10 Best Ice Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 is a small, portable soft cooler that holds about 6 cans plus ice, making it ideal for personal use during activities like fishing, hiking, or picnics. Its ColdCell insulation, made from closed-cell foam, helps keep contents colder longer than many other soft coolers. The cooler’s waterproof DryHide shell and HydroLok zipper provide excellent durability against water, punctures, and rough outdoor conditions.

Weighing just 2.8 pounds and measuring roughly 10.5 by 8 by 10.5 inches, it is easy to carry and fits well in tight spaces. Its 2.5-gallon capacity is on the smaller side, so it’s not suited for larger groups or extended trips where more storage is needed. The product does not include a dedicated drainage system, which means emptying melted ice might require tipping it over.

With a rugged design and leakproof features, it stands up well to outdoor challenges and is great for keeping your food and drinks cold during a full day outdoors. If you want a durable, easy-to-carry cooler for solo adventures or short outings, the Hopper Flip 8 is a strong choice, but those needing bigger capacity or easy drainage might want to look elsewhere.

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler in Desert Tan is highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and durable cooler for activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. With a capacity of 45 quarts, it can hold up to 26 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio, making it suitable for extended trips. The cooler’s impressive insulation, featuring up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and a thick FatWall design, ensures that ice stays frozen for extended periods, even in hot weather.

Additionally, the Rotomolded Construction makes it nearly indestructible, able to withstand rugged use and conditions, while being certified bear-resistant for added peace of mind in the wild. The T-Rex Lid Latches made of heavy-duty rubber are designed to last, eliminating the worry of broken latches. However, portability might be a concern as the cooler weighs 24 pounds when empty, which could be cumbersome for some users to transport, especially when fully loaded.

The cooler also includes a convenient dry goods basket, but lacks a dedicated drainage system, which may make cleaning and draining melted ice a bit cumbersome. Despite the higher price point, the additional features and sturdy build make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize quality and longevity in their gear.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a compact soft cooler designed for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or picnics, with a capacity to hold about 12 cans plus ice. Its ColdCell insulation, made from closed-cell foam, does a great job keeping your drinks cold longer than many other soft coolers. The cooler features a waterproof HydroLok zipper and a tough DryHide shell that resists punctures, abrasions, and UV damage, making it durable enough for rough outdoor use.

Weighing just over 3 pounds and sized to fit comfortably by your side, it’s easy to carry and transport. The design includes a water-resistant build but lacks a dedicated drainage system, which means you'll need to tip it out manually when melted ice accumulates. Additional features like the leakproof zipper and abrasion-resistant fabric add peace of mind that your cooler can handle tough conditions without leaking or tearing.

The relatively small capacity means it’s best suited for personal use rather than large group outings. If you want a reliable, rugged, and portable cooler that excels at keeping contents cold for a day or two, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a solid choice, though those needing more storage or easy drainage might find it limiting.