If there’s anything that can ruin a tailgate, picnic, road trip, or hike right from the get go, it’s not having the appropriate gear.
Your backpack should be ready for any sort of weather. Your travel organizer should be dependable. And your shoes should be comfortable enough that you can walk 10 miles without suffering from unbearable blisters.
Once you have those travel essentials taken care of, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared on another front: an insulated cooler bag. Cooler connoisseurs know toting the right cooler to an event will pretty much guarantee a good time, or at least ice cold drinks and non-melted, appropriately chilled treats.
After all, no one likes room temperature soda and a tuna salad sandwich that’s just a little too warm for comfort. Keep reading to see our picks for the 10 best insulated cooler bags.
Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
Carhartt is known for its sturdiness and durability, and those two qualities are crucial for an insulated cooler bag. This style also features a separate insulated top compartment and a pocket in the front, leaving you more room for your favorite travel snacks.
To buy: amazon.com, $25
Igloo Daytripper Tote With Pack-ins
This sommelier-inspired tote stows a mini foldable table, a bamboo cutting board, a corkscrew, and a set of cheese knives. Inside, the cooler has two separate compartments with an adjustable divider. And the front straps are flexible, too, so you can easily tote a picnic blanket or beach towel along, too.
To buy: ebags.com, $100
Yeti Hopper Two 30 Soft Cooler
A cooler that, according to its product description, can carry “24 cans plus ice (2:1 ice to contents ratio), six footlong subs or four tubs of ice cream” is not a cooler to be overlooked. Not to mention, this Yeti cooler is equipped with a leakproof, airtight zipper and a waterproof shell.
To buy: amazon.com, $300
Hydro Flask 24 L Soft Cooler Tote
Sleek and sturdy would be the two words needed to describe the Hydro Flask's new Unbound Cooler Tote. With comfy carry handles and multiple pockets to keep your essentials within easy reach, this insulated cooler is just what you need to get from Point A to Point B while keeping your food and drinks ice cold for up to 48 hours.
To buy: hydroflask.com, $275
Filson Large Soft Sided Cooler
Not every cooler needs to make a loud statement, and this vintage-style Filson number is all about subtlety, without giving up quality, of course.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $295
Otterbox Trooper LT 30 Cooler
Ice will last up to three full days in this super functional cooler from Otterbox. The padded carrying strap can easily convert from a shoulder bag to a backpack and the front has a locking mounting system so you can attach as many. Did we mention there's also an attached bottle opener?
To buy: otterbox.com, $300
Mojecto Large Cooler Bag
Those going on longer trips or with larger parties need look no further than the Mojecto Large Cooler Bag. Armed with a lifetime warranty, an extra liner, and several pockets, this bad boy will keep your goods safe and cool for hours on end.
To buy: amazon.com, $50
Coleman 24-Hour 30-Can Cooler
If you’re looking for bang for your buck, the Coleman 24-Hour 30-Can Cooler is right up your alley. Coming in at just $20, this pick consistently receives reviews boasting its effectiveness in keeping things cold in the hot sun for long periods of time.
To buy: amazon.com, $20
Mountainsmith The Cooloir 12 Soft Cooler
The Mountainsmith Cooloir 12 Soft Cooler will play several roles at your next tailgate or picnic. Not only does the main outer shell double as a lightly insulated secondary cooler when the inside is removed, but this model also comes with a bottle opener. Versatility for the win.
To buy: rei.com, $100
IceMule Coolers Pro Coolers
This dry bag–style backpack-cooler hybrid is leak-proof and promises to keep ice intact for more than 24 hours. It can hold up to 18 cans and has padded straps and a back cushion for carrying comfort.
To buy: amazon.com, from $100
Turismo Insulated Cooler Backpack
The guy or gal on the go will appreciate this pick for its nimble nature as a backpack. At only 4 pounds, the Turismo Insulated Cooler Backpack can go wherever a cool drink or meal is needed—whether that’s 3 miles down the trail or right across the parking lot.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $50
