The Best Backpack Coolers of 2024 | Tested by GearJunkie

Backpack coolers keep getting cooler. They’re more comfortable, powerful, and decked out than ever. If you’ve never considered one, carrying a backpack cooler is a convenient choice for hands-free, single-person transport of tasty refreshments. That could mean tailgating after a run club meetup, heading to a local softball game with your leashed dog, or riding a cruiser to a park BBQ.

These packs are useful when you have your hands full with kiddos or other gear. Or they can help commuters swoop their groceries for the day, like the ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt. Some built-out designs are great for day hikes and picnics at faraway alpine lakes. Others can be strapped down to a motorcycle, SUP, or raft for multiday and whitewater adventures, including the premium ICEMULE BOSS.

While all cooler packs are super-transportable and insulated, they come with a range of styles and distinct features. Since we first penned this guide in 2022, we’ve tested dozens of designs at the hands of eight outdoor athletes, guides, and experts (plus their families and clients). With surprising complexity, backpack coolers also offer a range of capacity, ice retention, and special characteristics to help make your outdoor experience more supported and better fueled.

For more information about backpack coolers and how we tested them, check out our Buyer’s Guide tips or jump to the Price & Value summary. You can also consult the Comparison Chart to help steer your decision process. Otherwise, read our full gear guide and scope out our awarded picks.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Backpack Coolers guide on October 11, 2024, with field tests and ice retention tests for the Arctic Zone Titan Eco, YETI Hopper M12, and Everfun 30-Can. We also tested the Beer Mountain AD25 Cooler Backpack — but it leaked.

Winning our ice retention test, the ICEMULE BOSS ($375) also stands out as one of the biggest pack coolers but distributes weight well. The pack has comfortable double-padded mesh shoulder straps and hip pads plus an adjustable hip belt and sternum strap. The pack has a burlier build for rugged adventures: It can handle being strapped down to a whitewater raft or canoe.

When we loaded the pack with a 10-pound bag of ice for testing on a half-day hike in Colorado, it was easy to forget the pack was on at all, so it’s also a great choice for hikers who want to cover some distance. And this design offered a bit better airflow than others. This design’s exterior MuleSkin 1,000-denier fabric withstands rough conditions. The shoulder straps are on the wider side but not as motion-limiting as the straps of other pack coolers we’ve tested.

That said, the straps are less ergonomic than, say, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler. We also celebrate the three spacious exterior pockets with waterproof zippers — we just wish they were smoother to open and close.

Thanks to the polar layer XT insulation, 133 hours passed before the ice in the BOSS completely melted during our test, taking first place across all the cooler packs. To put the size in perspective, this pack could fit 24 12-ounce cans.

We took the Everfun 30-Can Leakproof Insulated Black Cooler Backpack ($38) on a driving tour around Colorado for the fall soccer season. Its compact size made it easy to store when not in use, yet it was spacious enough to hold lunches and drinks between matches.

The puncture-resistant ripstop exterior proved its durability, withstanding the bumps and scrapes of being tossed in the back of a car alongside soccer cleats, balls, and other duffle bags. Impressively, it even survived a curious dog’s investigation without a scratch. During unexpected rainstorms, the cooler’s additional waterproof coating came in handy. While the exterior back panel isn’t waterproof and can soak up moisture, the insulated top pocket kept our phones and keys dry during the downpour.

Even though the shoulder straps are padded, we found them to be pretty uncomfortable, especially as the pack got heavier. Without a chest strap, the weight pulls down on the shoulders. If comfort-for-carry is your priority, the best option is the ICEMULE BOSS, which distributes weight across double-padded mesh shoulder straps, hip pads, an adjustable hip belt, and a sternum strap. Despite the drawback, the Overrun does have ample capacity, fitting up to 30 cans (without ice). There was plenty of room for us to pack lunches and snacks for three, with extra space for additional drinks and food to share.

While the Leakproof can technically pack 30 cans in it, we would advise against this as it wouldn’t be comfortable to carry. However, it is a great lightweight and compact cooler for soccer games, quick outings, and short day trips. And you can’t beat the price.

