13 Best Backpack Coolers For Outdoor Summer In 2023

Jun 02, 2023

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Your picnic, hiking, and beach buddy – bring along every summer essential in these backpacks.

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Whether you’re at a park, beach, or fishing by the lake, it could be tedious to pull a cooler with you everywhere you go, especially on rough terrains like mountains or sand. Our list of the best backpack coolers can help you out.

A backpack cooler can make your travels and adventures more fun and comfortable. These portable backpack coolers give your water the insulation it needs and allow you to carry them on your shoulders instead of dragging them with one arm or tiringly rolling them on the ground.

Various designs and colors are available, and the latest innovations help you maintain the ideal temperature of your foods and drinks. These cooler backpacks are durable, long-lasting, and effective for long hours. So, make your journeys comfortable and easy with a backpack cooler. Read on to pick one that best suits your needs.

Stylishly designed, this insulated backpack cooler is made of durable and waterproof 600D Oxford with high density foam for insulation, and a leak-proof liner to keep food hot or cold for 16 hours. Measuring 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches and weighing just 1.1 pounds, this lightweight cooler can hold up to 30 cans with a 330 ml capacity. The main compartment is very roomy, and also features 2 large pockets with zips in front for utensils, 2 mesh pockets on the side for bottles, a pocket with a zip on the lid, and a beer opener and mesh pocket on the strap for your phone. It’s incredibly convenient to use while camping, hiking, picnics and road trips. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review.

Cons

Whether heading to the beach, the park, or camping, this cooler backpack will keep your food and drinks fresh and cool for hours. Featuring a high-quality insulation material, this cooler backpack is designed to keep your items cold for up to 24 hours. It has a spacious interior that can hold up to 54 beverage cans, food, and other perishable items. The backpack cooler with front pockets offers extra storage space and padded shoulder straps for comfort during long hikes.

Cons

Here’s a heavy-duty, waterproof backpack cooler that can keep your food and drinks cold for up to 72 hours. It is the perfect companion for camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, sports, or the beach. This backpack cooler is equipped with high-density NBR foam on all sides, an IPX-8 waterproof zipper, and a waterproof exterior that’s puncture- and abrasion-proof. It also features an EVA-molded back panel for extra comfort and multiple large exterior pockets for extra storage. Plus, it has a handy bottle opener and a stretchy bungee cord for added convenience.

Cons

Comprising waterproof Oxford nylon material with high density foam for insulation, and a leak-proof PEVA liner, this backpack cooler is both lightweight and durable. Measuring 15.8 x 11.8 x 7 inches, this large cooler bag weighs just 1.6 pounds, and has a capacity to hold approximately 28 cans. It features a zipper closure and can keep food and drinks cold for about 16 hours. This backpack cooler with extra storage space includes a main storage compartment which is very spacious, 2 large pockets at the front to keep cutlery and utensils, a pocket with a zipper for snacks, 2 mesh pockets on the side for bottles, and 2 straps in front to hold a picnic mat. Your perfect companion for picnics, treks, and hikes!

Cons

This smart looking 2-in-1 waterproof backpack cooler features a base compartment that’s insulated so that your food and drinks maintain their temperature, and can fit in about 12 cans with an ice pack and maintain their temperature for about 24 hours. The larger main compartment is perfect for snacks and accessories, while the front pocket with a zipper, and 2 mesh side pockets can be used to store bottles, cellphones, and other items. Measuring 12.5 x 17.75 x 8 inches, and weighing 1.5 pounds, this backpack cooler for hiking and camping features a Carhartt logo patch, and is ideal for picnics, camping, hiking, and field trips. Crafted with heavy-duty poly, and an effective water repellent, you don’t have to worry about leaks and can use it as roughly as you want. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this backpack cooler with ice packs.

Cons

If you are searching for a lightweight and durable backpack for your outdoor activities, the Piscifun insulated cooler backpack can be an ideal fit. It is made from high-density nylon fabric, making it lightweight and robust, while its two side compression straps add to its durability. High-frequency heat-welding technology prevents leakages below the zipper seam, and the soft, easy-to-clean liner is comfortable to wear. In addition, it also has a four-layer back, making it stronger and better at insulating heat. Further, the freezer packs can keep your food and drinks below 50°F for up to 18 hours.

