Hauling a cooler to the beach, out on your kayak, or to the park can sometimes be a challenge depending on how much other gear you have with you. More and more beachgoers and lovers of summer are making the transition to insulated backpacks rather than dragging along a bulky cooler or ice box.
An insulated backpack or cooler backpack keeps your picnic nice and cool and also your hands free! You’ve got lunch on your back and two hands still available for a picnic blanket, umbrella, surfboard or whatever it is that you bring along for days of summer fun.
The internal schematic of a lot of these backpacks are quite impressive — there’s all sorts of storage as well as configurations to pack your picnic so nothing gets damaged before lunch. Most of these units are not just an insulated backpack and even provide some additional space to stash a towel and extra gear.
Exterior of the pack is resistant to mold, abrasion/punctures, UV rays and of course waterproof
Lined with an FDA approved food grade material
Super reliable waterproof zipper
Closed cell rubber foam insulation is the best money can buy — your lunch will be ice cold all day long with this bad boy
Cons:
Quite expensive
Not a whole lot of organizational potential
No color options
If you’re looking for the best of the best – this is it. YETI is renowned for their insulating technology and build some of the very best coolers on the market, the Hopper Backflip Cooler Backpack being one of their top products!
Their coolers are wildly overpriced in my opinion, but then again there’s no equivalent to this level of insulation. Bottom line – if you have the funds to shell out for a YETI backpack you should absolutely snag one, but if you’re tight on cash this price tag is not at all necessary.
This unit has internal dimensions of 12 ½ by 6 ½ by 15 inches. There’s room for 20 cans with a two to one ice to can ratio. There’s furthermore plenty of external loops to secure other gear and food that doesn’t require insulation.
The high-density fabric used to build this pack is waterproof and highly resistant to mold, UV rays and abrasion. The hydrolok zipper is also built to be super heavy duty and totally waterproof – it won’t fail you. This is a tough as nails insulated backpack you’ll own for years and years of summer sessions.
The price may be steep, but this is a quality product built from quality materials that won’t let you down.
Lots of separate storage space for a high degree of organization
Fabrics used are built tough to last through many summers of use
Straps can be folded into a back zippered compartment in order to use this insulated backpack as a regular cooler
Effectively leak proof
Cons:
Limited color selection
A bit difficult to drain water
Fairly expensive
Igloo has built a high quality insulated backpack with this 30-can model. The Switch Marine Backpack is thoughtfully designed for high organization and also built rugged for years of use.
The 600-denier polyester fabric with TPE coating is durable enough to stand up to sun, salt, and whatever summer shenanigans you have planned. The design is inherently simple and therefore less prone to malfunction despite its awesome array of pockets and storage space.
There’s a large main compartment, side sleeves, front zippered pocket and even a thin zippered sleeve against the back. If organization is important to you then this might be just what you’re looking for – there’s a spot for everything with this one. Cutlery, ice and drinks, sandwiches and snacks can all be stowed separately for those that prefer not to just stuff their cooler.
One cool feature Igloo included with this insulated backpack is that the straps can be collapsed into the back zippered pocket in order to be carried like a regular cooler. When you’re using it as a backpack, you have an extra compartment – pretty neat.
For a cooler backpack in this price range this unit is no doubt built tough and built smart adding up to a great value!
Upright side pockets allow you to stash snacks and dry goods
Airtight zipper opens fully around the top for especially easy access to the cooler contents
3-layer insulation material keeps cooler contents cold for up to three days
Adjustable external webbing enables easy attachment of gear and other accessories
Carry handle on the cooler top makes this a great tote-style cooler as well
BPA-free liner
Tough waterproof shell
Several color options
Cons:
Fairly expensive
Recommended to maintenance the zipper with lubricant occasionally
Brand claims a 36-can capacity with ice, but customer reviews insists a lower max load
The TOURIT Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Backpack although still fairly expensive, is a wonderfully priced, high-quality alternative to the most pricey high-performance brands such as YETI and Hydroflask.
Featuring a roughly 21-liter size, this unit can hold about 24 cans with ice, and retains cold temps for up to three days. A tough waterproof shell and airtight zipper furthermore ensure this bag will perform for many years of service – so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck here.
An easy to clean BPA-free liner ensures your food and beverages are never in contact with potentially hazardous materials, while upright side pockets allow you to stash snacks, personal items, and other dry goods. A carry handle on the cooler top goes on to make this a great tote-style cooler as well.
Not to be overlooked, adjustable external webbing on the front side of the pack enables easy attachment of gear and other accessories, so this pack has you covered when you have an abundance of equipment to haul.
