A Critical Analysis of IceMule Pro

One of the backpack coolers we tested, the IceMule Pro, is the only one in this review with a roll-top rather than a zippered closure. It has 1,000D ripstop tarpaulin, vinyl, and nylon with a 23L capacity.

Efficiency Evaluation

Features of the IceMule Added insulation is provided by 1,000D ripstop fabric, welded seams, and an air valve.

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

Insulating power

The IceMule Pro surprised us in terms of insulation.

The IceMule successfully kept its contents below the FDA-approved 40° F for 52 hours during our extensive insulation testing. It lasted 55 hours and was below the 50-degree serving temperature for beer. Which is plenty of time to keep your food and beverages on ice if you're planning to go on a hot day hike or even spend just one night in the desert.

The outcomes of our insulation testing on various backpack models

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

The IceMule Pro outperforms the other backpack coolers we tested, coming in first place. This bag has an air valve to introduce air into the insulating layer and two layers of waterproof fabric sandwiching insulating foam, which should, in theory, keep ice in solid form for longer. According to IceMule, if you roll the top three times before clipping it, it is waterproof. With almost no insulating air in the cooler, we were only able to produce three full rolls, and even then, some water leaked when we inverted the entire thing.

The IceMule can accommodate a sizable amount of items, and with some trial-and-error, you can find the ideal level of air inside the walls.

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

Effortless Use

We initially found the IceMule to be a little difficult to use. Although the top opens quickly and quite wide, the material is initially stiff and challenging to roll properly. However, as we used it more, the material softened and we became accustomed to its functionality. It's a little awkward to load and unload as a roll-top bag when it's open because the roll-top makes the cooler appear to be much deeper when it's closed. However, the cooler is wide and has a fairly large capacity of 25L, making it relatively easy to fit everything we needed inside along with ice.

Comparing this tall, roll-top design to the simple zippered, flip-top models we tested, it falls short. However, unlike many of those models, it will never require zipper lubricant for an excessively sticky zipper. Additionally, using air as an insulator allows you to roll up and store the IceMule Pro when you're finished using it, which is a feature that stands out among the other options we tested. For that purpose, it even includes a useful security strap. While the front bungee cord's functionality is something we appreciate, the majority of the other options we tested have one or more pockets where you can keep non-chilled items or other useful items like a bottle opener, silverware, or your keys. These additional pockets would make using the IceMule even more enjoyable.

Although we couldn't quite make the IceMule leak-proof, we still appreciate how simple this roll-top design is.

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

Portability

The strength of the IceMule is in this area. While we try to only consider a cooler's weight in relation to its usable capacity, the IceMule offers the best of both worlds. It's one of the most comfortable coolers to carry out of all the ones we tested, and it has a large capacity that can be filled with tons of heavy drinks in glass bottles (if you so desire). The IceMule stands out among the many backpack models we tested.

In comparison to the other backpack models we tested, this drybag-style cooler has the longest torso. The IceMule Pro is quite rounded and easier to carry up that peak thanks to the air insulation, more flexible shape, and that combination. The shoulder straps are broad and soft, and they are spaced far enough apart to fit most sizes of shoulders, in contrast to the back panel's moderate padding, which is covered in mesh to promote airflow. A sternum strap allows you to keep the shoulder straps exactly where you want them for people with narrower shoulders. Several of the other backpack models we tested, however, have thick, stiff straps that press up against your back and cause heat to build up. Many also have shorter torsos with more rigid corners, which feel much less comfortable against your back when you're climbing a steep hill.

The IceMule is among the best backpacks for long distance carrying thanks to its wide straps, ventilated back panel, longer torso, and flexible design.

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

Durability

This pack is long-lasting. The IceMule is one of the coolers we tested that feels the most intense because it is made of 1,000D ripstop tarpaulin, vinyl, and nylon with welded seams. This cooler's interior lining resists water absorption both from the outside and from melting snow and ice. The IceMule didn't absorb any water, even after spending the entire day submerged in a sizable puddle at the bottom of a kayak.

Despite all the mischief we put the IceMule through during testing, we had no problems with its durability. However, given that they appear to be the least robust component of this bag, we do have some concerns regarding the longevity of the plastic clips. We also searched the internet for complaints about this model from other people, and we found a few reports of the top buckle failing and a few reports of the fabric's integrity beginning to deteriorate after years of use. Although neither of these failures personally affected us, we also couldn't squeeze years' worth of use into a few short months. In our opinion, the IceMule is a reliable piece of equipment.

It didn't absorb any water even after spending the entire day in a puddle.

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

Value

As one of the more affordable coolers we tested, we believe the IceMule Pro provides excellent value for the money. This one might not convince you to get a backpack cooler if you're not interested in one. However, if you want to be the star of your upcoming climbing adventure, we believe the cost of this cooler is worthwhile.

The IceMule cooler can be rolled up for storage when not in use, unlike the majority of the other coolers in this review.

Maggie Brandenburg, with thanks

Conclusion

We continue to recommend the IceMule Pro as the best backpack cooler for long distance travel. The competition cannot match its capacity to support a sizable amount of weight while still being reasonably comfortable to carry. It is made of sturdy material to last you for a long time, and because there are no zippers that could jam, you will never need to use zipper lubricant. We kept using this cozy and practical cooler for all of our long-distance picnic destinations despite the fact that it doesn't have any additional pockets and isn't completely leakproof.

Just a girl and her dog, along with a very practical cooler

Authorized by: Maggie Brandenburg