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No more warm drinks in your future.
When it comes to convenience, no cooler provides the hands-free mobility that backpack coolers do. Most can hold just as many cans as their bag competitors (if not more), and provide the same insulation capabilities, but backpack straps free up hands to carry extra bags, kids, gear, etc. There are plenty of great backpack cooler options on the market, so you'll want to consider your necessities when picking the perfect one. Do you enjoy overnight camping trips? Then you'll want a cooler that can keep ice for 24+ hours. Enjoy a picnic in the park? Look into options that contain multiple storage compartments for food and utensils. Want to take your backpack cooler when you travel? Consider getting a cooler that can fold into a pouch or other portable form.
Luckily for you, we've done the work for you. Through research and testing, our CL editors have picked the 10 best backpack coolers on the market for a variety of features and capabilities you'll appreciate. While one cooler might be better suited for you than others, you can rest assured that each of these coolers keeps ice for at least 12 hours, holds at least 12 cans, and is durable enough to last you years. Without further ado, here are our top picks:
Want to know exactly why these 10 made the cut? Read on below!
Ozark Trail might just be one of the most underrated brands when it comes to their superior insulation. Just like all of their products, this backpack cooler can keep ice for days. It can fit up to 24 cans and has a wide-mouth opening so you can access all your drinks easily. Extra zippered storage and attachable loops add plenty of extra space for any carry-on items, and the Microban technology in the fabric makes the cooler resistant to bacteria, mildew and smells. The exterior is waterproof, and, oh yeah, it's under $50.
If you're looking for a cooler that can take more than the average rough and tumble, then look no further than this extra-durable RTIC hardside backpack cooler. This cooler isn't constructed with the usual fabric exterior, but instead uses a hardside construction that is waterproof and floats. It comes in two sizes, 20 and 30 cans, and has a wide-zip opening. The interior is leakproof and the loops on the front add extra storage space.
This bargain-priced backpack is a CL editor owned and loved product that keeps up to 30 cans cold for 16 hours. It's the perfect grab-and-go cooler for day trips to the beach, ball game, or tailgating. It has a main cooler compartment along with mesh side pockets and extra zippered storage. It even comes with a built-in bottle opener on the sleeve.
If you've ever owned a YETI, then you know their products are designed to last a lifetime. Their durability is unparalleled, which makes them totally worth the splurge if you're planning on using your backpack cooler often. The exterior of this cooler is made from a high-density, durable fabric that's resistant to sun exposure, rips, and tears, and both the interior and exterior are treated to prevent mildew. The interior contains closed-cell foam insulation designed to keep up to 20 cans cold for over 24 hours. The loops along the front and sides are perfect for adding bottle openers, keys, or anything else you can attach to them.
The Carhartt insulated backpack cooler is more of a backpack and cooler hybrid than just a cooler in the form of a backpack, making it perfect for those a short hike. The bottom half of the backpack functions as in insulated cooler that fits up to 12 cans and keeps drinks cold up to 24 hours. The top half of the backpack has two zippered storage compartments, a large one for bigger items and a smaller one for things like phones, wallets, etc. It also has two side mesh pockets.
Brace yourselves, because this backpack cooler can fit not 20, not 30, but 36 whole cans in it! Though only the bottom portion of the backpack is insulated, with all the storage pockets provided you could pack along quite a few extra drinks and move them to the cooler as needed. A better idea, though, is to use this bargain backpack to take along to the ballpark, beach, or on picnics, as it has plenty of room to store food, utensils, and drinks all in one convenient carrying case.
When you're not using this Icemule cooler, you can conveniently roll it up into a pouch, making it incredibly easy to pack into your suitcase and take anywhere in the world you decide to go. This model can fit 12 cans, but various other sizes that are just as portable can be found on their website. Just because it stores away easily doesn't mean it doesn't have superior insulation. This cooler can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours thanks to the PolarLayer and the exterior is completely waterproof.
Your wine has never had a more stylish carrying case...or your kid's juice boxes for that matter. But this cooler isn't just cute, it's incredibly well designed, too. It can hold 12 cans total and has an extra storage pocket on the back, so you can keep your valuables close by.
Taking an overnight camping trip? You'll want to bring along this Hydroflask backpacker cooler to keep all your drinks and other perishables cold for up to 36 hours. It can fit up to 36 cans and has a wide-zip opening so you can easily access your drinks. It's only 3 lbs, so won't add too much to your load if you're planning on moving all day and it's waterproof. Need extra storage for your dry goods? Simply attach one of their packs to the woven loops on the front of the cooler.
Who wants to take along beer cans when you can take the tap instead? This backtap holds 3 gallons of your favorite beverage and dispenses right out of the tap. The removable stainless steel interior isn't just easy to clean, it will also keep your drinks cold as ice.