Carrying cold drinks and snacks doesn’t have to be a hassle. A backpack with a cooler compartment lets you grab your favorite food and drinks and head out the door without juggling a separate ice chest. It’s comfort, convenience and chill all in one.

Regular backpacks are great for books or gear, but they won’t keep your sandwiches from getting warm or your drinks from getting too hot. A backpack cooler changes that. There are many different types with various features, though. Knowing which features matter can make your choice much simpler.

In this post, we’ll talk about the best backpack cooler options, including some of the most practical cooler backpack picks out there. You’ll see how different styles handle ice retention, capacity, durability and comfort, so you can pick a cooler backpack that keeps your food fresh, your drinks cold and your hands free for the fun stuff.

What to Look for in a Backpack Cooler

Choosing the right backpack with an insulated compartment can make a big difference when it comes to keeping drinks cold and snacks fresh. Here are the main things to consider:

• Insulation: Thick insulation keeps ice and drinks cold for hours or even a full day. This is what turns a simple backpack into a true soft backpack cooler.
• Durability: Look for weatherproof, puncture-resistant materials. A sturdy cooler backpack will handle spills, bumps and sun without falling apart.
• Capacity: Think about how many cans, ice packs or meals you need to carry. Some packs are compact for quick trips, while others can hold a full day’s worth of food and drinks.
• Comfort: Padded shoulder straps, chest straps and balanced weight distribution make it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
• Extras: Side pockets, tie-down handles and customizable compartments keep everything organized and easy to reach.
• Value: The best backpack with a cooler compartment isn’t necessarily the cheapest. Choosing one that performs well, lasts for years and keeps your drinks cold is worth the investment.

By keeping these features in mind, it’s easy to pick a cooler backpack that makes every outing smoother and more enjoyable.

1. RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler is designed for keeping drinks and food cold while on the move. Key features include:

• Fully waterproof and leakproof: Equipped with RTIC’s EZ waterproof zipper to prevent spills and protect contents.
• Cold retention: Properly packed, the cooler can keep ice and drinks cold for up to 2 days.
• Capacity options: Available in 12-, 20-, 30- and 50-can sizes.
• Rugged design: Built to withstand outdoor conditions, making it suitable for road trips, camping, boating and other activities.

This soft backpack cooler helps to combine portability with effective insulation and protection.

2. Yeti M12 Backpack Soft Cooler

The Yeti M12 Backpack Soft Cooler is designed to keep drinks and food cold while staying easy to carry. Key features include:

• Capacity: Holds up to 20 cans and 12 pounds of ice, with space for a wine bottle.
• Access and convenience: Features MagShield access and an easy-to-open design, plus optional add-on accessories to customize storage.
• Color options: Available in many colors, so it can match personal style or gear.
• Design: Functions as a backpack with a cooler compartment, combining portability with insulation and durability.

This Yeti backpack cooler blends practical features with some smart design. It keeps items cold and organized while on the move.

3. Cordova Backcountry Class™ Backpack Cooler

The Cordova Backcountry Class™ Backpack Cooler is designed to be lightweight, durable and practical for outdoor adventures. This backpack with a cooler compartment keeps drinks and snacks cold while staying comfortable to carry.

• Capacity and weight: Holds up to 24 cans while weighing just 4 pounds, making it easy to take along on hikes or trips.
• Insulation and protection: Two inches of hard-cell insulation keeps contents cold, while UV and antimicrobial protection help maintain freshness and cleanliness.
• Durable construction: Made with 840D ballistic nylon and a watertight zipper, it’s built to handle rough conditions and resist leaks.
• Comfort and versatility: Padded straps, chest strap and handles make it easy to carry, and customizable compartments allow for organized storage.
  

This cooler blends performance and durability without extra bulk. It was designed to meet the needs of serious outdoor enthusiasts while remaining one of the top backpack coolers for anyone who wants a reliable, high-quality cooler on the go.