With plenty of comfort and space for cutlery or seasoning, the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler ($70) is an excellent value pack with impressive ice retention. And we appreciated the large variety of pockets — 9 in total — for storing essentials. Water bottles securely fit in the mesh side pockets, while we stashed keys and a blister kit in the top zippered pocket. The side pouches are so wide they can easily fit a water bottle plus two big bottles of sunscreen with room to spare. The front insulated pocket was perfect for carrying out trash. And there was even space to tuck a windbreaker into the bungee webbing on the front of the pack. There are also zippered mesh pouches inside the front and brain pockets, where you can organize smaller items. Pockets galore!

One of our most memorable tests with this cooler was while working at an ultramarathon in the Sawatch mountain range of Colorado over a hot July weekend. After pre-cooling the main cooler space, we found the Ice Walls to be impressive and hold a consistently cool temperature for an entire weekend. We liked having separate ice pack compartments that kept condensation off food. While we wouldn’t recommend this bag for extended hikes, this cooler outperformed its price point for an extended weekend of variable temps: in and out of the car and hanging around outside. And according to our controlled test, the Deep Freeze retained ice for 80 hours.

During another 100-mile ultrarunning race in Montana’s sweltering Crazy Mountains, we hiked with this cooler for more than 10 miles to support athletes. Ultimately, while it performed well and the padded shoulder straps were comfortable, the system lacked customization. Namely, the adjustable chest strap sits too low for a 5’4″ frame, as well as for bustier testers, but fits a 6’2″ (flat chested) tester just fine. One of our favorite elements was how easy this cooler was to clean. After dealing with sticky, messy run nutrition, we were relieved that a quick wipe-down with a wet cloth was all it took to clean. For tougher stains, we tackled them at home with dish soap and water post-race. As a perk, the Deep comes with two Titan Ice Wall ice packs, which slide into zippered pockets on either side of the primary cooler compartment.

So, whatever it lacks in carrying comfort and adjustability, it makes up for in ice retention results and storage options. If you’re headed out on a solo mission or need extra storage, this might just be the cooler for you. Considering the scale, this pack could hold 24 12-ounce cans with room for ice. New for 2024-2025, the brand launched a second eco-friendlier model with an exterior that’s made from recycled plastic bottles: The Titan Eco ($50), which is smaller (capacity for 24 cans versus 30) and costs less. One caveat: It’s only available at Target.

The RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler ($159) blurs the lines between a soft and hard-sided cooler. This tote will keep your food and beverages cold for days and can take a beating. All for under two-hundo and with an impressive ice retention score.

No small accessory, the RTIC 30 is also huge. If you’re hanging out with a crowd or headed out for a full weekend, this cooler can handle the load. We loved this cooler for car camping, hanging out at a park or the beach, or anything around the water. The waterproof zipper is truly leakproof, plus the whole thing floats! Even after opening this cooler frequently, our food stayed cool all weekend long. However, in direct sunlight, the cooler gets hot to the touch.

With a super sturdy base and durable all-around construction, this cooler is easy to drag in and out of the car and through the dirt and sand, and it’s easy to clean. It remains upright with zero collapsing when we set it down on the ground, which we appreciate. We also loved the bright orange interior which made it easy to see what’s hidden at the bottom.

This roomy design will hold everything, though it’s heavy. The padded shoulder straps and hefty waist belt are nice, but some of our testers found it challenging to carry the cooler comfortably. We wish the straps were adjustable or the waist belt were removable. Testers noted that the hip belt sat too high for comfort. We tested this cooler while crewing an ultramarathon around Colorado’s San Juan mountains and on a river trip down the Gunnison River. And wow, the RTIC 30 also retained ice for 85 hours in our in-house test. To put the size in perspective, this pack could hold 30 12-ounce cans with room for ice.

The unique REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler ($100) is an adaptable backpack cooler with a removable cooler insert, so you can drop the liner for a traditional day pack. Essentially, you’re getting two pack styles in one piece of gear for only $100, which is a good deal if you’re not looking for a specialized item. For this price, you’re giving up the rigidity and support of a build like the RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler or stout ICEMULE BOSS. But this is one of the most modifiable hybrid cooler packs on our list.

