After a grueling hike, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing, ice-cold beverage. The challenge, however, is keeping that drink chilled until you reach your destination. This is where backpack coolers come into play. These innovative carriers combine insulated compartments with comfortable straps, allowing you to transport beverages like beer, soda, or water across rugged terrain with ease—without the hassle of dragging a bulky traditional cooler.
With a wide array of options available in different sizes, configurations, and price points, selecting the perfect cooler backpack can be overwhelming. To simplify your choice, we tested various models, evaluating their capacity, insulation effectiveness, carrying comfort, and durability.
Best Overall: RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler
- Price: $265 at Amazon, $160 at Rticoutdoors.com
- What We Like:
- Spacious yet compact design
- Generous opening for easy loading
- Floats on water
- What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks exterior pockets
The RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler impressed us with its thoughtful design and functionality. The cooler features a large, rectangular top that opens fully, accommodating various items such as food packages and ice packs. The 20-can capacity model comfortably fits its namesake quantity, with extra space for additional cans if needed. For those who need more room, a 30-can version is also available.
Comfort is a strong suit of this cooler, with ample padding on the shoulder straps, tote handle, and back panel. A chest strap aids in balancing the load when the cooler is fully packed. Remarkably, the RTIC cooler is buoyant, making it ideal for river trips or floating adventures.
During our two-hour insulation test, the RTIC cooler retained about half of its ice, and it withstood a drop from counter height without any damage. Its watertight zippers ensure leak-proof performance, though it’s crucial to zip them completely for a proper seal.
A minor drawback is the absence of exterior pockets for items like napkins, maps, or electronics. Although there’s an elastic strap on the front, it does not provide secure storage. Nevertheless, the RTIC cooler’s mid-range price offers excellent value compared to similar models.
- Dimensions: 12 x 6.3 x 16 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Empty Weight: 3.7 pounds
Best Budget: TOURIT Cooler Backpack
- Price: $37 at Amazon, $37 at Walmart
- What We Like:
- Multiple extra storage pockets
- Well-padded straps
- Two insulated compartments
- What We Don’t Like:
- Prone to leaking
The TOURIT Cooler Backpack may not live up to its 30-can capacity claim, especially if ice is included. However, it performs admirably as a 20-can cooler, providing ample space for beverages and ice. The insulated zip pocket in the lid can hold a few additional cans.
One of the TOURIT’s standout features is its array of storage options. It includes a lid pocket, mesh side holsters for water bottles, a sizable front zip pouch with an inner pocket, and an additional small front pocket for snacks. This design allows you to carry cold drinks along with other essentials like paper plates and utensils.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the TOURIT cooler is not the best in terms of insulation or durability. Our test showed that nearly all of the ice melted within two hours, and the zippers did not provide a waterproof seal, leading to leaks when the pack was tilted. The padding is minimal, and a drop test resulted in a burst can. Still, the cooler remains a reasonably comfortable and affordable option.
- Dimensions: 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches
- Materials: Polyester, PEVA
- Empty Weight: 1.5 pounds
Best Splurge: Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler
- Price: $264 at Amazon, $290 at Backcountry.com
- What We Like:
- Comfortable carrying experience
- Heavy-duty and spill-proof
- Versatile with multiple compartments
- What We Don’t Like:
- Chest strap may not fit all users
The Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler is an exceptional choice for those willing to invest in premium quality. It features plush padding on both the straps and back, ensuring comfort even when fully loaded. The cooler includes two insulated compartments: a hard-sided bottom section for a six-pack and a spacious main section with a roll top. We successfully packed 16 cans into the main section, which also serves well for cold food or dry supplies.
The Dayventure excels in waterproof performance, with zippers and straps effectively preventing leaks. The bottom section’s insulation kept ice solid for nearly three hours, while the main section’s ice mostly melted but still kept the drinks cold. The cooler also includes a mesh sleeve for small items and an expandable wet-or-dry pocket on the exterior.
The main drawback is its high price, which is justified by its robust build and performance but may be excessive for casual users. Additionally, the chest strap might not be adjustable for everyone.
- Dimensions: 21.1 x 7.1 x 21.7 inches
- Materials: Nylon, TPU
- Empty Weight: 3.1 pounds
Best Insulation: IceMule Boss 30
- Price: $375 at Amazon, $301 at Walmart
- What We Like:
- Large capacity
- Excellent insulation
- Multiple compartments
- What We Don’t Like:
- Extremely expensive
- Bulky
The IceMule Boss 30 sets a high standard for insulation performance. It managed to retain nearly all of its ice after two hours, with the brand claiming it can keep ice frozen for over 24 hours. This cooler boasts a massive capacity, accommodating two dozen cans plus ample ice.
The Boss features extensive extra storage, including sizable side compartments and a large rear pocket, along with various straps and clips for additional gear. However, its size and weight make it cumbersome to handle. Despite being the priciest cooler we tested, it offers superior quality with reinforced seams and padding, though it is bulky when fully packed.
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 9 x 25 inches
- Materials: MuleSkin, foam
- Empty Weight: 7.9 pounds
Best Collapsible: IceMule Pro Cooler 23L
- Price: $135 at Amazon, $95 at Walmart
- What We Like:
- Large capacity and rolltop opening
- Relatively affordable
- Effective insulation
- What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks exterior pockets
The IceMule Pro Cooler 23L combines excellent insulation with a space-saving design. This cylindrical cooler can be rolled up for easy packing and transport but expands to hold 18 cans plus ice with no issues. It maintained near-total ice retention during our two-hour test.
