Best Backpack Coolers to Buy – Reviews & Buying Guide

Backpack cooler is an essential item specially for keeping your foods and drinks cold during trips or picnics. But finding the best backpack cooler is sometimes difficult for both new and experienced buyers as there are huge number of cooler bags available on market. Here, in this article we have listed some of the best insulated backpack cooler that are available on market. Though it is very tough to find a product that fulfill all our needs, you will find some excellent backpack cooler bag in our list that will definitely credible and fulfill most of your demands.

Whenever you plan for traveling or any other family outing, you may needs to carry your snacks, meals and drinks in order to keep yourself well fed and hydrated throughout the trip. But foods are septic and have a tendency to rot quickly. Therefore, foods also attract various bacteria if you keep them open for a long time. So, if you want to keep your foods safe during your trip, you must need a portable cooler.

But, carrying a traditional cooler on cycling, climbing or hiking is very difficult because you need your hands to work. Don’t worry, modern technology has made this easier to carry a portable cooler. Having an insulated backpack cooler bag is one and only solution for carrying your foods and drinks comfortably on your shoulders. So, pick the best backpack cooler and walk-around nicely.

01. Polar Bear (Nylon Series) – The Best Backpack Cooler of All Time

This backpack cooler bag is considered to be one of the most durable one in the market. Its manufacturer’s rightly claim it to never tear or rip apart which is not so hard to believe as there’s no place you can find a single one torn or ripped. This bag also has unbreakable zippers which make it an ideal package for any kind of rough tours. All the hardware that is part of the polar bear cooler is unbreakable. So you don’t have to worry about changing it once you buy it for a long time or maybe never.

It has a high solidity insulation which can make ice last frozen for approximately twenty four hours if only packed in the correct manner. This is one of the best backpack cooler available on market that provides full day insulation. It has adjustable shoulder pads which makes it easier to carry for long periods of times without stressing invariantly on particular points of the shoulder.

The most attractive part of this insulated backpack cooler bag is the customization option. Get whatever you want written on it from your initials to quotes or anything of your choice or even get them embroidered. Since it is highly durable the company offers a life time warranty claiming it to be leak and sweat proof. It can also be compressed pretty easily if vacant so even if it’s not in use it won’t take much of your place or effort even if kept alongside.

Things to Remember

When purchasing, just make sure you pack it rightly to ensure its cooling effect for longer periods. It requires a slightly careful packing technique otherwise the leaking air causes heat to tamper the cool maintained temperature. The straps can be uncomfortable at times too due to its sharp edges, long time wearing may cause some irritation as well. You don’t buy backpacks everyday neither would you want to buy them periodically so if you’re looking for reliability and durability grab this best backpack cooler without further thinking.

02. Engel USA Cooler Bag

This large cooler bag is heavily insulated and can be used best for picnics or trips. It can hold up to 25 quart. The organized compartments make it very easy to store snacks, drinks and meals separately and in required temperatures. This bag is entirely water resistant too, with zippers that are water repellent material. The bag is the best backpack cooler bag due to its highly effective cooling mechanism.

This cooler bag comes with a removable cooler pack, which can be used to store items into further compartments without adding ice since the pack is extremely insulated. Also the compartments come with fasteners and are attachable by hook! So you don’t need to carry the whole huge bag if only few items are intended to be carried. Comes with an anti-microbial feature which keeps the bag clean from leakages and spills of drinks and food.

Things to Remember

Along with so many cool features, there’s something that you may not like. This cooler bag doesn’t come with a back padding so the only way to carry it is around the arm or with hand. Which also means that it cannot be carried for longer distances and will only be used for picnics or smaller trips. This might be an issue for those who are travelers. If carried for long distances while in full capacity, the straps might not be strong enough to be durable and last longer, they might snap spilling almost anything inside. Instead of this, you can consider Engel Backpack as another best backpack cooler and buy this for long time use.

03. AO Cooler Backpack

AO cooler backpack comes with a variety of six colors. It is suitable for both long and short trips and have back pads as well as shoulder straps for the ease of the user, whichever way they like to carry it. It looks quite sluggish but has a good durability to overcome its look. One of the best backpack cooler can be AO cooler backpack for its good to go features and all-rounder impact. The external material is made with canvas whereas the interior has two types of insulation in different compartments for different purposes.

The height of the bag is 14”, the length is 7”, and the width is 16”. This moderate size backpack cooler have many features as well. It can be used for fishing purpose, hiking purpose, sports, events and picnics as well it has good thick layer of insulation which can keep warm things warm and cold things cold. There are smaller compartments too to keep essentials like wallet, medication and small electronic devices.

