10 Best Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler stands out in the cooler category, particularly for those who prioritize portability and effective insulation. With a capacity to hold up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, this cooler is ideal for day trips, picnics, or outdoor activities where you need to keep beverages cold and hands-free. The MagShield Access feature is a notable highlight, using durable magnets for a leak-resistant closure that allows easy access to your drinks.

One of the cooler's strong points is its ColdCell Insulation, which is designed to retain cold temperatures exceptionally well, ensuring your items stay frosty for longer periods. The DryHide Shell adds another layer of durability, being both puncture-resistant and UV ray resistant, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions.

The Kangaroo Pocket is a useful addition, allowing for easy storage of essentials like phones and keys.

The Coleman Classic Series 100-Quart Wheeled Cooler is a great choice if you need a reliable cooler for outdoor activities like picnics or camping. Its large capacity can hold up to 160 cans, which is perfect for group outings. Thanks to its thick polyurethane foam insulation, it can keep ice cold for up to 5 days even in warm weather around 90°F, so your drinks and food stay fresh for a long time. Portability is another strong point — this cooler has heavy-duty 6-inch wheels and sturdy handles that make it easier to move around, especially when fully loaded. It also features a seat-supporting lid that can hold up to 250 pounds, allowing you to sit on it comfortably when needed.

Cleaning is simple because of the stain-resistant liner and a leakproof drain plug that helps remove melted ice without spilling. Molded cup holders on the lid add convenience by preventing drink spills. On the downside, the cooler weighs about 20 pounds empty, which might feel a bit heavy if you plan to carry it rather than wheel it around. Also, it's not water-resistant, so it’s best to avoid exposing it to heavy rain or submersion. This cooler balances large capacity, excellent insulation, and handy features for easy transport and use, making it well-suited for those who want a durable and practical outdoor cooler.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a high-quality portable soft cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable ice retention and durability. It holds about 16 cans plus ice, which suits solo trips or short outings well, though it’s smaller compared to larger coolers. Its ColdCell insulation, made from closed-cell foam, does a great job keeping ice frozen longer than typical soft coolers, so your drinks and food stay cold for hours. The cooler is made with tough DryHide fabric that is waterproof and resistant to punctures and UV rays, making it sturdy enough for rough conditions like hiking or fishing. The leakproof HydroLok zipper adds peace of mind that no spills will ruin your gear.

In terms of portability, it weighs just under 6.5 pounds and has a compact size that’s easy to carry, ideal for personal use but less so if you need to pack for a group. Cleaning is straightforward since the materials are designed to resist stains and odors, but as a soft cooler, it takes a bit more care to dry properly inside after use. The 5.6-liter capacity can feel limited if you want to store more items or ice for longer trips. This cooler excels in durability and ice retention for its size, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged, easy-to-carry cooler for day trips or personal adventures.