We most appreciated the padded back panel and padded, contoured hip belt, which elevated the load off our back. After loading the pack with canned beverages for boating on a Wisconsin lake, we could still carry the bag with ease. One caveat: The material doesn’t wick sweat super well, but it is slightly suspended for some airflow. The handle isn’t fancy but has a wide opening and is easy to grab — holding it, we carried the pack a full mile.

These trusty pockets are well-built and utilitarian. For our 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles and sunscreen, we used the two mesh water bottle holders, which are sandwiched on the face of side zippered pockets. With Bluesign-approved materials, the design is more eco-friendly than other packs we tested. The exterior is made with recycled ripstop nylon, and the liner is recycled polyester.

According to our test, the Cool Trail is able to retain ice for nearly 77 hours, well above the claimed rate. To put the size in perspective, this pack could fit 20 12-ounce cans.

With a smooth yet durable exterior, the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack ($200) rewarded us on a double-date hike in Colorado’s Elk Mountains. Our quad packed all the tasty fare from champagne and dark chocolate to strawberries, lunchmeat, and bread.

This cooler’s malleable walls feel rather buttery and lean, so we were surprised by the overall comfortable, ergonomic support as we trekked. We were happy to wear this pack and these padded shoulder straps for longer hikes and extended periods. Despite its light weight and flexibility, the pack is structurally sound with durable handles and 600-denier polyester waterproof material. The chest strap stabilizes the shoulder straps; Otherwise, they annoyingly slide around. We also dig the stretch mesh side pocket, which easily fits a 1-liter bottle or utensils.

The downside is a watertight zipper takes two hands and more time to open and close than a traditional zipper. With a similar hand feel, the ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt also has a light, durable exterior but instead of a waterproof zipper, the bag has a roll-top design. Both options keep water out and ice in, but it’s a personal preference if you want to muscle a strong zipper or take a few extra second to curl the closure.

To put the size in perspective, this pack could fit 36 12-ounce cans. It truly keeps the temps low. The Day Escape is able to hold ice for nearly 60 hours, based on our test, which is above what the brand advertises. We loved that the top zipper is waterproof — it’s also silent.

Looking for a no-frills backpack cooler? The ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt ($170) is the one we reached for time and again. We tested this cooler on packrafting and SUPing trips in the Elk and Sawatch mountains of Colorado. With a unique entrance, the roll-top waterproof closure lends itself well to watersports and peace of mind while it sits in the back seat. We loved that the bright interior makes it easy to see what you’ve packed at the bottom. Lightly padded, we also really like that the shoulder straps of the Jaunt are great for short trips to the riverside or ocean sand.

Overall, this design is lightweight, simple, and sustainable. Made of recycled materials, it’s durable and easy to clean. The bottom is textured and rigid enough to stand up on the beach or uneven ground. The inside is shiny, like a whitewater raft, and rinses out clean. We appreciate the minimal seams in this cylindrical design and secure strap attachments.

We love the zipper pocket on the front for a phone, keys, or other small valuables, but you won’t find any other pockets or attachment straps. This cooler worked best when two people were headed out — with a secondary pack to carry other odds and ends — but was challenging for solo missions. If you’re looking for an all-purpose, simple, sustainable design that holds ice well, this cooler is a great option. If you want a pack loaded with pockets, don’t miss the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler, which costs $100 less, retains ice for a bit longer, and has eight unique pockets — it just weighs twice as much as the Jaunt.

The test scores were good, too: The Recycled Jaunt retained ice for 75 hours. To put the size in perspective, this pack could hold 22 12-ounce cans with room for ice.

We’ve consistently put YETI’s coolers to the grindstone and never been disappointed. New for fall 2023, YETI launched an extended family of the Hopper lineup, and we got our paws on the entry-level YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Cooler ($275). While the tidy size is manageable to swing over your shoulder and carry, the design doesn’t skimp on the freeze-power — our fare stayed fresh.

The Hopper M12 has an upgraded and safer iteration of the brand’s previous ultra-strong magnetic closure — and that sucker is powerful. The strip of magnets even fully blocks water from leaking out or in. Despite the strength, this closure is easy to open and, yet, it does stay ajar until you physically push the folds back shut. We found the narrow opening and shape are best for drinks and the elongated height does indeed fit a bottle of wine. Stacking groceries doesn’t go far with this silhouette but a handful of snacks can certainly go atop the ice and cans.