With several color options to choose from, selecting an aesthetic is furthermore made easy!
2-inches of closed cell foam hold ice for up to 24 hours
Elastic pouch and D-rings on the pack front allow you to secure additional items
Built to be 100% waterproof with welded seams
Heavy duty handles on the cooler side and top offer a variety of carry options
Adjustable shoulder straps and a waist buckle enable easy carry even when full
Compact design and shape packs and stores nicely
Sharp color selection
Cons:
Fairly expensive
Front bungee system cannot support heavier items
Based on the smaller size of the cooler, the side handles feel fairly unneccesary
The RTIC Backpack Cooler is a simple and straightforward option built for outdoorsmen and women seeking a no-nonsense insulated cooler that’s built to both perform and last.
Designed for a 20 can capacity with ice, RTIC has engineered this pack with 2-inches of closed-cell foam in order to hold ice for up to 24 hours. It’s built to be 100% waterproof with welded seams, and even sits upright due to its boxy build.
An elastic pouch on the pack front allow you to secure additional items, while carry handles on the top and sides enable a few different ways to tote this bad boy. Adjustable shoulder straps and a waist buckle furthermore enable easy carry even when full.
With a sharp color selection to choose from, picking an aesthetic for you and the whole gang is made easy!
Can hold over 12 cans or 4 bottles of wine with ice
Exterior lash tabs enable easy attachment of other gear and accessories
Compression molded base allows the backpack to sit upright and offers increased structure and durability
Tough rubberized carry handle
Cons:
Ice retention is only 12 hours, so those seeking a backpack with especially prolonged insulating times may want to look elsewhere
Some might not like the roll-top design in order to access the main compartment
Fairly expensive
The Pelican Dayventure Backpack Soft Cooler is a rock-solid, super high-integrity, full-feature option for those seeking an insulted backpack that works as hard as they do during outdoor adventures and endeavors.
Designed with a TPU double-coated, 840D nylon outer shell for superior puncture and abrasion resistance, this bag will handle the abuses of the outdoors in stride. A compression-molded base goes on to add even more integrity and also enables the pack to sit upright.
Engineered with high-density closed-cell foam for extreme insulation, this pack will hold ice for 12 hours. Not terribly impressive if you’re seeking a cooler for truly prolonged ice retention times, but the Dayventure is more than suitable for a full day’s fun.
A 13-liter upper compartment and 5.4-liter lower compartment allow you to mindfully separate your cooler’s contents, so organizing this unit is made easy. Separate your dry snacks from your icy beers or your climbing gear from your sandwiches – the possibilities are endless! Exterior lash tabs go on to provide you with even more capacity for gear, so you can think of this option as much more than solely a cooler.
Roll-top closure can be frustrating to use depending on who you are
More expensive option
Although fairly expensive, IceMule builds some killer cooler backpacks. The Pro Insulated Backpack is a great minimalist option for those seeking a simple, but high-quality unit.
This 20 can cooler bag (with ice) is built with some great quality strapping, impressive insulating ability, and a totally leak-proof design.
It’s more like a dry-bag backpack than a standard cooler-pack due to its roll-top closure and ability to float in water! This is a killer option for outdoor adventures of any kind where you need a leak-proof option that’s tough as nails.
There’s a few sharp color options to choose from, as well as some alternate sizing all through this link.
There’s not a ton of capacity in this pack - this will fit lunch for one or two people
No color options
Nice sporty bag, but questionable longterm durability
Here’s a crowd favorite insulated backpack from Coleman. This 28 can cooler backpack is a reliable and affordable option built from some decent materials that comes very highly recommended.
There’s a front zippered pocket for dry storage and a larger main pocket for your ice and drinks totaling to some decent storage capacity. There’s ample space for one or two people to pack a full lunch, and even a waist strap to help carry the load. Elastics on the front of the pack provide a bit of extra stash space for a bag of chips or something of relative size.
The back strapping is all nicely padded and the fit is inherently pretty low profile. This is a solid bag to do some trekking in – if you’re planning some long walks on the beach or hikes into the wilderness definitely check this one out.
Great size for one or two people to pack a big lunch (28 can capacity)
Nice array of external and internal pockets/storage space
The fit is somewhat low profile and sporty despite it’s boxy design
Very affordable — you could spend more on a mediocre traditional cooler
Cons:
Quality of the fabrics and strapping likely won’t last a lifetime — go easy on this one
Won't insulate well for more than a few hours
Not impressively leak proof if using ice
Here’s a straight forward insulated backpack from TOURIT that will do the trick just fine. This is another 28 can cooler that has some impressive carrying capacity despite its 17.7″ by 13″ by 7.5″ dimensions.
