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Keep food and drinks cool when you’re out in the sun with these perfectly compact coolers.
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Staying properly hydrated is even more important as temperatures rise.
Our top picks feature several different styles, plus superior ice retention, thoughtful design, and long-lasting durability.
These small coolers go big on capacity while remaining manageable, and we love them for it.
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The shoulder strap doesnt have enough padding to make it comfortable to carry when the cooler is full.
This RTIC Soft Pack Cooler is tough and durable without looking too much like a rugged outdoor product.
Oh, and it also floats!
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The waterproof zipper tracks can be sticky and you may need zipper lube.
This Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler is one of the most durable and cold coolers we tested.
We took it out with us on a hot beach day and it did not disappoint.
The exterior is water-resistant, not waterproof.
When we tested this cooler, we made it work double time as both a cooler and ourbeach bag.
Although its fairly compact, you might unbuckle the sides to fully expand the bag for more room.
Theres also an exterior zippered pocket and pouch pocket.
The interior is well-insulated and waterproof, and we didnt experience any leaking during testing.
This also comes in an8-liter sizefor smaller hauls.
We wish its side handles were more comfortable to hold.
The interior is one main compartment that can hold up to 42 12-ounce cans, without any ice.
Built-in woven loops on the outside of the bag make it easy to attach Molle-style accessory attachments.
It has a relatively low ice-retention time and is not collapsible.
This compartment has elastic straps that are perfect for holding utensils, powder sachets, or even threading sunglasses.
Its designed to retain ice for about five hours in direct sunlight.
We tested this cooler with ice packs and found they were still partially frozen after being left overnight.
The zippers are not leak-proof and the capacity reduces significantly when you add ice.
Each cooler was tested over a period of two weeks.
Waterproof also means that you wont experience waterenteringthe cooler either (at least when properly sealed or closed).
Alternatively, water-resistant means your cooler materials are partially protected against water and liquid exposure.
Heading out on a boat or kayak?
Consider a cooler that will float in case it goes overboard.
Water-resistant materials are best since you never know when you might encounter unexpected weather or spills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’re free to put ice in a mini cooler.
Hard-sided coolers are good when you want to give added protection to the items in your cooler.
Always check the manufacturers recommended cleaning instructions for your specific cooler.
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Each pick on this list scored high and received top feedback during our in-house lab and real-world testing.
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