Also, the two buckles that close across the top of the pack are not super long, and the material is rather rigid. Our tester found it was easier to take a knee to the upper material to get those two clipped. One of our favorite details about YETI is the tenacity and smoothness of the exterior material including with the Hopper M12. This stuff is so easy to wipe down after getting smudges, too. And we really love the grab handle, which is super comfortable and wide to grip. Those shoulder straps are supportive and clean-cut, too.

Otherwise, the pack includes a pocket in front that reaches about half the bag’s height. There’s no zipper or Velcro on the pocket, but the envelope is stiff and tacos around whatever you slide in whether that’s your phone, wallet, or keys. Four columns of attachment points run vertically on the pack, where you can clip gear via carabiners. YETI also designed in-house products that link up with the loops like a bottle holder and 3-liter gear case. With premium ice retention and a more accessible size and capacity for folks, the Hopper M12 Backpack Cooler is one of our favorite packs that we’ve tested. Also, this volume can fit 20 standard cans of beverages.

For shorter day trips, we gravitated toward the Titan by Arctic Zone 24 Can Welded Backpack Cooler ($165), which offers two cooler compartments that we liked for the separation of drinks and food. While the Carhartt Cooler Backpack likewise has two compartments, one is for dry goods while only one is insulated for cooling edibles. We tested this Arctic Zone pack on a full-day fishing trip on Colorado’s Taylor River on a warm summer day.

We appreciated the ability to use cubed ice for canned beverages in the bottom compartment and ice packs for food and more fragile items in the top compartment. Both compartments have waterproof closures for peace of mind when hiking with the backpack or throwing it in the back of the car. The rigidity and durability of this cooler were great for a full day of exploring river banks and picnicking in high country fields.

These backpack straps sit high, which pulled the weight of a fully loaded cooler up and off the tops of our shoulders, and the back panel offered ample padding and airflow. However, we wouldn’t recommend this cooler for longer trips or extended hiking. The ice retention suffered in the heat and direct sunlight. The placement of zippers, handles, and shoulder straps made the cooler uncomfortable to carry for long stretches of time.

Checking out the test results, the Arctic Zone 24 retained ice for 40 hours on the bottom and 48 hours on the top. To put the size in perspective, this pack could hold 20 12-ounce cans with room for ice.

The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler ($70) is reminiscent of your childhood lunchbox. This stylish cooler looks excellent at a lakeside picnic. Our tester took this cooler down the Gunnison River on floating trips and for lakeside afternoons in Crested Butte, Colorado.

This cooler is lightweight and simple in design. We appreciated that the interior fabric wipes clean easily. And we love the mesh zippered pocket inside the lid for smaller food items. To carry the goods, the side pockets and spacious front sleeve pocket are great for your water bottle, sunscreen, and a book for a day at the lake. And the shoulder straps stow away in a back pocket with a solid top-handle carry option for simplified carrying.

We suggest ice packs (versus ice cubes or blocks) to keep your food and beverages cool, as the zipper is not waterproof, and the tall cooler tips over easily on uneven ground. If that’s key for you, check out the RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler, which has a super sturdy base and remains upright with zero collapsing when sitting on the ground. We also wish the Bygone cooler had a zippered outside pocket, like the ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt, for a phone and other valuables.

However, we wouldn’t take this cooler on longer hikes because it lacks padding and adjustability as a backpack, and its ice retention decreases quickly in direct sunlight. But, if you’re looking for a small, simple cooler for a day outside, this is the cooler for you. Checking with the ice lab, the Bygone retained ice for 48 hours. To put the size in perspective, this pack could hold 20 12-ounce cans with room for ice.

If you need to primarily carry apparel or gear plus a bit of cooler space, check out the two-in-one Carhartt Cooler Backpack ($90). We used this simple day pack on a two-person day hike in Crested Butte, Colorado, bringing along a load of seltzer water and Red Bull but it’s perfect for bringing along lunch or snacks. While most of our other favorite backpack coolers have a boxier or rectangular frame and greater cooler storage, like the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler, this Carhartt resembles and feels like a simple everyday backpack.

This Carhartt’s shoulder straps aren’t super robust, but for toting a moderate load for a few hours, the pack provides fair support. The 600-denier strong polyester material is tough and treated with a DWR coating to protect against a drizzle. A stout handle at the top of the bag is comfortable to grab.

