The Cooler For Backpacking Of 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Cooler For Backpacking
Cooler For Backpacking

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: TOURIT Backpack Cooler

Experience the ultimate convenience and functionality with the TOURIT Backpack Cooler. This lightweight, durable cooler backpack is designed to keep your food and beverages chilled during outdoor adventures. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: SPARTER Backpack Cooler

This product is the perfect companion for those seeking a lightweight, efficient, and stylish cooler for their outdoor escapades. Designed with advanced insulation and a waterproof exterior, it guarantees the preservation of your drinks and snacks while providing ultimate comfort. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: ICEMULE Classic Backpack Cooler

The ICEMULE Classic Backpack Cooler is a rugged and versatile companion for your outdoor adventures. With its superior insulation and hands-free design, this cooler ensures your drinks and snacks stay cool while leaving your hands free to enjoy your activities. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Maelstrom Cooler Backpack

The Maelstrom Cooler Backpack is a versatile companion for your outdoor adventures. With its leak-proof and insulated design, this backpack keeps your food and beverages at the perfect temperature while providing comfort during long trips. Read Review

5. Best Performance: Arctic Zone Backpack Cooler

This backpack has many features, including a padded back with breathable mesh panels, adjustable straps, and multiple pockets. It's designed to keep your items cool, even in scorching heat, and offers excellent durability. Read Review

Are you an avid hiker or camper looking for a way to stay cool on your outdoor adventures? If so, a cooler for backpacking may be just what you need. From lightweight designs to insulated models, various options are available to fit your needs. Whether you're heading off on a day hike, a week-long camping trip, or a multi-day backpacking trek, a backpack cooler can help you stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.

Not only can a cooler keep your food and drinks cold, but it can also be used to store toiletries, medications, and other necessities. Moreover, many coolers are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry along on your outdoor excursions. Your outdoor adventures will be much more enjoyable with the suitable backpack cooler.

After extensive study and analysis over a 20 hours, We think the cooler for backpacking is TOURIT Backpack Cooler. Crafted with waterproof Oxford material, high-density foam insulation, and a leak-proof liner, this cooler backpack ensures your items stay cold for up to 16 hours. You can consider SPARTER Backpack Cooler as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are worth considering, and we've put up a helpful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 TOURIT Backpack Cooler
Our Score:
9.7
TOURIT

The TOURIT Backpack Cooler is a game-changer for portable cooling solutions. Crafted with waterproof Oxford material, high-density foam insulation, and a leak-proof liner, this cooler backpack ensures your items stay cold for up to 16 hours. Its spacious 25L capacity can comfortably accommodate at least 28 cans, making it perfect for picnics, road trips, hiking, and more.

You can easily organize and access your essentials with multiple pockets, including a roomy storage compartment, a zipper pocket on the lid, and large front and side mesh pockets. The versatility of this backpack cooler is a bonus, as it can also be used as a lunch backpack or daily pack. Nevertheless, there is a slight possibility of leakage when tilted over. But the TOURIT Backpack Cooler still remains an excellent choice for its lightweight yet durable design and ability to keep refreshments cool throughout your adventures.

TOP Choice #2 SPARTER Backpack Cooler
Our Score:
9.5
SPARTER

The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is a reliable and high-performing solution for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. With its thickened 8mm foam insulation and advanced silver PEVA seal, this cooler keeps your beverages and foods cool for up to 20 hours. The high-density scratch-resistant nylon material and a waterproof PU coating ensure durability and easy cleaning.

Weighing a mere 1.13 pounds, this portable cooler backpack surpasses the heaviness of traditional coolers, offering adjustable padded straps and a comfortable back for effortless carrying. Its two insulated compartments provide separate storage for cooling drinks and dry foods, while the front big pocket and side pockets offer additional space for your essentials. The only downside is that the straps can be ripped off after prolonged use. Overall, the SPARTER Backpack Cooler is a lightweight, practical, and spacious option that will give you a high-quality experience.

TOP Choice #3 ICEMULE Classic Backpack Cooler
Our Score:
9.3
IceMule

The ICEMULE Classic Backpack Cooler is the epitome of durability and versatility. Crafted with proprietary MuleSkin fabrics, welded seams, and PolarLayer insulation, this cooler guarantees strength and superior ice retention for more than 24 hours. It can hold 9 liters or six cans plus ice, providing ample refreshment space. The padded and ventilated sling strap ensures comfortable carrying, freeing up your arms to carry other adventure gear.

When not in use, this collapsible cooler can be easily rolled up and packed for your next destination, making it a perfect companion for travel enthusiasts. Its waterproof and buoyant features and zipper-less closure allow it to float alongside your kayak, even when fully loaded. The minor drawback is that it may have a strange smell when you first receive it. But it can disappear after using some time, so you don't need to worry much about that.

4 Maelstrom Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
9.1
Maelstrom

The Maelstrom Cooler Backpack has a high-density insulation material and leak-proof liner to ensure your food stays hot or cold for 16 hours. The interior lining is not only easy to clean but also of exceptional quality. Moreover, the thicker padded back, an ergonomic breathable design, and adjustable S-shaped shoulder straps ensure that fatigue won't dampen your adventurous spirit. It even features a shoulder strap card pocket for easy access.

