We personally at least have once a week or month having an outdoor party. Needing to carry separate soft drinks and ice is something heavy when they are in the same box. Besides, it is not portable at all if we want to move. Therefore, there is a new way for you to enjoy carrying ice and drinks as well as other stuff along without feeling a burden. Let us introduce you to the top 10 best soft coolers with some useful tips in buying the most suitable one for you.
To avoid frustration, we come up with a top pick regarding both price and quality. So, check out our top picks and make sure to get the right one!
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Best Soft Coolers in 2023
10. Coleman Large Soft Cooler
Number 10 in the row is cooler from Coleman. Coleman’s product always comes with creativity and high quality. So, this cooler can highly prevent any leaking with heat-welded seams. Plus, within its wide compartment that guarantees to keep your sensitive stuff inside cold. What is more, within a regular size of the can, this cooler can keep up your drink to 16 cans.
More precisely, Coleman’s cooler was designed to be resisted with those funk, mold, or fungus. In this way, no smellier or bacteria stick with the bag or stuff in it. Additionally, this cooler comes with multi-pockets, so that you can divide things based on their categories easily. For convenience during carrying, the adjustable shoulder strap and handle are equipped.
What We Like:
- It has the best ability to prevent leaking thanks to its heat-welded seams.
- Using a lot of premium materials to construct, this cooler bag can refuse funk, mold, and fungus. Thereby, always stays clean.
- There are a lot of pockets available for users to organize their foods and beverage.
What We Don’t Like:
- It only holds up to 16 cans which are great for 2 to 3 people only.
9. Coleman Medium Soft Cooler
This is a compact size cooler from Coleman. Ranged in the top 9, this cooler can hold 9 cans without any discomfort. Moreover, the liner is removable that offers you flexibility on packing and cleaning. On top of that, it is treated with antimicrobials which help this cooler to resist those bacteria, smell, and mold.
Furthermore, the liner is used as a hard plastic that resists with the ice to ensure leaking free. Besides, its zipper main compartment will close the items and keep them cool until you take it out. To boot, there are multiple pockets with zippers that are featured with this cooler. Thus, access your gear and drinks separately easily and a lot more. Notably that the shoulder strap is adjustable and can be used for hand-free carry.
What We Like:
- Coming with an adjustable shoulder strap, uses can experience a hand-free carrying and can find the right position for their shoulders.
- Utilizing hard plastic to construct the liner, it remains stable, firm, and anti-leaking.
- There are 4 colors to choose from including Blue, Grey, Green, and Red.
What We Don’t Like:
- The storage capacity of this soft cooler is 9 cans only which seems to be a bit little.
8. ENGEL HD30 Waterproof Soft-Sided Cooler Tote Bag
This handsomely cooler bag from ENGEL is where easy-going people need to consider. This is because its classic design makes this cooler look so cool and include everything for your picnic. Moreover, it has a high-performance soft-sided cooler that can hold ice up to 4 days. In this way, it is a great ideal cooler bag for a sleepover trip.
On top of that, the main compartment is a waterproof zipper that ensures the leaking of water to melt the ice. Plus, it is easy to access as well as includes one front pocket for additional gear. Most importantly, the total body of the bag is made of a tough TPU outer wall. Therefore, it is resistant to tear and long-lasting. Besides, it comes with an ergonomic shoulder strap, zipper lube, and bottle opener.
What We Like:
- This tote bag can keep the ice and beverage cool up to 4 days straight.
- The whole construction is waterproof. So does the zipper.
- It has a big size of 32 quarts.
- Made of tough TPU for its outer wall, it is very durable and can offer full protection to what’s on the inside.
- You will also receive a free zipper lube and bottle opener as well.
- There are a lot of color choices.
What We Don’t Like:
- The price is way too high.
7. AO Coolers Vinyl Soft Cooler
AO Coolers’ cooler bag comes with a size of 21 x 13 x 13 inches and 4 pounds which is fitted with international size. Besides its greatest size and weight, this cooler outer design is eyes catching. This is because it’s thick and sleek appearance makes you shine everywhere you holding it. Not to mention is quality, this top 7-product is rugged with its vinyl exterior which is waterproof and cooler.
Additionally, thanks to its wide size that allows this bag to hold up to 48-can capacity. Therefore, choose your favorite drinks randomly in one cooler and make an unforgettable trip. With salt, it can keep the ice up to 24 hours even during 120-degree weather. So, what else you want while this cooler bag can serve you all of it. Let’s go for a trip with this best soft cooler.
What We Like:
- The item’s weight is only 4 pounds which is not really heavy.
- Thanks to its vinyl exterior, it is highly rugged and waterproof.
- The storage capacity is brilliant and can hold up to 48 cans of your cold beverage.
- There are 3 different colors available namely Black, Royal Blue, and Silver.
- If you want to keep it cold up to 24 hours long, simply add salt inside.
What We Don’t Like:
- You need to be extra careful when you want to empty the water.
