Updated April 7, 2023
Soft-side coolers are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. Compared to the hard shell version they are lighter in weight and more easily portable making them convenient especially on day trips for hiking, picnics, kayaking, or a beach outing. Today’s models are practical and versatile and offer significant ice retention and cooling times.
With so many on the market today, selecting the best one for your needs can involve substantial research. To help cut that process down to size, some of the best in a wide range of pricing have been chosen to introduce to you. To begin there is a simple comparison table, followed by descriptions with key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For a discussion of some other items you could use at the beach, please check these reviews:
Beach Cruisers Beach Coolers Marine Coolers Beach Chairs Beach Wagons & Carts 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 Soft Coolers for 2023
- Tourit Soft Cooler
- Engel HD30 Soft-Sided Cooler Bag
- RTIC Soft Pack 20
- Polar Bear Nylon Soft Cooler
- YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler
- Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Soft Cooler
- Pelican Elite Soft Cooler
- Coleman 42 Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner and Wheels
- Mier Insulated Soft Cooler Backpack
- CleverMade Collapsible 50 Soft Cooler Bag
Best Soft Cooler Comparison Table
| Picture | Cooler | Capacity | Weight | External Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Tourit Soft Cooler | 17 quarts 30 cans | 6.1 lbs | 17.5 x 11.5 x 13.5 inches | $$$ |
  | Engel HD30 Soft-Sided Cooler Bag | 32 quarts 48 cans | 3 lbs | 20 x 16 x 10 inches | $$$$ |
  | RTIC Soft Pack 20 | 20 cans | 5.2 lbs | 14 x 11 x 14 inches | $$ |
  | Polar Bear Nylon Soft Cooler | 24 cans | 4 lbs | 10 x 18 x 12 inches | $$ |
  | YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler | 12 cans | 3.1 lbs | 12.6 x 10 x 11.5 inches | $$$$ |
  | Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Soft Cooler | 30 cans | 3.37 lbs | 16.5 x 11 x 12.75 inches | $ |
  | Pelican Elite Soft Cooler | 48 can | 8 lbs | 22 x 45 x 18 inches | $$$$ |
  | Coleman 42 Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner and Wheels | 42 cans | 7.4 lbs | 21.3 x 12.6 x 11.4 inches | $ |
  | Mier Insulated Soft Cooler Backpack | 30 cans | 1.364 pounds | 11.81 x 7.87 x 17.72 inches | $ |
  | CleverMade Collapsible 50 Soft Cooler Bag | 32 quarts 50 cans | 2.29 lbs | 18.25 x 12.25 x 12 inches | $ |
| Picture | Cooler | Capacity | Weight | External Dimensions | Price |
The Tourit Soft Cooler has a 30-can capacity and 3 layers of insulation for up to 3 days of cooling, great for a few days of camping, or your next trip to the beach.
It has quality nontoxic insulation and a durable puncture-resistant outer layer that is completely waterproof with a leakproof zipper that comes with a supply of lubricant to keep it operating smoothly.
Top and side handles along with a removable padded shoulder strap make transport easy.
It also comes with a bottle opener in 4 subdued colors along with a strong 3-year warranty.
- Capacity: 17 quarts, 30 cans
- Weight: 6.1 pounds
- External Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.5 x 13.5 inches
- Material: 3-layer, non-toxic BPA-free insulation, TPU (Thermal Plastic Urethane)
- Keeps contents cool for up to 3 days
- Waterproof, impact-resistant outer layer
- Airtight, leakproof zipper with a supply of lubricant
- Padded, removable shoulder strap, top handles, 2 side grab-handles
- Bottle opener
- Choice of black, grey, dark grey, or dark blue
- Also available in a 20-can model
- 30-day no questions asked money-back guarantee, 3-year warranty
- Moderately priced
Engel HD30 Soft-Sided Cooler Bag
The Engel HD30 Soft-Sided Cooler Bag is lightweight at 3 pounds, has a large 32-quart capacity, and has extra-durable welded seam construction.
With closed foam insulation and Engel’s patent-pending vacuum technology (see video below), cooling is possible for up to 4.5 days in 90-degree (F) temperatures.
The full-length zipper makes for wide opening top access, and there is a front zippered waterproof pocket for personal items like a cell phone, as well as a convenient bottle opener.
A padded adjustable shoulder strap and top and side handles make portage easy to manage on hikes even when fully loaded.
