The Best Backpack With Cooler Compartment For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Backpack With Cooler Compartment
Best Backpack With Cooler Compartment

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Carhartt Cooler Backpack

This 2-in-1 marvel combines a spacious backpack with a fully insulated cooler compartment, eliminating the need for separate carriers. Crafted from robust 600 denier fabric and featuring Rain Defender water repellent, it's your go-to for picnics, camping, or job sites. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: HILUSEN Backpack

HILUSEN Backpack has an innovative design and multifunctional features. From an insulated lunch box compartment to TSA approval for seamless airport navigation, this backpack seamlessly blends practicality and style for the modern explorer. Read Review

3. Best Leakproof: OUTXE Backpack

The OUTXE Backpack is a transformative solution to the age-old problem of juggling multiple bags. With a built-in cooler and spacious laptop compartment, this backpack is your all-in-one companion for work, outdoor activities, and more. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Arctic Zone Backpack

The Arctic Zone Backpack is a versatile companion for your outdoor escapades. This backpack cooler stands out with its Titan Guide Series, featuring innovative insulation technology that keeps your beverages frosty for up to three days. Read Review

5. Best Design: T.O.M HORIZONS Backpack

Meet the T.O.M Horizons Backpack – your heavy-duty companion for extended outdoor ventures. This backpack goes beyond keeping your refreshments cool, offering tactical design, durability, and even a bonus credit card multi-tool. Read Review

Are you looking for the best backpack with a cooler compartment? Whether you’re a camper, hiker, or traveler, having a backpack with a cooler compartment is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold. Not to mention, a bag with a cooler compartment also provides you with plenty of storage space for your other items.

With so many backpacks on the market, knowing which is best for you can be challenging. That’s why we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the best backpacks with a cooler compartment. We’ve looked at factors such as durability, comfort, features, and price to determine which bag is the best for you. So, whether you’re looking for gear for a camping trip, a day hike, or a weekend getaway, check out our list of the best bags with a cooler compartment. 

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 16 hours to get such results for readers. As a result, We believe the best backpack with cooler compartment is Carhartt Cooler Backpack. Crafted from sturdy 600 denier fabric with Rain Defender water repellent, it's a reliable companion for outdoor activities. If you're seeking additional options and more in-depth advice, check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Carhartt Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
9.8
Carhartt

Carhartt's Cooler Backpack is a testament to thoughtful design and robust construction. Crafted from sturdy 600 denier fabric with Rain Defender water repellent, it's a reliable companion for various outdoor activities. The insulated base compartment can accommodate up to 12 cans, ensuring your refreshments stay cold for an impressive 8+ hours.

Measuring 21” X 16.5” X 10”, this backpack provides ample space for your essentials. Moreover, the contour-fit shoulder straps enhance comfort, making them easy to carry even on long journeys. Its large main compartment boasts mesh pockets, adding an extra layer of organization for food items, apparel, or other gear. The only minor drawback is the cup holders being slightly short, but it is not a big deal. Overall, the Carhartt's Cooler Backpack is still an ideal choice for camping, picnics, tailgates, or job sites.

TOP Choice #2 HILUSEN Backpack
Our Score:
9.6
HILUSEN

The HILUSEN Backpack is a game-changer for those who demand efficiency without sacrificing style. The insulated cooler compartment ensures your food and drinks remain at the right temperature, making it an excellent choice for work, picnics, hiking, or travel. The 50L capacity and over 15 functional pockets provide ample space for all your essentials.

This travel-friendly design is highlighted by the fact that this backpack is certified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and can be opened to 90-180 degrees for speedy security checks. Adding a touch of modernity to the bag for professionals constantly on the move is the 17.3-inch laptop compartment, which also features a USB charging outlet.

However, it would be best if the lunch box portion could be slightly more rigid. Nevertheless, this slight drawback is eclipsed by the backpack's overall brilliance. Whether commuting, traveling, or embarking on weekend adventures, the HILUSEN Backpack ensures you do it with style and efficiency.

