Soft Coolers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • why is the zipper on my Backcountry Class™ soft cooler so tough to operate?

    Watertight zippers require lubricant for smooth operation. Every Backcountry Class™ cooler with a watertight zipper comes with a tube of zipper lubricant and instructions for application. Lubricating the zipper well before the first use will keep your Backcountry Class™ zipper gliding as it should for years. More information can be found here.

  • how do i store my Backcountry Class™ soft cooler when not in use?

    Out of direct sunlight, in a cool dry area, unzipped for ventilation.

  • what is the best way to clean my soft cooler?

    Simply rinse with soap and water, and dry the inside with a cloth or paper towel. For tougher stains or marks, use a non-abrasive rag. Leave the lid open and flip the cooler upside down to ensure it dries completely, keeping it ready for your next adventure.

  • How effective are soft coolers?

    Cordova soft coolers punch above their weight. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and keep your food and drinks ice-cold all day. Whether it’s our Lunchpack for a single meal, the Daypack for a couple of people, or the Backpack for all-day adventures, these coolers are built for real use. So, they are trail-ready, park-ready, and beach-ready.

  • Are you supposed to put ice in a soft cooler?

    You can, but we recommend using Cordova Packice instead of loose ice. Packice keeps your items colder longer, won’t slosh around, and keeps your snacks and drinks mess-free. It’s a cleaner, more efficient way to get all day cold.

  • What size soft cooler should I get?

    It depends on your adventure:

    • Lunchpack: Ideal for single meals, workdays, or school lunches.
    • Daypack: Perfect for 1–2 people heading out for a few hours at the park, beach, or lake.
    • Backpack: Great for all-day outings or hands-free hikes with more items to keep cold.

  • Can soft coolers be used for food?

    Absolutely. Cordova soft coolers are perfect for sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and picnic spreads. Our insulated walls and leak-proof liners keep everything cold and clean.

  • How long does a soft cooler stay cold?

    With Packice, Cordova soft coolers can keep your items cold all day. Pre-chill your cooler, freeze items when possible, and pack densely to maximize performance.

  • Do soft coolers work as well as hard coolers?

    Instead of comparing, think about use cases. Cordova hard coolers are built for multi-day trips, rugged conditions, and maximum ice retention. Soft coolers are the grab-and-go option. So, they are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for day trips, quick hikes, or keeping lunch cold at work. Many customers keep both for any type of outing.

We designed our soft coolers to go hard. Dependably heavy-duty but noticeably lightweight, our cooler bags pair convenient versatility with reliable performance. With their ballistic nylon shells, up to two inches of hard-cell foam and watertight main compartments, these soft sided coolers are as portable as they are powerful.

So whether you're searching for a top-quality soft ice chest for your next backpacking trip, hike or just your lunch, Cordova has a trusted soft sided cooler to set you up for success.

And for larger, even more heavy-duty cooler options for camping, backyard barbecues and other fun gatherings, be sure to check out our rugged hard coolers.