Best Cooler Bags for Your Food and Beverages

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 27, 2024
Going on a hiking tour? Planning a picnic? Or just need to keep your lunch fresh? A cooler bag is a way out. It can hold a lot of stuff inside to provide you with chilled drinks or ready-to-eat meals during your getaways. Choose one of the best cooler bags and never drink warm beer or eat soggy sandwiches again! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Capacity
Material
Extras
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

10 D-ring tie-down points on different sides of the bag allow you to securely fix the bag, which is especially useful when used on boats, kayaks, ATVs, skiffs, SUPs, Radio Flyers, etc.

CONS

The zipper is a little stiff.

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for a large cooler bag to fit enough supplies for a whole family or friends, then you will definitely like this model. It can fit more than 30 12-oz cans on top of a few pounds of ice, making it ideal for trips to the beach, camping, and whatnot. 

detailed parameters
Capacity

30 cans (using a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume) or 30 lbs of ice

Material

Polyester, Food-grade plastic

Extras

Leak-proof Zipper, Carrying handles, Adjustable shoulder strap (Detachable), 10 D-ring tie-down points, Additional zippered pocket, Mesh pocket

Dimensions

15.5 x 11.5 x 12.75 inches

~5 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The patented Zipperless™ flip-top lid provides quick access to food and drinks. For practicality, the zippered front pocket also features a layer of insulation. In addition, there are side pockets for the things that should always be at hand.

CONS

The shoulder strap can start being a little rough on your shoulder in case the cooler is weighted down.

OUR VERDICT

The Arctic Zone cooler bag is made from an innovative material that is resistant to water, abrasion, or stains, and will not crack or lose its presentable appearance over time. Inside there is a removable SmartShelf™ hard shell that allows you to separate hard food from soft food.

detailed parameters
Capacity

16 can (9, 30, 48 cans available)

Material

Rhino-Tech® material, Hardbody liner with SmartShelf

Extras

Flip-open Zipperless™ lid, Insulated front pocket, 2 mesh side pockets, Adjustable Backsaver® shoulder strap with shoulder pad

Dimensions

12.25 x 12.25 x 8 inches

2.2 lbs

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The bag has upper and bottom compartments to keep cold and warm food or drinks separately. The top section is great for snacks and other light stuff, while the bottom one is good for your lunch boxes and bottles.

CONS

Side pockets are not very capacious. 

OUR VERDICT

This thermal tote bag is ideal for students and people who work all day long and need a capacious cooler for their lunch. Two separate compartments can hold several lunch boxes, bottles, fruit, and various snacks.

detailed parameters
Capacity

Bottom compartment: 6 cans

Upper compartment: 4 cans

Material

Polyester, Food-grade PEVA

Extras

Leak-proof Zipper at bottom compartment, Carrying handle, Adjustable shoulder strap (detachable), Additional zippered pocket, 2 side pockets

Dimensions

10.2 x 7.9 x 11 inches

~0.8 lbs

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The lining has an antimicrobial treatment that resists odor, mold, and mildew, keeping your food fresh and making the cleanup much easier.

CONS

The top flap could do with a wider velcro.

OUR VERDICT

The Coleman soft cooler bag keeps food and drinks cold for up to 24 hours at the temperatures of up to 90 °F. This model is perfect for going to the beach or a picnic. The heat-welded seams will prevent leaks.

detailed parameters
Capacity

9, 16, or 30 cans

Material

Ripstop fabric, Antimicrobial liner

Extras

The zippered main compartment with heat-welded seams, Top hatch, Adjustable shoulder strap, Side handles, Front pocket

Dimensions

10.75 x 13 x 10 inches (30 can)

~1 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The exterior of the bag is made of water-repellent and dirt-repellent fabric, which makes the product more durable. The wide opening design allows you to comfortably reach all contents.

CONS

The stitching could be improved, as when the bag gets slightly heavy, the threading becomes visible.

