Updated September 2, 2024
The beach has so much to offer – sun, waves, water, a variety of sports and recreational activities, and an opportunity to share it all with friends and family. A barbecue or picnic is a great addition, and cold beverages are essential.
To make it all come together for your own private affair you’ll need a beach cooler to keep everything chilled for as long as you’ll be there.
How big is your group? How much time do you have? How much in the way of food and drinks do you plan to consume? There is a cooler out there to suit your needs.
Below some of the best beach coolers in a range of categories have been selected to help you decide which is the best for you. There is a comparison table to get you started, followed by descriptions and features with photos and videos, followed by a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For a discussion of some other things you could use at the beach, please check these reviews:
Soft Sided Coolers Marine Coolers Beach Canopies Beach Tents Surfboards Skimboards Bodyboards Bodyboarding Fins Stand Up Paddleboards Rash Guards for Men Rash Guards for Women Surfing Wetsuits Swim Parkas
Best Beach Coolers for 2023
- YETI Hopper Two 40 Portable Beach Cooler
- Coleman Xtreme Beach Cooler
- One Savvy Girl Ultralight Backpack Beach Cooler
- YETI Roadie 24 Beach Cooler
- RTIC 45 Quart Beach Cooler
- Seavilis Milee Heavy Duty Wheeled Beach Cooler 70QT
- Coleman Steel-Belted Beach Cooler
- Mier Insulated Beach Cooler Backpack
- Igloo Trailmate Journey Beach Cooler
- CleverMade Collapsible 50 Beach Cooler Bag
Best Beach Cooler Comparison Table
| Picture | Beach Coolers | Capacity | Weight | External Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | YETI Hopper Two 40 Portable Beach Cooler | 40 pounds | 6.14 pounds | 26 x 13 x 19.5 inches | $$$ |
  | Coleman Xtreme Beach Cooler | 70 quarts | 12.3 pounds | 28.2 x 15.8 x 18.2 inches | $ |
  | One Savvy Girl Ultralight Backpack Beach Cooler Chair | not specified | 3 pounds | 18 x 15 x 12 Inches | $ |
  | YETI Roadie 24 Beach Cooler | 24 quarts | 12.8 pounds | 10.9 x 8.1 x 13.3 inches | $$ |
  | RTIC 45 Quart Beach Cooler | 45 quarts | 25 pounds | 26.5 x 16.5 x 15.875 inches | $$ |
  | Seavilis Milee Heavy Duty Wheeled Beach Cooler 70QT | 70 quarts | 46.5 pounds | 33.3 x 17.2 x 7.6 inches | $$$ |
  | Coleman Steel-Belted Beach Cooler | 54 quarts | 18.8 pounds | 25.1 x 17.5 x 17.2 inches | $$ |
  | Mier Insulated Beach Cooler Backpack | 30 cans | 1.43 pounds | 12.6 x 7.9 x 16.5 inches | $ |
  | Igloo Trailmate Journey Beach Cooler | 70 quarts | 34.7 pounds | 34.59 x 19.7 x 23.61 inches | $$ |
  | CleverMade Collapsible 50 Beach Cooler Bag | 32 quarts | 2 pounds | 18.25 x 12.25 x 12 inches | $ |
| Picture | Beach Coolers | Capacity | Weight | External Dimensions | Price |
YETI Hopper Two 40 Portable Beach Cooler
This model can carry up to 40 pounds and there is a special HitchPoint grid for attaching accessories like their Molle and Molle Zinger Bottle Openers which are included.
It has durable side handles and a shoulder strap for easy portage and a high-quality leakproof zipper to keep everything safely inside. 20-pound and 30-pound capacity models are also available if you don’t need this much.
This is a premium cooler and it is reflected in the price
- Waterproof high-density UV-resistant fabric
- Flexible, foldable construction
- Closed-cell rubber foam insulation
- High-performance leakproof zipper
- HitchPoint grid for attaching accessories like two included bottle opener types
- 6 D-rings for attachment
- Durable side and shoulder straps
- The line includes 20, 30, and 40-pound models
- Choice of 5 colors
- External Dimensions: 26 x 13 x 19.5 inches
- Capacity: 40 pounds
- Weight: 6.14 pounds
- Expensive
You can even put your can down in one of the four cupholders in the lid. Relatively light for its capacity, the comfort-grip handles make it easy to carry from the car to the beach and back without pinching.
The surfaces wipe clean with no muss and it has an effective leak-resistant channel drain to conveniently evacuate any excess water.
On top of all this, the pricing is remarkably low.
- Insulated lid and extra wall insulation
- UV protection
- Lid supports up to 250 pounds of weight
- 4 molded cup holders in the lid
- 5-day ice retention
- Easy to wipe clean surfaces
- Comfort-grip, no crush handles
- Leak-resistant channel drain
- External Dimensions: 28.2 x 15.8 x 18.2 inches
- Capacity: 70 quarts, 100 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 12.3 pounds
- Low-priced
One Savvy Girl Ultralight Backpack Beach Cooler Chair
Made of durable Oxford fabric with a waterproof coating, it is resistant to scrapes and rips and is only 3 pounds.
