The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Cooler for Beach Outings

Are you tired of warm drinks and melted snacks ruining your beach outings? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the best coolers that will keep your refreshments icy cold and your beach party going strong. Whether you're looking for a compact backpack cooler or a rugged wheeled option, we have you covered. Say goodbye to lukewarm beverages and hello to the coolest beach experience ever. Get ready to dive into our top picks for the best cooler for beach outings.

Yeti 18 Soft Cooler

Best Beach Cooler Overall

Yeti Hopper Flip 18

Yeti also manufactures an exceptional soft cooler. The Yeti Hopper 18 is the best upgrade among all the soft coolers we tested. Its superior design and leakproof seal contribute to its outstanding performance. The exterior is extremely durable and remains intact even when subjected to rough conditions.

This cooler can maintain a cold temperature for nearly two days and is easy to carry around. While it has a steep price tag of $300, its quality justifies the cost.

$300 at Amazon

Yeti Tundra 45

The best cooler we have tested is the Yeti Tundra 45. Yeti is renowned for its ability to keep beverages incredibly cold, and this cooler lives up to that reputation, excelling in our tests.

It can maintain a chilled temperature of 40°F for over four days, and the sturdy lid can even deter bears when you're out hiking. Its skid-resistant bottom ensures it stays in place, even on a boat deck in rough waters.

The Yeti Tundra 45 cooler may be expensive at $325, but for serious outdoors enthusiasts, it is a worthwhile investment.

$325 at Amazon

YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

Best Wheeled Beach Cooler

Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

Best Wheeled Beach Cooler

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60

If you are in search of something between a hard cooler and a backpack cooler, consider the best soft cooler we tested. Among all the soft coolers we tested, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 comes out on top. Not only is it affordable at , but it also maintains low temperatures for over 40 hours.

In addition to its impressive performance, it comes with a detachable rolling cart, making it versatile for various situations. Whether you are strolling down the boardwalk or navigating rugged terrain, this cooler has you covered. Plus, you won't have to worry about leaving it wet overnight as its interior is treated with Microban to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

at Amazon

Coleman 62-Quart Wheeled Hard Cooler

Pros

• Great price
• Wheels are nice and large, not too bad on sand

Cons

• Ice retention won't match more expensive coolers

This cooler is practically a classic. It has been a staple at cookouts and backyard barbecues for years, and for good reason. It is affordable, reliable, and widely available across America. The go-to cooler for everyday use.

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Pros

• Really cool vintage look
• Decent ice retention

Cons

• Tough to carry

You've probably seen old family photos of your dad sitting on one of these. Buying this cooler might not be as cool as having that vintage version, but it's a close second. The updated version combines a touch of nostalgia with technological advancements.

Material	Plastic with stainless steel trim

Best Tote Bag Cooler

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

Best Hard Beach Cooler for Under $100

Coleman Rolling Cooler

Transporting a cooler doesn't have to be a workout. In fact, it can be as effortless as rolling a suitcase with the Coleman rolling cooler. This cooler has received over 12,000 Amazon reviews with an outstanding 4.6-star rating, with many reviewers praising its ease of use and smooth maneuverability.

Reviewers also appreciate the great value this 50-quart cooler offers, as well as its ability to keep items cold for extended periods of time.

$54 at Amazon

Rtic Ultra-Light Hard Cooler

For impressive performance at an affordable price, consider the Rtic Ultra-Light Hard Cooler. With a capacity of 32 quarts, this lightweight cooler does not compromise on performance, as it can maintain a temperature of 40°F for three days—more than enough for a day at the beach.

Although this cooler does not come with wheels, its well-placed handles and lightweight design make it easy to carry from the car to the beach. If you're on a budget but still want a durable and well-designed cooler that is convenient to transport, the Rtic Ultra-Light is a great choice.

$180 at Amazon

Carhartt Large Insulated Backpack Tote

Best Tote Bag Cooler

Stanley Adventure Easy Carry 16 Qt Outdoor Cooler

Best Vintage Beach Cooler

Igloo BMX Cooler

Featuring a sleek exterior, the Igloo BMX 52-quart cooler is built to withstand the great outdoors and keep its contents ice cold. With over 8,000 reviewers giving it a 4.6-star rating, this cooler is praised for its impressive quality and durability season after season.

Many reviewers compare this cooler favorably to a Yeti, noting its secure locks that ensure a tight seal. It is a great option for long trips, as it can keep contents cool for up to four days.

$150 at Amazon

Igloo Backpack Cooler

If you have a long journey to the beach or a challenging hike ahead, a backpack cooler is the perfect solution for transporting your cold beverages hands-free. While hard coolers can maintain temperatures for days on end, this Igloo backpack cooler keeps its interior cool for approximately nine and a half hours.

With a capacity of up to 30 cans, this backpack cooler leaves room for more, such as your beachside BLT sandwich. The padded straps ensure comfortable carrying, preventing any discomfort after a day of toting it around.

$54 at Amazon

Everlasting Comfort Backpack Cooler

When it comes to taking picnicking seriously, you need a cooler that can handle the task. This backpack cooler has received over 5,000 reviews on Amazon and has an impressive 4.5-star rating. Users love its durable design and spacious capacity.

This backpack cooler has a capacity of 54 cans and can hold four pounds of ice. It also includes two side pockets that can each fit two bottles of wine.

Whether you're headed to your kid's soccer game or enjoying a beach dinner, this affordable backpack cooler is a great companion.

$33 at Amazon

IceMule Jaunt™ 9L Cooler Backpack

Pros

• Extremely easy to carry
• Fun color options

Cons

• Relatively small size

Carrying cans and bottles will be a breeze with IceMule's backpack cooler. It's considered one of the best backpack coolers on the market and can keep nine cans plus ice cold for up to 48 hours. It's perfect for a day at the beach and the vibrant colors add to the summer vibe.

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Pros

• Offers long-lasting coldness
• Sleek and stylish design
• Ability to set a specific temperature

Cons

• Higher price point

If you own a Rivian, an electric F-150, or are eagerly waiting for a Tesla Cybertruck, you'll appreciate a futuristic cooler like this one from Dometic. This electric cooler can be powered by AC, DC, or Solar power.

Best Beach Cooler Set

Tourit Backpack Cooler

The Tourit backpack cooler is a fantastic choice for those who are always on the go. It has been rated as one of the best backpack coolers, with the ability to keep items cold for over 10 hours.

The Tourit backpack has garnered over 22,000 reviews on Amazon and boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating. Users have reported using this cooler without any decline in quality over time.

$37 at AmazonThe experts at Reviewed have you covered for all your shopping needs. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Wren Insulated Dry Bag and Cooler

Pros

• Stylish appearance
• Multiple convenient carrying options
• Easy to clean

Cons

• No option for backpack-style carrying

The Wren insulated dry bag and cooler is both rugged and sleek, with plenty of pockets for storage. Its airtight build, with a roll-top and inflatable insulation, keeps the contents cool for hours. Additionally, the insulated layer is removable for easy cleaning.

Body material	500 Denier PVC

Best Beach Backpack Cooler

Bespoke Post Chill Box

Best Beach Cooler Set

Columbia Crater Peak Wheeled Cooler

Pros

• Smart use of interior space
• Excellent insulation
• Compact when packed for beach vacations
• Kickstand for stability

Cons

• Wheel quality may not be as high as in more expensive coolers on this list

Say goodbye to struggling with a heavy cooler on sandy beaches with this wheeled cooler from Columbia. It can be easily packed down flat and rolls smoothly across any surface. With a capacity for 50 cans and a kickstand bottom for stability, it's a reliable companion for beach trips.

We appreciate the efficient use of space and the material that resists odors and mold. Cleaning up is a breeze once the river adventure is over. The handle extends to a comfortable length and the wheels perform well, especially considering the reasonable price.

Dimensions	13.5 x 10 x 16 inches
Weight	4.75 lbs
Volume	50 cans

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Pros

• Moves easily through sand
• Well-designed for maximizing volume
• Long-lasting durability
• Additional useful features
• Can be used as a bench seat
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Heavy

If you've ever struggled with dragging a heavy cooler across soft sand, you'll appreciate Igloo's beach cooler. Its oversized wheels make it perfect for maneuvering through sand and other challenging terrains. Plus, it even comes with a butler tray for added convenience.

Consider it the SUV of coolers, capable of handling bumps and varying terrains. The removable butler tray adds a touch of sophistication to your favorite beach spot or picnic area. There's also a dry storage area for keeping your phone and other valuables safe from moisture. The volume it offers is also impressive.

Dimensions	34.6 x 19.7 x 23.6 inches
Weight	34 lbs
Volume	112 cans

Best Wheeled Beach Cooler

RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler

Pros

• Under $200
• Several unique colors to choose from
• Weighs just over 20 pounds
• Built-in bottle opener on the side

Cons

• Must purchase basket and divider separately for the 32 QT

RTIC's 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler is the ideal choice for small gatherings. It boasts a lightweight design, with RTIC claiming it to be about 30% lighter than most hard-molded models available. After putting it to the test, we can confirm that it is indeed the lightest hard cooler currently on the market.

The Ultra-Light features durable carrying handles, secure sealing latches, and even includes a built-in bottle opener. With a price tag under $200, this cooler is a certified steal.

Dimensions	14.5 x 23 x 15.5 inches
Weight	21 lbs
Volume	48 cans

Pros

• Strong 840 denier double TPU outer material
• Waterproof zippers
• Neatly holds up to 20 cans
• Rugged design

Cons

• Expensive

ORCA coolers are well-known for their strength and durability. While their lineup of hard coolers is impressive, we find the Walker 20 to be the perfect compact cooler for easy travel. It can hold up to 20 cans and is constructed from adventure-grade 840 denier double TPU material. Notable features include a magnetic split handle, a soft carrying strap, and waterproof zippers. If you're in search of a personal cooler with all the bells and whistles, this rugged-inspired choice won't disappoint.

Dimensions	14.5 x 11 x 13.25 inches
Weight	3.6 lbs
Volume	20 cans

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Pros

• Compact size makes for better storage in tight spaces
• Polyurethane thermal barrier keeps ice cold for days
• Tons of colors available
• Under $200

Cons

• No side latch handles. Must primarily carry by the single handle.

Laka offers reasonably priced hard coolers that come in a wide variety of fun colors. The Laka 20 boasts all the high-quality specifications one would expect from a high-performance cooler, including a polyurethane thermal barrier, rubber latches, non-slip feet, and an ergonomic handle.

What stands out to us the most, however, is the unique oval-shaped design, resembling a bucket, which saves space while still providing a reliable hard cooler for group gatherings.

Dimensions	18.5 x 14.5 x 16.5 inches
Weight	13.5 lbs
Volume	18 cans

When it comes to keeping your drinks cold and your beach outing unforgettable, the options are endless. From the durable and rugged Yeti coolers to the versatile and spacious Coleman models, there is a cooler for every beachgoer's needs. Whether you prefer a wheeled cooler for those long walks on the sand or a backpack cooler for ultimate convenience, this list has it all. So, grab your favorite cold beverage, pack it up in the best cooler for beach outings, and get ready to soak up the sun knowing that your drinks will stay icy cold throughout the day. It's time to make every beach trip a breeze with the perfect cooler by your side.