OUR VERDICT

The Lifewit cooler bag is designed to keep food and drinks chilled for up to 12 hours. This model has an ergonomic design with comfortable compartments and is suitable for outdoor trips or camping.

detailed parameters
Capacity

27, 32, or 48 cans

Material

210D oxford fabric and EPE foam

Extras

Main wide top pocket, 2 side pockets, 2 front pockets, Adjustable shoulder strap, Side handles

Dimensions

9.17 x 15.63 x 4.33 inches (27 can)

~1.5 lbs

Warranty

2 years limited

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RTIC 30 Soft Pack

Heavy-duty Bag

The RTIC 30 is an amazing midsize soft cooler. As it goes from its name, it can hold up to 30 cans of your favorite beverages with some ice. With 2-inch closed-cell foam insulation, the bag can keep cans, bottles, and anything else cool for up to 5 days even without prechilling. The thick layer of insulation will keep the ice from melting even if the bag is left in the direct sun or in a hot car. The bag is completely leakproof and smell-proof, meaning it doesn't matter what you're going to put in it, no liquid or odor will leak out. It has an antimicrobial liner that is mildew- and odor-resistant and easy to clean up. Being made of heavy duty vinyl shell, the cooler is much stronger than most other soft-sided bags. It's highly resistant to damage and UV rays. Even if you often leave it in the blistering sun, it won't fade. By the way, this soft cooling bag is available in 10 designs to suit your style best. Also, you can choose smaller and larger capacities (20 or 40 cans).

The RTIC cooler bag has an additional exterior compartment for dry items. And the shoulder strap makes it easier for you to handle and carry this bag. Overall, it's a perfect multipurpose soft cooler bag that can withstand extreme heat and fit perfectly any road trip, tailgate, or outdoor activity.

Review of RTIC 30 Soft Pack Soft-sided cooler bag

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075769BQ7

 

Arctic Zone Titan Deep ‎5-21169-23-0E

Easy-To-Use Cooler Bag

Your food and drinks deserve the best cooling conditions, and the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is here to give you exactly that. This handy cooler is easy to use and clean, well-organized, and also doesn’t leak.

The radiant heat barrier inside this unit plus the ColdBlock base ensures the top performance. It can hold up ice for as long as 2 days, which is impressive if you’re going out on a hiking or camping trip. Yes, there may be a little melting at the end of Day 2, but otherwise, everything will stay top-notch. Add an insulated front pocket, and your comfort is more than guaranteed.

Imagine having to zip/unzip the cooler on the go to get the drinks out. Not too amusing, right? The Titan Deep Freeze takes good care of that by offering a patented zipperless lid. Just pop a Cola when you feel like doing it; no fuss, no extra effort. Also, the adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap helps spread the weight and doesn’t slip. What it does do at times is being rough on your shoulder, but only if the cooler is loaded to the full.

Storing the soft foods (like cheeseburgers) with the hard stuff (like beverage cans) can lead to well-predictable results. Avoid the mess with the smart shelf that keeps the two apart just like they should be. If you don’t want it, you can easily remove it. Both the shelf and hard liner can be taken out for cleaning purposes.

Speaking about the latter; thanks to the Rhino-Tech, this unit resists water, stains, and puncture damage. It will also not crack and keep its stylish look.

Summing up, this extra practical hardbody cooler is a dream come true for any hiker or outdoor enthusiast.

Review of Arctic Zone Titan Deep 	‎5-21169-23-0E Hardbody Cooler

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01ALB940Y

 

MIER SYNCHKG089443

Interesting, Sporty, Sophisticated

The MIER Lunch Box is one of the best lunch cooler bags in its range. For less than $20, you can get a super versatile bag. The most interesting thing about this model is that it has two separate compartments to prevent hot and cold foods and drinks from clunking around. Both sections have good insulation - a food grade safety PEVA liner. The top level is good for light things that you don't want to get crushed. You can use the top to pack sandwiches, fruit, chips, cookies, crackers and other stuff that doesn't need to be kept cold. The bottom section is much larger and roomier than the top. It offers plenty of room for heavier items like water bottles, beer cans, lunch containers as well as ice packs. Both compartments can be wiped out easily and cleanly.

Top section features a handy U-opening for quick access. On both sides of the bag, you'll find two non-zippered pockets for gums, napkins, utensils, keys, and other small items. The cooler bag is supplied with a detachable shoulder strap and a handle for comfortable carrying. "MIER" logo zippers are ultra durable and smooth. The bag is offered in Black, Blue, and Navy Blue colors. Overall, it's a fantastic double-level thermal tote for packing large amounts of food and drinks for a whole day.