We like that you can organize your stuff in several spots. Inside the dry compartment, there are two mesh pockets with elastic closures. There’s also a large exterior front pocket with a zipper closure, which has two interior mesh pockets. Two mesh pockets are on each side of the pack, which are stretchy but stumpier than other water bottle holders like the ones on the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler.

According to our test, the Cooler Backpack is able to retain ice for nearly 25 hours. To put the size in perspective, this pack could fit two dozen 12-ounce cans.

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Size, Capacity, Weight, Ice Retention Test.

Our team has developed backpack cooler guides for several years, objectively testing dozens of coolers in the field, from whitewater raft trips to fly fishing adventures and crewing 100-mile ultrarunning races. For this guide, we examined the most popular, highly acclaimed, and bestselling backpack coolers with diverse capacities, ice retention ability, and a wide price range.

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton developed and has managed the backpack coolers buyer’s guide since 2022, with the help of seven local outdoor experts testing backpack coolers in the field. She’s worked with from a professional fly fishing and whitewater raft guide to an adventure photographer and traveling ultra and trail runners.

Gear tester and writer Kylie Collins is an avid outdoorswoman who believes that high-quality gear makes outdoor adventures all the more fun. She has lived in the Elk Mountains of Colorado since 2010 and enjoys trail running, pack rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, and alpine touring. Collins has been putting gear through the wringer for GearJunkie since 2019.

Dedicated outdoor enthusiast Constance Mahoney explores trails, goes fly fishing, and crews 100-mile races: She knows when to invest in high-quality gear and when budget-friendly options will do the job. Constance has been a GearJunkie contributor since 2019, after she reviewed outdoor gear for FitnessTravelGear.com for two years.

Our crew put these packs to the test in conditions from sunny high-alpine hikes in Colorado to pontoon boating in Wisconsin and camping in Wyoming’s Teton Range. We also used them while crewing a 100-mile race through the Crazy Mountains of Montana, among other ultra-trail races in Colorado.

We also performed a controlled in-house ice retention test to verify brand claims. For the experiment, we filled each cooler 70% with fresh, frozen cubed ice and set them in a shaded, dry indoor space at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Throughout the tests, we periodically check and make notes regarding the melt rate, leaks, and condensation. Each reported time is based on when 100% of the ice was converted to water.

Choose a cooler backpack based on the storage capacity and type of back support you need. The larger the group, the more cargo room you’ll want.

A wide range of storage capacity exists among backpack coolers. We’ve highlighted the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler on the more compact end at 20 L, and the 30 L ICEMULE BOSS among the larger options. The majority of cooler packs range from 20 to 29 L.

To give you an idea, we found that a 29-liter pack offers more than enough space for a two-person, single-day fishing trip. And the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack fits enough nutriments for a four-person hiking group.

The exterior dimensions of each pack will give you a solid picture of the available storage space. However, the interior dimensions of each pack will be a tad smaller, depending on the type and rigidity of the insulation.

Depending on the trip, a backpack cooler might be a good addition to a sturdier, stationary cooler. For long road trips with the camper trailer, you might opt for a variety of hard and soft coolers (include one you can carry on a hike) for each day’s adventure. If you’re posting up at a campsite for several days, need a cooler on wheels, or are serving a large picnic, check out our Best Coolers guide, too.

A handful of our favorite backpack coolers have separate interior compartments or exterior pockets for dry storage, a portion of which are non-insulated. Some of our favorite backpack coolers had tons of interior and exterior stash pockets, while other favorites had few or none. While the pockets didn’t make or break a cooler for us, they changed the experience and were helpful in different applications.

For instance, you could pack a rain jacket in the non-cooler section of the Carhartt Cooler Backpack or a book in the side pocket of the ICEMULE BOSS. For water trips, non-waterproof and non-secure exterior pockets were not super helpful. But for solo trips, exterior pockets were a must.

The Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler is full of stash pockets. This pack makes it easy to only bring one bag for a short or solo trip, picnic, or day at the beach.

But the ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt is one of our favorite sleek and streamlined coolers, and the exterior zipper pocket is essential for a cell phone and keys. The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler has an interior divider pocket, which we appreciate for small bagged items and condiment packets.