This backpack guarantees no leaking. This why you can keep liquid without any worries. It contains of two small pocket on the sides of the backup. The backpack has a relatively huge capacity to hold up to 18 cans. It can keep ice cold for 24 hours when the weather is 120 degree outside. The bag is made of canvas material, so durability is quite reasonable too. It has two large back pockets and 2 small pockets on the sides of the backpack. This cooler bag comes in many colors for example black, royal blue, charcoal and etc. So there’s a style for everyone.

Things to Remember

Since the backpack is made in china, the high price is quite unjustifiable as the materials used aren’t that expensive. This backpack can’t fold flat because of its thickness of the wall compare than other bags available in the Market. The design is quite boring too, if you are looking for a stylish bag, this might not be the best option for you. Since there’s two insulation compartments, this makes the bag quite smaller for other non-insulated stuff to fit in.

04. Picnic Time Turismo Insulated Backpack Cooler

It is the best backpack cooler for people who love to travel around with lots of beers and cold sandwiches or even when traveling with kids as it has two insulated compartments. Either arrange your snacks categorically or split sides of the attached chiller with companions out of space or no space at all because you sure have plenty. It won’t bother you hanging it on for hours as it has extremely comfortable straps which are designed to not slip off.

This backpack cooler bag has a hidden zipper to accommodate your valuables. It is very smart looking and spacious and will be a classy add to your traveling with list. And since it’s only 19 inches long and 5inches wide it is much more compact than the others available in the market. It is made of good quality polyester which is why it can hold up to a substantial amount of weight. Multiple interior and exterior pockets can be used very smartly to avoid the frustration of looking for a single thing through everything together making it feasible to use as it can be packed in an organized manner.

It has a detachable water decanter that features a shoulder strap which is easily adjustable. It also has a good size utility clip so even if you don’t have little utilities you don’t have to get them after buying this insulated backpack cooler. This cooler bag has multiple mesh pockets attached. Drawstrings are also present to stabilize the balance while on the move.

Things to Remember

You have to be very particular while washing it as only damp cloth is recommended. Any other method can result in damaging it in one way or the other. The size is comparatively smaller than those available in the market, making it the best backpack cooler and suitable for those who intend to travel personally and for shorter distances.

05. TOURIT Insulated Cooler Backpack

The TOURIT Insulated Cooler Bag can be considered as another best backpack cooler available on the market. It has a very large cooling compartment. How many cans do you want to roam around with? This cooler backpack can hold up to 28 cans at a time. The high density liner guarantees no leakage maintaining the temperature of the food for long duration.

The inside of this cooler bag is specially backed by extra soft pads to enhance comfort making it easily bearable to hang on for long time intervals. Right in the middle of the front it has one large zipper which divides into two mesh pockets which are to place utensils. The capacity it offers makes it a great take for picnics and beaches. It is a very light weight backpack so you will only carry the weight you’ve put in the bag as the bags own weight is very negligible.

It is made of good quality nylon which makes it washing and drying a lot easier when compared to bags made of other materials. Available in attractive colors you can go with simple black, grey or decent purplish blue whatever suits your taste best. 1.1 lb weight and 25L capacity is a pretty decent combination of being light weightiness and commodious. This one’s for people who get irritated with normal straps as this kitbag has extra soft straps taking irritation out of the equation.

The best thing about this cooler backpack is it being water resistant. So if you’re going to the beach or are making your way through adventurous routes you need it. It is very durable and agile while being light weight at the same time.

Things to Remember

If ice is directly put in the deep container there’s a possibility of the insulated bag to rip or cut the waterproof material thus this material has to be handled with care. Instead, frozen packs can be used to guard the waterproof material from sharp ice edges. Since its lightweight, meaning made up of light material, can be risky for carrying heavy weights at times. Instead all of these, you can consider this as another best backpack cooler and purchase for your next trip.

06. MOJECTO Large Cooler Backpack

Mojecto is another best backpack cooler out there. The size is quite big and looks even attractive with all those features stuffed in to one beautiful looking bag. The manufacturers offer Life time warranty which gains the confidence of potential buyer’s instantly. It is a very spacious black color cooler bag. This bag can be used for multiple propose such as keep hot thinks hot and likewise cold thinks cold because it’s highly thick insulation which keeps things hot and cold. The pockets are very spacious and can be used for many things for example keeping your clothes, mobile phone, personal documents.

Before discussing the features of the bag, we’d like to give credit to their lifetime guarantee which claims to replace the bag, or give the money back without any questions asked if you ever become unsatisfied at any time of your life! This bag is made from durable and extra strength materials including the surrounded extra strong zip. Although this bag is unbearable, it comes with an extra linear, in case the interior of the bag is torn because of sharp objects. The shoulder pads can change its size as the user likes so this is fit for children an adult alike. Since this bag has an anti-fungal and antibacterial features it can be cleaned easily when it gets spilled. This backpack cooler itself is very portable and light weight.

