Travel + Leisure’s April 3, 2026 review reports testing 24 backpack coolers over several months, but it currently names seven top picks—not eight. Rather than invent an eighth tested recommendation, this guide compares those seven picks and adds a separate buying framework using findings from Outdoor Life and maker specifications. The reviews cover design, capacity, portability, durability, and insulation, but their different methods do not support a single cross-publication performance ranking.
Which backpack cooler should you choose?
For a general-purpose pick, Travel + Leisure names the IceMule Pro Cooler 23L its best overall. Outdoor Life independently names the Hydro Flask Day Escape its best overall, so there is no single winner shared by both reviewed guides. Choose by how you will carry and pack it: a structured pack can make loading easier, while weight distribution and strap comfort matter more on a longer walk.
The product list below follows Travel + Leisure’s seven current picks and labels them by that publication’s categories. Those labels are review judgments, not a head-to-head ranking across both publications.
Travel + Leisure’s seven tested picks
IceMule Pro Cooler 23L — best overall
Travel + Leisure names the 23-liter IceMule Pro its best overall pick. The available review details do not establish a cold-retention duration or current price, so treat the category award as the publication’s judgment rather than a quantified performance guarantee.
#1 Best Overall
- LEAKPROOF PICNIC BACKPACK: With its advanced seamless hot pressing technique, the liner ensures maximum leak prevention
- TWO COMPARTMENTS DESIGN: The large capacity collapsible picnic backpack with 2 compartments can hold up to 40 cans (330ml). The top pocket is ideal for utensils and snacks, while the bottom compartment is designed for drinks and fruits
- FASTENING STRAP: The two side fastening straps with adjustable design fixes the bottles, allowing 2 bottles of wine to be placed on each side without falling out
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: Bottle opener on the cool bag backpack strap makes it easy to open a drink. The extendable zip pocket for valuables such as tissues or mobile phones makes it easy to access and avoids thieves
- VERSATILE FOR EVERY OCCASION: This soft-sided cooler can be used as a beer cooler, ice chest, backpack lunch bag for work, camping backpack, or a beach cooler bag. Backpack design is more convenient than traditional handheld coolers, ergonomic and padded shoulder straps greatly relieve shoulder pressure
REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler — most durable
Travel + Leisure lists this model at 30.5 liters and 3.5 pounds and notes that its removable cooler insert lets the pack serve as a regular backpack. That versatility comes with a meaningful performance tradeoff: the same review reports considerable leakage and melted ice after two hours. If keeping contents dry is essential, weigh that result against the convertible design.
RTIC Backpack Soft Cooler — easiest to pack
Travel + Leisure calls the RTIC easiest to pack. Outdoor Life says its structured shape helps organize items, but also reports that a heavy load feels less comfortable because the weight sits farther from the wearer’s body. RTIC’s official product page lists two sizes:
| Version | Can capacity | Dimensions | Empty weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-can | 24 cans | 12 × 10 × 16 in | 3.8 lb |
| 36-can | 36 cans | 15 × 10 × 20.25 in | 5.4 lb |
These are manufacturer-listed figures, not a standardized comparison with other brands. RTIC also describes the cooler as waterproof, floating, and cold-for-days; those are manufacturer claims, not independent test findings established by the reviews summarized here.
Rank #2
- 20 Hours Retention: Sparter backpack cooler is insulated with thickened 8 mm foam, together with advanced silver PEVA seal to keep beverages cool up to 20 Hours throughout the day for beach picnic, hiking, camping, trip, travel, boating, baseball / golf and work.
- Leak-proof Liner: Our cooler backpack liner adopts high-tech seamless hot pressing process for leak-proof; The zipper is not leakproof, please be careful not to tip over when using it.
- Double Insulated Compartments & Multi-Pockets: Featured two insulated compartments for cooling drinks & dry foods, front big pocket and two side pockets for your snacks, phone, wallet, and other accessories. A bottle opener included for more convenience.
- Water Resistant & Lightweight: Our cooler bags are made of high-density scratch-resistant nylon with extra waterproof PU coating; Lightweight & portable design with padded shoulder straps and back, more comfortable than carrying a heavy big cooler.
- 33 Cans Large Capacity: Measures 17''H x 10.5''L x 7.5"W and can hold up to 33 cans (330ml), roomy enough to pack meals, beers, tall beverages, snacks and other necessities.
Hydro Flask Day Escape / Carryout — Outdoor Life’s best overall
Outdoor Life names the Day Escape its best overall. REI’s current category page lists a 22-liter Carryout Soft Cooler Pack weighing 3 lb 1.3 oz, but the available information does not establish that this listing is the exact version Outdoor Life tested. Confirm the model name and version before comparing its specifications with the Day Escape review.