Review of MIER SYNCHKG089443 Box Insulated Lunch Bag Large Cooler

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $16.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01FQA0YDQ

 

Coleman 2000025129

An Ideal Travel Companion

Need a reliable cooler bag that will last 24 hours? Enter the Coleman unit with the extra insulation to keep your items perfectly cold.

The Coleman is like your portable freezer; you can take it with you on a camping or hiking trip with absolutely no problem. What makes it so reliable is the double insulation, so never worry about the contents going warm. Load the bag with soft food or drinks, and you’re all ready for the outdoor adventures.

Not only that, but the main compartment (which is zippered) helps keep the cold inside and preserve food. There’s even more space for extra snacks in the front pocket. And the soft sides of the bag will allow you to pack it into a suitcase with no effort. Keep in mind, however, that the top flap could do with a wider velcro.

Planning to carry the cooler bag on your shoulder? Couldn’t be easier with the Coleman. The shoulder strap is adjustable and will suit people of various heights.

Is this bag easy to clean? Yes, for sure. The heat welded seams prevent leaking if the food and blue ice inside are not packed into sealed containers. As for the antimicrobial liner, it strongly resists odor, mold, and fungus, which makes the cleanup effortless and smooth.

All in all, the Coleman cooler bag is indispensable for trips, vacations, and long flights.

Review of Coleman 2000025129 Soft Cooler Bag

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01C3VB9TE

 

Lifewit Large

Your Multi-Pocket Cooler

So, how about a cooler bag with a large capacity but not oversized? The Lifewit soft portable unit may be just what you’re looking for. It accommodates up to 24 drink cans plus ice and has multiple pockets for extra snacks or your personal items.

You don’t need to be on an air crew to enjoy all perks of this 5-gallon bag. It’s spacious and keeps your food/drinks perfectly cold for up to 12 hours. The exterior of durable oxford cloth is water- and dirt-resistant, so if you accidentally pour something on the bag, the contents won’t get damp. And though the stitching could be somewhat improved, the bag does have a more reliable design than some of its competitors.

Now to the handy pockets; you can put your napkins and straws in the 2 front ones, put the rest of smaller things in the 2 side ones, and utilize the wide top pocket for whatever else (warm food, anyone?). This bag is not only a portable cooler but your reliable assistant when traveling the world. Carry it by the strong padded handle; hang it over the shoulder with a detachable strap; or simply put it on your suitcase. Whatever you choose, the bag will remain 100% user-friendly.

In short, airline passengers, long-distance travelers, or regular campers will be hard-pressed to find a more convenient cooler bag for storing food and drinks.

Review of Lifewit Large Cooler Bag

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B087Q4B52S

 

Infographics

Comparison of Cooler Bags for Your Food and Beverages

What Is a Cooler Bag?

If you're a hiker, a camper, or a tailgating enthusiast, you definitely need a high-quality cooler bag. There are different types of coolers on the market, however, we have reviewed only soft-sided bags for this comparison chart. Soft coolers are all about mobility! They are usually quite lightweight and designed with detachable shoulder straps. Soft bags can be easily carried in your arms or over your shoulder, tucked under a car seat or secured at the back of a canoe. When not in use, soft cooler bags can be usually folded and put away for neat storage. They are made of durable materials with thick insulating linings. Yet, the main questions are how long they can keep your stuff cool and how much they can hold. Surprisingly, the premium soft-sided bags can keep as many as 40 cans cool for up to 5 days. More affordable models have thinner insulation and are quite OK for keeping your lunch boxes and snacks fresh all day long. By the way, thanks to a good insulation level, these bags can keep your food warm as well. We have rounded up various insulated cooler bags for any need and budget. So, it's up to you to decide which one will fit your purpose (and your wallet) best.

Sources:

1. Braun Davidson 11 Stupid-Easy Cooler Hacks For A Better Beach Trip, Delish.

2. Eric Pickhartz 8 Tips For The Most Effective Cooler Use, Wide Open Spaces. May 7, 2014.

3. Sarah Rae Smith Still Using Bagged Ice in Your Cooler? There's a Better Way! Kitchn. July 21, 2016.

4. Tips on Packing a Cooler – Learn How to Pack a Cooler, What’s Cooking America.

5. Kristin Wong Pre-Chill Your Cooler to Keep Drinks Cool Longer, Lifehacker. July 6, 2015.

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Publish Date: 2018-03-31 08:23:29