The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Cooler for Beach Vacations

Are you planning a beach vacation and in need of the perfect cooler to keep your drinks icy-cold under the scorching sun? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top contenders for the title of the "best cooler for beach vacations." From the durable and rugged Yeti brand to the innovative design of the IceMule Jaunt™ 9L Cooler Backpack, we will showcase the coolest coolers on the market that are guaranteed to keep your refreshments chilled for hours on end. So, get ready to embark on a cool journey as we delve into the world of these must-have beach accessories!

Yeti 18 Soft Cooler

Introducing the Yeti 18 Soft Cooler, the best beach cooler overall.

Yeti Tundra 45

The best cooler we've tested is the Yeti Tundra 45. Known for its exceptional cooling capabilities, this cooler maintains a brisk 40°F temperature for over four days. Its secure lid even keeps out bears during hiking trips. With a skid-resistant bottom, it stays in place even on wavy boat decks. Though it comes at a price of $325, outdoor enthusiasts will find it to be a worthy investment.

Available at $325 on Amazon.

Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

Introducing the Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler, the best wheeled beach cooler.

YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

Introducing the YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler, another top choice for a wheeled beach cooler.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60

If you're in search of a soft cooler that falls between a hard cooler and a backpack cooler, look no further than the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60. Among all the soft coolers we tested, this one stands out. Priced affordably at , it can maintain chilly temperatures for over 40 hours. It also comes with a detachable rolling cart, making it versatile for different terrains. Plus, it's treated with Microban to prevent mold and bacteria growth on the interior.

Available at on Amazon.

Rtic Ultra-Light Hard Cooler

For a great performing cooler at an affordable price, consider the Rtic Ultra-Light Hard Cooler. With a 32-quart capacity, this lightweight cooler can maintain a 40°F temperature for three days, making it perfect for a day at the beach. While it doesn't have wheels, its well-placed handles and ultra-light design ensure easy transportation from the car to the beach. This durable and well-designed cooler is a fantastic choice for those on a budget.

Available at $180 on Amazon.

RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler

Introducing the RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler, another excellent option for a lightweight hard cooler. At under $200, this cooler offers great features, including multiple unique colors to choose from and a weight just above 20 pounds. It even has a built-in bottle opener on the side.

ORCA Laka 20

Looking for a personal cooler with all the bells and whistles? The ORCA Laka 20 is the one for you. With a neat oval-shaped design, it fits perfectly in tight spaces and can hold up to 20 cans. Made with strong 840 denier double TPU outer material, it is rugged and durable.

Available at $150 on Amazon.

Coleman 62-Quart Wheeled Hard Cooler

Meet the Coleman 62-Quart Wheeled Hard Cooler, the ultimate classic among coolers. This tried and true cooler offers great reliability and affordability. Its large wheels make it easy to transport, even on sandy beaches.

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler

For the best hard beach cooler under $100, look no further than the Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler. With its vintage look and decent ice retention, it's a reliable and stylish option.

Available at $50 on Amazon.

Coleman Chiller Cooler

The Coleman Chiller nine-quart cooler is a popular choice with over 11,000 positive reviews and a 4.6-star rating. This compact and efficient cooler is perfect for bringing your lunch to the beach. While larger coolers are great for big gatherings, a smaller cooler is essential for solo summer trips.

The convenient handle on top makes it easy to carry, and the secure top ensures no spills. Reviewers appreciate the durable design, noting that it will last for years.

$20 at Amazon

Igloo BMX Cooler

The Igloo BMX 52-quart cooler is a stylish and reliable choice that can withstand tough outdoor conditions and keep your items ice-cold. With over 8,000 positive reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this cooler is known for its impressive quality and durability season after season.

Many reviewers consider it a great alternative to a Yeti cooler, with secure locks that provide a tight seal. It's a perfect companion for long trips, as it keeps contents cool for up to four days.

$150 at Amazon

Igloo Backpack Cooler

For those long walks to the seaside or mountain hikes, a backpack cooler is the ideal solution for carrying your cold beverages without using your hands. While hard coolers can keep temperatures insulated for days, this Igloo backpack cooler maintains a cool interior for approximately nine and a half hours.

This backpack cooler can hold up to 30 cans while still leaving room for additional items like your beachside BLT. The padded straps ensure a comfortable carrying experience without any discomfort.

$54 at Amazon

IceMule Jaunt™ 9L Cooler Backpack

Pros

• Incredibly easy to carry
• Fun colors

Cons

• Pretty small size

Carrying cans and bottles on your back is made easier with the IceMule Jaunt™ 9L Cooler Backpack, one of the best backpack coolers according to Esquire. It can keep nine cans plus ice cold for up to 48 hours, freeing up your hands to carry other beach day essentials. And let's not forget about the vibrant colors that add a touch of summer.

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Pros

• Technically, it will stay cold forever
• Really sleek look
• Can set an exact temperature

Cons

• Pricey

If you own a Rivian, one of the new electric F-150s, or are eagerly awaiting a Tesla Cybertruck, you probably want a futuristic cooler to match. Dometic's electric cooler has got you covered. It can be powered by AC, DC, or Solar power.

Best Beach Cooler Set

Stanley Adventure Easy Carry 16 Qt Outdoor Cooler

Best Vintage Beach Cooler

Wren Insulated Dry Bag and Cooler

Pros

• Looks good
• Several convenient ways to carry
• Easy to clean

Cons

• No backpack carry option

The Wren Insulated Dry Bag and Cooler is a rugged and sleek option with plenty of pockets. It features an airtight build with a roll-top and inflatable insulation to keep the inside cool for hours. What's extra cool about it is that the insulated layer is removable, making cleaning a breeze.

Body material	500 Denier PVC

Best Beach Backpack Cooler

Carhartt Large Insulated Backpack Tote

Best Tote Bag Cooler

Bespoke Post Chill Box

Best Beach Cooler Set

Tourit Backpack Cooler

The Tourit backpack cooler is an excellent choice for those constantly on the go. It has been recognized as one of the best backpack coolers, with over 22,000 reviews on Amazon and an impressive 4.7-star rating. This cooler is highly praised for its ability to maintain coldness for over 10 hours.

While some concerns about long-term durability have been raised, reviewers attest to its quality and long-lasting performance.

$37 at AmazonThe product experts at Reviewed have got your shopping needs covered. 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.

Ice Retention

The most important function of a beach cooler is to keep your food and drinks cold. When searching for the best beach cooler, consider its ice retention capacity and insulation.

If you have any more questions or want to share other outstanding beach coolers or related products, feel free to let us know in the comment section below!

Frequently asked questions

What are the best ice packs for coolers?

To keep your food and drinks cold in a cooler, using ice packs is a great alternative to plain ice. Ice packs specially designed for coolers can stay frozen for a long time and are mess-free. The best ice packs for coolers are gel-based, easy to pack and store, quick to freeze, and remain frozen for hours on end.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best cooler for your beach vacation. However, after careful consideration of features such as ice retention, durability, portability, and storage capacity, there are a few standout coolers that are sure to enhance your beach experience. Whether you opt for the rugged and reliable Yeti Tundra 45 or the versatile and compact Coleman Backpack Cooler, you can rest assured that your favorite beverages and snacks will stay cool and refreshing throughout the day. So, grab your shades, sunscreen, and beach towel, and embark on a beach vacation filled with chilled drinks and unforgettable memories.