When you’re packing for an adventure in the great outdoors, having the right cooler can make a big difference. A good cooler keeps your drinks cold, your snacks fresh and your food safe, no matter if you’re headed to a picnic, tailgate or weekend camping trip. A great cooler keeps items colder longer and looks great while doing it. In recent years, soft coolers, cooler backpacks and insulated cooler bags have become more popular because they’re lightweight, portable and easy to carry.

From a small portable backpack cooler you can toss in the car to a larger soft cooler that holds enough for the whole family, there are options to fit every need. Knowing the differences between these types of coolers helps you pick the one that works best for your adventures and keeps everything chilled just the way you want. So, let’s talk about both and how to pick the right one.

What is a Cooler Bag?

A cooler bag is a soft-sided, portable cooler designed to keep food and drinks cold without the bulk of a traditional hard cooler. These bags are really lightweight and easy to carry, making them a really popular choice for small adventures like picnics, day trips and small outdoor gatherings. Unlike hard coolers, which are also great, cooler bags can fold down when not in use, saving space in the car or pantry.

Cooler bags feature insulated linings that help maintain temperature, so your sandwiches, drinks and snacks stay fresh for hours. The bags come in various sizes that can hold enough for a group or just a person or two. Some even have extra pockets for utensils, napkins or ice packs, which adds to their convenience.

Pros of Cooler Bags:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Foldable for easy storage
• Versatile sizes, from small portable coolers to large insulated cooler bags
• Extra pockets for accessories and ice packs
• Good for short trips and everyday outings

Cons of Cooler Bags:

• Can feel heavy if overpacked
• If you need a large, heavy-duty cooler, a hard cooler might be a better fit

For most day trips and casual outings, an insulated cooler bag strikes a great balance between convenience and keeping your food and drinks cold.

What Is a Cooler Backpack?

A cooler backpack is a type of soft cooler designed to be worn on the back. It makes it easy to carry food and drinks while keeping your hands free. These soft cooler backpacks are built with padded straps and lightweight, insulated compartments that hold everything from drinks to sandwiches without adding extra bulk. They’re great for hikes, outdoor festivals, beach trips or any adventure where portability is key.

It helps to think of cooler backpacks as a type of cooler bag. They have the same insulated design to keep food and drinks cold, but with straps so they can be carried on the back. Not all cooler bags are backpacks, but all cooler backpacks fall under the category of cooler bags.

The main design difference from a standard cooler bag is the backpack-style carry system. This allows for more even weight distribution and makes it simple to carry heavier loads comfortably. Many of the backpacks also have multiple compartments, exterior pockets for utensils or ice packs, and durable materials that stand up to outdoor use. Here are some of the pros and cons of a cooler backpack:

Pros of Cooler Backpacks:

• Hands-free carrying for convenience
• Even weight distribution reduces strain
• Multiple compartments and exterior pockets
• Lightweight and easy to take on hikes or trips
• Great for both short and long outdoor adventures

Cons of Cooler Backpacks:

• Limited capacity compared to large cooler bags
• Can feel heavy if overpacked

A soft cooler backpack is a great and practical choice for anyone who needs mobility and convenience without sacrificing the ability to keep food and drinks cold.

Cooler Backpack vs. Cooler Bag: How to Choose

Choosing between a cooler backpack and a cooler bag comes down to how it will be used and what needs to be carried. For short day trips, a small portable cooler or a soft cooler backpack is easy to carry and keeps essentials chilled. These options are lightweight, portable and perfect for hikes, picnics or beach trips.

For larger outings or group adventures, a large soft-side cooler or a wheeled cooler from Cordova’s collection is a better fit. These coolers hold more food and drinks, offer longer ice retention and can handle heavier loads. Wheeled coolers are another convenient option for moving larger items without carrying extra weight, while soft coolers offer flexibility and easier storage.

When deciding, consider:

• Size: How much food and drink need to be carried?
• Portability: Will it be carried by hand, on your back or rolled?

Matching the cooler to the adventure makes outings simpler and more enjoyable, keeping drinks cold and snacks fresh without extra hassle. Let’s talk more about picking the right one, though.

Tips for Picking the Right Cooler

Choosing the right cooler starts with thinking about how it will be used. For short outings, a soft cooler backpack or a small insulated cooler bag keeps drinks and snacks cold while staying easy to carry. Longer trips or larger groups may benefit from bigger soft-sided coolers or wheeled options that hold more food and drinks without extra effort.

Portability and durability are important too. Look for lightweight designs with strong straps or handles, plus sturdy materials and reliable zippers that maintain insulation over time. Matching the cooler’s size and type to the trip ensures convenience and keeps food and drinks fresh, making any adventure easier and more enjoyable.

To sum up, choosing the right cooler makes every outing easier and more enjoyable. No matter if you pick a bag cooler or backpack cooler, make sure you shop our selection at Cordova Outdoors for high-quality products that will make your next adventure more enjoyable.

FAQ: Cooler Backpack vs. Cooler Bag

What is the best soft cooler?

The best soft cooler depends on your needs. For hands-free convenience, a soft cooler backpack is great, while a larger soft-side cooler is ideal for family outings or long trips. Cordova Outdoors offers a variety of sizes to fit any adventure.

Are cooler bags effective?

Yes! Insulated cooler bags are specially designed to keep food and drinks cold for hours. The key is choosing one with high-quality insulation and a tight-sealing lid or zipper.

Are cooler bags machine washable?

Many soft cooler bags can be spot-cleaned or wiped down, but not all are machine washable. Always check the care instructions to keep your cooler in top shape.

What is the best backpack cooler?

The best backpack cooler balances insulation, size and comfort. Look for padded straps, a durable exterior and enough capacity for your needs. Cordova’s soft cooler backpacks are a solid choice for day hikes or picnics.

Where to buy a backpack cooler?

You can find a variety of soft cooler backpacks at Cordova Outdoors, with options for small portable coolers, large soft-sided coolers and everything in between.

Can you use a small portable cooler for a long trip?

Small portable coolers are great for short outings, but for multi-day trips, consider a larger soft cooler or a wheeled option to keep items cold longer.