10 Best Personal Coolers 2026 in the United States

The YETI Roadie 15 is a compact and durable personal cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep beverages cold on the go. It fits up to 22 cans or 16 lbs of ice, making it suitable for day trips like camping, fishing, or hiking, though its cooling capacity is smaller compared to larger coolers. The Roadie's solid insulation and polyethylene construction ensure reliable cooling performance without requiring power.

Its standout features include a DoubleDuty shoulder strap and LipGrip handles for comfortable carrying, plus BearFoot non-slip feet that stabilize it on uneven surfaces like boats or car seats. Weighing about 5.4 kg, it strikes a good balance between sturdiness and portability, although it may feel a bit heavy when fully loaded. Energy efficiency isn’t relevant here since it’s a passive cooler.

This model is ideal for those seeking a tough, portable cooler to keep drinks cold on short trips, valuing ease of transport and durability. However, if you need to store larger quantities or want active cooling, this may not be the best fit.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a highly portable and durable option for those needing a personal cooler. Its ability to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice while maintaining hands-free convenience makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The MAGSHIELD ACCESS feature ensures easy and leak-resistant access to your items, while the ColdCell Insulation provides impressive cold-holding capabilities, keeping your drinks and food ice cold for extended periods.

The DryHide Shell adds to its durability, protecting against punctures and UV rays, making it well-suited for rugged outdoor activities. Additionally, the exterior Kangaroo Pocket offers convenient storage for small essentials like your phone, keys, or wallet.

If you prioritize portability and durability, the YETI Hopper M12 is a solid choice.

The Yeti Hopper M15 Soft Cooler is a sturdy, portable cooler designed for outdoor activities like beach trips, boating, and hiking. It can hold up to 32 cans or about 24 pounds of contents, making it ideal for small groups or day trips. Its standout feature is the ColdCell insulation, which uses closed-cell foam to keep your items cold for a long time without needing electricity. The cooler’s nylon DryHide shell is tough against punctures and UV rays, adding durability for rugged use. The MagShield Access magnetic closure system secures the lid to prevent leaks while remaining easy to open and close with a soft push.

While it does not have active cooling, the insulation and leak-proof design effectively manage moisture and cold retention. Weighing about 3.45 kilograms, it is light enough to carry comfortably, and the kangaroo pocket on the outside adds useful storage for small items. The main drawback is its limited capacity if you need to store more food or drinks for a larger group or longer trips. Additionally, since it relies solely on insulation, it won’t keep things cold beyond a day or so in very hot weather without additional ice.

For those seeking a durable, easy-to-carry soft cooler that reliably keeps drinks and snacks cold on short adventures, the Yeti Hopper M15 is a solid choice.