10 Best Waterproof Soft Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a versatile and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts. It can carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, making it suitable for picnics, camping, and hiking. The closed-cell foam insulation, known as COLDCELL, ensures excellent cold retention, keeping your beverages and food items chilled for extended periods.

The MAGSHIELD ACCESS feature, which uses strong magnets, provides an ultra leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close with just a gentle push. This cooler is also built to last, thanks to its DRYHIDE SHELL, a high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage. Additionally, the exterior Kangaroo Pocket adds convenience by allowing you to store small items like keys, a phone, or a wallet within easy reach.

On the downside, the cooler's weight of just over 3 kilograms may be a bit hefty for some users, especially when fully loaded. The capacity listing of 12 ounces in the specs seems to be a mistake, as the main description suggests a much larger capacity. Despite this minor confusion and the weight, the YETI Hopper M12 offers a robust and highly functional solution for those needing a reliable, portable cooler that can withstand tough outdoor conditions while keeping contents cold.

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, excelling in its ability to keep items cold with its ColdCell Insulation, which is a closed-cell foam offering superior cold-holding compared to ordinary soft coolers. With a capacity of 8 liters, it can hold up to 6 cans plus ice, making it suitable for day trips or personal use during activities like fishing, camping, and hiking.

The cooler stands out for its waterproofing, featuring a 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper, and its DryHide Shell is resistant to punctures and abrasions, ensuring durability even in tough environments. The high-density fabric also guards against UV rays, adding to its longevity.

At an empty weight of 2.8 lbs and dimensions of 11.5 inches by 8 inches by 10.5 inches, it is relatively portable and easy to carry, thanks to its sturdy handle. However, while it is highly durable and performs well in terms of insulation and waterproofing, its capacity may be limited for those needing to store more items. Additionally, the premium build quality comes at a higher price point, which might not suit budget-conscious buyers. Despite these considerations, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 is a reliable, high-performance cooler ideal for personal use on short excursions.

The Hulongo Large Waterproof Insulated Cooler Backpack offers a practical solution for outdoor enthusiasts with a spacious 30-liter capacity that can hold up to 48 cans. It features exceptional heat retention, keeping items cool for up to 12 hours with its 8 mm foam insulation and advanced silver PEVA seal. This makes it ideal for activities like camping, beach outings, fishing, picnics, and hiking.

The high-density scratch-resistant nylon material with an extra PU coating ensures the backpack is 100% waterproof and easy to clean, enhancing its durability and longevity. Its lightweight design and adjustable padded straps contribute to its portability, making it comfortable to carry over long distances without the bulk of traditional coolers. The backpack comes with multiple compartments and pockets, including two insulated compartments, a large front pocket, and two side pockets, providing ample space for organizing snacks, accessories, and essentials.

Additionally, the inclusion of a bottle opener adds to its convenience. The seamless hot pressing process guarantees the cooler is leak-proof and sweat-free, preventing any potential messes. However, some users might find the 17.7''x12.2''x7.9'' dimensions a bit bulky for casual use, and the insulation might not be sufficient for extremely hot climates beyond the stated 12 hours. This cooler backpack is a versatile option for both men and women, suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.