Guide to the Best Coolers for Summer Adventures - Ideas & Inspiration The Traveler Scene

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Get ready to take your summer adventures to the next level with the ultimate guide to the best coolers, independently tested and recommended by our expert editors. Whether you’re planning a family picnic or a weekend camping trip, this guide has you covered with detailed reviews on everything from stylish soft coolers and leakproof hard-shell options to mini coolers and convenient backpack designs. Discover top-notch choices like the Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler, perfect for holding up to 38 cans and keeping them cold for up to 24 hours, or the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler that floats and is both waterproof and leakproof. Plus, you’ll find standout options like the retro Igloo KoolTunes Cooler with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and the Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler known for its durable, easy-to-transport design. Dive into our comprehensive guide to find the perfect cooler to keep your refreshments chilled and your spirits high all summer long! Have you ever found yourself enjoying a perfect summer day at the beach or a picnic with friends and wished that your drinks stayed cold a little longer? Well, you’re not alone! Picking the right cooler can make a world of difference for your summer adventures. Whether you need a cooler for a low-key picnic or an epic road trip, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to the best coolers for all types of summer escapades, recommended and tested by our very own editors.

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Soft Coolers

Soft coolers are great if you’re looking for something lightweight and flexible. They’re easy to carry, often come with straps, and are perfect for shorter outings where super-long cooling isn’t a top concern.

Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler

If you’re planning a day trip and need something that will keep your beverages cold for up to 24 hours, the Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler is a fantastic choice.

Capacity: 38 cans
Features: Made of soft material, comes with a long adjustable strap, and maintains cold temperatures up to 24 hours.

It’s pretty spacious too! You can fit around 38 cans, making it perfect for a small gathering at the beach or park.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler

This cooler truly stands out because of its versatility and durability. Not only is it waterproof and leakproof, but it also floats, making it an excellent option for boating trips.

Capacity: Up to 40 cans
Features: Waterproof, leakproof, and floats. Promises long-lasting coolness.

Calpak Soft-Sided Cooler (17-liter)

For those who are style-conscious and need something a bit more compact, the Calpak Soft-Sided Cooler is for you. It’s lightweight and very stylish, featuring multiple pockets to store your accessories.

Capacity: 32 cans
Features: Lightweight and stylish with multiple pockets for accessories.

Take this cooler to an outdoor concert or a chic picnic, and you’ll be turning heads for sure!

Hard-Shell Coolers

Hard-shell coolers are the big guns when it comes to cooling. They’re durable, often have excellent cooling time, and are perfect for longer trips.

Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler

You know you’ll be securing your drinks and food in this robust and portable cooler. The Yeti Roadie 24 is built to last and easy to transport with non-slip feet and a compact size.

Capacity: 33 cans
Features: Durable, easy to transport, non-slip feet.

This cooler is perfect for car camping and short road trips where you need your items to be kept cold for a longer period.

Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

If you’ve got a big family or you’re hosting a larger gathering, the Yeti Tundra Haul is your go-to cooler. Its wheeled design makes it easy to transport, even when filled to its 82-can capacity.

Capacity: 82 cans
Features: Wheeled, leakproof, long-lasting coolness, drain system.

It’s leakproof and has a great drain system, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, it will keep your items cold for a very long time.

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Mini Coolers

Mini coolers are perfect for one-person trips or when you don’t need to bring too many items. They are compact, portable, and just right for smaller quantities.

Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler

This mini cooler is lightweight and easy to carry around. Despite its small size, it’s designed to keep your items cool for an impressive amount of time.

Capacity: 10 cans
Features: Lightweight, long-lasting coolness, easy to carry.

Perfect for solo adventures or even a quick trip to the park.

Backpack Coolers

Ever wondered how handy it would be to carry your cooler like a backpack? Enter backpack coolers, designed for maximum convenience. They are perfect for hiking, biking, or any activity where you need both hands free.

Example Product: To be detailed in future updates.

Insulated Totes

Insulated totes are great when you’re looking for something that looks more like a bag than a cooler. They are stylish and easy to carry, often doubling up as a functional tote bag.

Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag

Perfect for solo picnics or random lunch adventures, this insulated lunch bag meets functionality with style. It’s commuter-friendly and easy to carry around.

General use: Ideal for solo picnics and perfect for commuters.

This bag is an excellent option if you want something chic yet functional.

Putting It All Together

So now you know a bit more about the different types of coolers out there. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Cooler Type	Example	Capacity	Key Features
Soft Coolers	Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler	38 cans	Soft material, 24-hour coolness
	RTIC Soft Pack Cooler	Up to 40 cans	Waterproof, leakproof, floats
	Calpak Soft-Sided Cooler (17-liter)	32 cans	Lightweight, stylish
Hard-Shell	Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler	33 cans	Durable, non-slip feet
	Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler	82 cans	Wheeled, leakproof, drain system
Mini Coolers	Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler	10 cans	Lightweight, long-lasting coolness
Insulated Totes	Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag	General use	Commuter-friendly, stylish

Things to Consider When Buying a Cooler

Size and Capacity: Make sure the cooler fits your needs in terms of capacity. Think about how many people you usually pack for and the typical duration of your adventures.
Material: Soft vs. hard coolers have distinct advantages. Choose according to your specific needs (portability vs. durability).
Insulation Performance: Pay attention to how long the cooler can keep your items cold.
Portability Features: Straps, wheels, and handles can make a big difference in ease of transport.
Waterproof and Leakproof: This is especially important for soft coolers and if your cooler is likely to face wet conditions.

In conclusion, the right cooler for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a soft cooler for its flexibility, a hard-shell cooler for its durability, or a stylish insulated tote, you’re well on your way to keeping cool during your summer adventures. Happy adventuring!

So, what’s going to be your summer cooler of choice?

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