With several pockets on the outside for odds and ends, it is suitable for men and women but larger bodies will find the chair a little small.
Pricing is quite reasonable and this small cottage company provides a generous lifetime warranty.
- Durable waterproof coated Oxford fabric
- Foldable backpack with built-in cooler bag and mini-chair
- Several outer pockets
- Choice of blush or teal
- External Dimensions: 18 x 15 x 12 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Lifetime guarantee
- Reasonably priced
The exceptionally durable rotomolded construction will take what you can dish out and comes with a hefty hauler handle, leak-proof Vortex drainage system, tie-down slots, and non-slip feet.
With a 14-can capacity, this is a handy model for 2-3 people to take to the beach for a day.
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- PermaFrost insulation
- Heavy-duty quicklatch one-handed access
- Hefty hauler handle
- Bearfoot non-slip feet
- Solid never flat wheels, puncture-resistant, single-piece tire construction
- Part of a line that includes 24, 48, and 60-quart models
- Comes in 12 colors
- External Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.1 x 13.3 inches
- Capacity: 18 12-ounce cans with 24 pounds of ice
- Weight: 12.8 pounds
Non-slip rubber feet provide great traction for occasions when the cooler can serve as a tabletop, cutting board, or stool in addition to the usual cooling function.
If 45 quarts is too much or too little cold storage for your needs, RTIC has 20, 65, and 110-quart models, as well as a whopping 145-quarter.
- Rotomolded construction
- 3-inch insulated walls
- Strong sealing lid
- Rapid V-drain system
- Durable T-latches
- Integrated locking system
- Non-slip feet
- Molded side handles
- Part of a line that includes 20, 45, 52, and 65-quart models
- Comes in 4 colors
- External Dimensions: 26.5 x 16.5 x 15.875 inches
- Capacity: 45 quarts, 36 12-ounce cans, 40 pounds of ice
- Weight: 25 pounds
Seavilis Milee Heavy Duty Wheeled Beach Cooler 70QT
With durable rotomolded construction and a 70-quart capacity, it can get heavy when fully loaded with ice and beverages and could prove a hassle were it not for the durable 7-inch wheels to assist.
It will keep everything icy for up to 6 days with high-grade insulation, seals, and latches.
The design includes a lid lock so that it will not accidentally slam shut and an internal basket, cooler divider, and hanging cup holder that are thrown in as a gift.
Check the list below to get the full picture of what this great cooler offers.
- Rotomolded insulated construction
- UV resistance
- Freezer-style gasket
- Heavy-duty 7-inch wheels
- Military-grade nylon handles
- Pressure release button
- Molded tie-down slots
- T-latches
- Lid lock with an integrated hinge (no accidental closing)
- Molded tie-down slots
- Non-slip feet
- Recessed no-leak drain plug
- Basket, cooler divider, and cup holder included
- Built-in bottle openers
- Comes in 4 colors
- External Dimensions: 33.3 x 17.2 x 7.6 inches
- Capacity: 70 quarts
- Weight: 46.5 pounds
Coleman Steel-Belted Beach Cooler
This 54-quart model comes in six colors and is sturdy enough to support a 250-pounder sitting or standing on it.
Up to 78 beverage cans will fit inside and can be kept icy for up to 4 days.
It has an effective leak-resistant no-tilt drain and is sturdy enough to be great at the beach or on a picnic for years to come.
Considering the size, durability, and capacity, it is reasonably priced.
- Painted steel body
- 4-day ice retention (at 90 degrees F external temperature)
- Lid supports up to 250 pounds of weight
- Rust-resistant stainless steel latch and hardware
- Comfort grip steel handles
- Leak-resistant channel drain requires no tilting
- 6 available colors
- External Dimensions: 25.1 x 17.5 x 17.2 inches
- Capacity: 54 quarts, 78 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 18.8 pounds (shipping weight)
- Reasonably priced
Mier Insulated Beach Cooler Backpack
With a durable polyester fabric, a well-insulated inner compartment, and a leak-proof, heat-welded PEVA liner, it can cool up to 30 beverage cans.
There are also two side mesh bottle pockets, a couple of zippered external pockets, one suitable for an iPad, and a mesh pocket inside the lid for packing a variety of stuff you need for a day at the beach.
With a padded handle and shoulder straps, it is easy to carry even when fully loaded.
Pricing is quite reasonable and it comes with a 2-year warranty for quality.
- High-grade polyester exterior material
- Large insulated cooler compartment
- Heat-welded PEVA liner
- Inside mesh pocket on the lid
- Multiple outside pockets for bottles and other storage
- Padded top handle
- Padded shoulder straps and back and a sternum strap
- Choice of 4 colors
- External Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.9 x 16.5 inches
- Capacity: 30 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 1.43 pounds
- 30-day no questions asked money-back guarantee, 2-year warranty for quality
- Reasonably priced
Igloo Trailmate Journey Beach Cooler
The Ultratherm insulation will keep up to 112 beverage cans icy for up to 4 days and moving that heavy load over uneven terrain is made easy with the large 10-inch superior traction wheels.
