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 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 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.