10 Best Waterproof Soft Coolers 2026 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack is a high-quality soft cooler that can hold up to 36 cans or 22 pounds of ice, making it a good size for day trips or small group outings. It uses ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam, which helps keep your items cold for a long time, ideal for keeping drinks and food fresh during outdoor activities. The cooler's DryHide shell is tough, designed to resist punctures and damage from UV rays, so it can stand up to rougher conditions.

The MagShield Access is a clever feature that uses magnets to create a very strong, leak-resistant seal while allowing easy access without struggling to open or close it. This adds to its waterproof reliability, ensuring no spills or leaks during transport. Portability is enhanced by multiple carry handles and its backpack design, which lets you keep your hands free and carry it comfortably over longer distances. The HitchPoint Grid is a handy addition, allowing you to attach extra gear like bottle openers or dry cases for convenience.

On the downside, the cooler weighs around 3.45 kilograms (7.6 pounds) when empty, which might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially if you plan to carry it for very long periods. Also, while it offers excellent cold retention, soft coolers generally won't match the ice retention time of hard-sided coolers. This product suits campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable, well-insulated, and waterproof soft cooler with easy access and good carrying options.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a versatile and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts. It can carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, making it suitable for picnics, camping, and hiking. The closed-cell foam insulation, known as COLDCELL, ensures excellent cold retention, keeping your beverages and food items chilled for extended periods.

The MAGSHIELD ACCESS feature, which uses strong magnets, provides an ultra leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close with just a gentle push. This cooler is also built to last, thanks to its DRYHIDE SHELL, a high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage. Additionally, the exterior Kangaroo Pocket adds convenience by allowing you to store small items like keys, a phone, or a wallet within easy reach.

On the downside, the cooler's weight of just over 3 kilograms may be a bit hefty for some users, especially when fully loaded. The capacity listing of 12 ounces in the specs seems to be a mistake, as the main description suggests a much larger capacity. Despite this minor confusion and the weight, the YETI Hopper M12 offers a robust and highly functional solution for those needing a reliable, portable cooler that can withstand tough outdoor conditions while keeping contents cold.

The YETI Roadie 15 Cooler in Wild Vine Red is a compact yet powerful option for those who need a reliable cooler for picnics, fishing trips, camping, and hiking. Its capacity allows for 22 cans or 16 lbs of ice, and it can comfortably fit standard wine and two-liter soda bottles on their side, making it versatile for various types of outings.

The insulation is made from polyurethane foam, which helps keep contents cold for an extended period, and the cooler boasts excellent waterproofing and non-slip feet to prevent sliding around, whether on a boat or in a car. It's also equipped with a DoubleDuty Strap for hands-free carrying or a comfortable grip, and LipGrip Handles that stay out of the way while providing ease of transport.

Constructed from durable polyethylene, this cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh environments, making it a durable choice. However, at a weight of 5.42 kg and dimensions of 17.25 x 15.5 x 12 inches, it might be a bit heavy and bulky for some users to carry for extended periods. This cooler is suitable for individuals who need a sturdy, well-insulated cooler for various outdoor activities and don't mind the slightly heavier weight for the durability and features it offers.