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Keep your drinks ice-cold for hours with these high-quality backpack coolers that are comfortable to carry.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

Credit:Travel + Leisure

(Read more about our testing process below.)

It doesnt have any other storage besides the insulated main compartment.

After regularly using this bag for five months, we really appreciated that it collapses down for easy storage.

IceMule Pro Cooler

Credit: REI

There was quite a bit of leakage and melted ice after two hours.

We even love it for grocery shopping.

The backpack has an excellent capacity that can fit 20 cans with ease.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

There are also several exterior pockets that are useful for other items like a water bottle or utensils.

While the drinks were still very cold, we wish the zippers had been a bit more leak-resistant.

There was some leakage and broken cans after our durability test.

Icemule Pro Large 23L

We suggest using ice packs instead of ice cubes to avoid leakage issues.

The top part of the backpack isnt insulated and the bottom section leaked a bit after the two-hour mark.

It has a top compartment with plenty of room for items that dont need to be chilled.

IceMule Boss 30 Backpack Cooler

We wouldnt pack electronics or anything that could get damaged by water in this.

The cans in the bottom compartment were colder than the ones in the top compartment after two hours.

For packing a variety of food and drinks, we recommend the sleek, dual-compartment Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

The top zipper leaked a bit and several cans were dented or popped.

There arent any pockets for additional storage.

Beach goers andriver rafterswill appreciate the floatable and waterproof RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

The exterior nylon material resembles the feel of an inflatable raft and the zipper teeth felt sturdy and watertight.

A few cans were dented during our tests with one breaking open.

We still think these are great options, though.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

It leaks a lot as the ice melts and would get everything in the front pocket wet.

This bag is best used with ice packs or to transport cold items short distances.

We evaluated each backpack based on design, capacity, portability, durability, and insulation.

Icemule Pro Large 23L

We tested the coolers while camping, on picnics,at the beach, hauling groceries, and more.

We suggest usingleak-proof ice packsinstead of actual ice when carrying a backpack cooler.

We recommend packing a backpack cooler with ice and/or ice packs first as a bottom layer.

IceMule Boss 30 Backpack Cooler

Backpack coolers can be used aspersonal itemsor even carry-on bags as long as they meet standard size requirements.

Double-wall insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours at a time.

It’s also completely leak-proof and perfect for bringing on camping trips, boating trips, and more.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

It also comes with a dinnerware set for four people and several picnic accessories.

She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021.

IceMule Pro Cooler 23L

REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Credit: REI

REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler filled with ice

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

A person lifting the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler by its top handle

A person inspecting the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Water dripping from the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Details of the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler chest strap

REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler filled with ice

A person lifting the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler by its top handle

A person inspecting the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Water dripping from the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Details of the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler chest strap

Igloo Pursuit 24-Can Backpack

Credit: Igloo

Igloo Pursuit Cooler Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Igloo Pursuit Cooler Backpack

Igloo Pursuit Cooler Backpack

Person placing cans into Igloo Pursuit 24-Can Backpack

Igloo Pursuit Cooler Backpack

Igloo Pursuit Cooler Backpack

Igloo Pursuit Cooler Backpack

Person placing cans into Igloo Pursuit 24-Can Backpack

Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack

Credit: Amazon

Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Carhartt 2-in-1 Backpack Cooler

Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack displayed on sand

Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack

Carhartt 2-in-1 Backpack Cooler

Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack displayed on sand

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Credit: Amazon

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Closeup strap Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Closeup strap Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler

Credit: Arctic Zone

Person wearing Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler on back

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Person lifting Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler from tarp

Cans in Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler

Person wearing Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler on back

Person lifting Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler from tarp

Cans in Arctic Zone 24-Can High Performance Welded Backpack Cooler

RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler

Credit: Amazon

RTIC Backpack Cooler

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler

RTIC Backpack Cooler

RTIC Backpack Cooler

Hand touching the RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler

RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler displayed on sand

RTIC Backpack Cooler

RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler

RTIC Backpack Cooler

RTIC Backpack Cooler

Hand touching the RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler

RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler displayed on sand

Tourit 30 Cans Cooler Backpack

Credit: Amazon

A person packing the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

Credit: Travel & Leisure / Jhett Thompson

A person wearing the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

A person wearing the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

Straps on the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

Tourit 30 Cans Cooler Backpack on sand

A person packing the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

A person wearing the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

A person wearing the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

Straps on the TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Backpack Cooler

Tourit 30 Cans Cooler Backpack on sand

Icemule Pro Large 23L

Travel + Leisure

RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler

Travel + Leisure

Person wearing the Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack

Travel + Leisure

Water leaking from the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler

Travel + Leisure