10 Best Small Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is designed for those who need a portable and durable solution to keep their beverages cold. It can carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, making it a versatile option for picnics, camping trips, or any outdoor activity. The ColdCell insulation provides impressive cold-holding capabilities, ensuring your items stay cold for extended periods. This cooler's MagShield Access feature uses durable magnets to create a leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close, adding to its convenience.

The DryHide Shell is made from high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV rays, enhancing its durability. Additionally, the Kangaroo Pocket offers extra storage for small essentials like a phone or wallet. However, it's worth noting that the cooler weighs around 3.06 kilograms, which could be a bit heavy for some users. Also, despite its high capacity in cans and ice, the actual fluid capacity is only 12 ounces, which might be confusing.

The backpack design is excellent for portability, keeping your hands free, but it might be less comfortable for extended carrying periods due to the weight. This cooler is particularly suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize insulation and durability in their gear.

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler in Big Wave Blue is a robust and versatile personal cooler, well-suited for day trips, hiking, fishing, picnics, camping, and beach outings. With a capacity of 2.5 gallons, it can hold up to 6 cans plus ice, making it ideal for short trips where you need to keep beverages and snacks cold. The ColdCell Insulation, made from closed-cell foam, provides excellent cold retention compared to ordinary soft coolers. This means your items will stay cold for longer periods, which is crucial for day-long activities.

The cooler is designed to be highly durable, featuring a DryHide Shell that's resistant to punctures and abrasions, and a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper which ensures that no water gets in or out. This makes it reliable even in rugged outdoor conditions and resistant to UV rays. At 2.8 lbs when empty, it is quite lightweight and easy to carry, enhancing portability for outdoor enthusiasts. The high-density fabric and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material add to its durability and waterproof capabilities.

The capacity might be a bit limiting for larger groups or longer trips, as it can only hold a small amount of items. Also, being a high-end product, it may not be the most budget-friendly option for all users. The design focuses heavily on durability and insulation, potentially making it more expensive compared to other coolers in the market. In essence, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 is an excellent choice for individuals or small groups looking for a reliable, portable, and durable cooler for their outdoor adventures.

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler in Desert Tan is a highly durable and versatile cooler ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. It has a capacity of 45 quarts, which can hold up to 26 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. This cooler excels in ice retention, thanks to its 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and FatWall design, keeping contents cold for extended periods.

The Rotomolded Construction ensures it is virtually indestructible, and it's even certified bear-resistant, making it suitable for rugged environments. At 24 pounds when empty, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for users prioritizing lightweight portability. However, its robust build and durable components, including T-Rex Lid Latches with patented keeper technology, make it a reliable choice for tough conditions.

The inclusion of one dry goods basket adds to its practicality. Despite its weight, the YETI Tundra 45 Cooler stands out for its strength, excellent insulation, and ability to withstand harsh environments, making it well-suited for serious outdoor enthusiasts.