10 Best Coolers 2026 in the United States

The Stanley All Day Madeleine Midi Backpack Soft Cooler holds about 14.8 quarts, fitting up to 20 cans, which makes it suitable for day trips or small group outings. It stays cold for a full day thanks to its insulated design and leak-resistant liner, so your food and drinks stay fresh without worrying about mess. The backpack style with shoulder straps and a handle adds to its portability, making it easy to carry whether hiking or walking around town.

It's made from recycled polyester, offering good durability and an eco-friendly choice, plus Stanley backs it with a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term use. The cooler also has handy features like a zipper pocket for valuables and side mesh pockets for extra items like water bottles. Its size is on the smaller side if you need to store more than 20 cans or larger food containers.

While the insulation keeps things cold for a day, it’s not suited for multi-day trips without ice refills. Cleaning should be straightforward due to the leak-resistant liner, but as a soft-sided backpack, it might not be as easy to wipe down as hard coolers. This cooler is ideal if you want something lightweight, portable, and stylish for day outings, picnics, or travel, but it may not be the best pick for heavy-duty or extended cooling needs.

The Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Soft Cooler Bag is a compact and stylish option for anyone needing a portable cooler for daily outings like picnics, hikes, or beach trips. It holds up to 10 cans or about 7.2 quarts, making it suitable for personal use or small group refreshment. The cooler keeps your food and drinks cold for several hours thanks to its insulated design, though it's best for short-term cooling rather than extended ice retention. Its unique “doctor’s bag” style top zipper offers easy access, which is convenient when you’re on the go.

Portability is a strong point here — the cooler is lightweight (around 1.2 pounds) and includes both handles and a detachable shoulder strap, making it easy to carry in different ways. The material is durable recycled polyester with a leak-resistant liner, so it can handle regular use without worrying about spills. Cleaning is straightforward with hand washing recommended, though you should avoid harsh chemicals to keep the insulation and fabric in good shape.

While it’s built to last and comes with a lifetime warranty, the soft-sided construction may not provide the same rugged protection as hard coolers if you need something for very rough outdoor activities. The ice retention is good for hours but won’t match larger or more insulated models designed for multi-day trips. This cooler suits those who want a stylish, easy-to-carry cooler with moderate capacity and reliable cold-keeping for everyday adventures.

The YETI Hopper M15 is a portable soft cooler designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, or beach trips. It can hold up to 32 cans or 15.5 pounds of ice, making it a good size for day trips or small gatherings. Its standout feature is the MAGSHIELD ACCESS, which uses strong magnets to keep the cooler securely closed yet easy to open when needed, helping prevent leaks. The insulation employs ColdCell closed-cell foam that effectively keeps ice and drinks cold for many hours.

The cooler’s Dryhide shell is made from tough nylon fabric that resists punctures and UV damage, enhancing its durability. Additionally, the exterior kangaroo pocket provides convenient storage for small items like your phone or keys. Weighing about 2.4 kilograms (5.3 pounds), it is lightweight enough for carrying on the go, and its water-resistant design helps keep your gear dry. Cleaning requires hand washing with mild soap and air drying, which is typical for soft coolers but may demand some extra care compared to hard coolers that can be rinsed easily.

While its capacity isn’t huge, it is well-suited for solo adventurers or small groups. For those seeking a rugged, high-quality soft cooler that is easy to carry and effective at keeping contents cold for a day or so, the YETI Hopper M15 is a reliable option. If longer ice retention for multiple days or a larger capacity is needed, a bigger or hard cooler might be more appropriate.