There are a lot of compartments available for foods and beverages and has many other pockets to fit in almost anything you like. The manufacturers also guarantee a long lasting cooling or heating whichever you prefer as the insulation is quite thick and made with premium quality insulators. So, this will definitely be a best backpack cooler option for you.

Things to Remember

Since this insulated backpack cooler is made with special insulators, there might be an odor that doesn’t get away that easily. The bag also has back padding only, so there’s only one way to carry it around. Also the bag is quite bulky, so those who are looking for a stylish bag might think twice before buying this.

07. North Coyote Hiking Backpack Cooler

This is an amazing backpack for outdoor and traveling purposes. As the name suggests as hiking backpack, it can also be used for hunting and fishing purposes due to its huge size! This is probably the best backpack cooler out there with the price range it offers. The design is attractive and compact with folding feature and the insulated compartment is amazing.

It has seven major compartments with several padding for it to cling around the body as if it is a part of the body for a comfortable carrying experience. You can fit in almost 50 cans or equivalent amount of food in just one compartment, imagine what can the seven compartments hold all together? There are easy pockets for things you require often like bottles, wallet or mobile phones. This backpack can be used for various occasions including hiking, traveling, picnic, hunting and more.

The cooler backpack comes with durable and strong fabric which happens to be water resistant too. Adjustable multiple straps to fit on the body for extra comfort and weight distribution. Seven compartments with extra insulated linings to keep those drinks cool when you need them the most. The front pockets are relatively large to fit in the things a hiker needs the most like maps and guide instructions without the need of folding them several times unlike other backpack cooler bag. The brand also offers warranty and money back guarantee for all the features of the bag including the insulation. So, if you are looking for the best backpack cooler, this one would be another great option for you. The best part about this insulated backpack cooler is yet to come, it is the low price of the bag which comes with two ice packs as well!

Things to Remember

Since the insulation of this cooler bag is thick and strong, that compromises and shows its effect on other compartments where there size gets relatively smaller because of insulation on the other major pockets. The bag is quite heavy and large too, so it might not be suitable for little kids or those of shorter height. Doesn’t have removable compartments, which means one has to carry the whole thing around even if they don’t require the extra space the bag has to offer.

08. Dakine Backpack Cooler

This is another best backpack cooler that you can consider to buy. It comes with 21 colors! So there’s a color for everyone. It’s extremely stylish, lightweight and has many compartments. This cooler backpack also comes in two sizes, so if you’re looking for any customization option this one right here is just for you. This is the best backpack cooler for those who are into style!

It is a multipurpose backpack so you can use the same bag for different occasions. The bag has a compartment for keeping your laptop and other three major compartments. So you can keep your clothes, stationary, wallet, electronics and many more things into it. It is extremely durable and one can consider it a onetime investment and also means that it can carry heavy weights. The bag cover happens to be water resistant to average rainfall, which is a very important point especially for those who carry electronic devices around.

Things to Remember

The cooler compartment of this bag is relatively smaller in size, and can only accommodate around 3-5 cans. Also it is not heavily insulated and things might change temperature if you intend to a longer travel. The organization of the compartments are sometimes quite confusing depending on what you are using the bag for. Also some compartments are divided with a thin sheet which makes the compartments quite fragile.

09. Coleman C003 Soft Backpack Cooler

This compact ordinary looking backpack is actually another option of best backpack cooler bag. It’s properly insulated which means you can keep your stuff warm or cold however you like. Although it looks compact from the outside, it actually has a decent storage capacity of up to 30 cans! What more? It also has an amazing extra padding around the waist along with the usual two back padding for a comfortable carrying. There are also smaller pockets around and in front of the bag to carry extra little things along. It’s made with antibacterial properties which safeguard the bag from bacteria’s that might leak from food or drinks!

Apart from looks of it, it can actually accommodate good amount of stuff if you include the front secondary zipper too. The extra waist padding allows for a comfortable carry for longer than expected distances even if the bag is at full capacity.

Things to Remember

For those who are looking for larger storage, this bag is a no. Although it’s large enough in comparison to how it looks from outside, but still it might be small for those who are traveling for longer distances and sharing bags. Also since the insulation is thin, there might be risks of tearing if sharp things are inserted causing much trouble if any leakages go to the electronic department.

10. OAGear Ultimate Backpack Cooler

This beautiful looking cooler backpack is the ultimate backpack solution for traveler. It’s a compact and light weight backpack. With net weight around 1.55 pound. The manufacturer of this backpack are outdoor active gear. This cooler bag comes in multiple colors which make it one of the best backpack cooler for its weight and price!

