10 Best Coolers 2026 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler stands out in the cooler category, particularly for those who prioritize portability and effective insulation. With a capacity to hold up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, this cooler is ideal for day trips, picnics, or outdoor activities where you need to keep beverages cold and hands-free. The MagShield Access feature is a notable highlight, using durable magnets for a leak-resistant closure that allows easy access to your drinks.

One of the cooler's strong points is its ColdCell Insulation, which is designed to retain cold temperatures exceptionally well, ensuring your items stay frosty for longer periods. The DryHide Shell adds another layer of durability, being both puncture-resistant and UV ray resistant, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions.

The Kangaroo Pocket is a useful addition, allowing for easy storage of essentials like phones and keys.

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is a sturdy and reliable choice for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and picnics. It holds about 26 cans with ice, thanks to its 45-quart capacity, which is a good size for small groups or day trips. Its standout feature is the ice retention: thick Permafrost Insulation combined with a Fat Wall design helps keep your ice frozen for a long time, often lasting days under typical use.

Durability is another strong point, with rotomolded construction making it nearly indestructible and even bear-resistant—a big plus if you’re in the wilderness. The T-Rex Lid Latches are tough and designed to avoid breaking, which adds to its ruggedness. On portability, it weighs about 23 pounds and has a modest size, so it’s portable but a bit heavy for long carries without assistance. Cleaning requires hand washing, which is normal for coolers of this type but something to keep in mind if you want low maintenance.

The aluminum material and charcoal color give it a solid look and feel. If you prioritize long-lasting ice retention and durability rather than an ultra-lightweight design, this cooler is an excellent choice. However, if you need something very lightweight or with a much larger capacity, you might want to consider other options.

The YETI Tundra 65 Cooler in Rescue Red is a highly durable and well-insulated cooler ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. With a capacity of 58 pounds, it is spacious enough to store plenty of food and drinks, making it suitable for longer trips or larger gatherings. The cooler boasts up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design, ensuring your items stay cold for extended periods.

This insulation also makes it certified Bear-Resistant, adding an extra layer of security for your food storage in the wild. The Rotomolded Construction makes the cooler virtually indestructible, capable of withstanding tough outdoor conditions. Additionally, the T-Rex Lid Latches made of heavy-duty rubber ensure durability and longevity, preventing any latch breakages. However, the cooler's weight of 29 pounds when empty might be a drawback for some users, as it can be cumbersome to transport when fully loaded. While it is portable, the weight and size may require two people to carry it comfortably.

The included dry goods basket is a nice touch, providing a separate space for non-perishable items. The YETI Tundra 65 is well-suited for those who need a robust and reliable cooler for serious outdoor adventures but may not be the best option for those looking for a lightweight and highly portable solution.