Whether you’re gearing up for a summer of adventurous camping trips, park picnics, or just some fun backyard hangs, you want to have the best cooler ready to go. From tasty (and low-cal) spiked seltzer to your favorite brews, there is something so refreshing about sipping on a cold drink in the heat of summertime. Plus, a cooler full of lukewarm beverages can sort of put a damper on the mood. With modern insulation technology that allows some coolers to keep contents cold for days or even weeks at a time, now is the perfect time to invest in a high-performance cooler designed for outdoor use.
Nowadays, there are so many types of coolers out there, from backpack coolers, to tote bags, to eco-friendly, to just plain rugged. We've done extensive testing on soft coolers, and used what we learned through those tests about quality brands and what to look for to help guide our picks here. We also reviewed guides from trusted brands like Outdoor Gear Lab and CNET to help determine the most important specs to consider in a cooler.
Below, learn more about the best coolers to keep your favorite drinks and snacks ice-cold.
A serious workhorse designed for rugged outdoor use and overall longevity, Yeti beverage coolers are bearproof, have nearly unbreakable lid hinges, and can be easily tied down to an ATV or boat. They've earned high marks from Switchback Travel and Good Housekeeping simply for their durability and ability keep drinks cold. Our favorite quality is the company's PermaFrost insulation that keeps your favorite beers cold for days at a time.
While YETI offers tons of sizes of their Tundra cooler, we went with the 35-liter option for its portability — it can still hold 20 cans easily.
This soft cooler bag keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours and is 100% leakproof, too. The interior is made with a waterproof material that's easy to clean, and the exterior is wear-resistant and super durable.
We like that this bag has multiple carrying options. It comes with two handles to carry it by hand, as well as a should strap to keep your hands free for carrying other things, like chairs or tables.
If you're simply looking for a cooler to hold a couple drinks and a sandwich, this portable pick from Coleman is for you. It doesn't have any bells and whistles, but it's lightweight and can be taken pretty much anywhere. It can hold 9 quarts, which means roughly nine cans will fit.
This $100 cooler is a solid option for those who don't want to spend $300 or more on a YETI. It's fully insulated and keeps ice cold for up to 5 days. We like how easy it is to pull, too — the handle is a swing-up design and the wheels are heavy-duty. If you're looking for an extra seat at your backyard hang, this cooler can support up to 250 pounds when the lid is closed.
Otterbox is venturing outside the world of electronics protection with their first roto-molded cooler, giving big-name brands a run for their money.
As expected, this cooler impresses with its durability — even when dropped on every side and edge, both empty and full, it'll still be going strong. Our favorite feature is the universal mounting system that lets you securely snap in a host of accessories, such as a bottle opener, a side table, or cup holders.
Everyone wants stainless steel in the kitchen, so why not match your appliances with this chic cooler? Igloo's Cool Riser Technology and Ultratherm insulated lid will keep up to 54 beers ice-cold. Not only is the exterior shiny, stylish, and retro, it's also nearly indestructible and rust-resistant.
If you're looking for a sturdy cooler that's easier to carry around than most, then this tote bag from Hydro Flask is for you. The lightweight insulation keeps all of your goods cold for up to 4 hours — and the interior is fully lined, so any surprise spillage is totally contained. This is one of the best coolers for a camping trip, beach day, or even transporting some cold ones to friend’s backyard barbecue.
Great for hiking, biking, and other active adventures, this easy-to-tote backpack cooler is ideal for stashing plenty of snacks for any outdoor journey.
Throw it over your shoulder and forget about potential leaks, thanks to its durable DryHide shell that’ll keep the outside of your cooler moisture-free. It can hold up to twenty 12-ounce cans, but because the weight is evenly distributed on your back, if won’t feel like you’re lifting a massive load.
If the beers are going quickly, keep your extra cases on the additional tray below so you can refill as needed. This 80-quart beverage cooler cart even has a built-in bottle opener and cap cup to make collection easy.
(Face it: No one likes finding beer caps in their backyard.)
Does this orange cooler bring back memories of pouring ice water over the coach after a win? Well, these 5-gallon beverage coolers are popular among teams for a reason.
They keep your beverages — whether that's a sports drink or a batch of party punch — at drink-ready temperature, and they're also super budget-friendly.
11
Best Vintage Cooler
Stainless Steel Legacy Cooler With Built-In Bottle Opener
If you’re looking for the best cooler to match your retro aesthetic, this adorable stainless steel ice box is for you. You can pack up to 12 cans or 10 bottles with ice — and of course, the built-in bottle opener is always a welcomed touch on a cooler.
At right around $50, this is one of the best coolers at a super affordable price. The main highlight of this Rubbermaid cooler is the split lid that prevents any extra cold air from escaping when someone ventures in for another brew. With built-in cup holders, durable wheels, capacity to hold up to 130 cans, and the ability to keep ice for up to 5 days, this is the ultimate party cooler.
Tired of rationing ice in the days before your journey? Stop skimping on the cubes in your cold brew and switch to a thermoelectric beverage cooler that's designed to be used completely ice-free. Simply plug it in, and it'll drop down to a cool 36 degrees below the outside air temperature.
It does take a bit longer for a case of lukewarm beer to chill than the average cooler, but without the ice, you're able to stash way more beverages (up to thirty-two 12-ounce cans!).
Kasey CaminitiContributorA self-proclaimed music junkie, Kasey enjoys festivals and concerts on the weekends but lately snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Rufio.
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