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10 Best Soft Cooler Bags 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Navy

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,403
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
562 reviews

Capacity
While the cooler is easy to pack, it can be challenging to close if overfilled with ice.
Insulation
Durable construction and high-quality insulation keep drinks ice cold for hours, even in hot weather.
Portability
The backpack design is comfortable and the adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit, making it easy to carry hands-free.
Durability
The material is impressive and the cooler promises great longevity, making it a fantastic investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Additional Features
The MagShield Access feature makes it incredibly easy to open and close the cooler, adding to its convenience.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Navy is designed for those who enjoy outdoor activities like picnics, camping, and hiking. It offers a capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, making it suitable for small groups or extended trips. The ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam is a standout feature, ensuring impressive cold retention to keep your drinks and food ice-cold for long periods.

The MagShield Access using durable magnets creates an efficient, leak-resistant closure system that is easy to use with one hand, allowing the bag to stay open when needed and close securely when not in use. This is particularly useful for quickly accessing the cooler’s contents without fumbling with zippers. The DryHide Shell is made of high-density fabric, providing significant protection against punctures and UV rays, contributing to the cooler's durability.

Additionally, the kangaroo pocket on the exterior is a handy added feature for storing small items like a phone, keys, or snacks, ensuring they are easily accessible. However, the cooler does have some drawbacks. Weighing in at 3.04 kilograms, it can be relatively heavy when fully loaded, which might be a concern for some users. Also, while the capacity is adequate, it might not suffice for very large gatherings. The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack offers a blend of functionality, durability, and portability, making it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable soft-sided cooler.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,403
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
562 reviews

Capacity
While the cooler is easy to pack, it can be challenging to close if overfilled with ice.
Insulation
Durable construction and high-quality insulation keep drinks ice cold for hours, even in hot weather.
Portability
The backpack design is comfortable and the adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit, making it easy to carry hands-free.
Durability
The material is impressive and the cooler promises great longevity, making it a fantastic investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Additional Features
The MagShield Access feature makes it incredibly easy to open and close the cooler, adding to its convenience.
#2

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler with MagShield Access, Navy

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Insulation
Additional Features

Most important from
328 reviews

Capacity
The design is a significant improvement over earlier models, fitting regular cans and even a bottle of wine.
Insulation
Perfect size for car trips, keeping products very cold for an extended period.
Additional Features
The magnetic closure is highly effective, often eliminating the need for straps to keep it closed.

The YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler in Navy color has a capacity of 7.2 gallons, making it suitable for activities like picnics, fishing, camping, and hiking. It boasts impressive insulation through its ColdCell closed-cell foam, which keeps contents cold for extended periods. The portability is enhanced by its relatively manageable weight of 4.47 kilograms and durable construction using high-density nylon fabric that resists punctures and UV damage.

One of the standout features is the MAGSHIELD ACCESS, which uses powerful magnets to create an ultra leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close. This ensures that your cooler will not leak, making it highly reliable for various outdoor activities. Additionally, the DryHide Shell further adds to its durability, ensuring the cooler withstands rough use and harsh conditions. Another useful feature is the Hitchpoint Grid, allowing for secure attachment of additional gear and accessories, enhancing its versatility.

However, potential drawbacks include its relatively high weight compared to other soft coolers, which might make it less convenient to carry over long distances. Also, the price point and the need for careful maintenance to avoid mildew might be considerations for some users. For those who prioritize durability, excellent insulation, and a leak-proof design, this soft cooler is a strong contender.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Insulation
Additional Features

Most important from
328 reviews

Capacity
The design is a significant improvement over earlier models, fitting regular cans and even a bottle of wine.
Insulation
Perfect size for car trips, keeping products very cold for an extended period.
Additional Features
The magnetic closure is highly effective, often eliminating the need for straps to keep it closed.
#3

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler, Charcoal

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
928 reviews

Capacity
Perfect size for daily use and YETI's renowned quality is evident.
Insulation
Keeps drinks and food cold for hours even in hot weather.
Durability
The build quality is excellent and the cooler is well-constructed.
Leak-Proof Design
Does not leak and is fully waterproof.
Additional Features
The front pouch, bought separately, is highly recommended for extra storage.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 stands out as a robust and reliable soft cooler bag, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. With a capacity to hold up to 16 cans plus ice, it offers ample space for a day out. The ColdCell Insulation ensures beverages and food stay cold longer than ordinary soft coolers, making it perfect for extended trips.