6. YETI Flip Cooler Bag with Shoulder Strap
YETI flip 12 is the cooler bag designed with ColdCell Insulation. This technology offers you the long hour of keeping your drink inside the bag cooler than an ordinary soft cooler. In this way, besides its classic look, this bag also gives you its best on cold-holding. Additionally, the inside measurement of 9” x 11”, this bag can hold drinks and ice up to 12-can.
More precisely, the Yeti Flip 12 is totally leak-proof due to its HydroLok Zipper. Within its wide-open mouth and high-quality zipper, your content is ensured to stay cool and qualified. Furthermore, thanks to its outer fabric (DryHide Shell) that keeps the bag stay protected and overtime used. YETI Flip 12 is made for an adventure and is your best buddy everywhere.
What We Like:
- It has an easy-to-access lid which requires you less time in reaching out to your beverage.
- Thanks to its large mouth, putting and taking out the item is very convenient.
- The zipper is large and tough; works very well.
- With the straps, there is also padding support to make your shoulder more comfortable while carrying.
What We Don’t Like:
- The storage capacity is up to 12 cans only.
5. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
The happy hour of a family trip is dinner time. A meaningful dinner is when you get to eat a delicious meal and drink you like. Like this, having a portable cooler bag, the one that is of great size is important. In this case, Arctic Zone’s cooler bag absolutely meets your criteria. This cooler bag is designed with a radiant heat barrier that does not absorb the heat. In this way, your drinks are totally cool until served.
Over and above that, within its deep freeze, this bag cooler can hold up to 30-can. So, grab all your favorites, and let’s go on the trip. Moreover, this cooler bag is used to flip open a zipperless function. Thus, it is easy for you to quickly access yet it guarantees to leak due to its safe leak-proof feature. Besides, it is also featured with stain and rhino-tech water-resistant, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
What We Like:
- Designed with a radiant heat barrier, it keeps the heat out and maintains great coldness on the inside.
- Thanks to its flip opening, the access is quick.
- The product supports up to 30 cans.
- Together with stain and rhino-tech water-resistant, cleaning and maintaining it become very easy.
- Very affordable and comes with 3 color options.
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing to dislike.
4. AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler
This soft-sides cooler from AO Coolers uses high-density insulation materials. This means to say that having the high-density insulation making this cooler bag strongly keep what is inside longer temperature. In this way, whether it is the drinks or vegetables, this cooler will ensure keeping their quality until you take them out.
On top of that, this product can hold ice for 24-hours in 120-degree weather. Plus, it also can hold 24-can of drinks easily. Thus, keeping it as your trip companion is the wise choice you should consider. Besides, this soft-side cooler is made of soft canvas materials and leak-proof TPU liner. Therefore, both quality and benefit all in one.
What We Like:
- You have choices to choose between 12 cans, 24 cans, 36 cans, and 38 cans.
- There are various colors available as well.
- It has the ability to keep your foods and beverage cold up to 24 hours long.
- The product is also best to use under hot weather too.
What We Don’t Like:
- The exterior is the product of canvas and not waterproof at all.
3. VAKKER Insulated Cooler Bag, Up to 30 Can Capacity
You will not find any portable, durable, and usable like this cooler. VAKKER’s cooler used Closed-Cell Foam Insulation, the technology that respectively keeps the temperature. Therefore, this cooler featured this technology on all sides so that it can keep ice from melting for 3 days. More precisely, this bag cooler can hold 30-can with ice with no problem at all. Easy in and out!
What is more, the zipper is featuring a leakproof RF Welded zipper which is 100-percent safe and easy to open. Besides, within its wide mouth, it helps you easily open/close and prepares things. Over and above that, this cooler is also featured with waterproof (RF Welded Construction) that makes it more attractive and overuse. Plus, it is also resistant to shock and dust. Great for any occasion with an adjustable strap and its calming color.
What We Like:
- This item is very lightweight, portable, and compact.
- With the capacity to hold up to 30 cans, it is suitable for a group or family trip.
- Thanks to is large access mouth, it is easy to put in and take out.
- Very eye-catching design, indeed.
- It has a waterproof exterior and a soft interior.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is fairly expensive.
2. Coleman Soft Cooler Bag
Coleman soft cooler range in the top 2 as the best product in today’s article. Within Coleman, your expectation always exists. Thus, this soft cooler has the capacity to load can up to 30 without any awkward circumstance or difficulty. Furthermore, it is also great for keeping ice to stay unmelt for 24 hours straight even with a high temperature of 90°F. Like this, thanks to its premium insulation that makes this soft cooler keep up with the range.
Most importantly, having this soft cooler, you can customize and divide things differently with its main compartment and front pocket. As it said, the main compartment is closed/open by a high-quality zipper to keep stuff cold. Plus, front pocket for quick access. Moreover, its liner is resistant to those kinds of odor which is no concern if forgot to wash it. Including top hatch and adjustable shoulder strap for more convenience.
What We Like:
- The storage size of this bag is up to 30 cans.
- It can maintain the coldness up to 24 hours and can handle outside temperatures up to 90°F.