It also comes with a 1-year warranty and in 4 color combinations.
- Capacity: 32 quarts, 48 cans
- Weight: 3 pounds
- External Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 10 inches
- Material: closed foam insulation, outer shell of 840 denier, and TPU (Thermal Plastic Urethane)
- Keeps contents cool for up to 4.5 days
- Fully welded seams for waterproofing
- Vacuum valve technology for improved performance of the insulation layer
- Waterproof full-length zipper with zipper lube provided
- Waterproof front pocket
- Padded, removable, adjustable, ergonomic shoulder strap, top grab handles, 2 side handles
- Bottle opener
- Choice of blue & tan, gray/seafoam, green & gray, or orange & gray
- Also available in a 21-quart model
- 1-year warranty
The RTIC Soft Pack 20 is a high-performance, low-priced, personal cooler that keeps up to 20 cans cold for as long as 5 days.
It has a durable no-sweat vinyl shell and mildew-resistant liner with a no-leak zipper and construction so watertight that it floats.
A small zippered pocket on the front provides storage for smaller items, IDs, or a cell phone.
The zippers are efficient but can be a little stiff so a lubricant is provided.
A great size for an afternoon trip to the beach or a tailgate party, the 3 sets of straps (side, top, and shoulder) make it easy to carry.
- Capacity: 20 cans
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
- External Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 14 inches
- Material: 2-inch closed-cell insulation, puncture-resistant, non-sweat vinyl shell
- Keeps contents cool for up to 5 days
- Anti-microbial mildew-resistant liner
- No-leak zipper, floats
- Padded, removable, adjustable, ergonomic shoulder strap, top grab handles, 2 side handles
- Zippered front pocket for personal items
- Comes in grey
- Also available in 8, 30, and 40-can models
- Low-priced
This Polar Bear Nylon Soft Cooler is the 24-can version in their rugged line of tote-style soft-side coolers.
It has an outer shell of durable luggage-grade double-hemmed, anchor-stitched 1000D nylon combined with an anti-microbial liner, and high-density foam insulation providing up to 24 hours of ice retention at 100 degrees F.
Leak-proof and sweat-proof, it has a top-quality main zipper, heavy-duty tie-downs, and release buckles all by YKK.
Durability is further increased with a reinforced bottom saddle where the cooler rests.
There is a relatively large zippered pocket on the side for personal items and accessories and an adjustable shoulder strap and side grab handles for easy portage.
Available in 5 colors it is low-priced and comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Capacity: 24 cans
- Weight: 4 pounds
- External Dimensions: 10 x 18 x 12 inches
- Material: 1-inch high-density 10 gauge foam insulation, TPU double-coated anti-microbial nylon liner, 1000D luggage-grade nylon outer shell
- Keeps ice frozen for up to 24 hours in 100-degree (F) heat
- Leak-proof and sweat-proof
- Durable double-hemmed, anchor-stitched seams
- Reinforced bottom saddle
- Heavy-duty YKK #10 zipper
- 4 heavy-duty YKK tie-downs (2 on each side)
- Side zippered pocket for smaller items
- Adjustable shoulder strap, side grab-handles
- Available in black, green, navy, red, or grey
- Also available in 6, 12, and 48-can models
- 1-year warranty
- Low-priced
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler
The YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler is a high-end personal cooler exceptionally durable for rugged environments.
The closed-cell rubber foam keeps your food and drinks cool and the DryHide high-density fabric is resistant to punctures, mildew, and UV rays.
A wide mouth opening provides easy access and the leakproof HydroLok zipper keeps it all dry.
The double-stitched reinforced straps and handles are sturdy and well-placed and there are ample storage options with D-ring tie-down points and a HitchPoint grid to attach accessories like bottle openers, and carabiners.
The quality is excellent and there is a high price to match.
- Capacity: 12 cans
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- External Dimensions: 12.6 x 10 x 11.5 inches
- Material: ColdCell closed-cell rubber foam insulation, DryHide high-density fabric (waterproof, resistant to UV rays, punctures, and mildew), FDA-approved liner
- Waterproof and leakproof Hydrolok zipper
- Double-stitched, reinforced, detachable, padded shoulder strap and carry handles (1 on the top, 1 on each side, and 1 on the back)
- HitchPoint grid to attach carabiners, bottle openers, and accessories
- D-ring tie-down points
- Available in field tan/blaze orange, charcoal, coral, fog gray/Tahoe blue, navy
- Also available in 8 and 18-can models
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Soft Cooler
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Soft Cooler is an ultra-low-priced model with surprisingly good cooling power and many useful features.
