Finding yourself parched after walking down the hiking path, you reach into your backpack only to find a warm beverage.
Whether you are going on an adventure through your local park or traveling the unforgiving deserts of Arrakis, a cool beverage can instantly rejuvenate you.
Normal backpacks are good for carrying many things, but anything cool will quickly acclimatize to the outside temperature.
Cooler backpacks offer the versatility of traditional backpacks with the added bonus of being insulated. With that, let’s look at some of the best cooler backpacks in the market today.
All the cooler backpacks here are of high quality, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. Made of cutting edge nylons and antimicrobial liners, these are backpacks that can stand the test of time.
These cooler backpacks are able to keep your food and drinks at Hoth-like temperatures for several hours on end. The cooler backpacks in this list are the creme-de-la-creme, best of the best cooler backpack.
1. ENGEL USA Cooler Backpack
The extra-large 23-quart capacity offers a massive amount of room. Fill the Engel USA with a smorgasbord of drinks and snacks – able to contain a total of 24 cans of frosty drinks!
For those items that don’t require cooling, this bag is outfitted with 4 extra pockets. Inside the hardy liner can be removed for easy clean up after your trip is over.
Most impressively, ice can withstand even the most brutal Mordor summer with the ability to keep things frozen for up to 3 entire days. To maximize this insulation use the internal zippered side pockets, which are great for freezer packs.
2. Polar Bear Nylon Series Backpack Cooler
The Wolverine of the backpack cooler market. While not quite made out of Adamantium, it does have a tough 1000D nylon exterior. Able to take a high level of a punishment without ripping, scratching, or tearing.
The insides match its outside as well – using a double-coated FDA approved nylon. Able to hold onto 24 hours of frozen ice when packed correctly, along with being able to be compressed to half it’s normal size when not in use.
3. AO Backpack Cooler
Have a picnic on Death Mountain with this backpack cooler! It is able to hold ice for an entire day in 120 degree weather, so don’t think for a moment that AO didn’t create a hardy cooler.
The canvas made soft sides with removable shoulder strap means you won’t be getting uncomfortable wearing this product. On each side, there are two small pockets, along with a large compartment around back making it perfect for holding dry items.
Hike with confidence with the padded back straps and leak proof liner.
4. Igloo Hard Top Cooler Backpack
As the name suggests, this Igloo backpack has an extra dense top. The unique MaxCold insulation means there is a full 25% more foam, keeping beverages and snacks cooler for a longer period of time.
The molded main compartment protects the contents more securely than other cooler backpacks on the market. The ergonomic straps are padded for extra comfort, this means you can keep the spelunking and the party going for a long time.
So you need a cooler backpack on a budget
Maybe you don’t have the need for every bell and whistle many of the cooler backpacks give and just need something that will get the job done without sacrificing craftsmanship.
Whether you find yourself parched on a hot summer day or need to keep your gamer fuel cold, these cooler backpacks will get the job done.
5. Coleman CO03 Backpack Cooler
This stylish little cooler doesn’t lack in excellence. Coleman is a company that is renowned for creating affordable yet high-quality items, this backpack cooler is no exception.
The BPA free main compartment can hold up to 28 cans worth of icy beverages. On the front is a zippered front pocket that stores extra snacks and whatever else you decide to bring.
Made specifically from anti-microbial material, the Coleman CO03 can resist mold and mildew.
6. OAGear Backpack Cooler
One of the best backpack coolers for its price range. This affordable little cooler is reinforced with extra padding in the back and straps so you can lug your beverages and snacks far distances.
Reach into this pack and grab a soda or beer while you continue the raiding campaign in your favorite MMO. Able to hold 20 cans plus ice, along with 2 mesh side pockets, and a large front compartment means you won’t lack for refueling when the time calls.
7. Igloo Marine Square Backpack Cooler
A durable cooler backpack outfitted with .35 mm thick PEVA antimicrobial liner. In addition, this liner is odor and stain resistant along with being easy to clean.
Able to hold 3 dozen cans easily, the UV protective exterior will keep the heat out while the coolness stays in. One would half expect it to be forged by dwarves despite its cheap price.
Alas, this cooler is made from the Igloo Company, an organization notorious for creating superior products at a low price.
Final Verdict
With all these high quality and great backpack coolers, it is mind numbing just to pick one. Nonetheless, I have found the AO Backpack Cooler the best mix of quality and affordability.
- Soft-sided backpack cooler with removable shoulder strap
- Guaranteed to hold ice for 24 hours in 120 degree weather; 18-can capacity
- Perfect for travel, hiking, sporting events, and picnics
- Features two small side pockets and one large back pocket for dry items
- Twice the insulation of other soft-sided coolers; leak-proof liner
The ergonomic straps are padded along the entire backside that makes it comfortable. Made of a mold-resistant material, this product can easily withstand even the harshest of conditions.
The heavyweight leak proof liner along with a plethora of extra pockets makes me want to work it in as a piece of equipment for my next tabletop RPG campaign.
Final thoughts on the best cooler backpack
All in all you can’t go wrong with a single one of these products. The toughest would have to be the Engel USA Cooler Backpack, the cooler that gives you the best bang for your buck would undoubtedly be the OAGear bag.
Each one contains large compartments that can at minimum hold a dozen or so frosty beverages at once. Addition to this is the myriad of pockets, insulated interior, and padded straps.
Whether you are a mountain climber or video game enthusiast, you can’t lose with best cooler backpacks on the market.
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