Warm drinks? No thanks — The best coolers we tested for hosting, camping, hunting and more

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

The sun is shining, the weather is warmer and summer is in full swing.

So grab your beach chairs, sunblock, set up your hammocks, or lounge on some outdoor furniture, because ’tis the dang season. While everything seems just a little bit better in the summer, there is a slight downside to the warmer weather.

Without a proper cooler, your ice-cold drinks and fresh food may get soggy, hot, and warm. To avoid any spoiled meals or room-temperature drinks, opt for a top-of-the-line cooler that’ll keep your snacks and beverages fresh and ready to eat and drink.

Post Wanted Picks

There are so many different cooler versions such as portable, electric, foldable, and more to fit your unique needs. No matter if you’re camping or hosting a backyard BBQ, a cooler is an absolute essential to keep you and your guests cool, hydrated, and nourished.

To provide the best recommendations, Post Wanted has tested out some of the top cooler brands firsthand, including favorites from Igloo, Yeti, RTIC and more.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS BY SUBSCRIBING TO MORNING REPORT NEWSLETTER

Below, discover the best coolers currently available on the Internet. Options range from hardshell coolers, soft-sided coolers, backpack coolers, and more. Best of all, some of the coolers are even on sale.

Best overall: Igloo Latitude 30 Quart Roller Cooler

• Star rating: 4.4/5 on Target
• Capacity: 41 cans

Pros:

• Simple design
• Affordable
• Five color options

Cons:

• A bit heavier than other brands
• More difficult to carry

Carry your favorite beverages and perishable snacks with ease using this spacious cooler by Igloo. The plastic material will insulate and keep everything from soda, cocktails, fruit, and more from getting hot, allowing you to soak up the sun at the beach, an outdoor game, and more.

Editor’s Note: Igloo has always been my go-to cooler brand. When it comes to rolling coolers, I’ve found that something that is slightly taller than it is wider is ideal to avoid bumping and tricky navigating (similar to rolling luggage). The size of this cooler is also ideal for road trips. I tested it out on a drive from Washington State to Colorado and found that it fits easily in the backseat of a cramped car, stuffed between two passengers. In addition to saving space, it saved all of our snacks and drinks for hours on end, with very few ice refreshes. The simple, attractive, uncomplicated design of Igloo has a somewhat vintage feel to it — which is not surprising considering the brand’s 75-year history.

AMAZON $54.99 Best lightweight: RTIC 52 QT Ultralight Wheeled Cooler

• Star rating: 4.7/5 on Amazon
• Capacity: 78 cans

Pros:

• 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers
• Can be carried by one person
• Removable divider
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Takes a large amount of space
• The internal cooling area is smaller than it may appear

If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight hard cooler, you’ve found it.

This RTIC hard cooler is 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity, features three inches of closed-cell foam, and is infused with toughness. Best of all, it can be carried by one person and features a removable divider and upper basket.

Editor’s Note: My jaw dropped when I picked up this cooler. Considering the size, you would expect to work up a sweat heaving it around. But this masterpiece by RTIC is feather-light. And, that’s not even my favorite part about it. The silicone-gripped, no-slam aluminum handle makes it easy to tow through any terrain, ideal for camping trips, hiking, or beach days. The extra tall, puncture-resistant wheels are jacked up like a truck — they glide right over anything. And the heavy-duty latches keep the cold locked in. If stored right, your goods should stay fresh for days.

AMAZON $279.00 RTIC $279.00 Best value: Coleman 62 Quart Series 316 Wheeled Cooler

• Star rating: 4.6/5 on Amazon
• Capacity: 50 -101 cans and ice

Pros:

• Stays cold for a long time
• Ideal for larger gatherings (large capacity)

Cons:

• Takes up a large amount of space

For any large gatherings or events that require a lot (and we mean a lot) of drinks, this cooler has enough space to hold up to 101 cans — meaning you’ll never be without a cold one.

Customers are saying: “This cooler holds a ton of frozen food packages and bags. We moved and loaded all the contents of our fridge and freezer into this massively large cooler on wheels! Was the best experience as nothing defrosted during the four-hour drive to our new house. Also, this cooler makes it easy to load up on the bevy of cold items we get for the two-hour driving trips to Costco. Highly recommend!”