This backpack height is of 18.5 inches length is of 17 inches and width is of 3 inches. This backpack is made in such a way to keep your hands free. The unique features of this backpack is that it’s double sided insulation covered with heat seal which stops the air to pass in. This type of backpack have a capacity to hold up to 20 cans and ice cube in its insulated backpack cooler. This backpack have 2 types of strap one of these are back strap and other is the shoulder strap. It also consist of 2 large zip pocket and 1 large pocket in front. This cooler bag is very spacious from inside and extremely rough and tough.

Things to Remember

This backpack is not for heavy weights, as the material might stretch off or the zips may get loose. The backpack also has fewer compartments and is not for multipurpose as other backpacks. The insulator is comparatively thinner too, therefore not suitable for longer trips.

How We Picked the Best Backpack Coolers

We spent more than 42 hours in researching, writing reviews and making video. During this time, we reviewed more than hundreds of cooler backpacks available on different online stores. We also collect reviews from some real users of backpack coolers. During the process we tried to focus on the following features:

• Materials used in making the bag.
• Ice retention capacity.
• Size and design of the bag.
• Storage capacity.
• Leak/Sweat proof capability.

After comparing these features among all the popular coolers on market we make this list of best backpack cooler for you. All our reviews are independent and totally unbiased.

How to Choose the Best Backpack Cooler?

There is a wide range of coolers available in the market. And choosing the perfect one is not a simple task. When you are planning to buy the best cooler bag available on market you must have to check some features. Though, none of the backpack cooler will fulfill all your needs, you can still expect a good one which ensure the most features. In order to get the best backpack cooler you can follow the instructions below:

Purpose

When choosing your insulated backpack cooler you first have to identify why you need it. You definitely don’t want to get the wrong one if you’re looking to have the right experience of its convenience. There are different bags available that satisfy the need of the person using them in accordance to their interest. Like for people who cannot skip a visit to the beach on weekends shall look for the ones with the water proof feature just to avoiding buying new backpacks on every weekend. Hikers might want a kitbag that easily accommodates their utensils, knapsacks these days even come along with basic utensils attracting hikers and individuals who prefer carrying them wherever they go.

Backpacks are so versatile these days that even there’s a variety get-at-able for party lovers. Different people have different interests and a single styled backpack can definitely not satisfy all of them. So do not assume that any backpack you buy is going to serve you in the same manner. Make sure your backpack is appropriate to your need.

Style

When choosing the best backpack cooler, you should consider the design and style of a bag. Men, women and children all have different tastes. They all carry different sorts of equipment while on the move having different preferences and check lists. Most of the women carry almost everything in their everyday hand bags so when picking their bag cooler they would be least concerned about how compact it is to how spacious they can get. Men generally on the other hand like to travel more care free. Size and less complexity is usually their kind.

Men and women even have different color preferences and all models are manufactured and designed in limited colors. No matter how much a bag suits a guy he has very less like to opt for a pink one. If you’re looking for travel backpacks for children you definitely want to find the ones which are easier to clean and dry with fewer compartments.

One would also prefer them to be water resistant and extremely compact. It is all matter of taste of what you like and how you move around with them in your own comfort and style. You sure have to go through all the diversified options to find one that you can claim to be the best backpack cooler for you.

Convenience

Above all the main purpose of having them in the first place has to be kept in mind. It doesn’t really matter how elegant your back pack looks or how expensive it is if it is not of your convenience in any way it certainly becomes an unwanted liability. Who would want to move around with an extra bag? Remember this is not an “EXTRA BAG”. This bag is an extra facility. Get facilitated with it rather than working it up the wrong way. Have convenience as your top most priority. Ensure the bag you are finalizing meets your level of comfort.
Durability

Backpacks are not so cheap and you will not buy them frequently. So, when choosing a cooler bag, try to pick the long-lasting one. The backpacks made in heavy duty materials are definitely long-lasting. You can’t consider a bag as best backpack cooler if it is not durable.

Do not miss out checking the finishing of a cooler bag and try to find out the material it is manufactured of. After valuable investment of time and money you would want it to last for long time if not forever.

Wrapping Up

In our opinion, too many options makes it even tougher for someone to decide which backpack cooler bag to choose. It all depends what is the main purpose you need it for, asking the right questions can help one decide even faster and can eliminate the post purchase disappointment many face when their expectations do not match the reality. Buying one with a guarantee can be a good idea too, in case you are worried about your investment or not much satisfied with your purchases usually.

Worth is not only determined by the financial cost of the bag but also the features and need of it. If it fulfills the requirements of the buyer or not is really important. That is why it essential to get information before buying the bag. This article not only provides precise information about the best backpack cooler but also highlights the latest trending ones. An informed buyer has a real expectation and is usually satisfied with their purchases. There’s everything out there for anyone, all one needs to do is a little bit of research and taking care of the bag after buying it so that it lasts longer.