Although Arctic Zone doesn’t provide any technical details about the materials giving us only the names that they have created, it does have effective insulation keeping contents cool for up to 3 days.
The cooler has a flip-open zipperless wide-mouth top and a leakproof HardBody liner with a removable SmartShelf to separate cans and items in the ice from sandwiches or other items to be kept dry.
The tough Rhino-Tech exterior material is stain and water-resistant, easily wiping clean.
For further items to keep separate there is a large insulated zippered pocket on the front.
The bottom is triple-layered for durability and the padded shoulder strap adjusts for an ergonomic fit.
It comes in black, blue, moss, or white colors and is also available in 9, 16, and 48-can models.
- Capacity: 30 cans
- Weight: 3.37 pounds
- External Dimensions: 16.5 x 11 x 12.75 inches
- Material: high-performance insulation, removable HardBody liner, durable water, and stain-resistant Rhino-Tech exterior material
- Removable SmartShelf to create a second-tier
- Keeps ice for up to 3 days
- Flip open, zipperless lid with double-Velcro latch
- Triple-layer base
- 2 zippered insulated front pockets, one outside the other
- Side mesh pockets
- Bottle opener
- Padded shoulder strap, side handles
- Top cinch strap for accessories like flipflops
- Available in blue, moss, or white
- Also available in 9, 16, and 48 can models
- Super-low price
This Pelican Elite Soft Cooler is a 48-can model (also available in 12 and 24-can versions).
Fabricated with an extra-rugged 840D double-coated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) casing and high-density foam lining, it can provide long-term cooling and retain ice for up to 48 hours.
100% waterproof with leak-proof TZIP zippers and a dual-lock system, it has an extra durable compression-molded anti-slip base.
Portable with a padded shoulder strap or side carry handles it comes with stainless steel tie-downs and bottle openers and has a small zippered pocket on one side for incidentals.
Pricing is pretty high for this premium soft cooler but it does come with a 3-year warranty.
- Capacity: 48 cans
- Weight: 8 pounds
- External Dimensions: 22 x 45 x 18 inches
- Material: high-density closed-cell foam insulation, 840D double-coated TPU outer casing, FDA-approved anti-microbial liner
- Retains ice for 48 hours
- 100% waterproof
- Dual-lock buckle system
- Leak-proof TZIP zipper
- Stainless steel tie-downs that double as bottle openers
- Compression-molded non-slip base
- Padded shoulder strap, 2 side handles
- Available in black
- Also available in 12, and 24-can models
- 3-year warranty
Coleman 42 Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner and Wheels
The Coleman 42 Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner and Wheels is a low-priced fairly high-capacity mobile model.
Not rated for exceptional cooling longevity, it gets high marks for convenience with a retractable handle and wheels, side grab handles, and numerous storage possibilities with a large front pocket, an inner top mesh pocket, 2 side mesh pockets, and top bungee straps.
The PE liner is resistant to mold and mildew and removable for easy cleaning, and all seams are heat-welded for durability.
Great for picnics and single-day outings, it is available in blue or gray.
- Capacity: 42 cans
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- External Dimensions: 21.3 x 12.6 x 11.4 inches
- Material: soft plastic exterior, removable FDA-approved anti-microbial polyethylene liner
- Sturdy heat-welded seams
- Large zippered front pocket
- 2 side mesh pockets
- Top bungee straps
- Inside top mesh pocket
- Retractable handle and durable wheels
- Side carry handles
- Available in blue or gray
- Low-priced
Mier Insulated Soft Cooler Backpack
The Mier Insulated Soft Cooler Backpack is a great option for single-day outings.
It is constructed of durable high-grade polyester with a heat-welded PEVA liner and a leak-proof insulated compartment.
Aside from up to 30 beverage cans staying cool on the inside, there are numerous other storage options including 1 main big insulated leakproof compartment, 2 side mesh pockets, 1 large front padded zip pocket with 1 front zipper pouch, and 1 top padded zip pocket on the lid.
Padded backpack straps make for comfortable portage.
This practical soft cooler comes in blue or gray at a very low price and has a 2-year warranty.