AMAZON $74.99 Best backpack cooler: Yeti Hopper M20

• Star rating: 4.7/5 on YETI
• Capacity: 36 cans

Pros:

• Mildew-resistant
• Easy to carry
• Suitable for air travel
• Additional pocket for storage

Cons:

• Not as large as some hard-sided coolers
• More expensive than other brands

Put your drinks on your back with the Yeti Hopper M20. This convenient wearable cooler is designed with high-density fabric to withstand punctures and UV rays. Both the interior and exterior are also treated to be mildew-resistant, and the tapered design distributes weight evenly. If you’re looking for a long-lasting cooler to bring on your next solo trek, this is the one.

Editor’s Note: Anyone considering a hiking or camping trip this summer needs to consider adding the Hopper M20 to their cart. Having the option to wear your cooler reduces the burden of carrying, and keeps all the essentials close by. I love the slim build and the wide straps, which keep some pressure off your shoulders. The Kangaroo slip pocket also provides an extra sleeve to store all your smaller items, keys, and phone. Another great feature about the Hopper is that it’s built for air travel. If you’re traveling somewhere warm this summer, you can easily stow this cooler pack above your seat as a carry-on.

YETI $325.00 Best for wine: YETI M15 Soft Cooler Tote

• Star rating: 4.7/5 on YETI
• Capacity: 32 cans

Pros:

• Tall enough to fit wine bottles
• Sturdy straps
• Can be worn two ways

Cons:

• Slightly less durable than hard-sided coolers
• More expensive than other brands

Yeti’s tough-as-nail M15 is one of the newest additions to its soft cooler family. This one is equipped with durable magnets to seal the top tight and allow easy access when you are ready to remove your goods. Quick-release buckles can also be fastened over the top for an extra layer of protection. Each carry point is double-stitched so you can handle more weight than you prefer to carry.

Editor’s Note: Wine bottle compatible? Say no more. This extra-tall wearable tote cooler can fit under 32 cans or a few bottles. It also functions seamlessly as a hands-free shopping bag (perfect for those who have to commute to get groceries). I love that you can choose between carrying it and wearing it cross-body, depending on the weight of the goods you throw inside. The magnetic strip offers a secure closure, but it is also quite easy to open it when you need to grab something. My favorite part about the Hopper? It’s available in stunning colorways, like agave teal and king crab orange.

YETI $350.00 Best wheeled: Igloo Trailmate 70 Quart Cooler

• Star rating: 4.3/5 on Amazon
• Capacity: 112 cans

Pros:

• Large carrying capacity
• Extendable handle
• Loing-lasting

Cons:

• A bit more difficult to pack into cards/transport
• Takes up more space

Enjoy an insulated body and lid that seamlessly rolls through all walks of life utilizing 10-inch wheels. You can also look forward to a butler tray, two bottle openers, and self-training cup holders.

Customers are saying: “This cooler was perfect. Over the past three years I have purchased other coolers and NONE of them held up to a trip to the beach — the handles have always been too short. The large wheels, height off the ground and extendable handle make it much easier to handle. The cup holders on top as well as the extra tray that can be placed on the handle are such a great addition. Worth every bit of the costs!”

IGLOO $289.99 Best for hunting: Engel 13 Quart Drybox Cooler

• Star rating: 4.7/5
• Capacity: 9 cans

Pros:

• Airtight seals
• Hefty locks to keep out predators

Cons:

• smaller size

Perfect for hunters and kayak fishermen, this drybox cooler is small in size, but keeps food and drinks cold and dry. You can even throw in your valuable electronics, such as your camera or keys, to protect your goods. The best part about it? The hefty locks are sure to keep your goods safe from predators.

Customers are saying: “Holy moly guacamole! This cooler is excessively fantastic! I’ve had it for two years now and have used it on a weekly basis. Okay, the gasket that makes it leakproof is still going. The cooler looks great and the color is like day one. The locking system is fine — if I place chilled drinks from the refrigerator to the cooler without ice or icepack, they will keep cold for hours as if they were in ice — well, almost that cool! … Perfect for road trips, one day at the beach, car rides or a long day running errands …”

AMAZON $79.99 Best shoulder strap: Grizzly 15 Cooler

• Star rating: 4.7/5
• Capacity: 15 quartz

Pros:

• Variety of colors
• Lightweight
• Made in America

Cons:

• Hard-shell can be somewhat uncomfortable when carried with the cross-body strap

Choose from eight fun colors with this Grizzly Amazon favorite. Look forward to rotomolding, a rubber gasket, lock sides, a shoulder strap, and more.

