It’s Time to Replace Your Cooler With One of These Awesome Insulated Backpacks

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, $300

Hydro Flask shipped ice to the T+L offices in this cooler and it lasted for more than 24 hours, which seems like solid proof of insulation to us, and it comes with reviews to back it up. It’s also one of the sleekest options on the market if you’re looking for something with a more modern design.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $275

Outside magazine dubbed the Sportsman their favorite backpack cooler, especially appreciating its built-in draining plug feature, roomy interior, and a hard bottom that allows it to stand up on its own.

To buy: amazon.com, $132

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: amazon.com, $300

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, from $100

Both Gear Junkie and Men’s Journal liked the Podster as an easy day trip option. Its distinctive shape is designed to maximize ice retention.

To buy: orcacoolers.com, $200

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

With two attached koozies, a sneaky can-sized side pocket if you don’t want to open the full cooler, dry upper snack section, on-strap bottle opener, and even a fleece-lined sunglasses pouch, the Party Pack will make you the talk of your next barbecue.

To buy: amazon.com, $70

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, $52

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, from $109

The Otterbox came in a three-way tie with superstars Yeti and Hydro Flask in Gear Patrol’s tests, where it edged ahead of the competition in terms of capacity and carrying comfort.

To buy: otterbox.com, $300