Cons

This durable and waterproof backpack cooler has a leak-proof, thickened PEVA lining and measures 12 x 7 x 17.3 inches. It has dual compartments, a main leak-proof, 8 mm EPE foam insulated compartment for drinks and ice packs, and an upper compartment for other things. This backpack cooler with multiple compartments features a padded shoulder strap and handle, as well as a bottle opener. Though lightweight, it’s incredibly sturdy and is resistant to scratches, tears, and rips. There are mesh pads at the back that are breathable, and adjustable waist and shoulder straps that make carrying it extremely comfortable. In addition, it also has a large front pocket with a zipper for plates and cutlery, 2 small pockets for accessories, and 2 large mesh pockets on the side for 2 bottles.

Cons

This deep freeze backpack cooler has incredible insulation and features a Therma-Flect radiant heat barrier so that heat doesn’t get absorbed, but is instead reflected. 3 layers of thick Super Foam keep your drinks cool for hours together. It has an effective leak-proof lining with Microban that prevents stains and odors, and is also easier to clean. It has breathable mesh panels at the back and padded straps which can be adjusted. This backpack cooler with padded straps measures 10.5 x 7.5 x 16.5 inches, can hold up to 24 cans and can keep ice for up to 2 days. Extremely durable, it’s crack, puncture, and abrasion-resistant. It comprises an insulated front compartment, and 3 pockets, one on top and 2 on the side, to hold other accessories.

Cons

From a beach day to a hike or a picnic, you can trust IceMule’s collapsible backpack cooler to be your constant companion. This backpack’s ultra-tough mule-skin exteriors, interiors, and PolarLayer insulation promise superior ice retention and strength. The product also has a padded, ventilated sling strap, allowing you to be hands-free throughout every activity. Further, it is lightweight and can hold up to nine liters or six cans inside. When empty, you can roll up the backpack and head toward your next destination. Its patented IM AirValve allows air to be added to the insulation layer, allowing the Icemule to float when you go kayaking.

Cons

This soft, insulated cooler backpack can hold up to 36 cans and is ideal for outdoor use like fishing, hiking, and camping. It features airtight zippers to prevent leaking and to maintain the insulation. It features serrated and T-shape slider zippers that open and close smoothly. There is double-sided waterproof material on both the surface and lining. The insulation is effective for up to 48 hours under conducive weather conditions. The inner lining is made of high density foam for insulation, while the interior is made of waterproof TPU. Measuring 14.8 x 11.18 x 19.88 inches and weighing 4.22 pounds, it features padded straps on the shoulders and soft foam board design on the back for comfort.

Cons

The Oceas cooler backpack features a heat-sewn and high-density leakproof lining to keep your drinks and food cold for up to 16 hours. This backpack allows you to store about 40 cans seamlessly. Ergonomically designed, it boasts padded shoulder and back straps for maximum comfort and portability. This leak-proof backpack cooler features multiple inbuilt pockets — one large cooling compartment, one front pocket, one smaller top pocket, and two thick mesh bottle holders.

Cons

This 17 x 16.8 x 12 inches backpack cooler is very spacious so that you can keep your things cool and fresh. It has a large lid with a zipper so that you can access the contents easily. It features padded straps that can be adjusted for added comfort. It has storage pockets in the front which can also be used as a drink holder. The integrated mesh pockets on the sides make it very convenient to store wine bottles or large water bottles. This lightweight backpack cooler with an insulated drink holder weighs just 2.59 pounds and will make all your outdoor trips a real pleasure.

Cons

Made with premium quality and thick PEVA hot-pressed material, the Lovevook backpack cooler promises to keep your drinks and snacks cool when exposed to a temperature below 15°C. This backpack cooler with a top handle also features a heavy-duty nylon fabric that doesn’t tear, scratch, or rip, making it extremely long-lasting. In addition, with a capacity to store 30 cans, this backpack cooler ensures no spills or messes while traveling.

Cons

Now that you have been through our review of the 13 best backpack coolers, it’s important that you know what to look for while choosing one for yourself. This way, your camps, hikes, or picnics will be more fun and memorable.

