10 Best Coolers 2026 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler is designed for those who need a tough and reliable cooler for camping and outdoor adventures. Its capacity is suitable for keeping a moderate amount of food and drinks cool, making it perfect for small groups or day trips. The cooler uses ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam and polyurethane material, which provides excellent cold retention to keep your items icy for many hours. One of its standout features is the MagShield Access—a magnetic seal that makes opening and closing the cooler easy while maintaining a strong, leak-resistant closure. This helps prevent spills and keeps the cold air inside.

The cooler’s DryHide shell is made from high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage, adding to its durability in rough outdoor conditions. It’s also water-resistant and foldable, which enhances portability and storage convenience. The HitchPoint grid system lets you attach extra gear like dry bags or tools, adding useful customization options. On the downside, the M30 is not the largest cooler, so it may not be ideal for extended trips or larger groups needing more capacity. While it’s water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, so care should be taken in very wet conditions. Also, soft coolers generally don’t cool as long as hard-sided models.

For campers or outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged, easy-to-carry soft cooler with strong insulation and smart features, the YETI Hopper M30 represents a solid choice.

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.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler is designed for people who want a portable and durable cooler that lets them move freely, thanks to its backpack style. It holds about 6.3 liters, which fits around 18 cans or up to 26 pounds of ice, making it suitable for day hikes or short outdoor trips. Its standout feature is the MagShield Access—a magnetic closure system that keeps the cooler tightly sealed to prevent leaks but also opens easily when needed. The ColdCell insulation uses closed-cell foam, which does a strong job keeping ice cold for hours, so your drinks or food stay fresh longer.

The DryHide shell is made from tough, high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage, helping the bag last through rough outdoor use. Additionally, the HitchPoint Grid allows you to attach extra gear like smaller dry bags or tools, adding to its versatility. It weighs about 3.4 kilograms and has multiple carry handles for convenience. Cleaning should be relatively easy because of its leakproof liner, although, as a soft cooler, it might not be as simple to wipe down as hard-sided models.

The size is compact and designed primarily for hiking and active use, so it might not be the best choice if you need to carry a lot of ice or items for a longer trip. This cooler is an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability, ruggedness, and effective insulation in a hands-free design.