The rolltop closure facilitates loading large or irregularly shaped items while ensuring a tight seal. The interior fabric and seams proved waterproof, though a small amount of water leaked when the cooler was laid on its side. The Pro model could benefit from additional exterior storage options, as it only features an elastic strap for a few small items.
- Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 18 inches
- Material: MuleSkin
- Empty Weight: 2.6 pounds
Best Large-Capacity: Igloo Pro Snapdown Backpack
- Price: Varies by retailer
- What We Like:
- Large capacity
- Leakproof and well-insulated
- Adjustable shoulder and chest straps
- What We Don’t Like:
- Not very stylish
The Igloo Pro Snapdown Backpack offers impressive capacity, accommodating between 36 to 42 cans. While we fit 40 cans without ice, it still provides excellent insulation and kept nearly all the ice frozen during our test. Additional storage includes side water bottle pockets and a front zip pocket with a built-in bottle opener.
The cooler’s top zipper opens wide for easy access and seals securely, preventing leaks. It can be compressed into a smaller shape when not fully packed, which is a nice feature. Although the bag’s design is functional, it lacks style, and the coated fabric feels somewhat stiff and plasticky.
- Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 17.5 inches
- Material: Coated ripstop polyester
- Empty Weight: 2.1 pounds
Best for Picnics: Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack
- Price: $90 at Amazon, $102 at Walmart
- What We Like:
- Resembles a conventional backpack
- Two separate sections
- Lightweight
- What We Don’t Like:
- Slight leakage
The Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack stands out for its sturdy build and practical design. Although it only fits 11 cans and ice in its insulated bottom section, the top section is useful for carrying non-perishable items like picnic blankets and utensils.
While the cooler performed well in terms of insulation, keeping ice frozen for most of our test, it did exhibit minor leakage when tipped. The top compartment is a valuable feature for separating dry items from cold drinks, and the design resembles a conventional backpack, enhancing its versatility.
- Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 19 inches
- Material: 600D polyester
- Empty Weight: 1.9 pounds
In Conclusion
Choosing the right backpack cooler depends on your specific needs, whether it’s for hiking, tailgating, or everyday use. The RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler offers a balance of quality and price, while the TOURIT Cooler Backpack is a solid budget choice. For those willing to invest, the Pelican Dayventure provides superior performance, and the IceMule Boss 30 stands out for its insulation. The IceMule Pro Cooler 23L is ideal for those seeking a collapsible option, and the Igloo Pro Snapdown Backpack is perfect for large groups. For picnics, the Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack blends practicality with a backpack’s functionality.
Final Verdict
RTIC Backpack Cooler: For its leakproof construction, superior insulation, and spacious design relative to its size, the RTIC Backpack Cooler is our top overall pick. It excels in maintaining ice, providing ample storage, and offering reliable durability at a reasonable price.
TOURIT Cooler Backpack: If you’re looking for decent performance on a budget, the TOURIT Cooler Backpack is an excellent choice. It offers substantial capacity and functionality at a much lower price point, making it our top budget pick.
How We Tested Cooler Backpacks
To determine the best cooler backpacks, we meticulously evaluated 23 models based on several criteria:
- Capacity: We tested each cooler’s ability to hold standard 12-ounce cans, considering both the stated capacity and additional space for ice. We then assessed how much ice the cooler could hold and how well it maintained its temperature.
- Insulation: We filled each cooler with a two-thirds ice to one-third can ratio and observed their performance over two hours at room temperature. We measured the remaining ice and any leaks by setting the coolers on their sides.
- Durability: Each cooler was subjected to a drop test from tabletop height onto concrete to evaluate its robustness and the condition of the cans inside.
- Value for Money: Only after completing all other tests did we reveal the retail prices to assess the value offered by each cooler.
Other Options We Tested
- Corkcicle Eola Bucket Cooler Bag: While stylish and compact, this cooler underperformed in insulation tests, with significant ice melt and visible damage from a drop.
- Seehonor Insulated Cooler Backpack: This large and inexpensive cooler unfortunately suffered from poor construction. It leaked extensively and sustained damage from a simple drop test, leading to dented and exploded cans.
What to Look for in a Backpack Cooler
Size and Capacity
Consider how much you need to carry. For large gatherings, opt for a high-capacity cooler. For hiking or smaller outings, a more compact option might suffice. Remember, the more you pack, the heavier the load.
Straps
Comfort is crucial. Look for thick, adjustable shoulder straps with padding and additional buckles to distribute weight evenly. Check for sturdy stitching and quality materials to ensure durability.
Insulation
Effective insulation is key. Coolers that provide detailed insulation information or guarantees about cold retention tend to perform better. Test coolers in person if possible to judge their insulation quality.
Extra Storage
Additional pockets are a significant advantage for carrying non-cold items. Coolers with extra compartments or zippers offer greater convenience for carrying other essentials.
FAQs
How Much Ice Should You Put in a Backpack Cooler?
Ideally, fill your cooler with two-thirds ice and one-third cans or bottles. This ratio keeps contents cold longer. For shorter trips, adjust the ice amount accordingly but ensure a layer of ice is present at the bottom and between cans. Pre-chilling contents can also help maintain cold temperatures.
How Do You Clean a Backpack Cooler?
For routine cleaning, wipe down the cooler with a cloth or sponge using water and dish soap. Allow it to air dry completely to prevent mold and mildew. For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste, then clean with a damp cloth. Avoid machine washing or drying.
Do I Need a Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided Cooler?
Choose based on your needs. Hard-sided coolers offer more space but are less portable. They are suitable for stationary use like tailgating or backyard events. Soft-sided coolers are more portable and suitable for activities where mobility is key, though they typically have less capacity.