- Capacity: 30 cans
- Weight: 1.364 pounds
- External Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.87 x 17.72 inches
- Material: high-grade polyester exterior material, heat-welded PEVA liner
- Leak-proof insulated cooler compartment
- Quality YKK zippers
- Water and wear-resistant bottom
- Mesh pocket for phone and bottle opener
- Multiple pockets
- Breathable padded shoulder straps
- Choice of black, gray, or navy blue
- Available also in a 36-can version
- 30-day no questions asked money-back guarantee, 2-year warranty for quality
- Low-priced
CleverMade Collapsible 50 Soft Cooler Bag
The CleverMade Collapsible 50 Soft Cooler is lightweight at just over 2 pounds with a capacity of 50 beverage cans that can keep cool for up to 8 hours, great for a trip to the beach or for a picnic.
It’s fully leak-proof and is constructed from durable rip-stop water-resistant polyester mix fabric with a special collapsible construction using snap hinges when it’s empty.
Outer storage is provided with front and back zippered pockets and it has a bottle opener on the strap.
It has only side and top carry handles (a shoulder strap would be useful) and comes in several attractive color combinations.
Budget pricing makes this quality soft-side cooler an excellent choice.
- Capacity: 32 quarts, 50 cans
- Weight: 2.29 pounds
- External Dimensions: 18.25 x 12.25 x 12 inches
- Material: water-resistant polyester mix fabric, insulated with anti-leak lining
- 8-hour cooling capacity
- Leak-proof interior
- Collapsible construction with snap hinges
- Side and top carry handles
- Zippered front pocket, back pocket
- Built-in bottle opener on the strap
- Choice of heather grey/coral, light grey/denim, or steel blue/cream
- Low-priced
Soft Cooler Buying Guide
Materials & Construction
Look for soft-side coolers with durable materials like high-denier nylons, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and PVC. You want it to be difficult to puncture as well as weather and water-resistant. There are coatings and treatments available for UV protection and anti-microbial (to prevent mold and mildew) that are useful to look for.
Since coolers are required to endure substantial weight the type and quality of construction are important to maintain the integrity and remain leakproof. Multi-stitched seams on fabrics and laser or heat welding, as well as reinforced bottoms and stress points, are construction methods and features to look for.
Insulation
The type and thickness of the insulation will largely determine how long you can retain ice and the length of cooling. Probably the best of the materials used is polystyrene. Otherwise, a less effective insulation material often employed is polyurethane foam, either open-cell or closed-cell. Close-cell foam is densely packed, more efficient, and more expensive than the open-cell version.
Additionally, the sturdiness of the external fabric and the leak and water-resistance capability of the seams, zippers, and fabrics are factors.
Size & Capacity
Before purchasing a soft side cooler you should carefully consider how much you will be putting inside, how long you will need the cooling, and the type of climate it will endure. Most manufacturers inform how many 12-ounce beverage cans or how much volume in quarts or liters it will hold. The amount of ice required for the cooling and its weight is also to be considered.
Weight & Portability
The weight of the cooler, itself, in addition to the ice, beverages, and other content is also a concern. You’ll want to make sure it is not too much of a burden carrying it to and from your destination. Fortunately, most soft coolers are pretty lightweight. The weight range of the models reviewed above is from around 1.5 to 8 pounds.
Well-configured handles and straps make portage easier. Especially for larger coolers, you will want to have shoulder or backpack-style straps to ease the burden. Another option is a wheeled model like the Coleman 42 Can Soft Cooler reviewed above which has a retracting handle, as well.
Additional Features
Some other useful features often employed include:
- Bungee Cords – On the top or sides of the cooler a bungee can allow easy attachment of items like a jacket or sandals without having to otherwise wear or carry them or pack them inside with the ice and beverages.
- Pockets – Items like tools, utensils, valuables, or personal items can be placed in pockets. Some come with mesh for easy drainage, and are zippered, or even insulated.
- Shelf or Tray – Some models have these to allow the separation of the iced beverages and foods from other items like sandwiches, keeping them dry or from being compacted against the other cooled items.
- Removable Liner – This is an insert that can be removed for cleaning. A hard liner adds some protection and support to the contents.
- Bottle Openers are an item often built-in or otherwise connected for handy use.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Make sure to take note of and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep your cooler in tip-top shape to give you years of service. Below is a video with some guidelines for taking care of a YETI model as an example.
For a discussion of some other items you could use at the beach, please check these reviews:
Beach Cruisers Beach Coolers Marine Coolers Beach Chairs Beach Wagons & Carts 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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