10 Best Soft Coolers for a Day in the Outdoors

• $250, rei.com

This leak-proof, ultra-durable cooler definitely lives up to its name. It’ll keep ice frozen for three days or more, provided you aren’t hanging out in the desert, making it a great option for people who take frequent overnight trips.

• $300, rei.com

Yeti is often regarded as the king of the cooler market, and for good reason. The company consistently lives up to its reputation for making quality, nearly indestructible products that really go the extra distance to keep ice frozen longer. This portable shoulder bag is no exception. The only downside? It’s heavy, even when empty.

• $52, walmart.com

Most families own a chest cooler for weekend camping trips, tailgates, and backyard parties. The downside is that a big plastic box takes up a ton of precious storage room. This full-sized collapsible soft cooler from Coleman is the solution—just fold it flat when you’re done and slide it in a closet.

• $100, rei.com

For ultimate performance in a highly portable cooler bag, look no further than the IceMule backpack cooler. A unique feature of this bag is its roll-top design that allows for easy access and eliminates zippers, which tend to cause leakage. It’s guaranteed to keep ice solid for 24 hours no matter what and holds 18 cans plus ice.

• $55, amazon.com

If you’re looking for a basic, affordable cooler for day trips and picnics, you’ll like the Igloo Outdoorsman. It has lots of external pockets for stashing napkins and the like, comfortable straps, and a top hatch so you can grab a drink without letting too much warm air in. You might not get the superior insulation of more expensive coolers, but it’s worth the compromise of saving a few hundred dollars if you’re not a constant cooler user.

• $140, mountainsmith.com

This mid-sized cooler boasts 72 hours of cold storage and will pack up to 24 cans, plus ice. The removable interior cooler box makes for easy cleaning, and you can even use the stylish exterior bag alone as a travel bag with light insulation.

• $43, amazon.com

Ideal for a day out on the water, at the beach, or even as a carry-on, this highly portable cooler holds up to 12 cans and five pounds of ice. Even a day in the beating sun won’t diminish the crispness of your favorite beer.

• $60, amazon.com

This mid-sized cooler with a mid-range price performs just as you’d hope. It’s guaranteed to keep ice solid for 24 hours in 120-degree heat and has a leak-proof liner as well as a handy side pocket. The canvas exterior has a nice feel and look as well.

• $80, barebonesliving.com

For a stylish backpack that is also an ice fortress, you’ll want the Barebones Rambler. It has a removable liner inside and beautiful leather detailing outside. Expect drinks to stay cold up to 24 hours when you take this pack out for a spin.

• $275, hydroflask.com

The makers of your favorite insulated water bottle are about to debut their first soft cooler line (available May 2018). We are definitely eyeing the ultra-tough backpack that’s perfect for day hikes, beach trips, and even a Sunday morning walk to the farmers’ market. Oh, and did we mention that the liner is BPA-free?