10 Best Soft Cooler Bags 2025 in the United States

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.

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 is a compact soft cooler designed for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and picnics. It holds about six cans with ice, making it ideal for personal use or a small group. Its standout feature is the ColdCell insulation, which is a type of closed-cell foam that keeps contents colder longer than many typical soft coolers. The cooler’s DryHide shell is waterproof and rugged, built to resist punctures, abrasions, and UV damage, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions without falling apart.

Portability is a plus here, as it weighs just under 3 pounds and has a manageable size, making it easy to carry on a day trip. The HydroLok zipper is fully leakproof, which means you won’t have to worry about spills or melted ice leaking out — a common issue with softer coolers. On the downside, the capacity is somewhat limited at 2.5 gallons, so it won’t be suitable if you need to store drinks or food for a larger group or longer trips. Also, being a premium brand product, the price might be on the higher side compared to basic soft coolers.

If you want a durable, well-insulated, and truly leakproof personal cooler that is easy to carry and built to last in the outdoors, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 is a strong choice. However, if you need more space or are on a tighter budget, you might want to consider other options.

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.