Most soft-sided backpack coolers usually use open-cell foam for insulation because of its flexibility. Their insulation is not as good as closed-cell foam that’s used in a hard cooler. Some backpack coolers with closed-cell foam and better insulation are available, but they are heavier and more expensive. Also check the thickness and evenness of your backpack coolers insulation. Thicker insulation will always preserve temperatures better, so check for weak areas. Also, the entire compartment should be surrounded with insulation. Many backpack coolers have insulation on only 3 sides which brings down the chill time drastically.

Backpack coolers today have become rather trendy and can make a fashion statement. This is evident from the innovative fabrics and designs that can now be found. Multiple storage pockets for plates, cutlery, and cellphones, key fobs, mildew-resistant fabric, and quick-dry fabric are some extra features that are available, and you should look for what suits your requirements.

If you are going to use your backpack cooler once every season, you can go for a cheaper, cost-effective backpack. But, if you’re someone who goes for fortnightly camps and hikes, you might want to go for a more expensive, durable, and comfortable backpack that is customized for your requirements.

Choose your backpack cooler according to the specific activity that you would use it for. An all-purpose cooler works fine, but it’s always better to get one that is specifically designed for a particular activity—like hiking, hunting, or picnics.

This is something that you would definitely need to keep in mind while choosing a backpack cooler for yourself. The number of cans that it states it can hold usually does not take ice or ice packs into account, so it’s best to take the manufacturer’s claims with a pinch of salt.

Do check out the number of storage compartments, zipper pockets, and mesh pockets and see if they will fulfill your requirements or not. Also check the size of the storage compartments.

Since you will be carrying it for an extended period of time, and it will usually have a weight of about 25 pounds, it’s vital that it is comfortable. Its weight should be evenly distributed and it should have an ergonomic design so that you can cover all the distance you want without any discomfort.

Do ensure that your backpack cooler is waterproof as ice will invariably melt, drinks will leak and spill, it will rain, and your trip might happen in water. It’s important that it’s leak-proof and doesn’t allow outside water to seep in.

Sristi Suman is a passionate writer who loves exploring games and adventure sports. Her interest and research skills help her write useful posts for her readers. Therefore, keeping in mind the convenience, durability, and functionality, she has prepared a list of the best backpack coolers. These products allow you to travel comfortably while carrying your water and food on your back. Read the post to learn the pros and cons of each recommended product and find a purchasing guide for informed buying assistance.

During summer, whether you’re going for a picnic in the park, beach, or hiking, the heat can make you crave cool drinks and beverages. At such times, having a backpack cooler can make a significant difference as they keep your food fresh and provide chilled drinks. Go through the infographic below for some features a good backpack cooler should have.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

1. Will water leak out as the ice melts?

This completely depends on the backpack you buy, but if the product doesn’t specifically mention that it’s leak-proof, it’s quite likely that it will leak. Make sure that it has features like sealed seams, a waterproof compartment, and watertight zippers as well.

2. How should a backpack cooler be cleaned and stored?

Usually just rinsing and drying your backpack cooler does the job pretty well. If there’s a food or some other spill, first clean it with soap and water, then wipe it out with disinfectant wipes, and then finally rinse it out and dry it thoroughly before storing.

3. How many drinks can I fit in a backpack cooler?

This once again is completely dependent on the size and dimensions of the backpack you choose, the amount of ice you are carrying, and the shape and size of the drinks being carried.

4. Are backpack coolers heavy?

Most backpack coolers are lightweight, but they may be heavier when they offer higher performances. However, the cushioned back and padded straps can support weight distribution.

5. Can I use dry ice in a backpack cooler?

Yes, you can use the dry ice, as it comes in handy when planning longer trips. It keeps the food cool for longer durations. Experts suggest placing the dry ice at the bottom and top of the food to keep the food frozen.

6. How can I properly pack a backpack cooler?

Fill a layer of dry ice and place the food that you won’t need until you reach the picnic spot at the bottom of the cooler. Cover it with a thin layer of ice. Now, add another layer of ice and place the heavier food items like beverages. Finally, place delicate food like crisp fruits or veggies.

Your backpack should also have enough space to carry other essentials such as keys, phone, and wallet. Once you lay your hands on a waterproof, mildew-proof, and quick-drying bag, you’re sorted for your next trip.

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