8 Best Backpack Coolers, Tested by Experts
Keep your food and drinks chilled all day long.
Tested by Alec SchermaTest Engineer
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If you're looking to transport your favorite drinks and picnic snacks without lugging around a giant cooler, consider an insulated backpack cooler. They're lighter weight than traditional coolers and are designed to be carried hands-free. Thanks to padded straps and soft bag designs, most backpack coolers are pretty comfortable to sling over your shoulders, especially considering you're likely carrying several heavy beverages.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing all types of coolers for years. Last year alone we tested more than 15 coolers, and in total, we've tested close to 100. This year, we conducted a side-by-side test of 14 backpack coolers to see how long they could keep drinks cool, how many cans they could fit inside, how heavy they were when full, how they fit on our backs and more. We also sent several backpack coolers home with consumers to get their feedback in real-life testing scenarios. Here are the top backpack coolers you can buy, according to testing and consumer reviews.
Our top picks:
Head to the end of this guide to learn more about how we test backpack coolers, what to look for when shopping and why you should trust Good Housekeeping. Looking for some other ways to keep your food cool while out and about? Check out our favorite standard coolers and adult lunch boxes.
IceMule Pro Large Collapsible Backpack Cooler
Pros
- Keeps ice colder for longer
- folds up for easy storage when empty
Cons
- No pockets or internal organization system
Picnickers, hikers and beach bums alike will appreciate this backpack cooler from IceMule. Unlike its gargantuan brother, the Ice Mule Boss, this smaller version is a great size to fit all of your food and drinks without overwhelming your back. While testing, we found it pretty comfortable to wear. We also liked that this bag’s unique insulation system, which works by blowing air into the air valve to create an extra layer of insulation, helps keep the ice colder for longer, so you don’t have to worry about melting ice cream or lukewarm cold cuts. It also helps it float! When you're done with your snacks, we like that you can reverse the bag inside out to empty all the air and fold it up as small as possible for easy storage.
While at first glance, this bag seems rather unusual due to its lack of zippers, it makes it easy to customize to contain more or fewer items at a time since the top rolls down to close. While testing, we found it was easy to pack even though it didn’t have any pockets or organization system, comfortably fitting 18 12-ounce cans of soda. We also found that it had some of the best ice retention of the batch, only increasing by 1.98 degrees in 14 hours (and staying under 40 degrees the entire time).
| Capacity | 23 liters |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11 x 14.2 x 17 inches |
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Insulated Backpack
Pros
- Has separate pockets for special ice bags that come with the backpack
- Feels and looks like a traditional backpack
Cons
- Zippers aren’t leakproof
This stylish, wallet-friendly pick comes in three different colors and features two special ice pockets for storing the unique reusable ice bags that come with the backpack. We appreciate that these ice pockets mean you don’t have to use the space inside the bag for storing ice and can instead maximize that space for snacks and drinks. We found we could fit 21 cans while taking advantage of all the available pockets. While testing, we found it to be quite comfortable to carry around and appreciated the detachable and portable bottle opener. We did notice that its ice retention wasn't as good as some of the others on this list. The temperature rose by about 8 degrees over 14 hours when only using the ice bags in their special pockets. But for the price and added features, we still found it to be worth a purchase.
According to the brand, this backpack is also water- and stain-repellant, which makes it easy to wipe clean after taking it into the great outdoors. We also liked the zipper lock on the insulated top lid, the variety of insulated pockets and the long backpack straps that make it particularly comfortable to wear.
| Capacity | 12.4 liters |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11.8 x 10.2 x 18 inches |
Pros
- Easy to clean and pack
- Spacious interior
Cons
- May not fit on people of bigger stature due to extreme back padding
This waterproof backpack cooler by RTIC looks like a classic cooler, and the square case is made with welded waterproof seams. According to the brand, it can even float in the water beside you if you're spending the day on the lake or river. We appreciated that the bag came with instructions on how to care for the zippers, and we liked the additional straps that let you carry it like a tote rather than a backpack if desired. While testing, we found this bag to have extremely impressive cold retention, only increasing by a total of 3.39 degrees over 14 hours of use. We also noticed that it was quite spacious. We were able to fit 20 cans and ice without struggle.
Unfortunately, where it excelled in extreme cold retention and spaciousness, it lacked in comfort. With extreme back padding and shorter straps, our experts with larger statures were unable to even fit the bag on their backs, while those with smaller statures found the padding to be somewhat uncomfortable. This pick is best for shorter distances where you need to prioritize superior cold retention and waterproof abilities.
| Capacity | 20 cans |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 17 x 21.5 inches |
Hydroflask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler
Pros
- Great capacity
- Good cold retention up to 12 hours
Cons
- Can't carry as a tote
This popular pack comes in two different colors and has a slim but structured design with a secure zipper and comfortable straps. While our experts haven’t tested this exact backpack, we have tested two of Hydroflask’s non-backpack coolers: the 26 L Day Escape Tote as well as the Carry Out Soft Cooler. While testing those, we appreciated the sturdy construction found across the brand’s products and impressive temperature retention over a 12-hour period. True to its name, we found that the Day Escape line is not meant to hold your snacks and beverages for much longer than a typical day trip.
