The 6 Best Small Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Anyone familiar with the outdoor gear industry won't be surprised to find a Yeti product topping our list. The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is the portable, practical, softside cooler of our dreams thanks to the brand's ColdCell technology and DryHide Shell that keeps your drinks cold for days. From another household name, the Coleman 28-Can Soft Backpack Cooler held its own against more expensive counterparts during our testing and boasts plenty of storage options.

Product Selection

We selected products based on our previous knowledge and experience with coolers and cooler brands. We also researched online reviews and popularity on sites like Amazon and REI. To narrow the list, we looked for coolers with various functions, styles, and prices.

How We Tested

The coolers on this list were tested with dozens of others in our Brooklyn testing lab as well as out in the field. We tested for functionality, durability, portability, and cold retention in the lab. Each cooler was filled with ice and the number of cans companies claimed could fit inside. We then took a temperature reading of the inside of each cooler. Our testers took turns pushing coolers off tables and ladders to test their durability. Then they carried them around the lab and up and down steps to test portability. Another internal temperature reading was taken to measure cold and ice retention at the end of the day.

Other Small Coolers We Tested

Everlasting Comfort Insulated Backpack Cooler: The pros of this backpack include stellar durability—demonstrated by zero visible damage after being dropped several times—and thick, cushioned straps that support the load well without overwhelming the carrier. Unfortunately, its cold retention was not as good as other options, and its zippers leaked right off the bat.

The Get Out Cooler Bag: Our tester was impressed with this softside pick. It has a fun, retro style with rounded corners; it was easy to carry fully loaded by the backpack straps and the side handles; and our tester gushed over how leakproof it proved to be. In terms of downsides (and now we are truly splitting hairs), the price is not the lowest for similar items; the front pocket is so slim it approaches uselessness; and while it kept temperatures cold for 24 hours, it was narrowly outperformed in this aspect.

Igloo KoolTunes: This adorable and colorful cooler features integrated Bluetooth speakers and survived our drop tests with only a few scratches. We didn't find it very comfortable to carry, and ultimately it was one of the worst performers in the cold-holding tests.

Pelican 20 Quart Elite Cooler: You could do a lot worse than the Elite Cooler. It's a hardside model with a large lid and tapered silhouette that makes a great extra seat. Tough and well-insulated, the few disadvantages included a latch design that virtually requires two hands to open and middle-of-the-pack ice retention.

Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler: The M20 cooler sets the standard for softside picks. With attributes like a sleek, attractive design, a leakproof double closure system, and top-notch cold retention, the only real downside is the upfront investment, which will set you back a few hundred dollars.

Yeti Roadie 24: Beautifully designed and tall enough to fit wine bottles, the Roadie 24 comes in over 15 different eye-catching hues. Surprisingly for this brand, the surface temperature of the cans inside increased significantly between two and 24 hours, and the rubber latches popped open upon impact with the ground.

What to Look For in a Small Cooler 

Capacity

Most coolers are measured by how many cans or bottles they can hold—but keep in mind that you’ll want to save room for some ice and maybe a few snacks. To get an idea of how much you'll really be able to fit, deduct a few cans from the overall capacity.

Another way to think about capacity is in terms of how many people will be in your group and how long the trip is. The Yeti Flip 12 is the smallest cooler on our list, and it could function well as a personal cooler for a solo weekend adventure or chill drinks for two or three people for a day at the beach.

Weight

Coolers filled with drinks are already heavy enough, so you don’t need the cooler itself to be super heavy. Look for lightweight coolers if you’re planning to carry them long distances; softside coolers tend to be among the lightest options, though they don’t protect the contents quite like hardside coolers. Expect the latter to weigh a little more—and consider getting one with wheels if you go that route. 

Price

Coolers are one of those items where, within a specific range, what you pay for is what you get. Price-per-use is always a good metric to start assessing your ideal price point. It breaks down to how often or how frequently you anticipate using it: If you golf or go fishing every weekend, getting a well-built cooler that offers features like easy portability or extended insulation time might be worth the money. If you're only using it to tailgate twice a year, you may want to look into cheaper options. Also, think about what types of trips or excursions you need the cooler for; cheaper coolers might not have some pretty nice-to-have functions—like leakproof zippers—that more expensive models do.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Krystin Arneson has been writing for TripSavvy since 2018. Based in Berlin, Germany, she has been published in Conde Nast Traveler, Jetsetter, National Geographic Traveler, and Oyster.com. If she's not working or on the road, you can find her paying yet another visit to one of Berlin's incredible museums, hitting the dance floor, or exploring the city's wonderfully dynamic restaurant scene.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He's been using coolers for camping, picnics, fly fishing, beach trips, paddleboarding, road trips, grocery store missions, and bringing back beer from the local brewery via bike. Now, his go-to coolers are IceMule's Pro, Yeti's Hopper Flip, and the Out of the Woods Seagull Cooler.