Gone are the days of lugging a bulky cooler with one hand while balancing everything else with the other. Backpack coolers have revolutionized portable cold storage, offering a hands-free solution for every adventure. Whether you’re hiking to a remote fishing spot, navigating a crowded festival, or simply heading to the park for a picnic, these insulated carriers keep your drinks and food cold while leaving your arms completely free.
The right backpack cooler combines capacity, ice retention, comfort, and durability. From quick day trips to multi-day excursions, there’s a model designed to meet your specific needs. This roundup features ten of the best backpack coolers available, highlighting their unique strengths to help you find the perfect companion for your next outing.
Our Top Picks for Backpack Coolers
- RTIC Backpack Cooler 24 Can
- TOURIT Cooler Backpack 28 Cans
- Igloo 30 Can Large Portable Cooler Backpack
- RTIC Lightweight Backpack Cooler, 15 Can
- YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler
- Coleman TranslatR 16-Can Leakproof Cooler Backpack
- Mammoth Trooper 30 Quart Cooler Backpack
- RTIC 24 Can Ultra-Tough Backpack Cooler
- BrüMate MagPack 24 Can Insulated Backpack
- Engel HD30 High Performance Backpack Cooler
RTIC Backpack Cooler 24 Can
This RTIC backpack cooler is built for serious adventures where keeping your hands free is a priority. Its comfortable straps allow you to carry a 24-can load easily, whether you’re hiking a trail or boarding a boat. The premium insulation is designed to keep items cold for multiple days, making it suitable for longer trips.
Durability is a key feature, with fully welded seams creating a waterproof barrier. This construction not only protects your contents from the elements but also gives the cooler a unique ability to float. It’s a practical choice for water-based activities like kayaking, fishing, or a day at the lake.
TOURIT Cooler Backpack 28 Cans
The TOURIT cooler backpack stands out for its impressive capacity and lightweight design. It can hold up to 28 cans while weighing just over a pound, reducing strain during long carries. The high-density insulation and leak-proof liner work together to maintain temperature for up to 16 hours with ice packs.
Organization is a major benefit of this model. It features multiple pockets, including two side mesh pockets for water bottles, two large front zipper pockets, and a lid pocket. A handy bottle opener is attached to the strap, adding convenience for social gatherings or outdoor events.
Igloo 30 Can Large Portable Cooler Backpack
For those who need maximum capacity, the Igloo 30-can backpack cooler offers a spacious main compartment. Its adjustable shoulder straps are designed for comfort, making it easier to transport a full load to your destination. This model is a reliable choice for family picnics, group tailgates, or day-long fishing trips.
Advanced insulation helps keep drinks and snacks cold for a full day of activities. The trusted Igloo brand delivers a practical and straightforward cooler backpack focused on providing good value, ample space, and all-day cooling performance for common outdoor scenarios.
RTIC Lightweight Backpack Cooler, 15 Can
This RTIC model is ideal for shorter excursions or for individuals who prefer a more compact profile. With a 15-can capacity and the ability to cool for up to 24 hours, it is perfectly suited for day trips, hikes, or a personal outing to the beach. Its smaller size makes it less cumbersome when not fully loaded.
Thoughtful extras include convenient mesh side pockets for quick access to water bottles and an interior mesh pocket in the lid for storing dry snacks or utensils. It provides the quality insulation RTIC is known for in a more portable, easy-to-manage format.
YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler
The YETI Hopper M20 features innovative MagShield access, which uses powerful magnets to create a leak-resistant seal. This design stays open when needed and closes securely with a simple push, eliminating the need for zippers. It can carry a substantial load while keeping your hands free.
Built with YETI’s ColdCell insulation, this cooler offers strong cold-holding capabilities to keep contents ice cold. It represents a high-performance option focused on durability, superior temperature retention, and user-friendly access, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier gear.
Coleman TranslatR 16-Can Leakproof Cooler Backpack
Versatility is the highlight of the Coleman TranslatR. Its removable straps allow you to convert it from a backpack to a tote in seconds, providing multiple carrying options for different situations. The adjustable padded straps offer comfort when worn on your back.
This cooler uses TempLock Insulation to keep food and drinks cold for 12 hours or more. An added benefit is its construction from recycled polyester fibers, making it a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious buyers who need a reliable and adaptable cooler.
Mammoth Trooper 30 Quart Cooler Backpack
The Mammoth Trooper is built with durability as a primary focus. Its waterproof, puncture, and tear-resistant design is made to handle tough conditions, whether you’re on a boat, in the woods, or at a rugged campsite. The 30-quart capacity offers ample space for provisions.
This backpack cooler is designed for a wide range of recreational activities, ensuring your items arrive not only cold but also completely dry. It’s a robust option for users who need a cooler that can withstand more demanding use and exposure to the elements.
RTIC 24 Can Ultra-Tough Backpack Cooler
This Ultra-Tough version from RTIC emphasizes rugged construction and innovative features. The welded seam design and waterproof zipper provide excellent protection, and like other RTIC models, it is built to float. The Cold Lock Press Lid allows you to access drinks quickly without unzipping the entire main compartment.
