We hope you love the products we recommend. TheMeatHouseBlog.com may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from Amazon Associates or other vendors. Read more here.
Being a fan of the outdoors, I’m always seeking some type of adventure, whether in the wilds of nature or my own backyard. Whether I’m camping for a week, hiking for a day, or hanging out with family and friends while grilling on the pool deck, I love getting outside.
One piece of gear I always bring with me when heading into the great outdoors is a good cooler to keep my snacks and drinks ready to go. I decided to research the best soft cooler out there is today, and I can confidently say I finally found it. This cooler is one of the higher-end soft coolers available, but I can tell you from experience, it is well worth every penny. For patio coolers we have it reviewed too.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Wide, top-loading lid is easy to open
- Puncture-resistant shell protects it when thrown around
- Hydrolock waterproof zipper keeps water out
The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is, by far, the BEST soft-sided cooler on the market today. A well-known brand, YETI prides itself in durability and useability, and you can see that in this soft cooler. What’s not to love here, with its rugged, waterproof features and insulation second to none?
Made with high-quality thermal efficiency, you won’t have to worry about keeping anything cold. Even after a few days, you’ll still have ice inside. Take The YETI Hopper Flip 18 into the backwoods or on a fun, scorching hot day at the beach, and you’ll never have to worry about food spoiling or drinks warming again.
Top 11 Best Soft Cooler Reviews
The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a high-quality choice for your next outdoor adventure, wherever that may take you. Set it by the pool, your beach chair, your tent, or even strap it to the back of your kayak. From the exterior design to the top-grade zipper, its waterproof features will keep your food and drinks safe and cold for days.
You won’t have to worry about being delicate with this soft-sided cooler. It can withstand most weather and rough-handling. Flip open the top, load up to 20 drink cans, hook your bottle opener on the convenient HitchPoint Grid, and you’re set for your trip.
You can’t top the YETI Hopper Flip 18. It is the BEST all-around choice for any outdoor location, and I never go out the door without it. While it does come in on the high side price-wise, consider its durable design and longevity as justification for shelling out the extra bucks.
Who Should Get This?
While anyone will benefit from the YETI Hopper Flip 18, those looking for a durable, dependable, waterproof soft cooler for cookouts and short camping trips should grab one of these.
Pros
- Durable, rugged construction for years of use
- Closed-cell foam insulation for keeping ice for days
- Waterproof exterior and zipper
Cons
- Waterproof zipper needs 2 hands
- Higher price
While the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler isn’t the most durable for your outdoor treks, it does provide the most value for the price. Simple in design, this thickly insulated best soft cooler bag option can keep ice frozen for 24 hours in up to 120°F weather.
Load and retrieve your food and drinks from the wide zippered opening on top. The zipper itself isn’t waterproof, but it is strong and doesn’t require two hands to pry open.
Despite the cooler’s soft feel, AO builds their coolers well, and the exteriors are stronger than you may realize at first feel. All-in-all, the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler is a WINNER when it comes to value well above its price.
Who Should Get This?
Anyone who is budget-conscious or wants the best 24-can soft cooler on our list should choose the AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler.
Pros
- Thick insulation for above-average cold keeping time
- Long top opening for easy loading and retrieving
- Dry pocket for additional storage
- Packs flat when not in use
Cons
- Lacks waterproofing features on exterior and zipper
The Engel HD30 is the best cooler to take on your next camping trip. Its incredible insulation keeps foods safe for over four days, making this my go-to cooler for adventures that don’t require carrying it long distances.
The Vacuum Valve Technology Engel uses in this cooler works by drawing out excess air from the cooler, leading to longer-lasting ice inside to keep your supplies at just the right temperature.
Not only is the zipper easy to open, but side clips also allow for loosening so you can expand the opening and find what you need quickly after setting up camp.
The sheer size and durability of this soft cooler make it a great addition to any camping trip. It’s waterproof, so go ahead and leave it out in the rain if necessary, and it is extremely sturdy, so you don’t have to be concerned about it collapsing.