That said, a lot of backpack coolers don’t have any exterior pockets at all. Some folks prefer that streamlined, simple approach. Others need at least one mesh side pocket for a water bottle and a pocket to stash a cellphone and keys.

Backpack coolers all have shoulder straps, some have sternum straps and waist belts, but all perform and carry differently. When looking at a backpack cooler, it’s important to think about how you’ll use the pack. Longer hikes might benefit from padded and adjustable straps, whereas strap considerations are less critical for days at the beach or river floats that entail shorter walks. That being said, backpack coolers don’t all come in a range of sizes like more technical backpacks typically do. Straps won’t fit all torso lengths and body shapes the same.

The RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler is one of the heaviest coolers we tested. The shoulder straps and waist belt are heavily padded to match the increased weight and heft of the pack, yet we found it challenging to find a comfortable fit. The Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler is much simpler with non-padded straps and no sternum strap or waistbelt, but the small size and lightweight don’t necessarily warrant padded straps for shorter days.

On the other hand, the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler falls in the middle of this range with lightly padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap, but no waist belt. The straps are comfortable when the cooler is loaded down for your hike to the lake or bike ride.

We appreciate grab handles on coolers that do not sport waterproof zippers. For instance, the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler can be easily kept upright with the top carry handle, so melted ice does not spill out the top.

Backpack coolers are generally more compact and made of softer, lighter materials than hard coolers, so they weigh less. They usually have sturdy shoulder straps plus handles that are easy to grab, so the weight feels relatively easy to transport. A pack’s weight is higher when the capacity, durability, and insulation capability increase.

On of our favorite lighter backpack coolers weighs 635 grams or 1.4 pounds: the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler. Cooler bags can weigh as much as 3,402 grams or 7.5 pounds. On the beefier side, our favorites include the ICEMULE BOSS, which is 3,402 grams (7.5 pounds).

Be mindful that the heavier the fare in your pack, the more the load will weigh overall. If you’ve stuffed a 30-liter pack with canned beverages, the end weight will be quite high compared to veggies and dipping sauce. Be sure to test out shorter hikes with a full load in your pack, and to pull on appropriate supportive footwear like hiking boots, when needed.

Not all backpack coolers have an integrated hip belt and not all hip belts are created equal. But a padded, wide hip belt can help make a trip more comfortable and buoy up the cooler’s weight especially if the pack is full of heavy ice and cans.

The ICEMULE BOSS has thick hip pads and a wide strap, plus the belt is adjustable. The REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler likewise has a padded, well-articulated hip belt that supports the pack weight.

Many backpack coolers offer a sternum strap. Though most designs, like the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack, have no weight-bearing hip belt even though the carrying capacity is moderate to high.

If you struggle with back, shoulder, or neck pain, consider a design with an integrated hip belt.

A pack’s materials include the exterior, insulation, interior liner, shoulder straps and pads, back panel, zippers, buckles, and attachment points. The quality of materials influences the waterproofness, durability, insulation value, and whether or not the face fabric produces condensation. The materials also determine comfort, breathability, or support.

Premium materials come at a higher price, but those products also typically last longer and withstand outdoor elements. To this point, the ICEMULE BOSS is made with Polar Layer XT Insulation, a proprietary closed-cell foam that’s 3 cm thick, with an air valve for insulation boosts.

The strong exterior is waterproof 1,000-denier tarpaulin, a tenacious material used for crash pads. Other coolers we’ve tested have been made with layers of high-density superfoam plus a lightweight heat-reflective material around the exterior. But that material isn’t as strong.

Important specs to pay attention to are a waterproof lid zipper, welded seams, and whether the exterior fabric produces condensation. These aren’t nonnegotiable, but we don’t like getting caught off guard by an unexpected spill or puddle.

Simply put, backpack coolers are generally not as supportive, ergonomic, and comfortable as regular day packs or backpacking packs. But we found some are comfortable enough for day hikes, like the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack and ICEMULE BOSS.

Our testers all found that with narrower, longer backpack coolers, the contents were inevitably harder to reach. In contrast, a wider, shorter cooler with the same volume offers easier access — but that’s not compatible with the human torso. The solution is to be really strategic with how you pack.

