![\"Backpack](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC5177-700x467-1.jpg\")
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Backpack coolers keep getting cooler.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve never considered one, carrying a backpack cooler is a convenient choice for hands-free, single-person transport of tasty refreshments. That could mean tailgating after a run club meetup, heading to a local softball game with your leashed dog, or riding a cruiser to a park BBQ.<\/p>\n These packs are useful when you have your hands full with kiddos or other gear. Or they can help commuters by bike, bus, or train swoop their groceries for the week.<\/p>\n Some backpack coolers are also great for day hikes and picnics at faraway alpine lakes. Others can be strapped down to a motorcycle, SUP, or raft for multiday and whitewater adventures.<\/p>\n A swell of brands is developing these super-transportable, insulated packs with high-end construction, style, and a range of distinct features. With surprising complexity, backpack coolers offer a range of capacity, ice retention, and special characteristics to help make your outdoor experience more comfortable and better fueled.<\/p>\n For more information about backpack coolers and how we tested them, check out our buyer’s guide<\/strong><\/a> and FAQ<\/strong> <\/a>at the end of this article. Looking for a quick overview of each model’s price and features? Check out our useful comparison chart<\/strong><\/a>. Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Note: We updated our Backpack Coolers guide on June 13, 2024, to dial in the awards and our selection, which remains the best available. <\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWinning cooler backpack for ice retention<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree waterproof, insulated exterior cargo pockets<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat weight distribution<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSecure roll-top design keeps water in and out<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt floats!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe tall, narrow cooler column makes nutriments harder to access<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWaterproof zippers on pockets are hard to open and close<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPricier<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Winning our ice retention test, the ICEMULE BOSS<\/a><\/strong> ($375) also stands out as one of the biggest pack coolers but distributes weight well. The pack has comfortable double-padded mesh shoulder straps and hip pads plus an adjustable hip belt and sternum strap. The pack has a burlier build for rugged adventures: It can handle being strapped down to a whitewater raft or canoe.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n When we loaded the pack with a 10-pound bag of ice for testing on a half-day hike in Colorado, it was easy to forget the pack was on at all, so it’s also a great choice for hikers who want to cover some distance. And this design offered a bit better airflow than others.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This design\u2019s exterior MuleSkin 1,000-denier fabric withstands rough conditions. The shoulder straps are on the wider side but not as motion-limiting as the straps of other pack coolers we’ve tested.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n That said, the straps are less ergonomic than, say, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler. We also celebrate the three spacious exterior pockets with waterproof zippers \u2014 we just wish they were smoother to open and close.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Thanks to the polar layer XT insulation, 133 hours passed before the ice in the ICEMULE BOSS<\/a><\/strong> completely melted during our test, taking first place across all the cooler packs. To put the size in perspective, this pack could fit 24 12-ounce cans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat value<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmple pockets and storage<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTitan Ice Wall ice packs included<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLacks durability<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLacks adjustment for longer hikes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler <\/a>($70) is a great value pack with impressive ice retention. One of our most memorable tests with this cooler was while working at an ultramarathon in the Sawatch mountain range of Colorado over a hot July weekend.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This pack carries a lot like your middle school book bag. But what it lacks in carrying comfort and adjustability, it makes up for in ice retention results and storage options.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n So many pouches are available for you to use on hikes and strolls. The double-side water bottle pockets, four zippered pockets, and additional front mesh pocket with bungee cordage let you carry everything you need for an adventure. However, we did find the mesh pockets lacking in durability.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n As a perk, the Deep Freeze comes with two Titan Ice Wall ice packs, which slide into zippered pockets on either side of the cooler compartment. After pre-cooling the main cooler space, we found the Ice Walls to be impressive and hold a consistently cool temperature for an entire weekend. We also appreciated the separate ice pack compartments that kept condensation off food items.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While we wouldn\u2019t recommend it for extended hikes, this cooler outperformed its price point for an extended weekend in and out of the car and hanging around outside. We also found that the chest strap, which is not adjustable, is placed too low for busty women, so beware. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n If you\u2019re headed out on a solo mission or need extra storage, this might just be the cooler for you. According to our test, the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler<\/a> retained ice for 80 hours. Considering the scale, this pack could hold 24 12-ounce cans with room for ice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVery durable design<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWaterproof zipper closure<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tImpressive ice retention<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHeavy<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUncomfortable straps and waist belt<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo outside pockets<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler <\/a>($159) blurs the lines between a soft and hard-sided cooler. This tote will keep your food and beverages cold for days and can take a beating. All for under two-hundo and with an impressive ice retention score.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n No small accessory, the RTIC 30 is also huge. If you\u2019re hanging out with a crowd or headed out for a full weekend, this cooler can handle the load. We loved this cooler for car camping, hanging out at a park or the beach, or anything around the water. The waterproof zipper is truly leakproof, plus the whole thing floats! Even after opening this cooler frequently, our food stayed cool all weekend long. However, in direct sunlight, the cooler gets hot to the touch.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n With a super sturdy base and durable all-around construction, this cooler is easy to drag in and out of the car and through the dirt and sand, and it\u2019s easy to clean. It remains upright with zero collapsing when we set it down on the ground, which we appreciate. We also loved the bright orange interior which made it easy to see what\u2019s hidden at the bottom.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This roomy design will hold everything, though it\u2019s heavy. The padded shoulder straps and hefty waist belt are nice, but some of our testers found it challenging to carry the cooler comfortably. We wish the straps were adjustable or the waist belt were removable. Testers noted that the hip belt sat too high for comfort. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n We tested this cooler while crewing an ultramarathon around Colorado\u2019s San Juan mountains and on a river trip down the Gunnison River. And wow, the RTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler<\/a> also retained ice for 85 hours in our in-house test. To put the size in perspective, this pack could hold 30 12-ounce cans with room for ice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Best Backpack Coolers of 2024<\/a><\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Backpack Cooler\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tICEMULE BOSS\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t17" x 11" x 24"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t30 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7.5 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t~5.5 days<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GearOfTheYear_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icemule-boss-backpack-cooler.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tMorgan Tilton<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$375 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Backpack Cooler\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTitan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze 30 Can Ice Wall Backpack Cooler\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t11.81" x 10.24" x 19.75"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t32 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.96 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.5 days<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Titan-by-Arctic-Zone-Deep-Freeze-30-Can-Ice-Wall-Backpack-Cooler.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tMorgan Tilton<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck Price at Arctic Zone<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tSturdiest Everyday Backpack Cooler\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRTIC 30 Can Backpack Cooler\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t15\u201d x 10\u201d x 20.25\u201d<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t25 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.5 days<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RTIC-30-Can-Backpack-Cooler.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tMorgan Tilton<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$180 at RTIC Outdoors<\/a>$190 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tMost Stash Pockets\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIgloo Pursuit Backpack\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t12.6" x 7.5" x 18.9"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t29 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t~2.5 days<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Igloo-Pursuit-Backpack.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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