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A portable soft cooler is an excellent alternative to a hard-sided model that can be hard to pack.
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We love how flexible and lightweight soft coolers are, plus how easy they are to clean.
We especially appreciate models with extra pockets for organizing smaller cold items.
While the sides are soft, it is so well-insulated it cant be folded down for packing.
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It would be nice to have a separate pocket or two for organization.
This has less ice retention in direct light than others we tested.
Its made with a rugged 600-denier polyester shell and is reasonably lightweight for how much it holds.
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Plus, it comes in plenty of fun colors.
The zipper needs regular reapplication of the provided zipper lube.
The zipper isnt watertight, so we had to deal with some leakage.
We loved the comfort of this cooler as well as its packable, collapsible design.
The strap padding isnt sufficient for over-the-shoulder carrying when fully packed.
Its probably best for shorter trips or providing snacks for one to two people.
The insulation is thinner than others we tested, and didnt hold ice as long.
Whilewheeled coolersarent typically known for their portability, Dbests compact, collapsible cooler is the best of both worlds.
We were able to assemble this in less than two minutes, and the instructions were very straightforward.
Here are the coolers that werent our absolute top favorites, but will work for plenty of travelers.
Look for coolers that have a few different carrying options, including a shoulder strap and a duffle-style handle.
Padding on the straps is also helpful for when youre carrying a full load.
And some coolers are shaped for carrying better than others.
A soft cooler can last many years as long as you take good care of it.
This means cleaning out the inside to prevent mold and mildew, and always storing it fully dried.
Yes, you’re free to absolutely put ice in a soft cooler.
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