Backpack coolers have a range of firmness, and the firmest packs have more insulation, which increases ice retention. On the other hand, softer packs can feel more malleable and comfortable to wear. Also, some designs have a stiff back panel and others have padded mesh. Rigid designs have a stable base. But some lack a padded hip belt and pressed into the sacroiliac joint of testers, causing discomfort on longer treks.

The shoulder straps also influence overall comfort. Wider, stiffer, or broadly placed straps can limit range of motion or feel unpleasant. One of the most ergonomic strap sets is on the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler. The design allowed us to have a full range of motion.

Hip and chest straps add stability to the load, so it doesn’t swing around. Hip belts offer comfort and evenly redistribute the weight off the shoulders.

In our controlled ice retention test, the Carhartt Cooler Backpack kept ice for 25 hours, which has a large dry cargo space, while the ICEMULE BOSS held ice for 133 hours. That’s a large range, but the majority of our favorites preserved ice for a few days.

Most cooler packs preserved ice for 2.5 to 3 days. That includes the Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack.

The REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler held ice for more than 3 days. The most expensive coolers in our guide retained their ice for 4 to 5.5 days.

Generally, the higher the price tag, the better the ice retention. However, this is not always the case, as the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler held ice for 80 hours at the lower price of $70.

Our ice retention test was completed with controlled variables. Each cooler backpack was stationed indoors, shaded, at a steady 65 degrees F, with the same ratio and type of ice. The coolers were monitored and the ice status was recorded until every bit melted. When you use a cooler outside, many factors influence a pack’s ice retention, including the frequency of opening the cooler, direct sunlight, and ambient temperature.

In various conditions, the backpack coolers in this guide provide cooling power that serves a range of recreational needs.

Keeping your backpack cooler clean is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Here’s a simple guide:

Regular cleaning will keep your cooler fresh, free of stains and odors, and keep it in peak condition.

Backpack coolers are designed with versatility in mind, so many of these bags are equipped with attachment points, such as hard clip points, daisy chains, webbing straps, and bungee cords, for carrying extra gear.

These attachment points allow you to secure additional gear like trekking poles, water bottles, or even a small tent. Integrated utility pockets keep essentials within easy reach, while modular attachments let you customize your setup for different adventures. With additions like waterproof covers, built-in bottle openers, and reflective logos these backpack coolers are pretty built out.

On the bottom, place frozen ice blocks, reusable ice packs, or cubed ice. This should take up close to 66% of the cooler, if possible. Next, put heavier pre-chilled or frozen items closest to the ice on the bottom and layer with another round of cubed ice. Keep layering in that order. Place lighter, more delicate items, such as sandwiches or fruits, on top. Use separate containers for easy access and to avoid squishing consumables. At the very top, add more cubed ice.

Fill any extra space with contents because air speeds up the ice melt. If needed, you could pack crumpled paper or small towels in there, too. Store smaller essentials like utensils, bottles, cans, or other items that don’t necessarily need to be cold in external pockets or dedicated compartments to keep them organized and within easy reach.

Our highlighted backpack coolers range from as low as $35 to as high as $359. That’s a big gap with lots of factors at play.

Backpack coolers under $100 may not retain ice as well as more expensive counterparts. Or, they might be made of less durable materials. They are generally more compact and compromise certain design details like ample pocket options or extra grab handles. For example, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler ($100) does not have a waterproof zipper on the lid.

The face fabric of some of these lower-cost pack coolers can create condensation. And some aren’t the most ergonomic or offer the greatest lumbar or back support. So, they aren’t our top choice for hiking those longer durations.

However, these are great options for short trips, picnics, and anyone on a budget. In this price range, check out the Carhartt Cooler Backpack ($90), REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler ($100), or Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler ($70). There’s also the Eddie Bauer Recycled Bygone Backpack Cooler ($70).

Mid-range coolers are a step below the high-cost cooler backpacks. These designs offer waterproof options, great features, and good ice retention below $300.

In this price range, you’ll find the Titan by Arctic Zone 24 Can Welded Backpack Cooler ($165), RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler ($159), ICEMULE Recycled Jaunt ($170), and Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler Pack ($200).

