomy zippered pouch to fit a water bottle and snacks all in one spot. It’s a great pick for hikers looking to strike a balance between function and ice retention.

Pros

• Padded hip belt creates comfort for all-day carrying
• Removable cooler insert
• Large external side pockets

Cons

• Only fits waists up to 46 inches
• Not 100% leakproof, so not suited for longer trips

Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.75 pounds | Capacity: 24 cans without ice

This backpack cooler has a lot going for it despite the budget-friendly price. First, it’s less than half the price of other high-end options on this list but works well for all-day cooling. The interior and exterior are both easy to clean, and come protected against odors thanks to an antimicrobial Microban coating (an especially important trait if you use this as a lunchbox or food cooler.) It’s spacious with plenty of pockets, like the mesh side pockets and zippered top pocket to store your keys, wallet and phone. 

However, while it boasts up to two days of ice retention, it realistically only keeps food and drink cold for one day if you fill it up halfway with ice. You also won’t want to tip it upside down, as the top zipper is not watertight. As long as you know what to expect, this little pack will serve you well whether you’re bringing it to work or the beach. 

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Great capacity for day use as a travel bag or lunch box

Cons

• The zipper is not leakproof
• Two-day ice retention is misleading

Material: MuleSkin 1000D Fabric | Weight: 7.2 pounds | Capacity: 24 cans with ice

For fishing trips, hunting trips or camping trips when you need multi-day ice retention, the IceMule Boss should be at the top of your list. It’s designed like a hiking backpack but has the performance of top-level soft coolers—hence the hefty price tag. Welded seams and a roll-top closure design create a completely water- and weather-proof interior. The side pockets serve as dry storage compartments and come equipped with PakShield zippers, so you’ll keep your drinks cold and your electronics dry. 

This backpack cooler warrants the name “Boss” for many reasons; it’s large, durable and designed to withstand the elements. However, for many casual users, it’s overkill because of its bulk and heft. But if premium performance is what you’re seeking, you can’t get much better than this.

Pros

• Excellent ice retention for multi-day use
• Waterproof pockets store essentials and electronics
• Lashing straps secure extra layers or a towel

Cons

• Pricey
• Too heavy for casual use

Material: Nylon | Weight: 3 pounds | Capacity: 24 cans without ice

Not everyone needs weekend-long ice retention. In fact, some people are simply looking for a backpack cooler to take to sports games, family reunions and picnics. This leakproof cooler from Igloo is a great value for casual day use thanks to its comfortable straps, solid carrying handles and welded seams that keep it watertight.

The rectangular shape is not as comfortable to carry as other models over long distances, but it is ideal for maximizing space. Easily pack it full of food and drink, then load it up in your car or on the boat and rest assured it’ll stay in place thanks to the textured base material.

Pros

• Classic design
• Tall enough to fit wine bottles
• Frequently on sale

Cons

• No outside pockets
• Zipper can be hard to pull

Material: 800D Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Capacity: 18 cans without ice

Yeti is really good at making coolers, as evidenced by the brand’s diehard, dedicated fanbase. Their backpack cooler, though a departure from their well-known hard-sided coolers, is no exception—it performs well as a hands-free carrying cooler and is one of the best you can buy in terms of ice retention. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality cooler that’s easy to carry to beach barbecues, camping weekends or fishing trips, it’s a great option because of the puncture-resistant, waterproof fabric and closed-cell foam insulation. 

However, it doesn’t have much functionality as a backpack beyond keeping things cold—Yeti eliminated side and top pockets in favor of more insulation. While you can attach some gear to the HitchPoint grids, we would have loved to see a built-in storage pocket. If you need extra storage space, you can purchase the YETI SideKick Dry Bag add-on separately. 

Pros

• High quality insulation provides long-lasting ice retention
• Magnetic lid and buckle closure eliminates zippers

Cons

• Roll-top closure is bulky and takes two people to close
• Heavy without many added features