With up to two inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this cooler is engineered for extended ice retention, potentially keeping contents cold for up to two days. It’s a feature-packed choice for those who want maximum durability, clever access, and long-lasting cooling on their adventures.
BrüMate MagPack 24 Can Insulated Backpack
The BrüMate MagPack introduces a unique zipperless design using a magnetic seal. Its Pivot lid employs powerful neodymium magnets and a front latch to create a 100% leakproof closure, offering a different user experience from traditional zippered coolers. This can be easier to open and close with one hand.
Featuring IceShield technology with thick closed-cell insulation, this backpack can hold ice for over 48 hours. The exterior is made from a durable, waterproof Repel shell designed to last through many seasons of use, positioning it as a high-performance and innovative option.
Engel HD30 High Performance Backpack Cooler
Engel is a respected name in high-performance cooling, and their HD30 backpack cooler is built to those standards. It is engineered for exceptional ice retention and durability, often utilizing rotomolded construction or heavy-duty fabrics in their products. This model is designed for users who need reliable cooling in demanding environments.
While specific features for this model are not listed here, Engel coolers typically focus on maximum cold-holding time, rugged construction to resist damage, and practical designs for serious outdoor use. It is a contender for those prioritizing long-term performance and build quality above all else.
How to Choose a Backpack Cooler You Can Take Just About Anywhere
Finding the right backpack cooler is about more than just picking a color. You want something that genuinely makes your life easier, whether you’re hiking to a remote fishing spot, biking to a picnic, or just navigating a crowded festival. I’ve learned that a few key features separate the good from the great when you need a cooler that goes where you go.
First, think about capacity and size. How much are you typically carrying? A 10-15 liter pack is perfect for a day hike for one or two people, holding drinks and lunch. For a group adventure or a longer day, look for 20-30 liters. But capacity is useless if the bag is a bulky monster. Check the dimensions to make sure it fits your back comfortably and can be stashed easily in a car trunk or closet. The whole point of a backpack cooler you can take just about anywhere is that it’s actually portable.
Insulation performance is non-negotiable. Look for thick, closed-cell foam walls—this is what keeps the cold in. A good waterproof liner is also crucial; it contains melted ice water so your dry gear stays dry. The best bags have a leak-proof, welded seam construction. Don’t forget the lid! A full-clamshell opening (zipping all the way down the sides) makes loading and accessing everything at the bottom so much easier than fighting with a top-only opening.
Finally, examine the build and comfort. The shoulder straps should be wide, padded, and ideally adjustable. A chest strap makes a huge difference in stability on uneven terrain. Durable, puncture-resistant exterior material (like polyester or nylon) is a must. Extra pockets on the outside for non-cool items like your phone, keys, or a jacket add serious functionality. Remember, you’re wearing this thing, so if it feels cheap or awkward in the store, it’ll feel ten times worse on mile three of a trail.
FAQ
How long do backpack coolers actually keep things cold?
It varies a lot by brand, outside temperature, and how you pack it. A well-made cooler backpack with thick insulation can keep ice frozen for 12 to 24 hours, sometimes even longer. The trick is to pre-chill the bag for 30 minutes before you pack it, use block ice or frozen gel packs instead of loose cubes, and fill any empty space with extra ice or a towel to reduce warm air pockets.
Are they comfortable to wear for long periods?
They can be, but you need to choose wisely. Look for models designed with hiking in mind, featuring padded, ergonomic shoulder straps, a breathable back panel, and a waist or chest strap to distribute the weight. A fully loaded cooler is heavy, so good design is critical. It will never be as light as a regular daypack, but the right one shouldn’t be a pain to carry.
Can you put them in the washing machine?
Almost never. The insulation and waterproof liner can be damaged. For cleaning, your best bet is to empty all melted ice, then wipe down the interior with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth or sponge. For the exterior, a damp cloth usually does the trick. Always let it air dry completely with the zippers open before storing it to prevent mildew.
What’s the difference between a soft-sided cooler and a dedicated backpack cooler?
A soft-sided cooler might have shoulder straps, but a dedicated backpack cooler is engineered for carrying. It will have a proper backpack harness system for balance and comfort. It’s also often built with more durable, outdoor-ready materials and better overall insulation. Think of it as the difference between a tote bag with straps and a real hiking pack.
Are they leakproof?
Most quality ones are designed to be leak-resistant or watertight when closed. The key is the interior liner and welded seams. However, “leakproof” usually assumes the zipper is fully closed. If you tip it over or the zipper isn’t sealed, water can still get out. Always test with water at home before trusting it with your car’s interior!
What size should I get for a family day trip?
For a family of three or four, I’d recommend looking at a capacity in the 20-30 liter range. This should give you enough space for plenty of drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and ice. It will be a fuller, heavier pack, so those comfortable, sturdy straps I mentioned earlier become even more important. It’s the perfect companion for a day at the park or beach.