We reviewed the top 5 coolers for outdoor enthusiasts — which one reigns supreme?

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There’s nothing like ice cold water on a long hike or an ice cold beer during a tailgate with your friends. Coolers are  the answers to make this happen. The best of both worlds is a backpack cooler that makes for a hands-free, easy carrying on the go.  

Whether you’re eco-conscious or an outdoor lover, coolers are a great way to keep your refreshments cold on the go without wasting ice. However, not all coolers are the same. The best coolers understand the importance of mobility, durability, convenience, and practicality, especially for those adventures that require you to get up close and personal with nature. We reviewed the top 5 coolers for outdoor enthusiasts — which one reigns supreme?

ICEMULE Classic 

Whether you’re hiking or heading to the beach, the ICEMULE Classic is a versatile backpack cooler for on-the-go. The hands-free backpack comes in four different sizes: Mini, Small, Medium, and Large. Depending on the size, the cooler can hold up to 30 cans without ice or 20 cans with ice — perfect for those all-day tailgates. 

Despite having a large carrying capacity, the cooler isn’t a feat to carry. ICEMULE is lightweight and compact, making it an ideal choice for those adventurers who have a lot to carry. It’s accommodating with its ability to collapse and store once you’ve made good use of all the drinks inside. 

Coolers are essential for long adventures outside, such as hiking or camping. But, most of the time, coolers only keep cold for up to a couple of hours. ICEMULE ensures you have ice-cold refreshments for the length of your travels: it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. The best part? If you find yourself needing a quick dip in the water, the cooler floats, too. 

When it comes to finding the best cooler, you have to look at durability because coolers can rack up in price, so invest in one that will be worth your money. The ICEMULE cooler features welded seams so there is no sweating or leaking. It has durable materials that are easy to clean and long-lasting. The prices start from $64.95, affordable and well worth the money.

YETI Hopper 

Summer in a cooler is the YETI Hopper. The YETI Hopper is a backpack cooler that comes in vibrant colors just in time for the upcoming season. 

There are two sizes to choose from: M12 and M20. The M12 has the ability to 20 cans or 12 lbs of ice separately. The M20 fits 36 cans or 22 lbs of ice. The M12 is better compatible with solo travelers and comes with a Kangaroo pocket to store personal belongings. The M20 is great for large groups of people or a beach day because it’s heavy to carry. There’s a hitch point grid on the front to attack keys, bottle openers, or any other necessities for your adventure. 

This hands-free backpack cooler also comes with quick closure. The opening of the cooler features strong magnets to keep the cooler closed and leak-resistant. The cooler features high-density fabric to withstand damage and UV rays. 

The YETI hoppers can keep ice frozen for a couple of days. However, they are lacking the convenience and practical qualities that should be expected at their price point. The M12 is $275 and $325. They can’t float nor collapse like the ICEMULE Classic, so the Hopper is best for on-land, short adventures. 

Brumate Magpack Soft Cooler

A portable cooler on your back is the Brumate Magpack Cooler to a T. With a shell exterior, it’s sturdy and waterproof for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the water. 

The cooler comes in three carrying capacities: 12-can, 18-can, and 24-can. The 24-can is the only one that can be carried as a backpack, whereas the others feature a shoulder strap for carrying. The cooler stays cold for 24 hours, ideal for day trips to the beach or tailgate events. 

The lid uses neodymium magnets to create a leakproof, zipper-free seal. The straps are removable if you’re more of an old-fashioned cooler user. The shell material is durable and features UPF coating to protect your cooler from fading and harsh UV rays. Despite these convenience features, I feel the practicality of the build is compromised due to the shell material. 

Backpack coolers are ideal for outside lovers on the go, but the shell material might be difficult to carry on journeys that require a lot of movement, such as hikes. It doesn’t have much give and isn’t as easily stored since you can’t fold it or collapse it. The bag itself is 6 lbs, so with drinks added, it can be pretty hefty, so keep that in mind if you’re going to be walking long before reaching your destination. 

Similar to the YETI, the prices of the Brumate coolers don’t match with what the product offers. The magpack coolers range from $199.99 to $274.99. At this price point, it should be a product fit for all outdoor activities. The brumate cooler, however, is great for beach days and road trips. 

Kanga Coolers Midnight Pouch 24 Backpack

For travelers at heart, the Kanga Coolers Midnight Pouch 24 Backpack is a true backpack that keeps your drinks cold and is easy to carry. 

Besides the main pocket for storing drinks, the cooler has three additional pockets to carry sunscreen, keys, wallet, or whatever your plans call for. A magnetic flap is at the top for easy closure and tight seal. It’s a compact size that is easy to carry and store. 

The cooler only comes in one size, which stores 24 cans. The material is easy to clean, but not necessarily immune to weathering. After some time, you might notice some wear and tear. At a price of $119.95, it’s a pricier backpack that is good for mobile activities, such as hiking and beach days, but isn’t good for all-day or lengthy trips. 

RTIC Backpack Cooler

The RTIC Backpack Cooler is a great option for those embarking on a camping trip or road trip. With premium insulation, it has coldness retention for multiple days.

The RTIC cooler is built with durable materials and zippers to ensure no leakage or spills. It’s waterproof and sturdy to withstand whatever your adventure might bring. The straps make for hands-free carrying. It comes in two sizes: 24 can or 36 can options. Both include that capacity with ice. Your drinks can stay cold for up to two days when following the RTIC cooling advice. 

RTIC is the only other cooler besides ICEMULE to feature the floating ability, However, it’s much more expensive at a price ranging from $159 to $179.99. And contrary to the ICEMULE, it isn’t collapsible for easy storing. It’s a compact size that easy to pack up before the adventure, but while you’re on the go, it might get in your way. 

The Bottom Line

Not every adventure is the same. Some might require you to take a dip in a waterfall or host a tailgate for your favorite college football team. The ideal cooler is dependent on what your activities call for. However, one cooler seemed to be versatile and fit for any occasion — the ICEMULE Classic. 

The YETI Hopper is great for camping and long-term adventures, but doesn’t have the convenience and practical features that make for a go-to cooler for outdoor enthusiasts. At a hefty price, it should hit every box. 

The Brumate is sturdy and durable. It’s perfect for day trips to the beach or for a long hike, but after some time, you might get tired of carrying it due to its heaviness. 

The Kanga is compact and easy to store, but is better for short-term activities because it only stays cold for up to 7 hours without ice. The RTIC is durable and has high ice retention. At a high price, however, it should be easier to store and carry. 

The ICEMULE checks all the boxes. It’s collapsible, floats, and easy to carry. With a high carrying capacity and durability, the affordable price is the cherry on top. It’s a well-rounded, versatile cooler for all outdoor adventures.