4. Igloo Trailmate® 24-Can Backpack

The Igloo Trailmate® 24-Can Backpack is designed to handle outdoor adventures while keeping drinks and snacks cold. This soft backpack cooler combines durability, insulation and convenience in one package.

• Durable exterior: Weather-resistant materials help protect against rain, dirt and wear from outdoor use.
• Insulated interior: The MaxCold Ultra® insulation keeps ice and drinks cold for hours, making it a reliable backpack with an insulated compartment.
• Capacity and style: Holds up to 24 cans and can be bought in several color options to suit personal style or gear.
• Adventure-ready features: Padded straps, multiple pockets and easy-access compartments make packing and carrying simple, while maximizing cold retention for your food and drinks.

This cooler backpack blends functionality and convenience, making it a strong choice for anyone looking for the best cooler backpack that’s ready for your next outdoor adventure.

5. Stanley All Day Madeleine Mini Cooler Backpack | 20 Can

The Stanley All Day Madeleine Mini Cooler Backpack is built with eco-friendly materials and practical features for everyday use. This soft backpack cooler is designed to keep drinks and snacks cold while staying easy to carry.

• Materials: Made with recycled polyester and a winged bear liner for sustainability and durability.
• Storage and access: Multiple zip pockets, an easy-carry handle and adjustable backpack straps make organizing and carrying simple.
• Capacity: Holds up to 20 cans with room for ice packs (not included).
• Color options: Available in many colors to match style or gear.

This backpack with a cooler compartment combines convenience, eco-conscious design and practical features for a reliable cooler that’s ready for a day out.

Why Cordova Backpack Coolers Are Superior

Cordova backpacks offer a really nice balance of durability, comfort and performance. They offer features that make them stand out among the top backpack coolers.

1. Durable but lightweight: Built to withstand outdoor use without adding unnecessary weight.
2. Comfortable to carry: Padded straps and chest support make it easy to carry for hours.
3. Good value: Not the cheapest, but built to last and keep drinks cold reliably, making it a practical investment.
4. Reliable performance: Materials and construction are designed for long-term use while maintaining cold retention.

Cordova cooler backpacks are engineered to be dependable companions for any outing, making them one of the best backpack cooler options for people who want a mix of comfort, durability and performance.

Finding the best backpack cooler comes down to knowing what really matters: strong insulation, lasting comfort and reliable performance. From soft backpack coolers built for quick day trips to heavy-duty designs made for long weekends, there’s an option for every kind of adventure.

Cordova stands out by combining durability with everyday usability. Each backpack with a cooler compartment is thoughtfully made to keep drinks cold, gear organized and every trip a little easier. When you want a cooler that’s made to last and feels good to carry, Cordova delivers the kind of quality that keeps up wherever you go.

FAQs

What is the top-rated backpack cooler?

The best backpack cooler is one that keeps your items cold for hours while still being easy to carry. Top-rated models, like Cordova and other durable brands, use thick insulation, leak-proof linings and weather-resistant materials to handle any adventure. 

What do you use a backpack cooler for?

A backpack with a cooler compartment is perfect for keeping drinks, snacks and meals cold while on the move. It’s great for beach trips, hiking, road trips, picnics, tailgates or even a day at the park. The hands-free design makes it easier to carry than a traditional ice chest, especially when you’re covering some ground.

How do you pack a backpack cooler?

Start by adding a layer of ice packs or loose ice at the bottom, then stack drinks and food items in order of weight. Heavier cans or bottles first, lighter snacks or containers on top. Fill any gaps with extra ice or small cold packs to prevent warm air from circulating. Close your soft backpack cooler tightly to keep the cold air in as long as possible.

How do you use a cooler backpack?

Using a backpack cooler is simple. Pack it with cold items, zip it up securely and carry it like any other backpack using the padded straps for comfort. Many styles also have extra pockets for dry goods, keys or sunscreen, making them a practical all-in-one bag for outdoor days.