Its 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and high-density fabric make it both durable and resistant to punctures and UV rays, enhancing its longevity in rugged environments. The DryHide Shell adds another layer of protection being waterproof and resistant to abrasions, making it a reliable companion in the wild. Weighing 5.1 lbs, it's relatively lightweight considering its sturdy build, and the compact dimensions make it portable without sacrificing storage space.

However, the premium build comes at a higher price point which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users. Additionally, its rigid structure might not always be as flexible in terms of storage compared to other soft coolers. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize durability and superior insulation, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a top-tier choice.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
928 reviews

Capacity
Perfect size for daily use and YETI's renowned quality is evident.
Insulation
Keeps drinks and food cold for hours even in hot weather.
Durability
The build quality is excellent and the cooler is well-constructed.
Leak-Proof Design
Does not leak and is fully waterproof.
Additional Features
The front pouch, bought separately, is highly recommended for extra storage.

Buying Guide for the Best Soft Cooler Bags

When it comes to picking the right soft cooler bag, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Soft cooler bags are versatile and convenient for keeping your food and drinks cool on the go, whether you're heading to a picnic, beach, camping trip, or just need a portable cooler for daily use. To make the best choice, you'll need to look at several key specifications that will determine how well the cooler bag meets your needs.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler bag, usually measured in quarts or liters. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can carry. Small cooler bags (10-20 quarts) are great for personal use or short trips, medium-sized bags (20-40 quarts) are suitable for small groups or day trips, and large bags (40+ quarts) are ideal for larger groups or longer outings. Choose a capacity based on the number of people you need to cater to and the duration of your trips.
InsulationInsulation is what keeps the contents of your cooler bag cold. The quality and thickness of the insulation material can vary, affecting how long the bag can maintain a cool temperature. High-quality insulation can keep items cold for up to 24 hours or more, while lower-quality insulation may only last a few hours. If you need to keep items cold for extended periods, look for a cooler bag with thick, high-density foam insulation. For shorter trips, a bag with standard insulation should suffice.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the cooler bag. This includes the weight of the bag when empty, the type of handles or straps, and any additional features like wheels. Lightweight bags with comfortable shoulder straps or backpack-style straps are ideal for carrying over longer distances. If you plan to transport heavy loads, look for bags with padded handles or wheels for easier maneuverability. Consider how far and how often you'll be carrying the bag to determine the best portability features for you.
DurabilityDurability is about how well the cooler bag can withstand wear and tear. This includes the quality of the materials used, such as the outer fabric and zippers, as well as the overall construction. Bags made from heavy-duty materials like nylon or polyester with reinforced stitching and waterproof linings are more durable and can handle rough use. If you plan to use the cooler bag frequently or in rugged conditions, opt for a more durable model. For occasional use, a standard durability bag should be sufficient.
Leak-Proof DesignA leak-proof design ensures that melted ice or condensation doesn't escape from the cooler bag, keeping your belongings dry and preventing messes. This is particularly important if you plan to carry the bag in a car or near other items that could be damaged by water. Look for bags with welded seams and waterproof zippers to ensure a leak-proof experience. If you only need the cooler for short trips or dry items, a less stringent leak-proof design may be acceptable.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a cooler bag. These may include extra pockets for storage, bottle openers, built-in cutting boards, or even Bluetooth speakers. While these features are not essential, they can add value depending on your specific needs. Think about what extra features would be useful for your activities and choose a cooler bag that offers those enhancements.

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