10 Best Coolers That Keep Ice For Days 2025 in the United States

The Ninja FrostVault 45QT Cooler is a solid choice for keeping ice cold for multiple days. Its standout feature is the FrostVault Technology, which keeps ice frozen while separating dry food to maintain freshness and safety. With up to 3 inches of insulation, it provides strong ice retention, making it suitable for beach trips, camping, or picnics. The 45-quart size can hold up to 68 cans without ice or 40 cans with ice, offering good capacity for group outings.

Durability is well covered with a hard plastic shell and puncture-resistant, all-terrain wheels that facilitate movement across various surfaces. The reinforced telescoping handle adds comfort when hauling. Portability is enhanced by the wheels, though the cooler weighs about 30 pounds empty, which is on the heavier side. The design promotes smarter packing by including a dry storage drawer, so food stays separate from ice and doesn’t get soggy. This feature also reduces the need to dig through ice to retrieve items. While the product manual suggests hand washing, the cooler is relatively low maintenance.

This cooler suits those who prioritize ice retention, durability, and ease of movement over an ultra-lightweight design. It works particularly well for outdoor adventures where keeping food dry and cold is important, though those seeking a lighter option or a more explicit drainage system might want to consider alternatives.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is designed for those who want to keep their drinks cold while on the go. It can carry up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice, making it a great choice for picnics, camping trips, or beach days. One of the standout features is its MagShield Access, which uses powerful magnets to create a leak-resistant seal. This design keeps your beverages secure and allows easy access when you need it, which is convenient for frequent use.

In terms of insulation, the ColdCell foam provides excellent cold-holding capabilities, ensuring your drinks stay chilled for hours. The high-density DryHide fabric is built to resist punctures and UV damage, enhancing the cooler's durability. Plus, the Hitchpoint Grid allows you to attach additional gear, which adds to its versatility.

The M20 offers exceptional portability with its backpack design but may not be suitable for users seeking a larger capacity for extended trips, as it holds less than many traditional hard-sided coolers. The price point can also be a consideration, as YETI products are often on the higher end of the market. While the soft-sided design is lighter and more convenient for carrying, it may not hold ice as long as some heavier, rigid alternatives.

The YETI Roadie 15 is a compact and sturdy cooler designed for users who need a portable option without sacrificing ice retention. Its polyurethane foam insulation and thick polyethylene walls help keep ice cold for an extended time, making it reliable for day trips or short outings. The cooler fits up to 22 cans or 16 pounds of ice, including most standard wine and 2-liter soda bottles, which is quite efficient given its small size.

Portability is a key strength; the DoubleDuty shoulder strap and LipGrip handles make carrying comfortable and versatile, while the BearFoot non-slip feet prevent unwanted sliding on surfaces like boat decks or car seats. The material and build quality contribute to its durability, so it's well-suited for rough outdoor use. The cooler's compact size means it is ideal for individuals or small groups but may not be suitable for longer trips or larger groups needing more storage space.

This cooler is a tough, easy-to-carry option that excels at keeping ice for a full day. However, those who need bigger capacity or quicker drainage options might find it limiting.