Travel Products Luggage + Bags Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags We Tested the Best Backpack Coolers to Keep Refreshments Frosty Keep your drinks ice-cold for hours with these high-quality backpack coolers that are comfortable to carry. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 1, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Other Coolers We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson The beauty of a backpack cooler is that it combines the functionality of a cooler with the portability of a backpack, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. We tested 23 backpack coolers that are comfortable to wear and keep your drinks ice-cold for hours whether you’re spending a beach day with the family or hiking solo. When testing the backpack coolers in our New York City lab, we evaluated and compared the bags based on design, capacity, portability, durability, and insulation. In the ensuing several months, we put them to use in parks, beaches, and rooftops to see how they held up over time. (Read more about our testing process below.) Our favorite backpack coolers have plenty of padding and adjustable straps for comfort, don't leak at all, and keep our seltzer cans perfectly chilled for several hours. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Igloo Outdoor Pro Snapdown 42-can Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Multi-use: REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler at REI Jump to Review Best Large Capacity: IceMule Boss 30 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Soft Bag: IceMule Pro Cooler 23L at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Igloo Pursuit 24-Can Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Commuters: Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Dual-compartment: Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler at Amazon Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Arctic Zone Welded Backpack Cooler at Arcticzone.com Jump to Review Best Floatable: RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: TOURIT Cooler Backpac at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Igloo Outdoor Pro Snapdown 42-can Backpack 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Igloocoolers.com Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Insulation 5/5 Durability 5/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The backpack didn’t leak at all, plus the ice was intact and the cans were perfectly chilled after sitting out for a few hours. What to Consider It’s not the most stylish backpack cooler. We love how durable and secure the Igloo Outdoor Pro Water Repellent Backpack Cooler is. After two hours, the cans were still very cold and most of the ice was intact, perfect for a long day trip or camping trip. This backpack cooler snagged the highest scores in all of our testing categories, but it particularly stood out for its functionality. It has a sturdy roll-top opening that made it simple to pack 40 cans that felt fresh out of the refrigerator after sitting for two hours. When we tested durability by throwing the cooler off of a table, there wasn’t a single can that was damaged and we didn’t see any leaking. The ripstop poly materials feel tough and water-resistant, and the straps and back panel make the backpack more comfortable to wear and adjust for a customized fit. Plus, the bag has padded tote straps so it can be carried in several ways while on the go. Additionally, the two side pockets, back mesh pocket, front zippered pocket, and built-in bottle opener are thoughtful touches that solidified our decision to make this backpack cooler the overall winner. Price at time of publish: $140 The Details: 13 x 7 x 17.5 inches | 25 liters capacity | 2.1 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Multi-use REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler 4.7 REI View On REI Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 4/5 Durability 5/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The cooler insert can be removed so the bag can be used as a regular backpack. What to Consider There was quite a bit of leakage and melted ice after two hours. We think the ability to use the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler as a backpack cooler or as a regular hiking backpack makes it a winner for versatility. After regularly using this bag for five months on weekend trips, camping trips, and days at the beach, we love that it can fit absolutely everything you need, from drinks to snacks. We even love it for grocery shopping. The backpack has an excellent capacity that can fit 20 cans with ease. There are also several exterior pockets that are useful for other items like a water bottle or utensils. The adjustable straps and back panel are nicely padded with mesh fabric so the backpack was comfortable and breathable to wear while testing. However, if the backpack tips onto its side, a noticeable amount of melted ice can leak out, and after two hours, most of the ice had turned to water. While the drinks were still very cold, we wish the zippers had been a bit more leak-resistant. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 22 x 16 x 8.5 inches | 30.5 liters capacity | 3.5 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Large Capacity IceMule Boss 30 Liter Backpack Cooler 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Academy.com View On Basspro.