Best 19 Backpacks with Cooler: Stay Cool and Hydrated

Whether you’re heading to the beach, camping in the woods, or just running errands around town, a backpack with cooler can keep your drinks and snacks cold while you’re on the go. Our carefully selected picks balance durability, insulation, and practical features to help you find the perfect pack for your adventures.

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Reviews

Ohio State Buckeyes Zuma Backpack Cooler

The Ohio State Buckeyes Zuma Backpack Cooler blends athletic performance with practical outdoor functionality. Its dual-compartment design keeps your gear sorted – the insulated bottom cradles 20 cans while the breathable mesh top protects your clothes from river crossings. With a handy cell phone pocket and roomy exterior pockets, this durable polyester backpack makes every trip feel a little more game-day.

GARDRIT Insulated Backpack Cooler

This insulated backpack cooler brings party-ready freshness wherever you go, with room for 45 cans of coldness and beyond. The leakproof design keeps your snacks and drinks accident-free, while the padded, eco-friendly interior holds up to 12 hours of chilly goodness. At just 1.66 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry around your favorite refreshments for any outdoor adventure.

FORICH Soft Cooler Backpack

This watermelon red backpack cooler combines style with functionality, featuring a generous 30-can capacity with leak-proof insulation that keeps drinks cold for hours. The roomy backpack includes multiple pockets for organization, from the main insulated compartment to the handy front pocket and internal mesh pockets. Built for comfort with padded back and shoulder straps, it’s perfect for both men and women heading to the beach, camping, or out for a casual hike.

Igloo Luxe Backpack

This stylish backpack has a lovely leather finish that gives it a grown-up look, perfect for carrying a change of clothes or work supplies. The dual-compartment design keeps your liquids and solids separate, while the generous 16-can capacity means you can pack plenty of stuff. The insulated sides do a great job of keeping drinks cold, though you might want to make sure the bottom compartment is full to prevent tipping.

RTIC 15 Can Insulated Cooler with Extra Pockets

This 15-can cooler backpack has proven itself reliable for both daily use and multi-day adventures, keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours and snacks fresh during travel. Despite minor drawbacks like the occasional stubborn zipper and limited pocket depth, reviewers praise its durability and spacious design, with some noting it comfortably exceeds its advertised capacity. Whether you’re commuting to work, hitting the trails, or camping in the woods, this lightweight insulated backpack delivers on its promise of keep cool, stay comfortable.

Igloo Trailmate 24-Can Backpack

Hauling a case of drinks or perishables into the great outdoors just got 21st-century cool with the Igloo Trailmate 24-Can Backpack. Its MaxCold Ultra insulation keeps your brews icy for days, while the spacious main compartment lets you cram in everything from sandwiches to spare clothes. Whether you’re car camping, hiking, or hanging out at the lake, this blue-backpack cooler has got you covered (or should we say, packed? ).

Igloo Ringleader Backpack Cooler

This backpack cooler earned high praise for its spacious 18-can capacity and impressive insulation, though some noted minor durability issues. Reviewers particularly loved the convenient design features like the hand-sanitizer bottle holder and multiple storage pockets. At just 1.034 lbs, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its size, making it a practical choice despite minor drawbacks.

RTIC 15 Can Backpack Coolers

This RTIC backpack cooler keeps your drinks and food cold in its 15-can capacity while the top lid’s interior mesh pocket handles your sandwich and yogurt needs. The heavy-duty polyester construction and padded shoulder strap make it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures, whether you’re kayaking, hiking, or running errands.

RTIC 20 Can Insulated Backpack Cooler

The RTIC backpack cooler offers impressive cold-holding capacity with a 36-can version measuring 15 x 10 x 20.25 inches and a 24-can model at 12 x 10 x 16 inches. Built for durability with premium insulation, it excels at keeping your items chilled for extended periods. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or picnicking, the 100% waterproof cooler provides reliable temperature control, floating capability, and secure zipper protection against spills and leaks.

Maelstrom 35 Can Insulated Backpack

This blue backpack cooler from Maelstrom is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep their drinks and food cold during camping trips and hikes. With a generous 32-liter capacity, it can hold 35 cans and has three separate compartments for organization. The polyester construction is both lightweight and durable, while the collapsible design makes it easy to pack and carry. The cooler keeps contents cold for 16 hours thanks to its insulated chambers.

Carhartt Brown Cooler Backpack

From carrying distilled water for purification to keeping lunch cold on motorcycle rides, this versatile Carhartt cooler backpack nails the basics while exceeding expectations in everyday use. Whether you’re commuting, camping, or just running errands, it pulls off the perfect balance of functionality and durability you’d expect from the brand.

ETRONIK Laptop Backpack with Insulated Lunch Bag

Made from durable Oxford cloth with an insulated lunch bag that keeps food warm or cold for hours, this backpack pairs a roomy main compartment with separated compartments for tablets, files, and personal items. The practical design lets you switch between laptop backpack, work bag, or insulated lunch carrier, complete with a handy USB port for charging on the go (power bank not included). The padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh pockets make it comfortable for daily use, whether you’re commuting to work, hiking, or running errands.

CleverMade 18 Can Insulated Backpack Cooler

This insulated backpack cooler keeps drinks cold with thick padding and leakproof construction. The comfortable padded straps and convenient bottle opener make it perfect for outdoor adventures. With a spacious design that fits 18 cans plus ice, it’s ideal for picnics, sports events, and day trips.