It has a sporty, low profile cut yet is also built somewhat boxy for easy packability.
This is a similar unit to the 28 can backpack by Coleman also listed here. There’s a large main compartment, smaller front zippered pocket, side sleeves, and elastic bungee system. For how low profile this bag is there’s some solid space for one or two people to pack a big lunch.
The inside is effectively leak-proof and insulates quite well – the two most important qualities of an insulated backpack. It’s a standard unit that isn’t particularly high quality but will none the less perform great for you for at least a few seasons.
Tougher built than most other budget insulated backpacks
Side sleeves can fit a wine bottle
Nice array of side sleeves, zippered pockets and mesh netting for organizing your picnic
Cons:
Complaints about the zippers snagging the interior insulating material
Could use a wasit or sternum strap
Boring color options
The MIER 24 Can Insulated Cooler Backpack a slightly smaller cooler backpack great for personal use or perhaps for picnic dates with your partner. With a 24 can capacity, this is more of a “grab and go to the beach” option than a full-blown cooler.
The interior size of the main compartment is 10.6” by 7” by 11.8″, so it’s not super tiny by any means. I find it to be the ideal size for when you want to throw together a quick lunch and hit the road.
The design of this one is pretty neat – there’s top access to the main compartment as well as several zippered sleeves, interior mesh netting and side pockets. It’s a mindful schematic that really utilizes the whole pack. Perhaps the best feature (especially if you’re planning some romantic outings) is the side pockets that can accommodate a bottle of wine.
I find this pack to be a bit more durable than a lot of the other budget insulated backpacks. I imagine you’ll get an extra season out of this one compared to most other budget options. Reviews also insist the interior cleans up nicely which is a great added touch!
Awesome array of pockets/storage space including a space for your smart phone or tablet
Includes a sternum strap for assistance carrying those 24 beers!
Cons:
This pack is built taller than wide so you’ll have to go digging for items in the bottom
No color options
Fairly expensive
Here’s an insulated backpack for the beach-badass who wants a sharp-looking cooler system. The Ultra 24 Can Backpack Cooler by Artic Zone is a great personal use pack and comes with all sort of storage options. It has the look and feel of a high performance backpack compared to most other units.
There are four main compartments with the Ultra 24 Can Backpack Cooler – a large main pocket, front zippered pocket, top storage space and side sleeves. It all adds up to some solid organizational potential and can really be masterfully configured if that’s what you’re into.
There’s even an internal sleeve for tech items like a tablet or smartphone!
I really like how the strapping is built as well as the inclusion of a sternum strap. The purpose of owning an insulated backpack rather than a traditional cooler is defeated if it doesn’t carry heavy loads well – Arctic Zone has though this detail through.
All in all, this is a tough looking and feeling cooler backpack that should hold up great long term without breaking the bank!
Includes a fleece blanket, cutlery set, plates, corkscrew, chopping board, salt/pepper shakers and wine glasses!
Wine bottle sleeve makes bringing a bottle easy
Excellent value considering everything that’s included
185 day warranty
Cons:
Reviews claim difficulty rolling up and securing the picnic blanket into the side sleeve
No color options
Fairly expensive
The Hap Tim Waterproof Picnic Backpack is an insulated backpack that comes with just about everything you’ll need for a hell of a picnic.
If you love to picnic alone or with a group then this bag and accessories is a must-have. Made of high-quality nylon fabric, this insulated backpack has high wear and deformation resistance as well as being pretty dam waterproof against the elements.
The main storage compartment is built oversized and crafted with a premium insulation lining for keeping food and beverages either hot or cold. It’s a thoughtful design that you will no doubt be impressed by.
A detachable wine bottle holder is also built into the side of this pack, so don’t forget the included corkscrew! I really love how Hap Tim configured the included cutlery set, wine glasses, corkscrew, cutting board, and plates – it’s a truly effective bag for hiking into your favorite lunch spot to dine in style.
Hap Tim even includes a fleece picnic blanket – it’s an excellent value for a unit in this price range! Customer reviews insist the quality of the included accessories is totally adequate and that there’s no need to replace anything! It’s the perfect insulated backpack for romantic beach dates and strolls through the park.
With all the included gear, this bag is truly an incredible value that you will no doubt make many memories with.
Converts into a stool with a 400 pound weight limit!
