It was a hot day, and you were looking for a way to cool off. You had tried swimming in the river, but it was too crowded. You had tried going to the park, but it was too noisy. You had even tried sitting in front of the fan, but that only made you hotter.
Then you remembered seeing a guy walking down the street with a cooler backpack and you knew that was what you needed. A cooler backpack would let you carry your own cold drinks with you wherever you went.
You went home and Googled “cooler backpack” and found dozens of different models to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll help you find the best cooler backpack for your next hike or picnic. So, whether you’re looking for a backpack with a built-in cooler or a more traditional style, we’ve got you covered.
The 5 Best Cooler Backpacks
First of all, let’s take a look at some of the best backpack coolers on the market. These are our top picks for the best overall, the best value, and the best for hiking.
1. YETI Hopper Backpack Cooler
Amazon productThe YETI Hopper is a backpack cooler made for comfort and convenience. It can carry up to 26 pounds or 18 cans of ice, making it perfect for a day at the beach or a hike in the woods.
The mag shield access feature creates an ultra-leak-resistant shield, while the cold cell insulation offers impressive cold-holding capabilities. The dry hide shell is made from high-density fabric for durability, and the hitch point grid lets you securely attach your SideKick Dry Gear Case.
This YETI Hopper M20 Backpack cooler is available in two sizes: the Hopper 20 and the Hopper 30. The 20 is perfect for short hikes or picnics, while the 30 is ideal for longer excursions or larger groups. Its capacity is also customizable with the addition of an ice brick.
Pros
- Ultra-leak-resistant
- Holds a lot of ice
- Comfortable to carry
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
2. RTIC Backpack Cooler Insulated Portable Soft Cooler Bag
The RTIC Backpack Cooler is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold while you're on the go. The backpack features premium insulation to keep your items cold for days, as well as a hands-free design that makes it easy to carry.
The backpack also features a built-in sunscreen pocket and a mesh pocket for holding ice packs to prevent ice melts, making it the perfect choice for a day at the pool or lake. Best of all, the backpack is available in two sizes, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
These versatile cooler bags can be used as a travel cooler, beer cooler, lunch cooler, or even a beach cooler. The bag is made from durable materials and has a waterproof zipper to keep contents dry.
The insulation keeps contents cold for hours, making it the perfect choice for a day at the beach or a hike in the woods. The bag also includes multiple pockets for storage, making it the perfect all-in-one solution for your next outdoor adventure.
Pros
- Keeps contents cold for hours
- Hands-free design
- Available in two sizes
- Built-in sunscreen pocket
- Mesh pocket for ice packs
- Waterproof zipper
- Multiple pockets for storage
Cons
- Maybe too small for some activities
3. Earth Pak Insulated Backpack Cooler
It is made of high-density NBR foam on all sides, which ensures that your beer, soda, water, and lunch stay cold. In addition, the cooler pack is manufactured using a waterproof exterior that is abrasion and puncture-proof.
The handy IPX-8 waterproof zipper keeps everything inside the backpack safe and dry, and the Eva Molded Backpanel and extra padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry.
With a bottle opener, several large exterior pockets, and a stretchy bungee cord for extra storage at the back, this cooler has everything you need to enjoy a picnic or a day at the beach. These backpack coolers retain ice easily.
The insulated lining ensures that your food will stay fresh for hours, while the built-in ice pack prevents it from getting too warm. The backpack straps make it easy to carry, and the mesh side pockets are perfect for holding water bottles or other beverages.
Pros
- Puncture and abrasion-proof
- IPX-8 waterproof zipper
- Insulated lining
- Built-in ice pack
Cons
- May not be big enough for longer hikes
4. TOURIT Cooler Backpack
The TOURIT backpack cooler is perfect for days spent outdoors. The 600D Oxford fabric is strong and durable, and the high-density foam insulation helps to keep food and drinks cold for up to 16 hours. The bag also features a leak-proof liner, ensuring that nothing spills out during transport.
With a capacity of 30 cans, it's easy to pack enough food and drinks for the whole family. And the multitude of pockets (including two large front zipper pockets) provides plenty of space for storing utensils, napkins, and other necessary items.
Made of waterproof, durable fabric, it will keep your food and drinks cold for hours. The stylish design can be used as a lunch backpack or daily pack. The multiple functions make it a versatile and handy accessory. The insulated main cooler compartment can hold up to 24 cans, and the front pocket has space for snacks, napkins, and other items.
The side pockets are ideal for holding water bottles or other beverages. The adjustable straps make it comfortable to carry, and the top handle ensures that you can easily grab it and go.