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Travel + Leisure identifies this pick as best convertible. Its name signals a dual-purpose design, but the supplied review details do not establish a comparable capacity, loaded-carry result, or cold-retention duration. Check the current product listing and confirm its configuration before purchase.
Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack — most comfortable
Travel + Leisure names this its most comfortable pick. Comfort depends on the load, fit, and distance carried, so the category designation should not be read as a promise that a fully packed bag will feel comfortable for every wearer.
Rank #3
- Leak-proof Backpack Cooler: Our cooler backpack liner adopts Edible grade EPVA material and high-tech seamless hot pressing proces, Make sure anti-leaking. You can drink cold beverages,eat fresh fruits or nacks with family or friends anytime. Please note the zipper is not leak-proof and be careful not to tip over when using
- 22 Hours Insulated backpack: Thickened insulation foil foam and leak-proof liner ensures excellent insulation performance, Whether you're camping, at the beach, picnicking, hiking, traveling, boating, playing outdoors or working, Our Cooler Bag can keep your beers and food cool/hot/fresh for a long time
- Large Capacity & Multi-Pocket Design Cooler: AMNOW insulated backpack Cooler provides several pockets, main bag can hold up to 36 cans(32L). 2 front zipper pockets to place your cutlery and cell phones, 4 side pockets to store Umbrellas and drinks ,there is also a top pocket for easy storage of snacks and fruit
- Waterproof and Portable Beach Cooler: Made from high-density oxford fabric material withsurface waterproofing process treatment, our back pack cooler are 102% waterproof and easy to clean. The S-type thick breathable shoulder strap design makes carrying easier. Moreover,our cold bags come with wine openers and reflective strips to make your outdoor life safer and more convenient
- Multiple Functions Backpack Cooler: With this stylish beach cooler backpack, you will get a lot of compliments. AMNOW insulated cooler bag is a ideal outdoor activities partner, You can use it as an lunch box as well as a portable small cooler backpack for hiking, beach, camping, picnic, fishing, travel
Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler — best dual-compartment
Travel + Leisure names this its best dual-compartment option. Separate compartments can help organize a load, but the supplied review details do not provide a directly comparable capacity or retention result for judging it against single-compartment models.
Tourit Cooler Backpack — best budget
Travel + Leisure gives the Tourit its budget category. The review’s price is a snapshot, not a dependable current quote; check the retailer listing for today’s price and availability. The available details do not establish an independently measured cold-retention duration.
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What the tested guides establish—and what they do not
Travel + Leisure says it tested 24 backpack coolers over several months in parks, at beaches, and on rooftops, evaluating design, capacity, portability, durability, and insulation. Its current article presents seven picks. Outdoor Life provides a separate tested guide and a useful RTIC carry-comfort observation, but the available findings do not supply one shared protocol or comparable cold-retention times for every model here.
Rank #4
- Leak-proof & Insulated：High-density insulation material and leak-proof liner inside of the insulated cooler backpack work together to make sure anti-leaking and keep food hot / cold for 16 hours. The interior lining is made of high quality material and easy to clean. You can drink cold beer,eat fresh snacks or fruit with friends or family anytime.
- Spacious and Organized: The Maelstrom insulated backpack features a large capacity and multiple compartments, measuring 12.87”x 8.97”x 18.72”（LxWxH）. This Leak-proof backpack cooler can hold up to 35 cans (32L).With a roomy zipper main compartment, top zipper pocket, front zipper pocket, front elastic rope net, front cutlery storage bag, 2 mesh side pockets, hidden back zipper pocket, and a shoulder strap card pocket, it provides convenient storage for all your needs.
- Ergonomic & Comfortable Design: Thicker padded back with ergonomic breathable design paired with adjustable,breathable and padded S shoulder straps help to reduce fatigue during a long day of trip. The backpack ice chest comes with a handle,which is labor-saving and durable. The adjustable chest buckle works perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. And chest buckle designed as a survival whistle for quick and easy use in case of emergency.
- Unique Function Design: Two condiment bottles can be placed on the top of the tableware storage bag for easy access. The shoulder strap has a stainless steel bottle opener for easy opening of beer and drinks. On the left side of the backpack,there are five webbing holes above the net bag,which can hang keys,water bottles and other tools. There is an adjustable buckle above the right mesh bag to hold the wine bottle perfectly. The shoulder strap has a stretch cord to hang the sunglasses.
