It’s crucial to make sure you are staying hydrated and nourished when camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. One of the most important items to help ensure you have everything you need on the fueling front is a small cooler. Transportable and efficient, this a piece of gear every camper needs in their repertoire.
Read on for our top picks of the best small coolers, some key factors to consider when purchasing, and more!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
YETI Portable Soft Cooler
Best Budget
Coleman 28 Can Backpack Soft Cooler
Best Hard Design
Stanley Adventure Leakproof Outdoor Cooler
Best Overall
YETI Portable Soft Cooler
When choosing the best small cooler, look for long-lasting cold capacity, ample storage, durability, and a reputable brand. The YETI Portable Soft Cooler is our top pick, offering a compact size (14 x 14 x 11 inches) that can hold up to 12 cans plus ice. It’s suitable for various outdoor activities, leakproof, and waterproof, making it an ideal choice for wilderness adventures, camping trips, and more. Choose from a variety of colors to match your gear.
Pros
- Is a proven sturdy, waterproof, leakproof cooler
- Keeps items cold for many hours, even up to multiple days in the right conditions
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- Occasional issues with compromised items; however, no consistent product detriments have been reported
Best Budget
Coleman 28 Can Backpack Soft Cooler
For those seeking a budget-friendly small cooler, the Coleman 28 Can Backpack Soft Cooler is a top choice. Despite its lower cost, this cooler offers practicality, high capacity (up to 28 cans), effective insulation, and ease of use. It features an insulated pocket for food, waterproofing, durability, and a comfortable backpack-style fit. It’s a great option for keeping items cold on hikes, camping trips, or outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Highly affordable, particularly in comparison to other standard small coolers
- Can be carried like a regular backpack
- Has a waterproof exterior design
- Has a good carrying capacity
Cons
- Several customers have reported leakage after a few uses
- Should only be filled with frozen water bottles or icepacks rather than loose ice
Best Hard Design
Stanley Adventure Leakproof Outdoor Cooler
For those seeking a small cooler with a hard exterior, the Stanley Adventure Leakproof Outdoor Cooler is an excellent choice. Made of stainless steel, it offers durability and leak resistance. It can also double as a seat, making it versatile for camping or hiking. This cooler keeps contents cold for over a day, is lightweight and portable, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Pros
- Has a sturdy and durable design
- Great for camping and outdoor adventures, but also a great small cooler for daily lunches, picnics, etc.
- Wonderful value for a middle-of-the-road price
- Has bungie cords on top for carrying additional water bottles
Cons
- Some customers have reported manufacturing issues with their Stanley coolers
- May prove hard to snap closed
RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag
For car trips, the RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag is a top choice. With a capacity of up to 30 cans, it’s lightweight, flexible, and ideal for easy packing. Customers praise its ease of use and material quality. If you need a well-designed, high-capacity cooler that keeps items cold for a day, this is a great pick for car adventures.
Pros
- This cooler ranks highly as a well-built, sturdy, easy-to-use product
- The dimensionality makes it easy for use in the car, packing in among other items, and carrying to campsites and on hikes
- This cooler is waterproof and floating, making it also ideal for beach trips and pool days
Cons
- Some customers have found the size to be too large and therefore off-putting for their particular camping gear needs
Coleman Rolling Cooler
The Coleman Rolling Cooler is the best small cooler on wheels, ideal for those who prefer pulling over carrying. Despite being larger than typical small coolers, it is still compact and practical. With a capacity of up to 50 quarts, it features a telescoping handle for easy transport over rough terrain and unpaved paths. The locking lid doubles as a seat, adding to its practicality.
Pros:
- The heavy-duty wheels and telescoping handle make for easy navigation on even the toughest terrain
- The large storage capacity makes it easy to keep all your cold items stored in one place
- The heavily insulated lid and sides can keep contents cold for up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Some customers have reported the handle not telescoping properly on their item
- Cooling capacity and longevity may be significantly reduced in extreme, prolonged temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or with frequent opening and closing of the cooler
Considerations for Choosing the Best Small Cooler
- Sunlight Exposure: Some small coolers perform better in direct sunlight than others. Consider higher insulation models if exposed to extreme heat.
- Durability: For rugged use, like hiking or frequent opening/closing, prioritize well-built coolers over cheaper or more stylish options.
- Effectiveness Factors: Conditions and usage determine a cooler’s effectiveness, so consider these before choosing one.
Transportability Considerations:
- Variety in Transport: Some coolers can attach to backpacks or be worn as one, while others require hand-carrying. Choose based on intended use.
- Importance of Transportability: A cooler may have excellent cooling capacity but might not be suitable if difficult to carry and transport.
Capacity and Size:
- Cooler Size vs. Needs: Review dimensions to ensure the cooler can hold what you need, including considering space for ice packs or frozen items.
- Avoiding Disappointment: Ensure the cooler has enough space for your items to avoid post-purchase disappointment.
Cooling Duration:
- Varied Cooling Times: Coolers can keep contents cold for a few days or less than 24 hours. Environmental factors and frequency of opening affect cooling duration.
- Consider Customer Reviews: Customer feedback on cooling duration can help guide your purchase decision.
Wrapping up the Best Small Cooler for 2023
Choosing the best small cooler is just one of the important items to check off on your camping gear list!
Check out our Camping Gear page for insights and ideas on other items to make sure you have on hand before you set out on a camping adventure.