10 Best Beach Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is a well-designed soft cooler that fits nicely into the beach cooler category, especially for those who want to stay hands-free thanks to its backpack style. It holds up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice, which is a good amount for a day out at the beach or a picnic. The insulation is strong thanks to YETI's ColdCell technology, which uses closed-cell foam to keep items cold for a long time, meaning your drinks and food will stay fresh and chilled. Portability is a major plus here—the cooler weighs about 6 pounds and the backpack design makes it easy to carry over longer distances without hassle. Durability is another strong point; the high-density Dryhide fabric shell is built to resist punctures and protect against sun damage, so it should handle beach sand and rough use quite well. An innovative feature is the MagShield Access, which uses magnets to create a leak-resistant seal that stays open when you want it and closes easily with a gentle push, making it practical to access your items without worrying about spills. There’s also a HitchPoint grid for attaching extra gear like a bottle opener or a dry gear case, adding convenience.

The 5.2-gallon capacity is moderate, so it might not be ideal if you need to carry a lot of food or drinks for a big group. Also, while the backpack design is great for mobility, it might not offer as much insulation as some rigid coolers that tend to hold cold even longer. For those seeking a portable, durable cooler that’s easy to carry while maintaining cold temperatures for a day at the beach or outdoor activities, the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is an excellent option.

The YETI Hopper M15 is a well-designed soft cooler ideal for beach trips, boating, or short hikes. Its size is compact yet practical, able to hold up to 32 cans or 15.5 pounds of ice, making it suitable for small groups or day outings. The insulation uses closed-cell foam, known for keeping contents cold for a long time, which is great for keeping drinks and snacks chilled throughout the day.

Portability is a strong point here; the cooler is lightweight at just over 3 kg and has a soft, flexible design, making it easier to carry than hard coolers. Durability is impressive thanks to the DryHide shell fabric that resists punctures and UV damage, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions. The MAGSHIELD ACCESS feature adds convenience by using powerful magnets to keep the lid leak-resistant yet easy to open and close. Additionally, the kangaroo pocket on the outside is handy for storing small personal items like keys or your phone.

The 15.5-pound ice capacity means it’s not suited for longer trips where more storage is needed. Also, as a soft cooler, it might not protect fragile items as well as rigid coolers do. Cleaning is straightforward but requires mild soap and water. This makes the YETI Hopper M15 a suitable choice for those seeking a durable, portable cooler that efficiently keeps contents cold for a day or two at the beach or outdoors, without the bulk of a hard cooler.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is designed for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, and hiking. Its size is practical, measuring 9.9 inches in depth, 15.3 inches in width, and 18.1 inches in height, making it spacious enough to carry up to 20 cans of beverages or 12 pounds of ice. The portability is one of its strengths due to the backpack design, allowing users to keep their hands free, which is particularly useful for beach outings.

The MagShield Access feature uses durable magnets to create a leak-resistant seal, providing ease of access and secure closure with minimal effort. ColdCell insulation is another highlight, offering excellent cold-holding capabilities to keep contents chilled for extended periods. Durability is assured with the DryHide Shell, made from high-density nylon that resists punctures and UV rays, ensuring the cooler withstands harsh outdoor conditions.

The additional Kangaroo Pocket is a convenient feature for storing small essentials like phones, keys, or wallets, adding to the cooler's practicality. However, it might be slightly heavy at 3.04 kilograms, which could be a drawback if you plan to carry it for long distances. The YETI Hopper M12 is well-suited for anyone looking for a reliable and portable cooler for their outdoor adventures.