Backpack Coolers That Make Carrying Beer a Breeze
Don't head out on your next adventure without one of these packs.
If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Editor's note: As of March 9, 2023, YETI has recalled 1.9 million soft coolers and gear cases in relation to a magnet ingestion hazard. The recall includes the Hopper M30 Soft Cooler 1.0 and 2.0, Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler, and SideKick Dry Gear Case. We have removed all recalled Yeti coolers from our roundup and those who have purchased any of these products are advised to immediately stop using the recalled products and contact YETI for a refund or replacement.
Large coolers are great when you have a car, or if you’re hosting a backyard barbecue and need a couple for an array of beverages. But what if you’re hitting the beach, going camping, or attending an outdoor concert? You need a backpack cooler. They’re incredibly convenient to carry anything — beer, soda, water, or snacks — for miles at a time!
Brands like YETI, Hydro Flask, and Orca have been upping their backpack cooler game for this warm-weather season and launching an array of new products, from minimalist models to heavy-duty, adventure-ready bags that keep ice in tact for multiple days. Check out our favorite backpack coolers and load them up with food and drinks for your next big outing.
Out of all the coolers on our list, this backpack from Hydro Flask is our favorite in terms of style. You can take it on a daytime trek, or carry it to concerts, picnics, etc., and fit right in with the rest of the crowd. Plus, it also features Hydro Flask's smart-insulation technology, so anything inside will stay cold for up to 48 hours. The nylon lining is completely waterproof, and the zippers feature a leakproof design as well.
We've tested out this cooler during beach and boat excursions, and can attest to the comfort level. The backpack itself is pretty lightweight, so all you have to manage is the stuff inside. It also doesn't leave any red marks on your shoulders like other backpacks sometimes do, so that's another win in our books!
The Trooper LT 30 by OtterBox is the perfect adventure companion, with premium thermal insulation that keeps ice frozen for up to three days, whether you're miles away from shore with a deep-sea fishing rod or jeeping through the desert trying to get lost.
Two wide backpack straps disperse the load for long hauls, and the large-mouth opening provides easy access to the contents at the bottom, so you can bust out a cold one as soon as you find a spot to set up shop. Our favorite feature is obviously the exterior-mounted bottle opener, which proves that Otterbox knows you well!
With proper packing, this Podster can retain ice for days. One of the best things about this backpack cooler is when you're ready to take it off of your back and set it down, it will sit sturdy on just about any surface. Just lift the lid as if it were a regular cooler! From day hikes to short camping trips, you'll be sure to have ice cold brews on hand with this pick!
$22.49
Igloo's Marine lineup is made for watersports, with MaxCold insulation and a UV-protective shell that keep your lunch and rack of cheap domestics chilly, even when cooking in direct sunlight on the open water from sunup to sundown.
Zippers are corrosion-resistant, and the interior is antimicrobial and anti-mildew, which helps to prevent buildup in case you forget about some perishables for an unforgivable amount of time.
If you're looking for the perfect backpack to keep your lunch and hydration options (wine counts!) fresh, this smaller pick by Indago8 is your best option. It's ideal for light hikes by the river or patient picnics in the park since it won't weigh you down unnecessarily.
Enjoy plenty of room to load up on lunch so you can have the afternoon in the outdoors of your dreams. It's also ideal for tailgating and local sporting events and festivals. It folds down neatly, too.
Pack a lunch for the family in this insulated backpack, that weighs a measly 1.1 pounds! Load it up with sandwiches, fresh fruit, snack bars, and your beverage of choice (don't get any ideas, Dad), then toss in some reusable ice packs. With the money you save, there may even be some change leftover for souvenirs!
Looking for a high-performing yet affordable option? This one features a nylon shell that's super tough, high-density open cell foam insulation that keeps ice for up to 24 hours, and highly padded straps that won't hurt your shoulders, even when stuffed with 18 cans and a 10-pound bag of ice! The top zipper isn't leakproof, but as long as this wallet-friendly cooler is kept upright, you'll keep beers cold and money in your pocket — where it belongs!
Icemule's Boss doesn't take anything lightly, as you can tell by the burly, take-no-prisoners design. Icemule designed this like a technical overnight bag to make carrying a heavy load of food and drinks nearly effortless, with a backpack suspension system that includes a ventilated back panel and shoulder straps, a cushioned hip belt to offset weight, and a sternum strap to lock everything in place.
In addition to being super portable, the Boss stays cold for multiple days, thanks to the company's PolarLayer XT Insulation, and an air valve that can be inflated for even more cold retention, so you can keep your freshly caught fish alive until it hits the grill at camp a few days later! It also features a roll-top closure that'll never leak, three large exterior pockets, tie downs for boating or kayaking, and Icemule's proprietary MuleSkin fabric that's puncture-resistant, even if it gets dragged around the back of your ATV while off-roading.
Erica is the Senior Director of SEO and Content for Hearst's Enthusiast Group; Prior to that, she worked at New York Magazine and Levo League, where she received several bylines on various topics like finding your dream job, being spontaneous, and how women think about perfection. Outside of work, Erica can be found running around Central Park, browsing the cheese selection at Murray’s, or playing soccer at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Watch Next
Hike Further With a Backpack-Style Baby Carrier
The Best Camping Kitchens for Your Campsite
100 Best Camping Gear Items to Keep You Prepared
Packable Men’s Rain Jackets That Take Up No Space