The priciest coolers, $300 and above, retain ice longer. They are made from durable materials, and they go above and beyond with features. These premium coolers are created with materials that are puncture-proof, waterproof, or water-resistant. That way, they can be trusted on a whitewater rafting trip, for instance.

For instance, the ICEMULE BOSS ($350) falls in this category and has MuleSkin 1,000-denier fabric. And the YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Cooler is made with high-density fabric.

These top-tier coolers also have larger capacities and won’t leak through the top closure. The most expensive coolers tend to be more rigid and supportive. However, cost does not necessarily reflect a pack’s overall comfort, which is influenced by the back panel and shoulder straps.

Fill the cooler approximately 66% with a mix of frozen ice blocks or reusable ice packs and cubed ice. Pack the rest with your food and beverages, which should all be prefrozen or prechilled.

More specifically, layer those contents. Put the frozen blocks and contents on the bottommost section and then sprinkle on a layer of cubed ice. Next, add the prechilled food and drinks. At the very top, add more cubed ice.

Fill any extra space with contents, because air speeds up the ice melt. If needed, you could pack crumpled paper or small towels in there too.

There are oodles of backpack coolers out there now. Based on our testing, the products listed in our guide are all very well-made options that don’t leak, offer good or excellent ice retention, and have a variety of features to support your adventures. Each design prioritizes its own unique components. For instance, some are completely streamlined with zero pockets while others are loaded with spots for dry cargo. Other designs have extra accessories like bottle openers.

The best backpack cooler is the one that fits your intended use and needs including the trip length, cargo quantity, and price.

Some coolers retain ice better than others, which is reflected in price tags. In our side-by-side ice retention test, the backpack cooler that retained ice the longest was the ICEMULE BOSS. The design held ice for about 5.5 days in a shaded indoor environment at 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

In daily adventures, melt speed slightly fluctuates based on the frequency of opening the cooler, how long it’s open, ambient heat, and direct sunlight. A bunch of other variables can influence ice retention too, including the type and quantity of ice, extra space in the compartment (which decreases effectiveness), and if the cooler was prechilled.

For most backpack coolers, dry ice will burn the interior materials. Instead, you should use freshly frozen cubed ice, ice blocks, or reusable ice packs.

For the longest-lasting ice retention and cooling capability, aim to use a 2-to-1 ratio of ice to contents. You can quickly prechill your cooler with a sacrificial bag of ice a few hours before loading it up, especially if the cooler is stored in a hot place. Or, bring the cooler inside a cool room to lower the temperature the night before use.

The type of ice makes a difference. Block ice and fresh cubed ice from freezers are denser than chipped ice or crushed ice from ice machines. If you get super strategic, you can use a mix of block ice (which melts slower) and cubed ice (which cools down the container faster).

As the ice melts, it’s ideal to retain the ice water, which helps the other ice stay cold. Limit your access to the cooler, because opening it up releases the cold air. When you stop or take breaks, set the pack cooler in the shade or cover it with a towel or jacket to mitigate direct sunlight.

At their simplest, backpack coolers are essentially soft-sided coolers with shoulder straps. If your adventure is further than the car to a picnic table, or you have other items in tow from bags to kids to a dog leash, then the shoulder straps are an awesome option for hands-free carrying.

Even if your trip is short, a backpack cooler will reduce trips back and forth, because your hands are free to do other tasks with the cooler on your back. Also, heavier loads can be easier to carry on one’s back than with a hand strap.

When traveling with a backpack cooler, it’s essential to check the policies of your airline. Most airlines permit a small backpack cooler as a personal item, but you should verify the specific dimensions and weight limits. Make sure your backpack cooler complies with the size restrictions and can fit comfortably under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

If your cooler contains liquids or gels, remember that they must adhere to the TSA’s liquid rules for carry-on luggage, with each container being 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and all containers fitting into a single quart-sized bag. So if you have it stocked, be prepared for separate screening of any food or drink items at security checkpoints.

Additionally, if you’re carrying ice packs, ensure they are fully frozen to avoid issues with liquids, and check airline guidelines regarding ice packs in advance. Alternatively, you could check your backpack cooler, but you might want to put it inside a duffle to make sure it doesn’t get damaged.

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