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It It’s a heavy-duty backpack cooler designed for outdoor use like camping, kayaking, or hiking. What to Consider The backpack feels a little bulky to wear. The IceMule Boss 30 is fully equipped for any type of outdoor activity like a solo camping trip or family beach day. After regularly using this bag for five months, we found it perfect for keeping items ice-cold, especially on day trips. This heavy-duty backpack cooler is easy to pack with up to 24 cans and ice thanks to the roll-top that opens up to reveal a spacious rectangular main compartment. The backpack is made with IceMule’s welded MuleSkin fabric that is designed to be ultra-durable and waterproof. There’s an air valve that can be opened to fill up the insulated layer with air so the backpack can float, too. The pack is clearly designed with durability and function at the forefront and it showed during testing. We also like the insulated side and front pockets for storing snacks separately, and the adjustable backpack straps are padded for extra comfort, which helps distribute weight to offset the slightly bulky feel of the large cooler. Price at time of publish: $375 The Details: 11.02 x 16.93 x 24.02 inches | 30 liters capacity | 7.9 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson The 12 Best Small Coolers of 2023 Best Soft Bag IceMule Pro Cooler 23L 5 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Academy.com Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Insulation 5/5 Durability 5/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The capacity is generous for keeping lots of cans cold, and the bag can collapse down for easy storage. What to Consider It doesn’t have any other storage besides the insulated main compartment. If you’re looking for a backpack cooler that doesn’t have a structured rectangular shape, consider the soft-side IceMule Pro. We love that the roll-top bag has more of a tote style to it, making it simple to load cans and ice into the main compartment. While the listed capacity is 18 cans, we could have easily fit double that amount plus ice thanks to the spacious interior. We were skeptical of the roll-top opening when it came to the leak test, but this backpack thoroughly impressed us by only leaking a drop or two after half the ice melted. Our drinks were still plenty chilled after two hours, and while we wish there was at least one external pocket, this backpack cooler is ideal for your next trip to the beach. After regularly using this bag for five months, we really appreciated that it collapses down for easy storage. Price at time of publish: $135 The Details: 11.02 x 14.17 x 16.93 inches | 23 liters capacity | 2.6 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson The 12 Best Coolers With Wheels for 2023 Best Lightweight Igloo Pursuit 24-Can Backpack 4.6 Igloo View On Amazon View On Igloocoolers.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 4.5/5 Durability 3.5/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The backpack is comfortable to wear, as it doesn’t feel bulky or stiff. What to Consider There was some leakage and broken cans after our durability test. Igloo’s Pursuit Cooler Backpack weighs just under 2 pounds, making it one of the lightest backpacks we tested that still has a generous capacity. We had no issues packing 24 cans and ice in the main compartment through the rectangle-shaped opening at the top of the bag. While the bag has a structured style that stands upright, the backpack didn’t feel stiff or cumbersome to carry around like other structured backpacks we tried. We appreciated the adjustable chest and backpack straps for evenly distributing weight, and the cushioned back panel added extra comfort, too. The only downside to this backpack cooler is the durability, as we noticed the polyester material and zippers couldn’t contain the water from the melted ice, which led to a noticeable amount of leaking coming from the compartment. However, we still think that the backpack cooler did a great job of keeping our drinks chilled, and it was noticeably comfortable and lightweight, making it a great option for light hikes or walks on the beach. We suggest using ice packs instead of ice cubes to avoid leakage issues. Price at time of publish: $151 The Details: 18.9 x 7.5 x 12.6 inches | 8.5 liters capacity | 1.9 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best for Commuters Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Academy.com Our Ratings Design 4.5/5 Insulation 4.7/5 Durability 5/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 4.5/5 Why We Love It It looks like a standard backpack with a bottom insulated cooler for small food and drinks. What to Consider The top part of the backpack isn’t insulated and the bottom section leaked a bit after the two-hour mark. We love that the Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack has a regular backpack style with a small insulated section at the bottom. It has a top compartment with plenty of room for items that don’t need to be chilled. For snacks and drinks, the bottom compartment is insulated and has enough room for 10 cans plus ice for keeping everything cold on the go. Although the bottom leaked a bit of water after it sat for two hours with cans and ice, the drinks were still cold. We wouldn’t pack electronics or anything that could get damaged by water in this. Still, we were impressed with the comfortable and functional design of the bag, which has a few external pockets for accessories. It was super comfortable to carry and felt like a normal backpack but with added padding that makes it much more comfortable, even when packed full. Price at time of publish: $65 The Details: 12.5 x 8 x 17.75 inches | 4.25 liters capacity | 2.1 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Dual-compartment Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Pelican.