The Best Backpack Coolers
After hiking a long trail or spending the day at the beach, chilled snacks and drinks are a must. Backpack coolers are convenient because you can carry them comfortably on your back. And they have plenty of space to store meal prep containers, drinks, snacks, and ice packs to feed your entire family. We've rounded up a few of our favorite backpack coolers to help you pick one to fit your lifestyle.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best ones are lightweight, leakproof, fairly priced, and durable. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the backpack cooler from Tourit. It has one main compartment that is insulated and easy to access for filling and cleaning. The seamless interior design ensures it never leaks, even if you carry loose ice instead of ice packs. We also love the Sparter backpack cooler because the outer material is heavy-duty and waterproof. Keep reading to discover your new favorite backpack cooler.
Tourit Insulated Cooler Backpack
Minimal meets modern
Tourit’s backpack cooler has the appearance of a stylish backpack with all of the amenities a cooler has to offer. The lid unzips to reveal the large insulated section, which is leakproof and designed to keep items chilled for up to 16 hours. There are pockets on the front, top, and sides of the bag for water bottles, utensils, and snacks that don’t need to stay cold. And the sturdy zippers ensure everything is safe inside the backpack while carrying it.
Pros:
- You can easily wipe out the insulated pocket to remove water, spills, and crumbs.
- The padded shoulder straps make the backpack comfortable to carry.
Cons:
- The front pockets don’t have a lot of space for personal items.
Sparter Lightweight Backpack Cooler
Lighten the load
From the waterproof exterior to the multi-layered insulation, Sparter’s backpack cooler is designed to last. The bag has one primary insulated compartment for storing food and drinks. And there is another insulated pocket on top to keep small snacks from getting lost in the depths of the bag. Made with seamless insulation, you won’t have to worry about the backpack leaking or sweating. And with the addition of ice packs, it can keep food and drinks cool for up to 20 hours.
Pros:
- This cooler comes with a bottle opener keyring that can hang from one of the zippers.
- It can fold down flat if you want to pack it for a trip, making it one of the most portable options we’ve come across.
Cons:
- Stacking items vertically may be challenging, depending on your needs.
Everlasting Comfort Cooler Backpack
Securely sealed
After packing a cooler, the last thing you want is for it to leak all over the place. Everlasting Comfort’s backpack cooler has a leakproof lining that is also insulated and waterproof. Plus, the zippers are waterproof to keep liquid from escaping if the bag tips over or gets turned upside down. The large backpack can hold up to 54 cans, and the exterior pockets can hold four bottles of wine. And there are additional pockets for small items that don’t need to be chilled.
Pros:
- There are built-in wine bottle covers to use when necessary.
- The thick layer of insulation keeps warm food warm and cold food cold for a super long time.
Cons:
- The large bag gets heavy quickly, especially when filled all the way.
Ekerho Insulated Cooler Backpack
Heavy-duty hauling
Whether you’re taking lunch to the park or packing a few snacks for the car, Ekerho’s backpack cooler is fit for the trip. The compact bag has straps that can be converted from traditional backpack straps to an adjustable shoulder strap in seconds. The main pocket is insulated and large enough to hold snacks for your entire family. And the other pockets are perfect for stashing away electronics, books, utensils, and your favorite water bottle.
Pros:
- The fabric is water-resistant to keep your items safe inside the backpack.
- It is easier to carry and pack compared to larger backpacks.
Cons:
- There isn’t enough space to carry a standard laptop.
Zology Camping Backpack Cooler with Seat
Take a load off
Outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and fishing require a lot of gear. Zology’s backpack cooler keeps food fresh while providing a fold-out seat whenever you need a break. The camouflage bag has plenty of space for snacks and drinks, including a water bottle pocket in the front. And you can remove the frame to wash the bag to prepare for your next outdoor adventure.
Pros:
- The seat is strong enough to hold up to 330 pounds.
- There is plenty of space in the main pocket to carry non-food items, such as camera equipment or fishing gear.
Cons:
- While it is convenient, the seat is a bit on the narrow side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backpack coolers comfortable to carry?
After adding food, drinks, and ice packs, backpack coolers can become heavy and awkward to carry. But, backpack coolers with padded straps that aren’t too close together are always the most comfortable. And many of them have additional handles or shoulder straps that can relieve some of the pressure if you need to take a break from carrying it on your back.
How do you clean a backpack cooler?
Most backpack coolers are easy to wipe clean after each use. You can use hot, soapy water or an antibacterial wipe to remove all germs and bacteria. Dry the bag with a cloth or let it air dry completely before storing.
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