10 Best Portable Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M30 is a soft cooler designed for camping and outdoor activities, offering a good balance of capacity and portability. Its 30-liter size is large enough to hold a decent amount of food and drinks without being too bulky to carry. The standout feature is the MagShield Access, a magnetic sealing system that creates a leak-resistant closure while allowing the lid to stay open easily when needed. This makes loading and unloading your cooler more convenient.

For insulation, it uses ColdCell closed-cell foam, which effectively keeps contents cold for many hours, a key feature if you’re out all day. Durability is another strong point — the DryHide shell is made from a tough, high-density fabric that resists punctures and sun damage, so it should hold up well in rugged outdoor conditions. Portability is enhanced by the soft, foldable design and a moderate weight of about 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs), making it easier to transport compared to hard coolers.

Additional perks include the HitchPoint Grid system that lets you attach extra gear like dry bags or tools, which is handy for campers who want to keep essentials close. On the downside, while the cooler is water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, so care is needed in very wet conditions. Also, because it’s soft-sided, it may not protect fragile items as well as a hard cooler. The price tends to be on the higher side, reflecting its premium features and build. For outdoor lovers who value convenience and added accessories, the YETI Hopper M30 is a strong and reliable choice.

The YETI Hopper M15 Portable Soft Cooler in Navy is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and durable cooler for trips to the beach, boating, or hiking. It has a capacity that can hold up to 32 cans or 15.5 pounds of ice, making it suitable for small groups or personal use. The ColdCell Insulation with closed-cell foam ensures excellent cold retention, keeping your drinks and food cold for extended periods.

One standout feature is the MagShield Access, which uses durable magnets to create a leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close. The DryHide Shell, made of high-density nylon, offers impressive durability by resisting punctures and UV rays, ensuring the cooler withstands rough outdoor conditions. Additionally, the exterior Kangaroo Pocket provides convenient storage for small items like phones, keys, or a wallet.

At 2.43 kilograms, the cooler is relatively lightweight and portable, though the package weight is slightly higher at 3.38 kilograms. However, it requires hand washing and cannot be machine-washed or dried, which might be inconvenient for some users. The cooler's water resistance adds to its versatility, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. While it excels in insulation, durability, and portability, its maintenance requirements might be a minor drawback for those looking for easier cleaning options.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a compact, soft-sided portable cooler designed to keep your drinks and snacks cold for extended periods. It can hold up to 12 cans plus ice, making it a great size for solo use or small outings. Its standout feature is the ColdCell Insulation, which uses closed-cell foam to keep contents colder much longer than typical soft coolers. The cooler’s HydroLok Zipper is 100% leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about spills or water getting in. Made with a DryHide Shell, this cooler is both waterproof and highly resistant to punctures and abrasions, which adds to its toughness for outdoor use.

Weighing just over 3 pounds and measuring about 12.6 by 10 by 11.5 inches, it’s easy to carry around for hiking, fishing, or a day at the park. The materials and construction mean it stands up well to rough conditions like sun exposure and rough handling. However, while its capacity is perfect for personal use, it might be too small if you need to keep food and drinks cold for several people. Also, as a premium product, it comes with a higher price tag compared to basic soft coolers.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 excels in durability, insulation, and portability, making it ideal for individuals who want a dependable, easy-to-carry cooler that can handle tough environments. It is a solid choice for keeping things chilled on solo trips or with one or two friends, but may not be the best fit if you need larger capacity or are on a tight budget.