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 4/5 Durability 5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The separate top and bottom compartments make it easy to store a range of items for easy organization. What to Consider The cans in the bottom compartment were colder than the ones in the top compartment after two hours. For packing a variety of food and drinks, we recommend the sleek, dual-compartment Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler. The roll-top backpack has a larger top section that could fit 16 cans, and the separate bottom compartment fit about six cans plus ice. We discovered that after two hours, most of the ice had melted, but the drinks in the lower part were still frigid, whereas the cans in the top part were cold but not as chilled as the drinks above. Despite most of the ice melting over the course of a few hours, the waterproof sealed zippers and TPU-coated nylon material kept all of the water inside of the cooler without any leakage. After five months of regularly using this pack, we found it to be extremely durable, but a bit bulky when storing. Still, the back of this pack is extremely well-padded, as are the straps, making this a super comfortable choice for weekends away. Price at time of publish: $290 The Details: 12.1 x 7.1 x 21.7 inches | 13-liter top, 4-liter bottom capacity | 3.1 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson The Best Coolers for Camping, From Hardcore Chests to Lightweight Totes Most Comfortable Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler 4.7 Arctic Zone View On Arcticzone.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 4.8/5 Durability 3.8/5 Portability 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The padded back panel and curved, adjustable straps made the fit comfortable and customizable. What to Consider The top zipper leaked a bit and several cans were dented or popped. While schlepping food and drinks to the beach or lake can sometimes be a hassle, the Arctic Zone High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler will make the trek a lot more comfortable. The back panel is lined with a thick foam, and the adjustable backpack straps are also padded and have a slight curve for a natural and customizable fit. Despite the impressive 24-can capacity, we found the bag to be noticeably comfortable with ample padding at the hip and arms. We’re big fans of the dual-compartment design that makes it easy to pack food and cans separately for a waterside picnic. Throughout five months of testing, we did notice that the bottom zipper can sometimes stick and the top zippers allow water to drip out, but the zipper is not advertised as leak-proof, so we still think the backpack does a solid job of containing most melted ice. In our lab, we found that the insulation kept the cans very cold after two hours, and only one popped during our drop test for durability. Price at time of publish: $165 The Details: 15.5 x 8.25 x 21.5 inches | 16 cans on top, 8 cans on bottom capacity | 3.2 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Floatable RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Rticoutdoors.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Portability 4.3/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It The backpack felt very durable during testing, and it has ample padding for extra comfort. What to Consider There aren’t any pockets for additional storage. Beach goers and river rafters will appreciate the floatable and waterproof RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler. The exterior nylon material resembles the feel of an inflatable raft and the zipper teeth felt sturdy and watertight. After five months of regularly using this cooler boating, on day trips, and to the park, it has been through a lot, but only shows minor scuffs. After throwing the packed cooler off of a table during lab tests, all of the 20 cans packed inside remained in perfect, chilled condition, and there wasn’t any spillage from the melted ice. The exterior also had no damage or scuff marks from a little rough handling, and although the backpack felt a little heavy to carry, the plush padding in the backing and the adjustable straps provided plenty of comfort and even weight distribution. We wish that there were a few pockets for extra storage, but we don’t think that is a deal-breaker since kayakers or boaters will appreciate the waterproofness and float-ability of the backpack in the event that it lands in the water. Price at time of publish: $170 The Details: 12 x 6 x 16 inches | 20 cans capacity | 3.7 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Budget TOURIT 30 Cans Cooler Backpack 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Design 5/5 Insulation 3.8/5 Durability 3.5/5 Portability 4.8/5 Capacity 5/5 Why We Love It It looks like a regular, stylish, backpack. What to Consider A few cans were dented during our tests with one breaking open. When you want to enjoy a casual picnic in the park without