Best Cooler Backpack Showdown

Imagine this – you are out hiking or biking when the hunger pangs begin, only to be disappointed that your dietary supplies are not fresh. Your cooler backpack has failed you. Well, this can certainly be an irritation to say the least. Poor quality backpack coolers have the terrible reputation of failing when you need them most. This makes it important for you to find the best cooler backpack that can fit your needs.

With so many brands currently on the market, finding what you really want can be a daunting task. It is even more difficult if you lack the necessary experience to know what to look for in a backpack with built in cooler.

We’ve done the Research for You to Find the Best Cooler Backpack

Well, we have taken the time to do research on your behalf. All you need to do is read the reviews below to see what best suits your needs and you can be sure that whichever one you choose will not let you down. We are sure you will fall in love with one or even all three of them. Your hiking or biking experience will never be the same again.

Coleman Backpack Cooler C003

Kicking things off we have the Coleman backpack cooler, which straight off the bat is one of the best money can buy. It is equipped with great features and specifications making it the number one choice of many hikers, bikers and even students. It is made to keep nutritional supplies fresh from the park to the campsite.

coleman backpack cooler

Important features of the Coleman Cooler Backpack

    • Big zippered front pocket for dry storage.
    • Adjustable waist and shoulder straps.
    • Straps and padded backs for support and comfort.
    • Phthalate and BPA-free heat-welded main compartment.
    • Antimicrobial treatment to prevent odor, mildew and mold.

 

Pros

coleman cooler backpack

  • Coleman cooler backpack is big enough to hold up to 28 cans in volume.
  • Carrying is easy even over the longest distances because of its’ own lightweight and extra padding.
  • Its design makes it easy to clean in-between uses.
  • Zippered pocket on the front provides extra storage for small gear and extra snacks.

Cons

  • Some people have an issue with the cooler backpack size claiming it is too small. However, this is dependent on what you want to carry in the backpack.
  • While the zipper is a well thought idea, it breaks easily if mishandled.

Our Opinion of this Backpack with Cooler Compartment

best cooler backpackIn our expert opinion, the Coleman C003 Soft Backpack cooler is a wonderful cooler backpack to purchase. It is lightweight, compact in size and ergonomically designed, making it ideal for use over long distances. You can carry enough supplies to make your camping or biking trip a true success, keeping both yourself and friends happy.

Check the link below for more reviews of the Coleman C003 and if you would like to purchase it:

Check Out the Coleman C003 Soft Backpack Cooler (Amazon Product Page)

Igloo Marine Ultra Square Backpack with Cooler

Another high-quality cooler we can recommend for you is the Igloo Square Cooler. It is ruggedly constructed and has several unique features that set it apart from the rest currently in the market. It is suitable for use in many areas including transporting refrigerated and frozen items from the store to home, fishing, and camping.

backpack with built in cooler

Important Features

  • More foam insulation than other similar products providing maximum insulation.
  • Antimicrobial lining is both odor and stain resistant.
  • Made of non-corrosive materials capable of surviving harsh marine conditions.
  • Has anti-mildew and UV-protective properties.
  • Durable covering material – 0.35mm thick polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA).

Pros

  • It is very easy to clean between uses.
  • Highly durable due to non-corrosive material used in construction.
  • Leak resistant.
  • Your food stays safe thanks to the antimicrobial liner that is both odor and stain resistant.
  • It’s versatile and has a variety of uses including camping, fishing, and transportation of refrigerated and frozen items.

Cons

  • While Igloo Coolers are made of a strong and durable material, they have the tendency to unstitch at the straps. This of course depends on how you handle the backpack and the care you take to prevent damage to it.
  • It is a little bit costly compared to other brands that have closely related features and specifications. But this is down to the quality of the materials used.

Our Opinion of this Backpack with Built In Cooler

Based on the above features, this backpack cooler from Igloo is a good choice for anyone who loves marine fishing and camping. It is nicely constructed and has all the features that make a cooler backpack functional. Check it out from the link below if you like what you see.

Check Out the Igloo Marine Ultra Square Cooler (Amazon Product Page)

AO Coolers Backpack with Cooler Pocket

As with the other backpack coolers in this review, the AO Coolers Backpack Soft Cooler is suitable for a number of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, picnics, sporting events, parties and many more. This is because of the unique design and features that allow users to conveniently carry their supplies.

backpack with cooler compartment

Important Features

backpack with cooler

  • The construction material is high-quality canvas.
  • It has a removable shoulder strap for ease of transport.
  • Capable of holding ice for up to 24 hours in 120°F weather.
  • It has a capacity of up to 18 cans.
  • Features a single large back pocket and two small side pockets for dry items.
  • Has a heavy weight leak-proof liner with double the insulation of other coolers in its class.
  • Meets all carry-on regulations for airlines.

Pros

  • Available in many different colors to meet your taste and preferences.
  • Highly versatile and therefore suitable for a number of activities.
  • It is leak-proof.
  • You can use it to travel overseas because it meets carry-on regulations for all airlines.

Cons

  • Apparently the vinyl linings have a tendency to crack a few inches down from the zipper. This has only been reported by a minority of customers. The reason for this is unclear but the manufacturer is working to make improvements.

Our Opinion

backpack with cooler pocketWe personally recommend this cooler backpack despite the one potential con listed above. The fact that you can use it as carry-on luggage makes it really ideal for those who love to travel, for sporting events and parties among other activities.  Check out the Amazon page below for this and other backpack coolers you might like:

Check Out the AO Coolers Backpack Soft Cooler with High-Density Insulation (Amazon Product Page)

Final Thoughts

There you go – our top 3 best cooler backpacks. Many people have had a chance to use them and most of them have left legitimate positive reviews. They look great and deliver more than expected when it comes to performance. They are also very affordable when considering their quality and durability. Choose one that has the features you like and check it out on Amazon for further information from the manufacturer and other customers.