Additionally, you can conveniently place condiment bottles on top of the tableware storage bag, and the shoulder strap boasts a stainless steel bottle opener for effortless drink access. The backpack's handle is labor-saving and durable, while the adjustable chest buckle distributes the weight evenly and doubles as a survival whistle. Nonetheless, the zipper on the top pocket can be broken if you use it too hard, so you need to use it carefully.

5 Arctic Zone Backpack Cooler
Our Score:
8.9
Arctic Zone

The Arctic Zone Backpack Cooler is a reliable companion for your outdoor adventures. Its padded back, featuring Cool Stream breathable mesh panels, ensures maximum journey comfort. The adjustable and padded straps enhance the overall experience, providing a customized fit that minimizes fatigue. With multiple layers of protection, this backpack keeps your items chilled, even in the face of intense heat. The ColdBlock base, equipped with thick layers of SuperFoam, also prevents conductive heat from reaching your belongings, protecting them from the hot ground.

Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the leak-proof lining with Microban. It protects against bacterial odors and stains and ensures easy maintenance. The Rhino-Tech stain and water-resistant barrier further enhance the backpack's durability, as it is abrasion and puncture-resistant, maintaining its integrity over time. Although it is a bit pricey, it is worth the price and will give a wonderful experience. 

6 ZAKEEP Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
8.7
ZAKEEP

The ZAKEEP Cooler Backpack can hold up to 36 cans and 5 pounds of ice and offers ample storage space. The side pockets are designed to accommodate four bottles of wine, and an extra insulated pocket keeps your fruit fresh and ready to enjoy. Equipped with thickened PEVA material and a layer of waterproof insulated foam, this backpack keeps your items cold, hot, or fresh for up to 16 hours. It also has upgraded leak-proof materials, so you can rest assured that your liquid contents will stay at their ideal temperature without worrying about leakage. 

With its assortment of compartments, this backpack offers excellent organization options. Additionally, the strap is equipped with a beer opener, and two side handles provide alternative carrying options. Unfortunately, it may become slightly heavy when fully loaded. However, the ergonomic and padded shoulder straps effectively alleviate shoulder pressure, ensuring a comfortable journey despite the weight.

7 Columbia PFG Backpack Cooler
Our Score:
8.5
Columbia

This remarkable cooler redefines outdoor storage, combining a spacious main compartment with advanced insulation technology. With its ThermaCool high-performance insulation and Therma-Flect radiant barrier, this cooler reflects heat rather than absorbing it, ensuring that your beverages and snacks stay refreshingly cool for extended periods.

The Ultra Safe, leak-proof lining with Microban protects against bacterial odors and stains and guarantees effortless cleaning. Additionally, the exterior of this cooler is crafted from Slime-Tech material, making it resistant to gunk, muck, and goo. This product is designed with the active user in mind. Its padded back, equipped with breathable mesh panels, ensures maximum comfort even during long hikes or beach outings. The adjustable, padded backpack straps allow you to customize the fit to your liking, ensuring optimal weight distribution. However, it would be best to have a chest strap to provide additional support, especially when the pack is full.

More To Consider

8 Wise Owl Outfitters Backpack Cooler
Our Score:
8.3
Wise Owl Outfitters

With its soft, waterproof insulation layers, you can trust that your drinks and snacks will stay arctic cold from morning till night, even under the scorching sun. The adjustable air valve is a convenient feature that allows you to customize the insulation according to your preference. Its generous capacity of up to 24 cans with ice makes it an ideal companion for camping trips and hiking adventures.

Constructed with heavyweight PEVA nylon and a thick thermal shield, this cooler backpack is leak-proof, weatherproof, and fully submersible. Furthermore, the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit and make it easy to carry, whether embarking on a beach adventure or heading to a bonfire. On the other hand, the straps may be a little uncomfortable for some. Nonetheless, this minor inconvenience can be mitigated with a little adjustment and proper weight distribution.

9 FE Active Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
7.8
FE Active
10 Iculbag Cooler Backpack
Our Score:
7.7
Iculbag

How to choose a good model of cooler for backpacking

Choosing the cooler for backpacking to buy might be difficult, but it is critical to locate a reputable brand that provides high-quality goods. This article will assist you in determining which is the greatest brand to purchase for high-quality items.

Before purchasing the cooler for backpacking for your needs, there are several aspects to consider. The intended usage of the product is the most significant aspect. To avoid harming customers, the finest goods must be ensured on production materials. Here are some suggestions for purchasing the cooler for backpacking.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

What type of cooler should I use for backpacking?

The best type of cooler to use for backpacking is a lightweight, compact cooler that is durable and well-insulated. Look for coolers made from strong materials such as rotomolded plastic or stainless steel, and make sure the insulation is thick enough to keep your food and drinks cold for several days. Additionally, you may want to consider a cooler with straps that you can attach to your backpack for easy transport.

How long will a cooler keep food and drinks cold while backpacking?

The amount of time a cooler will keep food and drinks cold will depend on a variety of factors including the type of cooler, the amount of insulation, and the temperature outside. Generally speaking, a well-insulated cooler can keep food and drinks cold for several days, even in hot weather.

How much should I expect to spend on a backpacking cooler?

The cost of a backpacking cooler will vary depending on the size, type, and features. In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on a good quality backpacking cooler.

Conclusion

We hope that our helpful advice has assisted you in locating the cooler for backpacking for your requirements. If you still can't locate one, contact the ICEMULE Backpack Cooler. If you encounter an issue, please contact us as soon as possible; we would be pleased to assist you with any questions or concerns. Now is an excellent moment to purchase!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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