Best Products Style Travel Bags It's Time to Replace Your Cooler With One of These Awesome Insulated Backpacks By Rena Behar Rena Behar Instagram Twitter Website Rena Behar is a writer, editor, and researcher who specializes in travel, tech, gender, and intersections thereof. Rena began her career as a research and copy editor at Wirecutter and The Sweethome. She later went on to work as an itinerary editor at Kimkim and the editor at large for Inbound Logistics before going freelance. She has written and researched articles for outlets, including Travel + Leisure, Money Magazine, New York Magazine, The Kitchn, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, Reviewed.com, and Realtor.com. * 8+ years of experience working as a writer and editor * Traveled to 18 countries over eight months * Created an extensive luxury travel guide for Porter & Sail * Fiction copy editor for Macmillan Publishers/St. Martin's Press * Assisted author Allison Yarrow with supplemental research for nonfiction book "90s Bitch" * Received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines and Madeline Diamond Madeline Diamond Twitter Madeline Diamond is an Associate Commerce Editor for Travel + Leisure, where she covers news and deals about travel products, such as luggage, fashion, and tech. Originally from California, she now lives in Brooklyn and can often be found in her favorite park with a cappuccino in hand. She brings her lifelong love of travel to her role, especially when it comes to researching and reviewing the best travel products on the market.Madeline Diamond has been with Travel + Leisure since 2019, where she started as an Associate Digital Editor, then joined the commerce team in 2021.In addition to her work on the commerce team, she also frequently writes features, profiles, and trend pieces about the culture of travel.Madeline has also been published in Apartment Therapy, The Huffington Post, and Business Insider.Madeline attended Bucknell University, where she studied creative writing and American history. She was on staff of The Bucknellian student newspaper all four years and was named editor-in-chief during her junior year. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 7, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon/Nordstrom/Otterbox If you haven't shopped for a cooler in a while, you might hear the phrase "backpack cooler" and imagine strapping one of those classic Coleman red and white plastic rectangles to your back. Not a spinally appealing thought, but there's no need to call up your chiropractor just yet. Backpack coolers are a more recent addition to the insulated cooler bag lineup. They still pack the insulation you need, but can be carried on your shoulders just like a standard backpack rather than wheeled over bumpy gravel or draped over one uncomfortable arm. Some cooler backpacks are entirely insulated, while others have a split design to carry your room-temperature-friendly snacks on top. They also vary in which side of the cooler versus backpack aesthetic they lean toward, with some options looking stealthier than others. You want to find one that appeals to your use case and that you can comfortably carry even when it's loaded with ice and a 24-pack of drinks. In general, these are better suited to shorter outings than lengthy excursions. No matter the bag, nothing is light when it's filled with ice and cans, and they will all interfere with your ability to carry a hiking pack. But whether you're heading into the backcountry or a backyard, one of these should meet your needs. 01 of 11 Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Courtesy of Amazon Unlike its namesake snowman, the Yeti backpack cooler is only mythical in how popular it is, winning praise from multiple publications for its durability, insulation, and comfort. To buy: amazon.com, dickssportinggoods.com, from $300 02 of 11 Hydro Flask Unbound 22-liter Waterproof Cooler Backpack Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods This cooler is one of the sleekest options on the market if you're looking for something with a more modern design. Plus, it has an impressive 24 can capacity. To buy: nordstromrack.com, $150 (originally $200) 03 of 11 IceMule Boss 30L Backpack Courtesy of Amazon The Boss earns its name with a slew of excellent reviews, and it's got a full suspension carrying system with hip and sternum straps so you can carry it in comfort regardless of how heavy it gets. Every one of its pockets is padded and insulated, even the smaller outside ones. To buy: target.com, $350 04 of 11 IceMule Pro Courtesy of Amazon The smaller IceMule Pro is also popular, winning Outdoor Gear Lab's top pick across the soft cooler category. It's fully collapsible when you aren't using it, and when you are, the dry bag-style top closure keeps its contents sealed even when it's — hopefully not — floating downriver. To buy: amazon.com, $115 05 of 11 Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler Courtesy of Amazon Camping standby Coleman's soft backpack cooler looks just like a regular backpack, down to the front dry pocket for your non-cooler snacks, but also boasts a 28-can capacity in the insulated interior. To buy: amazon.com, $26 (originally $30) 06 of 11 Tourit Cooler Backpack Courtesy of Amazon Another stealthy option, the Tourit comes in three colors that wouldn't look out of place in a Herschel lineup. Bonus: bottle opener on the strap, just in case you forgot one. The brand makes a slew of other styles, as well. To buy: amazon.com, $38 (originally $45) 07 of 11 Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Insulated Backpack Courtesy of Nordstrom If all you need is a smaller insulated pocket, try out this street-friendly backpack that comes with a bottom cooler compartment. To buy: nordstrom.com, $139 08 of 11 Otterbox Trooper 30 Courtesy of Otterbox This cooler from Otterbox has a 30-quart capacity, though it's still comfortable to carry either as a backpack or on your shoulder. If you're looking for long term storage, this cooler is the way to go because it can keep ice up to three days. To buy: otterbox.com, $300 09 of 11 Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack Courtesy of Amazon This backpack looks pretty standard on the outside, but inside you'll find a soft cooler compartment that can hold 12 cans and an ice pack. Plus, it'll keep items inside the cooler cold for over 24 hours. To buy: amazon.com, $65 10 of 11 Seehonor Insulated Cooler Backpack Courtesy of Amazon This cooler backpack has an impressive 25 can capacity, with a roomy main compartment, as well as exterior pockets for wine bottles, dishes, and more. Given its space and organization, this backpack is a must-have for picnics. To buy: amazon.com, $30 11 of 11 Picnic at Ascot Insulated Backpack Cooler Courtesy of Wayfair This insulated cooler backpack takes organization to the next level, with a large interior compartment that holds 22 cans, a zippered pocket, and four exterior pockets. To buy: wayfair.com, $37 (originally $43) Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit