10 Best Backpack Coolers Reviewed in 2018

Is your primary goal to have an epic weekend? If so, you’ll need to pack some of the good stuff. This backpack cooler can hold up to 18 standard 12oz cans, or 20 liters of space otherwise. Insulated dry bag design means you won’t be shaking the water off from your pack, or from the back of your shirt. One concern—which we’ll t ouch on in our buying guide—is comfort. If you’re going to pack heavy, you’ll be putting stress on your shoulders for long hours during a hike. You want to ensure there’s excellent comfort, and IceMule’s padded straps give you comfort when it’s needed most.

The king of outdoors is Coleman—they make just about everything you could ever want for the perfect camping trip or hike. They wasted no time hopping on the backpack cooler scene. This backpack comes in with slightly lower storage capabilities from our top model on the list, but it’s made of more lightweight material. If you’re packing light, packing ice, and packing up for the weekend, you’d better remember your buddy Coleman.

Igloo’s been one of those brands that have graced backyard barbeques for decades, and they’ve made a portable way to enjoy ice-cold food and drink on the go. This pack comes with an extremely comfortable set of straps, so your heavy cargo doesn’t leave marks on your shoulder. Stain-resistant and odor-resistant, this model is the perfect companion to a solo weekend out on the lake with a fishing rod, or a hike in the hills with a few good friends. Either way, it’s what you make out of it. Wouldn’t you want to pop down an Igloo anywhere you go?

Everyone looks better in black (especially when’re carrying beer in a bag on their back). Dakine offers an ultra stylish backpack cooler that hits the mark on effectivity and comfort. Broad straps are designed for optimal comfort, while giving you the option of carrying dry items alongside your ice/drinks. This acts as a laptop/tablet bag, which is padded to prevent breakage, alongside other little pockets to make the most out of your journey. Anyone up for a movie and drink under the stars? This pack is also optimal for the commuting businessman—want an icy energy drink on the way home from work while you read a book on your iPad? Dakine has you covered.

This backpack cooler was designed with party camping in mind. If you’re hitting the trail with your mates to park on the top of a peak and enjoy a bonfire, pretty women, and a cold drink, you need to bring along your Arctic Zone as a secret weapon. Ice remains up to two days, so weekenders are welcome. This comes with ten total storage areas, and goes wherever you go with ultra comfort and a stylish design. (Pro tip: Buy some ice packs so you’re not dealing with a watery mess in your bag. This will hold water, but nobody likes wet snacks.)

The key reason that you want a cooler is to make your hike that much more fun, but it’s also great for those who work outside all day, or those that work on the road (truckers, this is excellent for storing snacks on the road). Truth be told, this pack is probably the most versatile on this list—whether you’re commuting daily or you want a go-bag to just take the weekend by storm, you’ll be able to get the most out of your North Coyote. Comfortable straps, ergonomic design, appropriate weight distribution—this pack has it all.

Function meets flair—with over five styles/colors to choose from and a 20-can capacity (plus ice), you’re ready to rock and roll. For the lowest cost on our list, you can go from work to play in a snap. Leave the office and hit the beach with your mates, or hit the train and head out of town on a whim. The choice is yours, but one thing you can’t be caught without is a prime cooler backpack. With adjustable, comfortable straps, external pockets for snacks, and a non-leak liner, what have you got to lose?

Do you go heavy duty in every single aspect of your life? If you burn through though your apparel quickly, then you know how crucial it is to have material that’s going to last. That’s especially true for your cooler backpack—it’s going to hold an immense weight while bouncing on your back through the hiking trail. This model comes with heavy duty 1680D fabric (tear proof), comes with multiple pockets and zippers to store smaller items/snacks, and fits comfortably on your shoulders.

If you’re all about additional store, you’ll find plenty of pockets and ample space in the main compartment of DA Gear’s Royal Cooler. Mesh pockets allow you to store small snacks, while other compartments allow you to store your phone with ease. Go hiking or has a cold drink on the commute home with this no-leak interior liner, or pack up hot food to enjoy throughout the day. It’s all up to how you use it, because this pack is ready for anything.

Igloo’s been around for ages thanks to their fantastic seal and ability to keep your favorite food and drinks cold for days. It’s all in the title—this slender vertical pack is designed to go with you and keep you prepared for anything. Carry your EDC pouch in the external pocket, and utilize the padded compartment to safely store a tablet or small laptop/phone. Straps fit comfortably.