TOP Choice #3 OUTXE Backpack
Our Score:
9.4
OUTXE

OUTXE's Backpack is a true marvel, seamlessly merging functionality and innovation. This backpack has a capacity of 22 liters, a compartment specifically designed for a laptop measuring 15.6 inches, and a cooler that can keep your food and beverages fresh for up to 18 hours.

The backpack's leakproof design ensures worry-free transport of your favorite drinks and snacks. With multiple pockets, including a large zippered back pocket for laptops and small front pockets for essentials, staying organized has never been easier. Furthermore, the dual adjustable padded shoulder straps and thick back padding guarantee maximum comfort, even during extended wear. While the OUTXE Backpack boasts many advantages, a minor inconvenience is the lack of support for the backpack to stay upright. However, this is a small trade-off for the convenience and versatility it brings to your daily routine.

4 Arctic Zone Backpack
Our Score:
9.3
Arctic Zone

The Arctic Zone Backpack is an ideal partner for hiking and camping enthusiasts. The Deep Freeze High Performance Insulation ensures your favorite beverages stay chilled for three impressive days, offering a refreshing break in the wilderness. With a capacity to hold up to 30 cans, this cooler is perfect for group adventures. Nevertheless, the zippers can be stuck sometimes.

The Microban Antimicrobial Protection is a lifetime shield against bacterial odors and stains. This, coupled with the extra thick Ultra Safe lining, makes cleaning a breeze. Its exterior, crafted with water and stain-repellent fabric, also provides resilience to withstand the rigors of outdoor exploration.

Organization is critical, and the Arctic Zone Backpack excels with multiple compartments and pockets. Every detail is designed for convenience, from a spacious interior ice pack pocket to elasticized gear straps in the front storage compartment. The padded back and adjustable, breathable mesh shoulder straps also enhance comfort during extended wear.

5 T.O.M HORIZONS Backpack
Our Score:
9.2
T.O.M HORIZONS

The T.O.M Horizons Backpack provides an impressive 18 hours of insulation in the main compartment, keeping your food and drinks at the perfect temperature. With a spacious 33-liter main compartment and 4 large compartments, it can carry up to 35 soda cans, making it ideal for extended trips. The main insulated compartment is fused with a watertight seal, ensuring no drop escapes. Nonetheless, the handle may come loose after extended use.

The exterior is crafted from waterproof, heavy-duty material and protects against the elements, making it a reliable companion in unpredictable weather. Moreover, the heavily padded mesh back pads offer breathability, and reinforced shoulder straps with chest and abdomen securing straps ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even after hours of exploration. The inclusion of a molle system allows for additional attachments. It also comes with a credit card multi-tool, boasting up to 46 tools in one. From screwdrivers to a bottle opener, it's a handy addition for any outdoor enthusiast.

6 TOURIT Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
9.1
TOURIT

TOURIT Cooler Backpack is a perfect choice for those seeking durability and ample storage. Crafted from leak-resistant fabric, this soft cooler stands ready for picnics, road trips, hiking, and camping. Boasting a generous 21L capacity, it accommodates up to 36 cans with ice, making it an ideal choice for group escapades. The minor issue is that the straps can be ripped at sewing points after a long time, so you need to use and maintain them carefully.

Additionally, the airtight zipper and sealing process design ensures a 100% leakproof experience. The High-Density insulation material takes the stage, guaranteeing that your food stays hot or cold for an impressive three days. Its organization meets style with multiple pockets strategically placed for convenience. From side pockets for dry items to front straps perfect for outdoor accessories, the TOURIT Cooler Backpack has a place for everything. Even a dedicated beer opener on the strap ensures you're always prepared for a refreshing pause.

7 Columbia PFG Backpack
Our Score:
9.0
Columbia

The Columbia PFG Backpack is unique because of its Therma-Flect radiant barrier, delivering optimal insulation to maintain the perfect temperature for snacks and beverages. Whether you're hiking, camping, or enjoying a day at the beach, this cooler's Therma-Flect Insulation keeps contents cold or frozen for hours, verified by independent lab tests.