According to the brand, the backpack can fit up to 36 cans and has waterproof zippers to keep it from leaking. We appreciate the removable liner which is great for deep cleaning, and we like that its slim size can expand a bit to fit larger quantities. The padded mesh back panel, padded straps and chest strap help make for a comfortable carry, and it features extra loops for attaching additional gear as well as a place to stash your water bottle. You can also add a Dry Storage pack to keep your other essentials close at hand.
| Capacity | 20 liters |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.74 pounds |
| Dimensions | 18.5 x 8.5 x 18.5 inches |
Pros
- Cooler section is removable
- Insulation made drinks cooler than when we put them in
Cons
- Smaller cooler capacity than other cooler backpacks
Unlike most of the other bags on this list, this pick is made to store more than just your food. The top compartment has room for hiking essentials or anything you want to keep separate from the cold stuff, making it a great option for longer hikes or trips where you may need some other gear as well. While testing, we found this bag to be the only cooler backpack we tested that actually got colder the longer we used it, decreasing about 2 degrees in temperature during our test period. We found that it can fit 12 cans in the cooler section and appreciated that it was quite comfortable to wear.
If you’re looking for something that stores even more, the regular version of the REI Trail Pack Cooler (that's just one compartment) fits 20 cans with a lot of extra space for other food and ice. In both models, the cooler insert is removable so the bag can convert to a typical daypack for regular use. We also found the removable cooler section made it easier to clean and load.
| Capacity | 31.5 liters |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 22 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches |
Polar Bear Coolers Back Pack Cooler, 18 Pack
Pros
- No leakage
- Featured a few different pockets for additional storage
Cons
- Smaller opening made it difficult to pack and clean
Even when this backpack from Polar was filled, we still found it to be lightweight and easy to carry. We also appreciated the variety of handles that made it possible to carry this bag on your back or as a tote. While testing, we found that it to be fairly leakproof and had no issues carrying it around even after the ice had melted inside. Since the bag inside of the bag contains one large compartment, we noticed that it was fairly important to package the drinks and food inside in an orderly fashion to avoid them from poking your back while carrying.
While the smaller backpack opening can make it a bit more difficult to pack everything inside, stayed well-insulated and maintained a temperature of 35 degrees at the bottom of the bag after 36 hours. While it was a bit warmer at the top of the bag (by about 10 degrees), it is still a great option for a day trip. You may just want to be strategic about keeping the items you want to stay coldest at the bottom of the bag. We liked that this cooler was well-lined to avoid leaking and had wide straps and handles for more comfortable carrying.
| Capacity | 18 cans |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23.9 x 15 x 5.5 inches |
IceMule Boss Backpack Cooler
Pros
- Great temperature retention
- Fits up to 24 cans
Cons
- Extremely large and somewhat inconvenient size
This larger pack by Ice Mule is the big brother to the Collapsible Pro that we ranked as our favorite overall. Fitting up to 24 cans, this oversized bag means you don’t have to leave anything at home when you plan your day trip. Its massive size does mean that smaller folks may find it less comfortable to carry than those. with larger statures, but its large interior and plethora of pockets mean you can fit everything and then some.
While testing, we found the size to be a bit daunting but still found the bag to be quite comfortable to wear with straps that were easy to loosen and a hip belt that was fairly comfy. The large size made for easy access to the inside of the bag, and we appreciated the air valve insulation system that helped keep things colder for longer. While its ice retention wasn't as great as the Collapsible Pro, potentially due to its larger size, it stayed under 40 degrees for about 8 hours and only rose a total of 10 degrees after 14 hours.
| Capacity | 30 liters |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.61 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11 x 17 x 24 inches |
Magellan Outdoors Pro Leakproof 24-Can Backpack Cooler
Pros
- Great ice retention
- Multiple straps for easy carrying
Cons
- Can be heavy when full
This option from Magellan keeps all the perspiration and melted ice on the inside. While testing, we found that it had great ice retention (some of the best of those we tested, raising less than 5 degrees over a period of 14 hours). We also appreciated that it had multiple handles for easy carrying, so you could tote it around as a backpack or use the handles on the side and top for a quick carry. While some of our experts found it to be on the heavier side when full, the padded back panel and chest buckle make it more comfortable and easy to wear. This cooler could comfortably fit 24 cans, and according to the brand, it’s better to use ice packs rather than classic ice (and we found no trouble in cold retention with only ice packs). The nylon shell is designed for extra durability in comparison to some less structured cases, but the pack still features padded shoulder straps and a padded back for comfort. It also boasts water-tight zippers and buckles for keeping leakage and spilling contained.
| Capacity | 48 liters |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 14.5 x 11 inches |
How we tested backpack coolers
We put 14 new backpack coolers to the test in our Kitchen Appliances Lab this year. We filled each backpack cooler with as many cold cans of soda as the manufacturer recommended and then topped each off with ice. We then put a thermocouple (a highly accurate thermometer) into one of the cans and tracked its temperature over 14 hours. The top-performing backpack coolers either started off relatively cool and were able to stay at a temperature under 40 degrees the entire time, or maintained a slightly higher (but still acceptable) temperature with very little range. The worst-performing ones could barely maintain the temperature for 2 hours.