- tools. There is an adjustable buckle above the right mesh bag to hold the wine bottle perfectly. The shoulder strap has a strVersatile: Besides used as excellent soft cooler insulated leakproof bag,it is also a perfect lightweight gear for lunch backpack,hiking backpack,camping backpack,fishing backpack,travel backpack,hunting,trail,cycling and other outdoor activities. It is Suitable for both men and womenetch cord to hang the sunglasses.
That means category awards and isolated observations can help narrow a shortlist, but they do not prove that one cooler keeps ice longer than all the others. Do not treat manufacturer capacity claims, retailer specifications, and independent test observations as interchangeable evidence.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose a backpack cooler for your trip
Match capacity to what you will carry
Can counts and liters are not directly interchangeable: a stated can capacity does not by itself show how much room remains for ice, food, or oddly shaped items. YETI’s 2026 buyer’s guide gives combined maker-stated loading examples for two Hopper models:
| Model | YETI-stated capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Hopper M12 | 20 cans plus 12 lb of ice | 17 × 8 × 16 in |
| Hopper M20 | 36 cans plus 22 lb of ice | 15.3 × 9.9 × 18.1 in |
These are YETI’s figures, not a standardized packing test across brands. Consider the shape and mix of your load as well as the stated capacity.
Best Value
- Exceptional Heat Retention: Hulongo cooler backpack is designed to keep your beverages and food cool for up to 12 hours with its thickened 8 mm foam insulation and advanced silver PEVA seal. Whether you're heading to the beach, going on a picnic, hiking, camping, grocery shopping, this backpack will ensure your items stay at the right temperature throughout the day
- Waterproof and Lightweight: Made from high-density scratch-resistant nylon material with an extra PU coating, our cooler bags are 100% waterproof and easy to clean. Moreover, its lightweight design and adjustable padded straps make it more comfortable to carry, eliminating the hassle of carrying a heavy traditional cooler
- Multiple Compartments and Pockets: The cooler backpack features two insulated compartments to keep your drinks cool and your food dry. Additionally, it boasts a front big pocket and two side pockets, allowing you to store your snacks, phone, wallet, and other accessories conveniently. Furthermore, we provide a bottle opener for added convenience
- Leak-proof and Sweat-free: Our cooler backpack utilizes a high-tech seamless hot pressing process, making it completely leak-proof. Moreover, the additional smooth horizontal zippers enhance its anti-leaking properties
- Spacious Capacity: With dimensions measuring 17.7''x12.2''x7.9'' (H x L x W), our cooler backpack can accommodate up to 35 cans (330 ml). It offers enough space to pack meals, tall beverages, snacks, and other necessary items. It makes for a perfect gift for both men and women due to its large capacity and versatility
Think about weight once it is packed
Empty weight is only the starting point: the contents and ice add load, and strap design and weight placement affect how that load feels. Outdoor Life’s RTIC observation illustrates the distinction between an organized pack and a comfortable one when heavily loaded. For a short walk from a car, organization may take priority; for a longer approach, prioritize fit and how close the load rides to your body.
Set expectations for ice and leaks
Cold retention is most useful when reported under stated test conditions. The review details available here do not provide comparable retention durations for all seven Travel + Leisure picks, so a category award should not be treated as proof of a specific number of hours or days. The REI Cool Trail finding—considerable leakage and melted ice after two hours in Travel + Leisure’s review—is a concrete caution for anyone carrying the cooler where wet contents would be a problem.
Choose useful access and construction features
A structured interior may help keep food and gear organized, as Outdoor Life observed with RTIC. A removable insert, as on REI’s Cool Trail, adds a non-cooler backpack use. Dual compartments or convertible furniture-style features may suit particular outings, but those conveniences do not establish insulation performance. Prioritize the feature you will actually use, then verify the current model’s layout and closure details.
Prices and availability change
Travel + Leisure’s review links to retailers and includes price snapshots, while REI’s category page currently displays products including a 31-liter Campwell Pack Cooler and YETI Hopper models. Listings, stock, prices, assortments, ratings, and review counts can change; check the linked seller pages before buying. Retailer specifications may also differ from manufacturer figures, so confirm the exact model and version when comparing measurements.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Travel + Leisure, “The 7 Best Backpack Coolers, Tested and Reviewed,” updated April 3, 2026
- Outdoor Life, “Best Backpack Coolers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed”
- RTIC, “Backpack Cooler”
- YETI, “YETI Soft Coolers Buyer’s Guide 2026”
- REI Co-op, “Backpack Coolers”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