519 Fitness Meal Prep Backpack

This versatile backpack combines an impressive 30-liter capacity with carefully thought-out organization, featuring three main pockets for food, clothing, and gear plus several practical mesh pockets on the sides. The insulated core compartment keeps your lunch fresh and tasty, while the easy-access front pocket and removable insulated sections make it perfect for both casual day trips and structured meal prep routines. Built for today’s active lifestyle, the Traveling and Hiking backpack from Five One Nine brings together functionality and durability in a sleek, modern design.

Igloo 65221 30-Can Cooler

The sturdy Igloo Gizmo backpack keeps your gear cold with its extra-thick insulation and leak-proof inner liner. The padded back and adjustable straps make it comfy to carry, whether you’re hitting the trails or heading to work. With multiple pockets for snacks and drinks, this cooler backpack is a solid choice for weekend getaways or daily commutes.

Everlasting Comfort Insulated Cooler Backpack

This insulated backpack keeps your drinks cold for hours and can carry 54 cans plus 4 pounds of ice. The 34-liter bag has dual wine bottle pockets and a built-in bottle opener. Made with Peva insulation and water-resistant materials, it features multiple compartments and padded straps for comfort. The reflective strips make it visible in low light, and the padded back keeps you comfortable during long trips.

Igloo Purple Retro Backpack Cooler

This spacious backpack cooler brings retro vibes to outdoor adventures with its vibrant purple design. The padded straps make it comfy for carrying, whether you’re heading to the beach or just running errands. With roomy compartments that keep drinks cold for hours, it’s a stylish pick for anyone who loves the nostalgia of 80s design.

RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler

When the RTIC cooler backpack failed to live up to expectations as a reliable hiking companion, it still shone as a formidable cold-keeper that defied its design flaws through four years of service. With robust insulation that outperformed expectations and premium construction that earned praise from long-term users, the cooler proved itself a capable friend to those who prioritize its primary function over its less successful attempts at backpack ergonomics.

15.6 Inch Standing Screen Display

The ETRONIK backpack pairs a sleek, feminine design with practical functionality, perfect for daily commutes or workdays. With its insulated lunch compartment and roomy main section, it keeps food fresh and organized – bonus points for the thoughtful side pockets that hold bottles and umbrellas. The oxford cloth construction feels sturdy enough for daily use, while the adjustable straps make it comfy for all-day wear.

Buyer’s Guide

A backpack with a built-in cooler combines the convenience of outdoor gear with the need for cold storage, making it a practical choice for camping trips, day hikes, or tailgating events. This guide helps you find the right backpack cooler by considering key features and capacity options.

Capacity and Size Considerations

The most important factor is how much cold storage you need. Common capacities range from 15 to 30 liters for day trips, while longer excursions may require 50-liter models or larger. Measure your intended food and beverages to determine the necessary capacity.

Insulation and Temperature Retention

Backpack coolers typically use foam insulation with a thermal barrier. Higher-quality models feature double-wall construction and premium insulation materials that maintain cold temperatures longer. Look for coolers rated to stay cold for 24-48 hours with a full load.

Design and Features

Choose a backpack cooler with features that enhance usability. Common improvements include external handles for easy carrying, shoulder straps for backpacking comfort, and drain valves for quick emptying. Some models feature mesh pockets for dry storage or insulated bottle holders.

Maintenance and Durability

Materials significantly impact longevity. Premium backpack coolers use durable polyethylene or rubber construction that resists cracking and damage. Check for corrosion-resistant hardware, such as stainless steel clips, and ensure the cooler dries completely after each use to prevent mold and mildew.

FAQ

What is a backpack with cooler?

A backpack with cooler combines the convenience of a hiking backpack with an insulated section designed to keep your food and drinks cold. These versatile bags feature padded back panels, comfortable shoulder straps, and often include organizational pockets for water bottles and food storage.

They’re ideal for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and picnics where you need to transport cold items without the hassle of separate ice packs.

How do backpack coolers work?

Most backpack coolers maintain cold temperatures through a combination of insulated walls and a gel pack or ice sleeve. Some models incorporate dual cooling compartments with separate gel packs, allowing you to maintain different temperatures for various food items.

The cooling capacity typically ranges from 20 to 50 pounds, depending on the model, making them suitable for overnight trips or day-long adventures.

What size backpack cooler do I need?

For day trips, a 12-15 quart cooler is sufficient for a few snacks and a water bottle. Overnight trips require at least 20-25 quarts to keep food and drinks cold throughout the night. Multi-day hikes may need 35-50 quarts to store all necessary provisions.

Consider adding 10% extra capacity for items like ice, which melt during the day and need to stay cold overnight.

What materials are backpack coolers made from?

Most backpack coolers are made from lightweight, water-resistant materials like polyester or nylon, with insulated walls filled with foam or air. Some premium models feature stainless steel interiors for easier cleanup and longer-lasting insulation.

The exterior usually includes padded back panels, shoulder straps, and grab handles for comfort during use. Some models incorporate waterproof zippers and reinforced stitching for durability.

How often do backpack coolers need maintenance?

Regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining your backpack cooler’s performance and hygiene. Wipe down the interior and exterior after each use with mild soap and water, and allow it to air dry completely before storing.

Check the seals on the cooler’s closure system for any wear or damage, and replace the gel packs or ice sleeves according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain optimal cooling performance.

What is the best backpack cooler brand?

Popular brands like Yeti, Sea to Summit, and Osprey offer durable, reliable backpack coolers with excellent temperature retention. Yeti’s hard-sided coolers are the most weatherproof, while Sea to Summit’s soft-sided models are more packable and less expensive.

For Osprey enthusiasts, their DayHawk and DayHawk Pro models combine great insulation with comfortable backpack design. Always consider your specific needs, such as size requirements and material preferences, when selecting a brand.

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