The best backpack coolers—take the party anywhere!
A cooler is an obvious must when you’re out and about in the heat. But lugging one around is annoying. They’re heavy and bulky, and carrying all that extra weight on one side of your body can be flat-out uncomfortable.
And why deal with that when you’re trying to have a fun outing?
Enter the insulated backpack. It does the work of a cooler but is much, much easier to carry. Just put your arms into the straps, wear it like a backpack, and you’re good to go.
You could shell out hundreds of dollars for a fancy cooler backpack — or opt for a top-rated one that costs way less.
With the help of Amazon reviewers, we rounded up the top-rated insulated backpacks to take on your next outdoor adventure. Bonus: They’re all under $100, with one as low as $24.
Seehonor Insulated Cooler Backpack
Seehonor’s cooler backpack is leak-proof and holds up to 25 cans of whatever you’re drinking. The outside is made using heavy-duty nylon that won’t rip or scratch, and features a criss-cross elastic that can hold extra gear. Bonus: It even comes with a bottle-opener keychain.
One reviewer shared that their water bottles were “still really cold from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.” Another said, “Every other cooler I have used is difficult to lug to the car and from. This backpack made it so easy because it is wearable on the back!”
Shop it: $25, amazon.com
Coleman C003 Soft Backpack Cooler
People can’t get enough of this lightweight backpack cooler, which has a large zippered front pocket for dry storage. It also has pouches on the side for extra water (or wine!) bottles and has a waist strap to make carrying a full pack easier.
“The bag never leaked during our weeklong trip. We are going back again this summer, and this bag is coming with us again!” one reviewer said.
“For the price, you cannot go wrong with this cooler,” a mom of five wrote.
Shop it: $24, amazon.com
Mier Insulated Cooler Backpack
Mier’s insulated backpack has several mesh pockets for storage and a large internal insulated pocket that can keep up to 24 cans nice and cool. It also has two additional pockets in front for keys, snacks, and whatever else you need to tote. The versatile design is getting plenty of props from reviewers.
What more could you want?
“The zipper is way up high on the backpack which is awesome for carrying ice,” one wrote. “When the ice melts and water splashes around, you don't really have to worry about it.”
Another raved about how it kept drinks cold all day and ice lasted most of the day in Florida heat.
Shop it: $30, amazon.com
Igloo MaxCold Cooler Backpack
The MaxCold’s insulation is padded with foam to keep your stuff cooler, longer. The compact design also has a crush-resistant, EVA-molded top zipper to protect your goods. Two mesh side pockets are perfect for extra storage, while a see-through front pocket clips shut to ensure that whatever you throw in there isn’t going anywhere.
One reviewer called it an “awesome cooler bag for amusement parks,” noting that the cooler is a “great roomy bag” with “padded, sturdy straps.”
“Bought this for the beach, and it fit a lot more than we expected!” another said.
Shop it: $30 (was $36), amazon.com
Tourit Cooler Backpack
This leak-proof version works to keep your food and drinks cold for up to 16 hours. The durable pack can also hold up to 30 cans, a little more than your average backpack cooler. It also features side pockets and two front pouches to carry small goods.
“Still going strong through a full summer of every weekend usage. Highly recommend this bag,” one reviewer said, while another said the design “made my life so much easier.”
Shop it: $43, amazon.com
Piscifun Insulated Cooler Backpack
Piscifun’s PEVA liner keeps your food and drinks cold for 18 hours, and it has a great dry storage area with organized pockets for snacks. The leakproof bag also has a bungee cord in the front and side pocket for bottles in case you need more storage.
“We took this bad boy to Disneyland with a couple of ice bags in the bottom, and our drinks stayed cold all day! I'm just saying, with toddlers and the price of tickets there, this thing is necessary!” one reviewer said, while another raved about the “heavy-duty canvas and cooler lining.”
Shop it: $35, amazon.com
The editors at Yahoo Lifestyle are committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, we may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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