With the wheels and aluminum skid rails, the load is kept above the hot sand surface for an added boost to insulation.
Accessories adding to function and convenience include a butler tray on the handle, 2 built-in bottle openers, an interior food basket, accessory holders, tie-down loops, and an additional dry storage pocket.
This cooler will serve you well for a long weekend at the beach or camping.
- Plastic exterior
- Ultratherm insulated body and lid with 4-day ice retention
- Telescoping aluminum horizontal handle with butler tray
- Aluminum skid rails
- 10-inch superior traction wheels
- 2 built-in bottle openers
- Suspended interior food basket
- 6 cup holders
- Removable accessory holders for umbrellas and fishing rods
- Tie-down loops
- Storage pocket
- Threaded drain plug
- Comes in a choice of 7 color combinations
- External Dimensions: 34.59 x 19.7 x 23.61 inches
- Capacity: 70 quarts, 112 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 34.7 pounds
CleverMade Collapsible 50 Beach Cooler Bag
With a “clever” snap hinge the empty bag collapses to save space and quickly snaps back into shape when you are ready to fill it with ice packs and consumables.
It has durable rip-stop water-resistant Polyester mix fabric, a built-in bottle opener, and two external pockets, with 2 straps and 2 side handles for easy portage.
Very attractive, it comes in 5 designer color combos and is priced quite reasonably.
- Water-resistant Polyester mix fabric
- Insulated with anti-leak lining and 8-hour cooling capacity
- Collapsible construction with snap hinges
- Side and top carry handles
- Zippered front pocket, back pocket
- Built-in bottle opener on strap
- Choice of 5 designer color combos
- External Dimensions: 18.25 x 12.25 x 12 inches
- Capacity: 32 quarts, 50 12-ounce cans, 50 pounds
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Reasonably priced
Beach Cooler Buying Guide
Hardshell Versus Soft-Sided Coolers
- Hardshell coolers are constructed with hard plastic, often rotomolded, steel, or aluminum. They are built to be more durable and generally keep the contents cold for a longer period of time. Durability can be especially useful when transport is rough or for use on a boat
- Usually relatively small and easily portable, soft-sided models have a fabric exterior. They usually keep the contents cold for a shorter period of time and are not as durable as hardshell coolers. However, they are convenient to transport and useful for small numbers of people out for a day trip.
Ice Retention
Beach coolers stand to spend significant time in the sun, so cooling performance is obviously an important factor.
If you are planning for a beach excursion of less than a day, many of the soft-sided coolers have insulation effective to retain ice for a long enough period to keep perishables and drinks cold enough.
Hardshell coolers generally offer an ice retention period of at least 3 days and some can do it up to 10. They have specialized insulation for the purpose and should have a gasket, hinges, latches, and drains that seal the compartment completely.
Capacity
Most companies providing coolers for the North American market express the capacity in quarts. (1 liter = .946 quart) For convenience, they also often convert this to the number of 12-ounce beverage cans it will hold. In some cases, especially for soft-sided models, they express it as a weight capacity in pounds. Of course, you need to calculate how much food, liquids, and other items you will generally need in your common usage of the cooler to determine the best capacity and size to select.
Mobility
Most of the smaller soft-sided coolers are designed with handles, and shoulder or backpack straps that make carrying relatively light loads convenient. Larger hardshell coolers can be quite heavy when loaded making well-designed handles essential. Consider the distance and even the terrain to be covered. Many models have wheels to assist.
Durability
Portable items like coolers are vulnerable to bumps and scrapes even when handled extremely carefully. For soft-sided models look for durable fabrics and insulation and quality craftsmanship as much as you can. Hardshell models are expected to handle heavy loads and will have durable plastic, steel, or aluminum construction. Most of the best have a rotomolded shell. Latches and hinges should be corrosion-resistant steel. Waterproofing and water-resistant features are important.
Other Considerations
- UV-resistant materials can limit damage from the sun and lengthen cooler life.
- Leak-proof valves help in ice retention. They also aid in drainage and cleaning.
- Hinges and latches can be points of weakness and a source of leakage. Those made of stainless steel are generally more durable than plastic ones.
- Slip-resistant feet help to hold the cooler in place, especially when transporting it in a vehicle or boat.
- Cup holders, built-in bottle openers, and dry storage pockets or compartments are other features that can come in handy.
- Warranty – Many manufacturers offer extended to lifetime warranties. If you don’t see one listed in the details at your site of purchase, check with the seller. There is a good chance there is a warranty.
For a discussion of some other things you could use at the beach, please check these reviews:
Soft Sided Coolers Marine Coolers Beach Canopies Beach Tents Surfboards Skimboards Bodyboards Bodyboarding Fins Stand Up Paddleboards Rash Guards for Men Rash Guards for Women Surfing Wetsuits Swim Parkas
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