Super affordable
Several color options available
Cons:
Internal schematic doesn’t allow for much organization
Awkward to carry when stuffed full
complaints about leaking
The GigaTent Folding Cooler & Stool Backpack is designed to operate as a cooler as well as a seat while you’re in the middle of your summer fun. Great for fishing, boating and beach days there’s a cooler compartment for storing food and beverages as well as a cup or bottle holder on the front of the pack.
It’s a nice and compact size that allows you to pack a nice sized lunch and plenty of beers without becoming too cumbersome to actually hike and move around with. Customer reviews state this pack can handle a maximum of about 24 cans – hope you’re thirsty.
The fabric is double layer oxford fabric that will hold up just fine to at least a few seasons of heavy use. This isn’t a high-quality backpack by any means, but it performs better than the price tag suggests and won’t fall apart on you after a few beach days.
For the summer champion who wants a seat and a cold one ready in the cooler, this is the ideal style of insulated backpack.
Super low profile way to bring a six pack on the go
Hilarious but effective design that will no doubt turn heads
Slightly insulated and can also accommodate for some thin ice/gel packs
Adjustable strap
Cons:
There’s not really room for much else other than six cans with this one!
Boring color options
Questionable long term durability of the shoulder strap
Planning on leaving the sandwiches behind and just carrying along some beers? The Mountainsmith Cooler Tube is perfect for those minimalist beachgoers and explorers who want to bring some cans along.
What you see is what you get with this one. There’s room for six cans and not much else, but if you pack five cans rather than six you’ll have some additional space for snacks.
Built with a durable waterproof seam-sealed liner and a totally cool, tough looking aesthetic, Mountainsmith has engineered both a highly functional and attractive insulating option here.
This is no doubt an affordable head-turner that’s bound to get some jealous looks on the beach and beyond!
The rest of the backpack has quite a bit of combined storage (42 liters total)
Includes two bonus ice packs
17 liter cooler section is collapsible
Very reasonably priced for the quality
Cons:
The cooler compartment does not have much rigidity so you have to pack it mindfully so it doesn’t flop around
Not many external points to attach gear
No color options
Here’s an insulated backpack that’s up for some actual trekking. The North Coyote Hiking Backpack Cooler Bag is a well built hiking pack that’s been designed with some solid organization potential.
The main cooler compartment, front zippered pocket and side mesh pockets combine to a total of 42 liters! There’s also a few clips and zipper loops that can work as effective attachment points for other beach/picnic items.
The insulated space is fairly large on this one, totaling 17 liters! The cooler compartment is furthermore collapsible so you can keep this pack particularly low profile when you don’t have a full lunch packed.
The strapping is also of nice quality for some rigorous hiking and the fabric is rugged enough to handle some regular abuse. This is a solid option for fishing, hiking, beaching or whatever else your summer plans entail! For a pack in this price range this is a serious steal.
Seeking a bigger backpack in order to free up your hands and maximize your carrying capacity? Those who hit the beach, park or campground with a larger group of friends will want an insulated backpack with some higher than average storage space in order to bring all the snacks, drinks and utensils you need for the day!
Some of our favorite high-capacity options include:
Seeking a smaller sized insulated backpack for personal use or for yourself and a partner? There are some brilliantly designed smaller options available that make carrying out your lunch, drinks, and snacks for the day hands-free a piece of cake, without weighing you down.
Those interested in a lower profile, small cooler backpack should check out our top picks:
While all of the included options on this list are great for picnicking, there are certainly some insulated backpacks on the market that are particularly suited for accommodating for utensils, blankets, and cooking ware, as well as your food and drinks.
If you're seeking a bag for loading up all the essentials for a full-on picnic, then check out some of our top picks:
Shopping for a cooler backpack but don't have the funds to spring for one of the more expensive options? Fortunately, there are some stellar options available at a low price point that will insulate and carry just fine for you!
These bags may not have equal ice retention times nor the long lifespan of the top-quality options, but for light picnicking, beaching and other casual applications, they will serve you just fine!
Our top picks for the best cheap cooler backpacks include:
While insulated backpacks are brilliant for easy transport of your food and beverages, there are some other cooler styles worth considering depending on your hobbies and lifestyle.
Soft sided coolers can be great for roadtrips and applications where you don't want a particularly heavy cooler.
Collapsible coolers make for awesome travel gadgets that pack down and store brilliantly between uses for those who are serious about saving space.
Kayak coolers and floating coolers are a wonderful approach to paddlers and boaters seeking streamlined, effective insulation for their on-the-water essentials.
Insulated backpacks are an awesome and easy way to bring a cooler to wherever the summer fun is. Our top list will keep your beers cold and your hands free!
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