10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2026 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers, who want a portable and reliable cooler. It holds about 6.3 liters, which fits around 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice—a moderate size ideal for day trips or short outings rather than large group events. Its ColdCell insulation uses closed-cell foam to keep items cold for a long time, which is great if you need your drinks or food to stay chilled during a hike. The DryHide shell material resists punctures and UV damage, enhancing durability so it can handle rough outdoor conditions without easily wearing out.

One of the standout features is the MagShield Access, a magnetic closure that seals tightly to prevent leaks but stays open when you want it to, making it convenient to access your items without fumbling. The backpack style with multiple carry handles and a HitchPoint grid means you can carry it hands-free and attach extra gear like a bottle opener or dry bag, adding versatility for outdoor adventures.

On the downside, while the cooler is well-insulated, its 6.3-liter capacity is somewhat limited if you need to store larger amounts of food or drinks. Also, being a soft-sided cooler, it may not offer the same level of protection as hard coolers against heavy impacts. Weighing around 3.4 kilograms, it’s reasonably lightweight but might feel a bit bulky when fully loaded. The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler excels in portability, insulation, and durability for solo hikers or small groups who want to keep essentials cold on the go, but it might not be the best fit for those needing very large capacity or maximum impact protection.

The YETI Tundra 65 cooler is a strong choice for anyone needing a tough, reliable cooler for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, or backyard barbecues. With a large capacity, it can hold plenty of food and drinks, or even a big catch, making it versatile for various outings. Its standout feature is excellent ice retention, thanks to up to 3 inches of thick PermaFrost insulation and the FatWall design, which help keep ice frozen for a long time.

Durability is a major plus here—the cooler’s rotomolded polyethylene construction makes it nearly indestructible and even bear-resistant, so it can handle rough handling and wild environments without issue. Portability is decent but not its strongest point; at nearly 16 kilograms (about 35 pounds) when empty, it’s quite heavy to carry, especially when fully loaded. However, the non-slip feet and heavy-duty T-Rex lid latches improve usability and security, preventing breakage and accidental openings. It also comes with a dry goods basket for better organization inside.

The size and weight might be too bulky for casual day trips or for those who need a lightweight cooler to carry long distances. For those seeking a rugged, high-performance cooler that prioritizes keeping your ice and contents cold for extended periods and can withstand tough conditions, the YETI Tundra 65 is an excellent pick.

The YETI Tundra 45 cooler is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable and reliable cooler. It can hold up to 26 cans with plenty of ice, making it well-suited for camping, fishing, or picnics. Its standout feature is excellent ice retention, thanks to 3 inches of thick PermaFrost insulation combined with the FatWall design, which keeps contents cold for days.

This cooler is built tough with rotomolded construction, making it almost indestructible and even certified bear-resistant—ideal if you're in rugged environments. The heavy-duty rubber T-Rex lid latches are designed to last without breaking, and the cooler includes a dry goods basket to keep items organized and dry.

On the downside, it’s fairly heavy at 23 pounds when empty, which might make it less convenient for long hikes or situations requiring frequent carrying. Its size is moderately portable but not the most compact option available. Also, while it offers useful features like a drain hole and non-slip feet, it doesn’t have wheels or handles to further improve mobility. If your priority is keeping ice for extended periods and durability in tough conditions, the YETI Tundra 45 is a great fit. But if you want something ultra-lightweight and easier to carry for short day trips, you might find it a bit bulky.