The Slime-Tech exterior is a game-changer, resisting gunk and goo effortlessly. The cleanup process becomes a breeze, emphasizing that this cooler performs superbly and stays aesthetically pleasing inside and out. Moreover, its adjustable shoulder straps ensure comfort during transportation, allowing you to pack this cooler to the brim without feeling the strain.

While the Ultra Safe feature guarantees compliance with FDA and CPSC safety standards, ensuring the interior is free from harmful elements like BPA and PVC, it's crucial to note a minor drawback. In some instances, the cooler may leak if not kept upright. However, this can be easily managed with mindful handling.

More To Consider

8 MIER Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
8.8
MIER

The MIER Cooler Backpack is a versatile companion, featuring a top "dry" compartment and a cooler compartment with a heat-sealed leakproof lining. Keeping your belongings separate from your food, this backpack ensures you're well-prepared for any adventure. The padded laptop compartment, accommodating up to 15.6-inch laptops, adds a touch of practicality for work or leisure.

With seven organized storage spaces, including a secret velvet-lined small pocket and mesh side pockets, this backpack is a daily organizational haven. Plus, the padded back and breathable shoulder straps guarantee comfort, and the water-resistant hexagon fabric ensures long-lasting performance, making it perfect for various activities.

The minor drawback is that the insulation in the cooler compartment is a bit thin, but it is not a big deal and doesn't affect the overall quality much, so you don't need to worry about that.

9 BERTASCHE Backpack
Our Score:
8.7
BERTASCHE

The BERTASCHE Backpack is a spacious marvel, offering a large capacity that accommodates a laptop, A4 folders, clothing, water bottles, and more. Its well-thought-out compartments, including a zippered main pocket with a dedicated laptop compartment and tablet pouch, ensure easy packing and meticulous organization. The exterior boasts additional pockets, including a top front, organizer, side, and rear pocket, providing ample space for all your essentials. Unfortunately, some of the stitching is not very great.

Besides, it has a removable cooler lunch box that can hold up to 10 drinks or 2 food containers. The outside pocket is perfect for utensils, enhancing the backpack's functionality for daily use or mini-vacations. Its portable top handle on the lunch box adds to its convenience, making it a versatile accessory. The multi-purpose use of this backpack, with its 2-in-1 design and Molle compatibility, allows it to transition seamlessly from a laptop backpack to a work or travel companion, making it suitable for various occasions.

10 Pelican Backpack
Our Score:
8.5
Pelican

Crafted with an 840D nylon outer shell and double-coated TPU, the Pelican Backpack provides durability and resilience. The puncture-resistant material stands up to the rigors of outdoor use, providing a protective shield for your gear. The lightweight design with padded shoulder straps allows ultimate portability without compromising strength. Moreover, the compression-molded base enhances the backpack's structure and durability, ensuring it maintains its form even in challenging environments. Its leak-resistant zipper has a waterproof seal, keeping ice and contents where they belong.

The insulated inner walls, constructed with high-density closed-cell foam, deliver exceptional insulation, preserving the desired temperature for an extended duration. Plus, the 13-liter upper compartment and 5.4-liter lower compartment offer ample storage, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who demand both performance and reliability. However, it would be best if the top had a zipper.

Buying Guides For Efficiently Picking The best backpack with cooler compartment

Experts advise that it is necessary to take a close look at the style, functionality, and value of the items you love. The most highly recommended way to know if a product is the best is by its quality checking.

The quality of the best backpack with cooler compartment will be a vital factor, which plays a decisive role in your experience of this product. Moreover, you guys always wanna products with high-quality standards and valuable characteristics, which best suits your desired needs.

So, how can you know if your selected best backpack with cooler compartment is of the best quality? The buying guide section below will present to you some tips for the most efficient purchase. Take a close look at the following guides!

Cooler Sizes (Capacities)

A few things to consider before we get started: Size. Importantly, coolers do not measure the interior capacity of all models. Some coolers use cans to measure interior capacity, others use liters or quarts. However, most manufacturers use quarts as a unit of measure. We've used that measurement in this article when it was possible. A final point: Don't let the product name fool you.

