10 Best Soft Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler in Big Wave Blue stands out for its impressive cold-holding capacity. It uses ColdCell Insulation, a high-quality closed-cell foam, which ensures that your drinks and food stay cold longer compared to ordinary soft coolers. With a capacity to hold up to 16 cans plus ice, it is quite spacious for its size. The cooler features a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper, which is a significant advantage as it prevents spills and leaks, making it highly reliable for outdoor activities.

Its high-density fabric is another plus, offering resistance against punctures and UV rays, ensuring durability even in tough outdoor conditions. Additionally, the DryHide Shell is both waterproof and abrasion-resistant, providing extra protection against various elements in the wild. The cooler is specifically designed for personal use during full days of outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, or boating.

Portability is well-thought-out with this cooler, weighing 5.1 lbs when empty, and its dimensions make it easy to carry and store. It is slightly heavier compared to some other soft coolers, which might be a consideration if you need to carry it over long distances. The design, material, and additional features like its puncture-resistant shell make it a robust choice, but the higher weight could be seen as a drawback for some users.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is designed for people who want a portable cooler that keeps drinks and food cold while on the move. It holds about 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, making it a good size for day trips like picnics, fishing, or hiking. Its standout feature is the MagShield Access, which uses magnets to create a strong leak-resistant seal that’s easy to open and close, helping prevent spills. The ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam does a solid job keeping your items cold for hours, which is important if you’re outdoors for a long time.

The DryHide shell material is tough enough to resist punctures and protect against sun damage, so the cooler should last well in rough environments. A nice touch is the HitchPoint grid, allowing you to attach extra gear like a bottle opener or dry storage, adding convenience. As a backpack cooler, it’s comfortable to carry and keeps your hands free, but at about 3.45 kg (7.6 lbs) empty, it might feel a bit heavy when fully packed.

Excelling in portability and durability, this cooler fits well for active outdoor enthusiasts who want a reliable, easy-to-carry cooler with strong insulation and leak resistance. However, the 6.3-liter capacity may be somewhat small for those needing to carry a large amount of food or drinks.

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Soft Cooler is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable cooler that is both portable and efficient. With a capacity of about 7.9 liters, it can hold up to 6 cans plus ice, making it suitable for day trips like camping, fishing, or picnicking. Its ColdCell Insulation ensures superior cold retention compared to typical soft coolers, allowing your drinks and food to stay chilled for longer periods.

One of the standout features is its 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper, which prevents any messy spills and keeps your contents secure. The DryHide Shell is both waterproof and resistant to punctures and UV rays, making it durable for rugged outdoor use. Weighing only 2.8 lbs and measuring 11.5 x 8 x 10.5 inches, it is relatively easy to carry, adding to its portability.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The capacity may not be sufficient for larger groups or extended outings, as it holds only a limited number of cans. Additionally, while the cooler's materials are high-quality, they can contribute to a higher price point compared to other coolers on the market. Some users may find this cooler to be on the pricier side, especially if they are looking for a larger capacity at a lower cost.