10 Best Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler stands out in the cooler category, particularly for those who prioritize portability and effective insulation. With a capacity to hold up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, this cooler is ideal for day trips, picnics, or outdoor activities where you need to keep beverages cold and hands-free. The MagShield Access feature is a notable highlight, using durable magnets for a leak-resistant closure that allows easy access to your drinks.

One of the cooler's strong points is its ColdCell Insulation, which is designed to retain cold temperatures exceptionally well, ensuring your items stay frosty for longer periods. The DryHide Shell adds another layer of durability, being both puncture-resistant and UV ray resistant, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions.

The Kangaroo Pocket is a useful addition, allowing for easy storage of essentials like phones and keys.

The YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler in Charcoal is the smallest cooler in the YETI lineup, designed to be compact yet efficient. Its capacity allows for 22 cans or 16 lbs of ice, making it suitable for short-term outings such as picnics, fishing trips, camping, and hiking. It also fits standard wine bottles and two-liter soda bottles, which can be a convenient feature for those who enjoy beverages on their adventures. The cooler boasts high-density polyethylene insulation, ensuring that your contents stay cold for a considerable period.

The portability of this cooler is enhanced by the DoubleDuty Shoulder Strap, which provides hands-free hauling or a comfortable grip for carrying. Additionally, the LipGrip handles stay out of the way and make carrying easier. The BearFoot non-slip feet prevent the cooler from sliding in unstable environments like boats or backseats, adding to its practicality. The cooler weighs 5.72 kilograms, which may be slightly heavy for some users when fully loaded, but its sturdy build aids in durability. The material used is high-quality HDPE, which ensures the cooler can withstand rough usage.

While it ranks #29 in Camping Coolers, it might be less suitable for those needing a larger capacity for extended trips. The cooler's additional features, such as the non-slip feet and wine-friendly packing, make it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts. However, its compact size may limit its use for bigger groups or longer outings.

The YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler is designed for those who need a tough and reliable cooler for camping and outdoor adventures. Its capacity is suitable for keeping a moderate amount of food and drinks cool, making it perfect for small groups or day trips. The cooler uses ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam and polyurethane material, which provides excellent cold retention to keep your items icy for many hours. One of its standout features is the MagShield Access—a magnetic seal that makes opening and closing the cooler easy while maintaining a strong, leak-resistant closure. This helps prevent spills and keeps the cold air inside.

The cooler’s DryHide shell is made from high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage, adding to its durability in rough outdoor conditions. It’s also water-resistant and foldable, which enhances portability and storage convenience. The HitchPoint grid system lets you attach extra gear like dry bags or tools, adding useful customization options. On the downside, the M30 is not the largest cooler, so it may not be ideal for extended trips or larger groups needing more capacity. While it’s water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, so care should be taken in very wet conditions. Also, soft coolers generally don’t cool as long as hard-sided models.

For campers or outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged, easy-to-carry soft cooler with strong insulation and smart features, the YETI Hopper M30 represents a solid choice.