The Cooler Backpack You Didn’t Know You Needed

Hydro Flask has all but taken over the world when it comes to refillable water bottles. The vacuum-insulated metal canteens have become synonymous with people who are on-the-go, from busy college students to avid outdoor enthusiasts. Now, Hydro Flask is breaking into new territory with their Unbound Series Soft Coolers.

The Unbound Series is Hydro Flask’s first foray into coolers. Designed to perform just as well as their famous water bottles, the Soft Cooler Pack will keep 24 cans ice cold for up to 48 hours. This is thanks to their specially designed insulation, which has an extra layer on the base, which is most susceptible to cold loss. This design also frees up the need for extra insulation elsewhere, meaning the pack weighs in at only 48 ounces.

Also available is the Soft Cooler Tote. While the design of this cooler makes it less optimal for hiking and longer adventures, the Tote will also keep 24 cans cold for up to 48 hours, making it a must-have for your next weekend camping trip.

At $275, both cooler bags come in at a slightly steep price point. But, you’ll definitely get the quality that you pay for. Hydro Flask is known for the quality of their products and their excellent performance. On top of that, both come with an included 5-year warranty, just in case something does happen to break or tear.

If that’s a bit too much for you to justify spending on a cooler, a great low-cost option is the Tourit Insulated Cooler Backpack. The double-compartment backpack has an insulated section to keep your drinks cold, and a dry storage compartment for your snacks, making it the perfect backpack for a day hike. With a 15-inch, water-resistant laptop compartment, this bag is also great for everyday use. And at only $50, it won’t break the bank like Hydro Flask’s models.

Soft cooler backpacks have exploded in popularity recently, so if neither of these are right for you, there are plenty of other options available with more being added all the time. The days of carrying a picnic basket to your favorite spot are long gone, and now you can show up in style.