Pros
- Leakproof
- Comfortable to carry
- Plenty of storage space
- Stylish design
Cons
- Not as durable as some other options
5. Everlasting Comfort 54 Can Soft Cooler Backpack
The Everlasting Comfort 54 Can Soft Cooler Backpack is the perfect way to keep your drinks cool and within reach. With a large capacity of 54 cans, it's perfect for a day at the beach or picnicking in the park.
The side pockets even have room for four bottles of wine! And your drinks will stay cold for up to 24 hours thanks to the PEVA material and thick layer of waterproof insulated cooler backpack foam. Plus, the leakproof and waterproof design with waterproof zippers will prevent any accidental spills.
The Everlasting Comfort 54 Can Soft Cooler Backpack is a great way to keep your food and drinks cool on the go. Like Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler, this backpack features multiple compartments and pockets for convenient storage, and it even includes a keychain bottle opener and reusable ice packs.
The cooler is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. The backpack also features padded adjustable straps and a carrying handle for comfortable transport.
Pros
- Large capacity of 54 cans
- Side pockets for extra storage
- Leakproof and waterproof design
- Padded adjustable straps and carrying handle for comfortable transport
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Some people find it smaller than expected
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cooler Backpack?
Now that you know some of the best cooler backpacks on the market, it's time to choose the right one for you. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
1. Material
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a cooler backpack is the material. You'll want to choose a material that is durable and will withstand wear and tear. The last thing you want is for your backpack to rip or tear while you're carrying it.
You'll also want to make sure that the material is waterproof. This is especially important if you're going to be using your backpack in the rain or snow.
2. Warranty
Another important thing to consider is the warranty. You'll want to choose a backpack that comes with a good warranty. This way, if anything happens to your backpack, you'll be covered. The warranty will also give you peace of mind in knowing that you're buying a quality product.
3. Keeps Drinks Cool For Length
Of course, you'll want to make sure that the cooler backpack you choose can keep your drinks cool for a long period of time. This is especially important if you're going to be using your backpack in hot weather, especially for ice retention. You'll also want to make sure that the cooler backpack has enough space for all of your drinks.
4. Leak Resistance
Leak resistance is another important factor to consider. You'll want to make sure that the cooler backpack you choose is leak resistant. This way, you won't have to worry about your drinks spilling all over your things.
5. Backpack Weight
The weight of the backpack is also something to consider. You'll want to make sure that the backpack is lightweight so that it's easy to carry. You should also make sure that the backpack is comfortable to wear. This is especially important if you're going to be wearing the backpack for a long period of time.
6. Price
Finally, you'll want to consider the price of the backpack. You'll want to make sure that you choose a budget backpack cooler backpack that is within your budget. You don't want to spend more than you have to on a cooler backpack.
FAQs
Are Yeti backpack coolers worth it?
If you're looking for a durable and long-lasting cooler backpack, then Yeti backpacks are definitely worth it. They're made with high-quality materials and construction, and they come with a great warranty. Yeti backpacks are also leak resistant and can keep your drinks cool for a long period of time. They're a bit on the pricey side, but they're definitely worth the investment.
Can I put ice in a backpack cooler?
Yes, you can put ice in a backpack cooler. Just make sure that the cooler is big enough to accommodate all of the ice. You should also make sure that the cooler is leak-resistant so that you don't have to worry about your ice melting and spilling all over your things.
How can I keep a cooler cold for 5 days?
If you're looking to keep a cooler cold for 5 days, there are a few things you can do.
- First, make sure that the cooler is big enough to accommodate all of your food and drinks.
- You should also put ice in the cooler to help keep things cold.
- It's also a good idea to keep the cooler in a cool, dry place.
- Finally, make sure that you don't open the cooler too often so that the cold air doesn't escape.
How long will a cool bag stay cold?
Well, that depends on a few factors. The cool bag type, the cool bag's size, and how full the cool bag is all different. A small, lightweight, cool bag might only stay cold for an hour or two, whereas a large, insulated one could keep things cold for up to 24 hours.
If you're planning on keeping things cold for an extended period of time, it's best to pack your cool bag with ice packs or frozen gel packs. This will help to extend the life of the chill and ensure that your food and drink stay fresh for longer.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned products are some of the best cooler backpacks on the market. They're all made with high-quality materials and construction, and they come with great warranties.
When choosing a cooler backpack, it's important to consider your needs. It's also important to consider the backpack's size, weight, price, and features. If you take all of these factors into consideration, you're sure to find the perfect backpack cooler for your next hike or picnic. Just don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
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