Cooler Buying Guide
From day trips to weekends at camp, the right cooler helps make time outside simpler and more enjoyable. Use this cooler buying guide to compare hard coolers, soft coolers, backpack coolers and cooler bags, then choose a size and style that fits the way you like to get out there.
Hard Coolers
A solid choice when you want a structured cooler for camp, tailgates, the boat or longer days outside.
Soft Coolers
Easy to carry and easy to store, these coolers work well for picnics, beach days and everyday outings.
Backpack Coolers
A hands-free option that makes it easier to carry food and drinks when the walk in is part of the plan.
Cooler Bags
Great for grab-and-go plans, cooler bags offer a familiar carry style for park days, road trips and casual outings.
Camping Coolers
Browse cooler options suited to campsite meals, shared snacks and family weekends outdoors.
FAQs
Start with the kind of trips you take most often. Hard coolers are a good match for camp setups, tailgates and longer outings, while soft coolers are easier to carry and store for day trips. For a closer side-by-side comparison, see our Hard vs. Soft Coolers guide: Hard vs. Soft Coolers.
The best cooler size depends on how many people you're packing for and how long you'll be out. Smaller styles can make sense for lunch, snacks and drinks, while larger capacities are better for shared meals and full-day or overnight plans. For more help, visit our Cooler Size Guide: Cooler Size Guide.
Backpack coolers are a great choice when you want to keep your hands free on the way to the beach, picnic spot or campsite. They combine cooler storage with a carry style that's especially handy when you're walking farther or bringing along other gear. Browse options here: Backpack Coolers.
Cooler bags are best for casual plans when you want an easy carry shape for food and drinks. They're a practical pick for road trips, park days, errands and everyday outings where convenience matters most. You can explore more styles here: Cooler Bags.
Pack a cooler with a plan so the items you need first are easy to reach. Group drinks, meals and snacks, and leave space for ice or ice packs around what you want to keep cold. For step-by-step help, read How to Pack a Cooler: How to Pack a Cooler.