We also assessed each owner's manual (where applicable) for helpful tips on how to use the cooler, and we tested each product on how easy each backpack cooler opened, how easy it was to fill, how the backpack cooler felt when being used and cleanability.
In addition to our Lab tests, we sent eight consumers home with backpack coolers so they could give us feedback on their real-life experience with the cooler.
What to look for when shopping for backpack coolers
✔️ Size/capacity: Bigger might sound better, but remember that coolers get heavy quickly, especially when you're carrying cans of soda. Look for a backpack cooler that you can carry comfortably both empty and full. Taller people might benefit from larger ones that sit on their backs better and vice versa.
"You want the bag to sit in the center of your back but higher is generally advisable, so it doesn’t sag down past your hips," explains Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour. If you aren't comfortable when you try the bag on for the first time, it isn't the right pick for you and will only get more difficult to carry when fully packed. "Padded straps are also great as they prevent any digging into your shoulders, especially when carrying a heavier load."
✔️ Material: Most backpack coolers are made from soft materials and are sometimes padded or insulated. Insulated linings and pockets are desirable in terms of better temperature retention. A soft construction often means the pack will be lighter, more pliable and more comfortable to wear, three key factors we look for in a backpack cooler. A few of the brands we feature have hard shells that tend to also help improve temperature retention. These shells also help them maintain their shape, making them easier to pack.
The material also influences whether you can use ice or just ice packs to keep your food cool. We recommend using whichever the brand recommends, which you can find on the backpack cooler's tag or owner's manual.
✔️ Ice/temperature retention: More heavily padded backpack coolers tend to be better at keeping drinks colder for longer, but if you primarily plan on using your backpack cooler for a park picnic versus a long, hot hike or a day at the beach, you may not need something so bulky.
✔️ Extra features: As you would with a regular backpack, look for extra pockets, compartments and water bottle holders. All of these features will help you stay organized on the go.
How to pack a backpack cooler
Coolers stay colder for longer when you prime them by chilling them before use. This can be done by loading them with ice or ice packs hours before you plan on using them.
Once you're ready to fill your backpack cooler, make sure your contents are already cold and pad them with extra ice or ice packs. The cold items will help the other items stay cold, but they won't maintain their temperature for long without the addition of ice or ice packs. Ice will melt and can become messy, but ice packs can be heavy, so choose what's best for you while keeping in mind what the manufacturer recommends.
All coolers will change in temperature the more you open them, so try to only pop in when you need to.
Backpack coolers vs. traditional coolers
Backpack coolers are great if you're on the go and will be consuming your goods within a few hours. Our tests proved they're not the best at temperature retention when compared to traditional coolers, but some surely work better than others. We recommend them for short day trips. They're amongst the easiest to carry since they essentially allow you to be hands-free.
Soft-sided coolers offer a fun middle ground between backpack coolers and hard-sided coolers. In our cooler testing, some performed just as well as hard-sided coolers in terms of temperature retention while being lighter to lug. Some of our favorites, like the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze, have a plastic removable interior, which offers structure but is still lightweight.
Hard-sided coolers typically offer the best temperature retention and capacity. They can get heavy to lug, but some have wheels, which make them easier to transport. They're often equipped with cup holders, too, and can double as a makeshift table.
Do backpack coolers leak?
When asked if backpack coolers leak, our lead tester shared that he was "honestly very impressed." None of the backpack coolers he tested leaked onto the floor during testing even though all of them contained melted ice by the end of the test. The melted ice remained in each cooler for four days before he emptied them out.
We did not, however, test them by turning them upside down or shaking them like we do in many of our other leakproof tests.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Alec Scherma is the GH Institute's test engineer. He conducted this round of backpack cooler testing as well as last year's cooler test. He uses coolers often when the weather is nice.
Jamie Spain is a writer and analyst for the GH Institute. She synthesized the backpack cooler testing data to determine the top picks and wrote this guide in a way a non-engineer would understand.
Nicole Papantoniou is the Kitchen Appliances Lab Director where she oversees all testing related to kitchen gear. She oversaw the testing for this backpack cooler test as well as last year's cooler test. She also helped assess the data from this test to write parts of this story. Noting that she uses many coolers is an understatement. She rotates through a large assortment on the daily between work and home as well as her summer house and the beach on weekends.
Jamie (she/her) is the former parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has also worked a BuzzFeed and People. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Alec Scherma (he/him) is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test engineer, where he helps to create and implement new product testing methodology across home, cooking and cleaning appliances, wellness, tech products and more. He graduated from Drexel University’s College of Engineering with a B.A. in mechanical engineering.
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