10 Best Soft Insulated Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Cosmic Lilac is a robust and versatile cooler suitable for various outdoor activities like picnics, fishing, camping, and hiking. It boasts a capacity of holding up to 36 cans of beverages or 22 pounds of ice, making it spacious enough for most needs. The ColdCell insulation ensures excellent cold retention, keeping your items frosty for extended periods. The MAGSHIELD Access system, with its powerful magnets, creates an ultra-leak-resistant shield that is easy to open and close, adding convenience and security against spills.

The high-density DryHide Shell fabric is notable for its durability, standing strong against punctures and UV rays, which means it's built to last through tough conditions. With a weight of 6 pounds, it is relatively easy to carry, especially with the backpack design, allowing hands-free transport. The Hitchpoint Grid offers utility by enabling users to attach additional gear like the included Sidekick Dry Gear Case or other YETI accessories.

The cooler might be on the pricier side, and its weight, while manageable, could be a bit heavy when fully loaded. Additionally, its capacity at 5.2 gallons might not be sufficient for larger group outings. Nevertheless, for those looking for a highly durable, well-insulated, and versatile cooler, the YETI Hopper M20 is a strong contender.

The YETI Hopper M15 Portable Soft Cooler in Agave Teal is designed for beach trips, boating, and hiking. It features a notable MagShield Access, using durable magnets for an ultra leak-resistant seal that easily opens and closes. The cooler's ColdCell Insulation, made of closed-cell foam, effectively maintains cold temperatures, ensuring your drinks and snacks stay chilled. With a capacity to hold up to 32 cans or 15.5 pounds of ice, it offers substantial storage for a portable cooler.

The DryHide Shell, made from high-density fabric, is built to resist punctures and UV rays, enhancing its durability, while the exterior Kangaroo Pocket provides convenient storage for small items like phones and keys. Weighing 3.49 kilograms, it is relatively heavy for a soft cooler, which may impact its portability for some users. Additionally, the hand-wash only care instructions might be seen as a drawback for those preferring low-maintenance products.

Despite these minor issues, the YETI Hopper M15 stands out in terms of its insulation, leak-proof design, and durability, making it a suitable choice for those who need a reliable cooler for outdoor adventures.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a well-designed soft cooler that holds about 16 cans plus ice, making it a solid choice for day trips or outdoor activities. Its ColdCell insulation, made from closed-cell foam, helps keep your items colder for longer compared to many other soft coolers. One of the biggest advantages is its durability — the cooler features a tough DryHide shell that resists punctures, abrasions, and UV damage, which means it can handle rough outdoor use without easily wearing out. The HydroLok zipper is 100% leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about water escaping or leaks making a mess.

Despite its rugged build, it remains fairly portable, weighing just under 3 kilograms (about 6.5 pounds) and sized compactly enough for easy carrying and storage. The capacity is somewhat limited to around 16 cans, which might not be enough for larger groups or longer trips. Also, at a weight of over 5 pounds when empty, it’s not the lightest soft cooler available, so if portability is your top priority, lighter options might be easier to carry.

YETI products are known for quality and durability. If you’re after a cooler that balances strong insulation, robust durability, and leak-proof confidence for personal outdoor adventures, this model fits the bill nicely.