Customers are saying: “This is the perfect cooler for a fishing trip or campout. It’s an absolute tank of a cooler and I’m confident you could drop it from a plane and it’d be fine. I see a lot of people complaining about the size. I put about 13 cans in it with ice and the dry container easily. Take the container out and you could fit probably 14 cans in it. For a guy like me who just wants to fish and maybe stay a night, it’s perfect. The strap is very well made and will not break, and it’s perfect to use as a seat. It’s made in the USA, which I love!”

AMAZON $175.38 Best portable: Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler

• Star rating: 4.8/5 on Amazon
• Capacity: 12 cans and ice

Pros:

• Easy to carry
• Thick, comfortable strap
• Variety of colors

Cons:

• Lower carrying capacity
• Not quite as sturdy as hard-shelled coolers

There’s no brand quite like Yeti.

This Yeti soft-sided cooler is made to be tough, as it features a Dry Hide exterior shell, is waterproof, and is resistant to mildew, punctures, and UV rays. You can also look forward to closed-cell rubber foam, a secure closure to keep it leak-resistant, and more.

Customers are saying: “This cooler is AMAZING! I have traveled several times in the last year, leaving my breastfeeding infant at home. I brought this cooler in each trip to keep my milk cold during travel. One of my trips resulted in a 21-hour day stuck on the same plane trying to get home with frozen milk. This cooler passed the test! I was able to change out the ice once, and when I got home, my liquid gold was still frozen! It also fits nicely in the overhead compartment! I can’t say enough good things about this cooler!”

AMAZON $250.00 Best lunch bag: Carhartt Insulated 12 Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler

• Star rating: 4.8/5
• Capacity: 12 cans

Pros:

• Ideal for a six-pack (or two!)
• Variety of colors
• Thick carry strap makes it easy to carry

Cons:

• Smaller carrying capacity
• Less durable than some hard-shelled coolers

Need a lunch cooler that doubles as a drink holder? Then meet this Carhartt two-compartment cooler. Details include two compartments, a large space that holds up to a six-pack, a top handle, and more.

Customers are saying: “Great lunch box/cooler. The upper zipper section is nice for storing fruit or things you don’t need to keep cool and has a side zipper to access without opening the entire pack. Material is sturdy.”

AMAZON $35.36 Best Backpack Cooler: Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler

• Star rating: 4.6/5 on Amazon
• Capacity: 19.4 quarts

Pros:

• Easy to wear on the back
• Narrow design to save space
• Large capacity considering the low weight

Cons:

• Only two colorways
• Longer length (fits better on adults)

Featuring a lightweight design and padded shoulder straps, this closed-cell foam cooler backpack is next level. Throw it over your shoulders and enjoy leak and puncture resistance along with exterior pockets to keep everything separate and secure.

Customers are saying: “This backpack is awesome. Holds a lot of cans and you don’t even no the weight is there when it is on your back. Had an issue with shipping but that was fixed no questions asked. Very good customer service. I am usually a yeti guy but I think I might have to change that. This pelican is flawless.”

AMAZON $300.95 PELICAN $300.95 Best serving cooler: Brümate Backtap Backpack Cooler

• Star rating: 5/5
• Capacity: 14 slim cans, 12 standard cans

Pros:

• Dispenses right from the built-in tap
• Ideal for parties or hosting
• Easy to carry handle or backpack straps

Cons:

• Less comfortable for wearing due to harder material

Is there anything cooler than a backtap backpack? Fill it with water, wine or restorative drinks, like our ultimate favorite drink, BioSteel.

The backpack holds up to three gallons of your favorite beverage, 14 slim cans, 12 standard 12 oz beer cans or five bottles of wine.

Customers are saying: “I took four half gallons of ice cream to work in a hot plant. The ice cream was still frozen SEVEN HOURS later when we ate it on our lunch break! We were very impressed.”