Who Should Get This?
The Engel HD30 is ideal for those who enjoy camping trips for up to a week at a time. It is also a perfect solution for larger group camping as well.
Pros
- Durable construction built to last
- Larger cooler for all your camping needs
- Highly efficient technology keeps this cooler cold longer
- Convenient side clips to expand opening
Cons
- Bulkier design requires 2 to carry when full
- Higher price
Nothing tops a picnic at the beach with family or playing sand volleyball with friends. Make it even better by keeping your food and drinks cool and safe with the Clevermade Collapsible Cooler Bag.
I can’t say enough good things about this larger-size soft cooler. With its wide opening, many hands can reach in at the same time, grabbing drinks or snacks. The 8-gallon capacity means it can hold a wide variety of drinks and food, including up to 50 cans along with ice.
You won’t need to worry about this cooler’s stability either. The patented SnapHinges on each side provides structure support when the tote top is open and allows for easy closing with a simple push when you’re ready to head home.
This cooler is the ideal compact carrying solution for your beach trips.
Who Should Get This?
This reasonably priced soft cooler is a fantastic buy for larger groups, allowing room for drinks and food to keep the fun going all day.
Pros
- Airtight seal with top-notch insulated interior
- Structured support for staying upright
- 8-gallon holding capacity
- Top and side carry handles
- Collapsible for easy storage
Cons
- No shoulder strap
The ICEMULE Pro is one of the best small soft coolers and the best portable one. What I love about this soft cooler is the ability to strap it on my back and carry it anywhere, leaving arms and hands available for other gear.
Sporting flexible, padded backpack straps, this cooler comes with high-level insulation and additional padding for added comfort when carrying. Its durability can be attributed to its rugged Muleskin exterior and interior fabrics.
The roll-top closure works just like dry bags. You roll down the top to a close and then connect the ends. It’s a simple and easy technique once you get the hang of it.
Who Should Get This?
This portable soft cooler is ideal for anyone going on a day trip or looking for a hands-free way to get cold goods to any nearby location.
Pros
- Versatile for multi-purpose use
- Uses IM Airvalve to increase insulation
- Roll-top closure
- Durable interior and exterior fabric
- Leakproof, waterproof design that floats
Cons
- Takes 2 hands to close roll-top
If you are searching for a budget-friendly option, then check out this Coleman 24-Hour 30 Can Cooler. Sporty yet simple, this is one you can take with you on a day adventure just about anywhere.
In most climates, including extreme heat, this soft cooler can keep you in ice for up to 24 hours. It stores 30 cans with ice or a combination of cans and food. An absolute win on this particular Coleman cooler is its removable liner, which is treated to combat mold, fungus, and nasty odors.
While this is not the ideal soft cooler to take on weekend camping trips, it is an affordable, reliable one to take on a day out.
Who Should Get This?
Those on a tight budget and those needing a simple day cooler will benefit the most with this affordable choice.
Pros
- Affordable price without giving up quality
- Removable liner treated with antimicrobials
- Easy-open top hatch allowing for easy loading
- Adjustable shoulder straps for a custom fit
Cons
- Less insulation than other soft coolers
For everyday, personal use, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 soft cooler is an incredibly compact and durable choice. Waterproof and leakproof, this dynamo will take the daily wear and tear with ease and keep your drinks and snacks cold longer with its ClosedCell Insulation.
The wide-mouth opening allows you to see and access the cooler’s contents quickly. This, plus its lightweight design, weighing only 3.1lbs empty, make this the best 12 can soft cooler.
While more expensive than other options, this cooler more than makes up for that with its impressive durability. Take it hunting, fishing, boating, or to a long day of watching your kids’ soccer or baseball tournaments. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a rainy spring evening, this cooler will keep your drinks and food refreshingly cool.
Who Should Get This?
The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is best for those who need a reliable, durable small cooler to take with them regularly.
Pros
- DryHide waterproof exterior provides durability
- Keeps ice for up to 3 full days
- Leakproof HydroLok zipper
- Compact to carry anywhere
Cons
- Expensive
This Picnic Time Vulcan All-in-One Cooler is so easy to carry, I couldn’t believe it. Its small, propane grill is neatly tucked underneath, out of the way. All you do is remove the cooler itself, and you have access to your grill.
The cooler itself can hold up to 24 12-oz. cans, which is pretty spacious for an all-in-one cookout setup like this. It keeps your drinks and food cold until you need them, although its duration may not be as long as other soft coolers on this list.
However, if you’re out for the day, this compact all-in-one saves space and is easy to transport to your cookout location. Take it tailgating, fishing, or to the park for a day of relaxing.
Who Should Get This?
Those who like to have everything neatly packaged together will love this all-in-one cooler set.
Pros
- Water-resistant cooler with insulated PVC liner
- Separate interior pocket for large ice pack
- Removable cooler for individual use
- Propane grill serves as base
- Front pocket complete with grilling tool set
Cons
- Cooler limited in duration of keeping ice
When you’re ready to get away for the weekend, take the RTIC Soft Pack 20 along to keep your snacks and drinks chilled. The company RTIC revels in designing the hardiest outdoor products, and this cooler is no exception. They go the extra mile without charging a fortune for it.
A fantastic feature of this cooler is it doesn’t sweat, leaving a mess all over the backseat. You have three different ways to tote this cooler around as well, including a shoulder strap, top handle, and side handles.
Simple in design overall, this soft cooler is constructed with thick, closed-cell insulation, keeping your ice and up to 20 cans cold for the entire weekend.
Who Should Get This?
For anyone who likes to get away for the weekend, this soft cooler is ideal for holding all your food and drinks.
Pros
- Lightweight foam insulation keeps ice for several days
- Anti-leak zipper to avoid messy spills
- Interior antimicrobial treated liner for less odor
- Choices of carrying styles
Cons
- Zipper may catch at times
From the makers of the indestructible phone cases, the OtterBox Trooper LT 30 is a fantastic, durable cooler. It not only protects your food and drink supplies on the inside but also on the outside.
I’ve heard this cooler referred to as the Swiss Army knife of all soft coolers. With accessories to customize it, including accessory hooks, this super cooler provides the best versatility and use of anything out there. Hook on extra gear, bottle openers, tie-down loops, or any number of things you need on that next adventure.
With extra pockets, you can load it up with everything you need. Keeping your ice for up to three days, you can take this cooler with you on fishing trips, hiking, and camping, or use it for a day of grilling and fun in your own backyard.
Who Should Get This?
This cooler is a bit pricier, so those who prefer to invest in a long-lasting, durable powerhouse of a cooler will benefit the most from this Otterbox cooler.
Pros
- 30-quart cooler holds up to 50 cans
- Close to indestructible constructed design
- Sturdy base lets cooler stand up on its own
- Leak Proof seal
Cons
- Pricey
I am highly impressed with the durability and design of the Tourit Voyager soft cooler. The insulation system contains three layers: the outer one is waterproof, the middle one consists of high-density foam, and the interior includes a leak-proof insulated liner.
Keeping food and drinks cold for three days or more, you can worry less about your goods when you carry this cooler with you. It comes with a tough as nails outer shell, strong handles and straps for carrying, and a leak-proof zipper.
Who Should Get This?
The Tourit Voyager soft cooler is perfect for those who need a reliable and durable cooler for 3-day trips in nature.
Pros
- Durable 3-layer construction to stand up to nature
- UV resistant shell means longer ice time
- BPA free interior liner
- Airtight and waterproof zipper easy to open
Cons
- The zipper can be challenging at times
Final Verdict: Best Soft Cooler For Your Money
While all of the soft coolers on this list offer unique attributes and are the best in their chosen category, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 tops the list as the best all-around soft-sided cooler on the market today.
With its durable design and top insulation properties, you’ll never be disappointed taking it along with you on your next outdoor adventure, even if that only takes you to your own backyard.