- The liner of this soft liner is odor-resistant.
- Very affordable to own.
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing to dislike
1. RTIC Soft Pack Bag
Here we are on the top number 1 product from RTIC. RTIC soft coolers own the grown with its handsomely and eye-catching appearance as well as its premium quality. Thus, its fabric is ensuring tear, anti to those kinds of mildew, and 100 percent leak-proof. More precisely, this soft cooler can keep ice from melting for days which is ideal for sleepover trips or camping.
Besides, this soft cooler has a wide mouth with no leak zipper which helps you to open easily and the leak-proof zipper won’t cause you a headache. On top of that, this heavy-duty soft cooler made with vinyl shell and two inches closed-cell foam is known to hold the temperature stable even with critical circumstances. The key important to remember is, this bag cooler made by high-quality materials and very affordable prices.
What We Like:
- The fabric is a high-quality product is resistant to tearing, odors, and mildew.
- It is also leak-proof.
- The product holds up to 20 cans and maintains the coldness up to a few days of outdoor trips.
- There are 4 color options to pick.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is a bit heavy.
Buying Guides to Choosing Best Soft Coolers for Your Next Trips
Imagine having to carry large boxes full of ice and cans of drinks, you must need at least 2 to 3 people to help you bring it to the destination. What if you have a better solution is transporting your beverage with more convenience, portability, and flexibility? That would be a brilliant idea. For this reason, you need need to switch from some traditional and difficult ways to owning these helpful soft coolers.
Since each product is not really cheap, you need to be a lot mindful in investing your money to get the right one for your needs. Below are some useful tips that you can have a look at before you pick any certain product.
Cooling Storage Size/ Capacity:
Do not get confused between size and storage size. The size of any soft coolers does not only refer to how many cans you can put inside the bag. However, it is actually the overall dimension of the bag. Keep in mind that, some bags are large but it does not mean you can carry a lot of cans. Meanwhile, some tote bags are small, but can actually hold up to 20 or 30 cans. Thus, this point refers to the cooling storage size or capacity of the bag. If you plan to go out alone or just for a couple of people, you can just go for a 10-can or 20-can capacity soft coolers and it is already good to go. This is because it would be less heavy to carry and those 20 cans are actually possible to keep cold up to 20 hours or more.
Item Weight:
Coming next, let’s discuss item weight. Item weight here refers to the weight of soft cool that comes originally without anything inside. One recommendation for you is to choose the bags that are very lightweight so that when you put extra beverage cans inside, it does not add up a lot of weight. Therefore, it would be a breeze to carry for long hours or long distances.
Easy-access Lid:
If you own a soft cooler with an easy-access lid, you would be a lot more convenient to reach out to your cold beverage at any time. Sometimes, during walking or driving, you can feel thirsty. Therefore, if it is just a click-and open lid, it would take less than a few seconds for the lid to be open. Moreover, some lids are also designed with a carrying handle which means users can pull the lid out with the handle provided. Although these kinds of lids are very easy to access, some coming with locks would make it a bit more difficult and time-consuming to reach out to your drink. But, it might keep the lids more sealed.
Carrying Straps, Handle, or Wheels:
Since a soft cooler actually looks like a tote bag or some kinds of carrying boxes, you would also want to examine whether or not it comes with a comfortable carrying straps, ergonomic handles, or even a smooth wheels to rolls. When it is about straps, make sure that it can be adjusted in length so that it fits most people of all height. Being able to adjust would make it easy for users to find a comfortable carrying position for their shoulders too. Some do not come with a single strap, but a double straps and enable the user to carry them on their back just like a backpack.
Additionally, it would be a better choice if the soft cooler you are about to choose also comes with handle or wheels. For the handle, you can be able to carry it by hand once your shoulder sores. Plus, wheels would allow the entire box to be more portable.
Waterproof Construction:
The reason that you need a cooler bag is that you need to store your beverage and keep them cold for outdoor camping or panic. For this reason, you cannot miss out on the waterproof construction. Getting the one with waterproof (or at least water-resistant) construction would make sure every item inside stays dry and in their original shape. Besides, when the bag does not get soaked in water, it would be more lightweight to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are soft coolers?
A: As the name may imply, soft coolers are actually a bag or a box that is made of soft materials. They are used for keeping your beverage cold for long hours. Some can even keep it cold for a few days straight. Also, they come in different storage capacities and can hold up to 40L.
Q: Are hard or soft coolers better?
A: In case you want to travel more comfortably, a soft cooler is highly recommended. However, a hard cooler would be the best option for traveling in a rugged area. This is because its hard shell can offer greater protection to what is on the inside.
Conclusion
You wish you could carry your refrigerator with you whenever you go outside on a hot summer day. Well, you can do that indirectly by buying a soft cooler that keeps the ice intact for days, and hence, you can keep the drinks and perishable foods intact as well. You can enjoy cold drinks on the go whether you are fishing, partying, or on a picnic. They are waterproof and leak-proof. There are also multiple pockets to carry dry foods.