10 Best Soft Sided Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M15 is a compact and highly portable soft-sided cooler designed for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, or beach trips. It can hold up to 32 twelve-ounce cans or 15.5 pounds of ice, making it a great choice if you need a small cooler for day outings rather than extended trips. Its ColdCell insulation uses closed-cell foam to keep contents cold effectively, though for longer periods you might need to add fresh ice. The Dryhide shell fabric is tough and resistant to punctures and UV damage, which means it stands up well to rough outdoor use. Its water resistance is good but not fully waterproof, so it will handle splashes but not submersion.

The MagShield Access system uses durable magnets to keep the cooler tightly sealed against leaks but also allows easy opening and closing, which is a handy feature for quick access. The exterior Kangaroo Pocket offers extra space for small items like keys or your phone, adding convenience. Weighing about 2.4 kilograms, it’s light enough to carry comfortably, though it may feel a bit bulky if fully packed. The cooler is easy to clean by hand but cannot be machine washed.

The Hopper M15 is well suited for outdoor enthusiasts who value durability, portability, and reliable cold retention in a smaller-sized soft cooler, but it might not be the best pick if you need large capacity or complete waterproofing.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a portable soft-sided cooler designed to keep your drinks and food cold for extended periods. It holds about 16 cans plus ice, which is a good size for personal use or small group outings. Thanks to its ColdCell insulation, which is a special closed-cell foam, it keeps ice frozen much longer than many other soft coolers. The cooler’s DryHide shell is both waterproof and highly durable, resisting punctures, UV damage, and abrasions—ideal for outdoor adventures like hunting, boating, or camping.

Its HydroLok zipper is completely leakproof, preventing any spills no matter how bumpy your trip gets. Weighing just over 5 pounds and with compact dimensions, it’s easy to carry yet sturdy enough to handle rough conditions. One thing to keep in mind is that it requires hand washing, which might take a little extra care compared to easy-clean hard coolers. Also, while it is tough, the price might be higher than simpler soft coolers.

If you want a reliable, tough, and well-insulated soft cooler for personal outdoor activities, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 fits well. However, if you need a larger capacity or a very budget-friendly option, you might want to check other models.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable cooler to take on hikes or day trips. It can hold up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice, which is a good size for small groups or personal use. Thanks to YETI’s ColdCell insulation, it does a great job keeping your drinks and food cold for hours. The DryHide shell is tough, designed to resist punctures and sun damage, which means it should hold up well outdoors. One of its standout features is the MagShield Access – magnetic seals that help keep the cooler leak-resistant and easy to open or close with a gentle push. This adds convenience and helps prevent spills. The cooler is shaped like a backpack, so it’s easy to carry hands-free, and it comes with multiple handles and a HitchPoint grid for attaching extra gear or tools, which is handy for outdoor adventures.

On the downside, the 22-pound ice capacity means it’s better for short trips rather than extended outings requiring large amounts of ice or food. Also, while the DryHide material resists water and damage well, soft-sided coolers like this generally won’t be as fully waterproof or rugged as hard coolers against rough treatment. The product is a well-made, durable, and portable cooler suitable for hikers and campers who want reliable cold storage without heavy bulk.