feeling weighed-down with a pack for the rest of the day, this multifunctional backpack cooler won't ruin your vibe. With a variety of neutral colors to choose from, this cooler looks like any other day bag, but has the functionality of a high-quality cooler. There are two mesh water bottle pockets on each side of the backpack, a zip pocket on the lid that can easily fit extra snacks, a slim front pocket for plates and silverware, plus the great interior cooler space that can fit up to 20 cans and plenty of food. While the pack is easy to carry, you may not want to wear it packed full when walking long distances as there are no hip or sternum straps. We also found the bag to leak when it's on its side, so highly recommend using ice packs instead of loose ice when taking this bag out for a day. Still, at the end of our tests, the cans were about as cold as they’d be coming out of a refrigerator and we loved the extra pockets for keeping all of your favorite foods organized. Price at time of publish: $37 The Details: 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches | 20 cans capacity | 1.1 pounds Other Backpack Coolers We Liked The backpack coolers listed below were close to making our top list, but they fell slightly short during our lab tests for various reasons. We still think these are great options, though. Cotopaxi Hielo Backpack Cooler: The stylish backpack was comfortable to wear, and it has a solid 20-can capacity, but it leaked a noticeable amount of water out of the zippers. Otterbox Backpack Cooler: The bag is very comfortable to carry and easy to pack thanks to the wide opening. However, the ice melted quickly so the cans weren’t able to stay cold until the two-hour mark. Magellan Outdoors Pro Leakproof 24-can Backpack Cooler: The backpack feels premium and very durable, but it leaked quite a bit when it was tipped over and not all of the cans were cold after several hours in the cooler. Our Testing Process Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson T+L’s expert product testers spent a day in our New York City lab testing 23 backpack coolers from notable outdoor brands like Yeti, Igloo, IceMule, and more. We evaluated each backpack based on design, capacity, portability, durability, and insulation to rate them on a scale of one to five. After weighing each bag and closely examining the quality and functionality of the zippers and pockets, we packed the main compartments with as many 12-ounce cans as the interior could hold comfortably. Then, we repacked the backpacks with ice and cans to judge the capacity and prepare for the timed insulation test where each bag sat for two hours. When the timers went off, we tipped over the coolers to see which ones had the most melted ice and leakage. We also checked to see how cold the cans were, and if any broke or were dented after being packed. Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson After completing our lab tests, the backpack coolers were sent into the real world for testers to use over a five-month period. They tested the coolers while camping, on picnics, at the beach, hauling groceries, and more. In the end, our favorite backpack coolers were easy to pack, comfortable to wear, kept our drinks chilled, and didn’t leak (too much, at least). We kept the prices hidden from our testers so they could only compare the fairness of the price to the backpack cooler’s performance after the test was complete. Tips for Buying a Backpack Cooler Consider storage features Not all backpack coolers come with extra storage for items besides food or drink, so it’s important to consider what kind of special features you want, like slip pockets for water bottles, zippered pockets for accessories, or separated compartments for food or snacks. If you’re looking for a backpack cooler with a little more versatility for different activities, be sure to get one with plenty of storage solutions. Buy for your intended use Some backpack coolers are specifically designed for a variety of activities like hiking, going into the office, or kayaking. If you’re planning on bringing food or drinks near or into the water, opt for a backpack cooler with watertight zippers and floatable materials for river rafting, boating, or other waterside activities. For office-goers or casual picnickers, consider getting a cooler with a more traditional backpack style or dual compartments so you can use the bag for different occasions. Plan to use ice packs instead of ice Nearly all of the backpack coolers we tested had some level of leakage — even our top performers. We suggest using leak-proof ice packs instead of actual ice when carrying a backpack cooler. Frequently Asked Questions How do I clean a backpack cooler? You should always consult the instructions that come with your backpack cooler, but in the event that guidelines aren’t included, you can consult the manufacturer’s website or rinse the backpack using soapy water. Can all backpacks be coolers? Backpack coolers are made with insulation that’s designed to keep the contents of the bag cold over a period of time. While you can certainly use a backpack for snacks and drinks, it won’t keep the items temperature-regulated like a backpack cooler can. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best backpack coolers based on a series of tests completed by herself and other expert product testers in our New York City lab. The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit