10 Best Soft Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M15 Portable Soft Cooler is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable, reliable cooler for short trips like beach days, boating, or hikes. It holds up to 15.5 pounds of ice or 32 cans, which is a good size for a small group or a day out. Its ColdCell insulation uses closed-cell foam to keep contents cold for hours, helping your drinks and snacks stay fresh. The DryHide shell is tough and resists punctures and UV damage, making it suitable for rugged use. A handy kangaroo pocket on the outside offers extra storage for small items like your phone or keys.

The MagShield Access closure uses strong magnets to create a leak-resistant seal that snaps shut securely yet can stay open when needed, balancing convenience and protection from spills. The cooler is water-resistant and easy to clean with mild soap and water. While it’s very portable and well-made, its weight when full and moderate capacity mean it’s best for small groups or day trips rather than extended outings or large groups.

Also, being a soft cooler, it won’t offer the same long-term ice retention as hard-sided coolers but is more flexible and lightweight to carry. If you value solid ice retention, durability, and portability in a compact soft cooler, the YETI Hopper M15 is a strong choice.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a strong contender for those in need of a reliable cooler for outdoor activities like picnics, camping, or tailgating. With a capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, it strikes a good balance between size and storage, making it ideal for small gatherings. One of its standout features is the MagShield Access, which utilizes strong magnets to ensure that the cooler is not only easy to open but also leak-resistant when closed, minimizing mess and hassle.

In terms of insulation, the ColdCell foam does an impressive job of keeping your drinks chilled for hours, which is a big plus when you're out in the sun. The durable DryHide shell adds another layer of protection, resisting punctures and UV rays, so you can rely on it for years of use.

Portability is a key strength as well, thanks to its backpack design, allowing you to carry your cooler hands-free. It also features a Kangaroo pocket, providing easy access to smaller items like your phone or wallet.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler in Big Wave Blue stands out for its impressive cold-holding capacity. It uses ColdCell Insulation, a high-quality closed-cell foam, which ensures that your drinks and food stay cold longer compared to ordinary soft coolers. With a capacity to hold up to 16 cans plus ice, it is quite spacious for its size. The cooler features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper, which is a significant advantage as it prevents spills and leaks, making it highly reliable for outdoor activities.

Its high-density fabric is another plus, offering resistance against punctures and UV rays, ensuring durability even in tough outdoor conditions. Additionally, the DryHide Shell is both waterproof and abrasion-resistant, providing extra protection against various elements in the wild. The cooler is specifically designed for personal use during full days of outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, or boating.

Portability is well-thought-out with this cooler, weighing 5.1 lbs when empty, and its dimensions make it easy to carry and store. It is slightly heavier compared to some other soft coolers, which might be a consideration if you need to carry it over long distances. The design, material, and additional features like its puncture-resistant shell make it a robust choice, but the higher weight could be seen as a drawback for some users.