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 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 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.