BRüMATE $199.99 Most compartments: FORICH Backpack Cooler

• Star rating: 4.6/5
• Capacity: 30 cans

Pros:

• Multiple compartments for storage
• Two mesh pockets can fit wine bottles
• Variety of colors

Cons:

• May not keep items as cold as some heavier-duty coolers

Rather than have to pick up and carry or pull your cooler through the grass, sand or pavement, just throw this handy backpack on and you’ll have a drink easily within reach. The design can hold a lot of drinks and snacks, according to reviewers. It even features two side mesh pockets for added storage.

Customers are saying: “This works great for camp and for any event that we need food/drinks for. It fits a lot and makes life much easier to carry. Love all of the compartments. Good and sturdy so far. It’s comfortable to wear as well!”

AMAZON $27.99 $24.99 Best with bluetooth: Super Real Bluetooth Speaker Cooler

• Star rating: 4.4/5
• Capacity: 12 ounces

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• Ideal for hosting (built-in audio)
• Roomy bag

Cons:

• Drinks may not seem as cool and there may be some condensation

What’s better than some cool drinks? Some cool drinks and music.

This bluetooth speaker cooler is lightweight, water-resistant, and weighs less than three pounds. So enjoy some tunes and cold sips and bites.

Customers are saying: “I bought five of these Bluetooth coolers, one for myself and one for each of my four adult children. Who just love theirs. I use mine every day. The sound is very powerful and of good quality. The Bluetooth is easy to pair and holds a charge for a long time. Drinks stay nice and cold, even overnight. The bag is light weight and roomy. It is reasonably priced and makes a good gift.”

AMAZON $139.00 Best heavy-duty: YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

• Star rating: 4.8/5 on Amazon
• Capacity: 26 cans

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Long-lasting
• Ideal for size for mixed uses

Cons:

• More difficult to carry or travel with

Camping trips with friends won’t have to be spent refilling ice or grabbing a warm beverage since this durable cooler can hold up to 54 cans and 37 pounds of ice.

Customers are saying: “Perfect for camping in the summer. Most coolers keep ice cold for a day, but this keeps it cold for a few days and doesn’t sweat/condensate.”

AMAZON $599.99 Best long-term cooling: RovR Products RollR 60 Wheeled Cooler

• Star rating: 4.5/5
• Capacity: 60 cans and ice

Pros:

• Keeps ice cold for up to 10 days
• Two compartments for separate storage

Cons:

• More expensive than some other brands

Whether you’re going for a week-long camping trip or a weekend getaway this cooler is up to the task. The back tires are made from heavy-duty materials that can trek through the sand, grass, and more. It can hold up to 20 pounds of ice and 60 cans. Plus, it can keep ice cold for up to 10 days.

Customers are saying: “I’m on a four-week cross country road trip and this cooler has been a gem. Food has stayed icy-cold every step of the way — colder than my refrigerator at home.”

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS $449.00 $399.99 How we tested

To determine the quality of each cooler, we evaluated each of them on portability, durability, and capacity for carrying, as well as the duration of cooling. We tested a range of models to find a cooler that suits a variety of needs — hosting, hiking, camping, and more.

• Portability: Coolers come in a range of forms — totes, backpacks, as well as wheeled and cross-body options. We evaluated how easy it was to carry and move each cooler, making note of the weight and comfort level of the straps or handles.
• Durability: When it comes to durability, we looked for coolers that are puncture-resistant and virtually indestructible. I evaluated the different materials used to construct each cooler and tested the level of strength by giving each of these coolers a hit and a drop. Coolers can be hard-sided or soft-sided. For those that are soft-sided, I tested out whether each cooler kept its shape when loaded with heavy drinks and ice.
• Cooling: Each cooler offers a unique capacity for cooling. While some promise to keep your drinks cool for days on end, others only can provide hours of chilling. To test this out, we loaded each cooler with ice and drinks and reached in to check if they made it past the expected cooling duration. I also looked for any signs of condensation or sweating.
• Carrying capacity: While some coolers provide enough can space to keep the whole party refreshed, others are more suited for family picnics, or solo travel. I made note of each cooler’s capacity and also evaluated whether the internal storage space aligned with the size and weight of the cooler (nothing more frustrating than towing around a heavier cooler that only fits a handful of cans).

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.