Cooler Construction

There are two main types of construction techniques used to make premium hard-sided coolers: injection molding and rotational molding. Yeti popularized rotomolding (even though they weren't technically the first company to do so) and is the dominant market at the top end. This type of cooler is made from a single, continuous piece of plastic which is then rotated to form the desired shape. These coolers have fewer stress points, so they are more likely to break under pressure. They also feature a thicker outer shell that ensures exceptional durability. Cost and weight are the main drawbacks.

Cooler Drain Systems

Many of our hard-sided coolers have drainage systems that allow you to drain the water out once the ice is melted. This is usually a pop-off or screw-on cap located at the bottom of cooler. Simply remove it and let the water flow out.

Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers

We mentioned above that if you have cooler needs such as mobility and large capacity or maximum ice retention it is a good idea to look into a hard-sided rolling model. These wheeled monsters can still be difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, and will need assistance if there is no clear path. A rolling cooler is a good choice for camping, tailgating or days at the beach.

Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities

Ice retention is one of the most difficult things to determine when researching coolers. This is largely due to external factors. The temperature of the air and direct sunlight have a significant impact. Ice quantity is also important. Most brands suggest a ratio of 2:1. You should also open the lid as often as possible to let warm and cold air into your cooler. Pre-chilling your cooler before loading it is a good idea to ensure maximum efficiency. To reduce the cooler's interior temperature, you should fill it with ice at least for a couple of hours. Once you are ready to go, add fresh ice in the right ratio. You can also expect your cooler to become pre-warmed if it is left out in the sunlight before you load it up.

Weight And Portability

Weighing your cooler is an important factor for those who will be carrying it or moving it around regularly. For models with less capacity, they can weigh as little as 10-15 pounds and up to 50+ for those that have 75+ quarts storage. This number goes up dramatically when you load it down with food and drinks. Even though the handles are made of rope, some are plastic and others are nylon. They are too heavy to be carried for extended distances. We recommend wheels if portability is important. They are easier to carry for longer periods of time and more convenient for one person, so they're less burdensome.

Bear-Resistant Ratings

Many top-rated hard-sided coolers can be listed as being bear-resistant. This is an important consideration if you are camping in bear territory. You should specifically look out for IGBC ratings. This indicates that a cooler has been tested and is in compliance with their regulations. You should ensure your cooler is included if you plan to travel in bear-proof gear or frequent backcountry areas.

Cooler Latch And Closure Systems

The cooler's closure or latch is a key feature of premium models and will play a major role in cooling performance. Two rubber T-handles are a common feature on high-end, hard-sided coolers. They keep the lid in place and prevent it from opening. They are extremely sturdy and user-friendly.

FAQs

What is a backpack with a cooler compartment?

A backpack with a cooler compartment is a type of backpack that includes an insulated lining or pocket designed to keep food and beverages cold. It is a great way to transport cold items on the go.

What are the benefits of using a backpack with a cooler compartment?

Using a backpack with a cooler compartment can help keep your food and beverages fresh and cold for longer periods of time. This can be especially beneficial when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a refrigerator or cooler. It can also be helpful for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and picnics.

How do I use a backpack with a cooler compartment?

To use a backpack with a cooler compartment, simply pack your food and beverages in the insulated lining or pocket. Make sure to fill the compartment with ice or ice packs to ensure that your items stay cold. You may also want to consider using a separate cooler bag or hard-sided cooler to keep your items even colder.

How do I clean a backpack with a cooler compartment?

To clean a backpack with a cooler compartment, first empty out any contents and discard them. Then, remove the lining or pocket from the backpack and hand wash it with warm soap and water. Allow the lining or pocket to air dry before re-inserting it into the backpack. Finally, wipe down the exterior of the backpack with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

In short, we’ve included all the most outstanding best backpack with cooler compartment found on the market during this time. Simultaneously, the detailed description and useful tips for best backpack with cooler compartment selection are shown with clarity. In case you cannot afford these options, then the Pelican Backpack will be your new buddy. If you want more information about the best backpack with cooler compartment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is always here to support you guys!

 


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio