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We Tested the Best Insulated Cooler Bags for Golf, Beach Days, and Road Trips

These reliable cooler bags keep things chill on the go.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

insulated travel bag for food

In This Article

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  • Our top picks

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T + L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Nothing ruins the fun like leaks or warm refreshments, so picking out the right insulated cooler bag calls for some research. The best insulated cooler bags are durable, some level of leakproof, have a good temperature retention, and are comfortable to carry. We’ve done the research and even tested the top options to help you narrow down the selection and make sure you buy a winner. 

A cute and roomy tote-style bag came out on top of our testing. But maybe you’re looking for a cooler you can float in the water, toss on your back, or cart around on wheels. We’ve tried those, too. We tested all of the picks below out in the real world or in our in-house lab. Either way, we’ve ensured the cooler is up to snuff and ready to stuff.

Best Overall

Hydro flask day escape cooler tote.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 4.5 /5
  • Insulation 4.8 /5
  • Durability 4.8 /5

It’s functional and fashionable. 

The ice retention is variable depending on the weather. 

We tested the Hydroflask Day Escape 26L in two different real-world scenarios, including in the hot southern sun and out on a boat trip . The 600D polyester exterior is durable and waterproof, and we really liked how they worked it into the cute tote design. The fact that it’s leakproof, easy to carry, spacious inside (one tester’s mom was loving the fact she could lay a veggie tray on the bottom with no issues), and stylish put it at the top of our list. There are no additional pockets or storage options, but the tote does have built-in loops and attachment capabilities so you can customize it with compatible extras as needed. 

One qualm was that the temperature retention wasn’t consistent. Most of the ice had melted within 2.5 hours when the cooler was out in Tennessee during the height of summer, but it kept more ice intact and drinks cool in lower temperatures out on the water. That said, we’re confident it could do the job on a day trip. We flipped the bag upside down when it was fully loaded and gave it a shake, and we’re happy to report there was no leaking. Overall, the Day Escape’s performance is outstanding. 

The Details: 26 liters | 3 pounds | 23.9 x 10.4 x 14.97 inches | Leakproof | Other sizes: 18 liters 

Travel + Leisure / Thomas Bergerstock

Best Budget

Tourit cooler backpack.

  • Design 5 /5
  • Insulation 3.8 /5
  • Maneuverability 4.8 /5
  • Durability 3.5 /5

Several built-in features and storage pockets make it a good bargain. 

It disappointed us during our durability tests. 

The Tourit 30-can Cooler Backpack holds more like 20 cans with ice, and we love it for its bang-for-your-buck price and lightweight, multi-feature design. In addition to the main compartment, you’ll have your pick of extra storage options, including two side mesh pockets, a spacious front lid zip pocket, and a slim strap pocket (great for holding a phone or cash). It presents like a regular backpack and is easy to lift and carry, making it perfect for picnics in city parks . The thick-lined insulated interior is also leakproof (but the backpack itself isn't) and can keep ice for up to 16 hours. The padded, adjustable straps are comfortable, but there is no chest strap, and wearing the backpack at full capacity for significant distances may not be ideal for some. Unfortunately, we also experienced heavy leaking through the zippers and cans denting in the interior after we tossed this cooler off a table a couple times. However, no other damage was present, and we think this backpack performs admirably in most everyday scenarios.

The Details: 30 cans | 1.1 pounds | 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches | Ice retention: 16 hours

Travel & Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best with Wheels

Arctic zone titan wheeled cooler.

What’s better than a big cooler with wheels? A big cooler with detachable wheels! 

It isn’t leakproof.

We tested an unwheeled version of this cooler and liked it — but realized we’d love it with wheels. We’ve owned the wheel-less version of this cooler for two years and even trusted it to keep a baby’s milk cold during long 10-hour drives across the country and for chilled drinks at the beach in over 100-degree weather. We’re fans of the extra storage from the two front pockets and the two side mesh pockets that are big enough for magazines or books. A reflective radiant heat barrier and triple-layer Cold Block base will, quite impressively, keep ice for up to three days. At full capacity, this cooler can get heavy — luckily, the detachable trolley cart can transport up to 100 pounds (there’s also a padded shoulder strap) and features a telescopic handle. It’s worth noting that the capacity is listed as 60 cans, which actually breaks down into 10 cans in the front insulated pocket and 50 in the main compartment. Note that this is not a leakproof option and shouldn't be laid on its side or upside down. 

The Details: 60 cans | 6.75 pounds | 14.25 x 6.75 x 19.5 inches | Ice retention: 3 days

Best Ice Retention

Yeti hopper flip.

  • Design 4 /5
  • Insulation 5 /5
  • Maneuverability 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5

The temperature retention is top-notch, and it feels virtually indestructible. 

The price is investment-level high. 

This 12-can cooler lives up to the Yeti name and gave us impeccable ice and temperature retention. The cooler was tested multiple days at the beach , where it sat in the hot mid-80-degree sun for hours and still kept things notably cold. Cold cell insulation gives the cooler its superb ice retention and makes it perfect for use in hot weather or on overnight trips. Did we mention the heavy-duty, mildew-resistant over shell is not only durable but also blocks UV rays? If you’re hesitant about the single-compartment design, it does sport Yeti’s hitch-point grid that allows you to attach things to the exterior. Even when fully loaded with 12 cans and ice, the extra-thick shoulder strap made it feel like less of a haul, and you also have top and side handles as options. The durability of this totally leakproof cooler cannot be understated as we really put it to the test, from throwing it against rocks and floating it out in the salty ocean water to checking it in luggage. The price is hefty, but consider it an investment, because this baby will last. 

The Details: 12 cans | 2.8 pounds | 12.4 x 8.6 x 10.6 inches | Leakproof | Other sizes: 8 cans, 18 cans

Travel + Leisure / William Price

Travel + Leisure / Brooke Dubuque

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Best Backpack

Igloo pro snapdown backpack.

  • Design 4.8 /5

It’s very comfortable to carry and has loads of extra built-in features. 

It only comes in two colors/patterns. 

Features and versatility are what sped this Igloo backpack cooler to the top of the list for us. We’re big fans of the built-in bottle opener, MOLLE loops and D-rings, trolley sleeve, and the extra pocket and compartment storage capabilities. The wide, main zippered compartment has no organizational features, but it’s easy to load — we fit 40 cans sans ice and 14 cans with the one-third-to-two-thirds cans-to-ice ratio — and the buckle-down rolltop felt secure when filled at varying capacities. Padded, adjustable straps and a chest strap make it comfortable to carry for long periods (key), even fully loaded. The ripstop material stood up well to our durability and leak tests, and temperature retention was notable. Overall this is a good backpack cooler for the price, but we’d love it more if they gave more than two color or pattern options. 

The Details: 42 cans | 2.1 pounds | 13 x 7.5 x 13 inches | Leakproof 

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best for Picnics

Iron flask soft cooler.

  • Design 4.2 /5
  • Maneuverability 4 /5
  • Durability 4.5 /5

It has excellent temperature retention (even in high heat) and an impressively comfortable shoulder strap.

The rigid shape can feel bulky in certain situations. 

We admittedly prefer using reusable ice packs in coolers but ended up being pleasantly surprised at the ice retention of this bag during testing. While visiting a park in 90-degree weather, we found minimal ice meltage, prompting us to use it for transporting delicate frozen items like ice cream on summer walks home from the grocery store (but the size and rigid shape felt bulky when browsing the aisles). This is an ideal size for beach hangs or tailgating or any situation where you can just transport it to a spot, plop it down, and then dig in. 

It says it’s a 20-can cooler, but we easily fit 24 cans plus ice. We’ve found it’s large enough for storing food and drink for one to four people. After our toss test, there were a few scuffs that didn’t take much effort to remove. It comes with built-in cup holders on top and a bottle opener, and we couldn’t believe how comfortable the padded shoulder strap felt. It tipped over in the sun without leaking, likely thanks to the extra-tight zipper (it comes with zipper lube if needed). Our only pain point is the price, so we suggest taking advantage of any sales. 

The Details: 12 liters | 3 pounds | 17.3 x 11.4 x 7.9 inches | Leakproof | Ice retention: 48 hours

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Water Activities

Rtic insulated soft cooler bag.

It’s a heavy-duty, ultra-insulated cooler with high durability. 

It can feel cumbersome when full and carried on the shoulder for long periods. 

If you’re looking to snag all the benefits of a hard-sided cooler with the flexibility that comes with a soft-side cooler, the RTIC Soft Pack should be your go-to — especially if you’re heading out on the water. The thick, heavy-duty nylon exterior is highly durable and escaped our toss tests and beatings with minor scuffs. Any sand, mud, or dirt easily just rinses off. Yes, the leakproof zippers are tight, but they kept the cooler leakproof during our upside-down shake test. A noticeably thick interior insulating layer excels at temperature retention — we left the cooler out in the summer sun for over two hours, and barely any ice melted, and the drinks were crisp and cool. Want to take this cooler in the water? Go for it without worrying about water leaking inside (or outside of the bag back in your car). One downside we should mention is that the cooler wasn’t as comfortable as we’d have liked with a heavy load and carried on the shoulder. We suggest two people carrying it via the tote handles when it’s packed full and not using it solo on any excursions with long walks. 

The Details: 20 cans | 3 pounds | 13.5 x 9.5 x 13.75 inches | Leakproof | Other sizes: 12 cans, 30 cans, 40 cans | Ice retention: 24 hours

Travel + Leisure / Francine Price

Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler

  • Maneuverability 4.7 /5

It has the perfect mix of portability and capacity for a day outing. 

It’s currently only available in three colors, and one is a limited edition. 

This 12-liter soft cooler was the perfect midsize we didn’t realize we desperately wanted for a day out at the beach with friends. It’s larger than a lunchbox cooler but still small enough to be manageable on an outing (and to fit in your suitcase). With nothing else, this ultra-portable cooler can carry around 12 cans. Since we were testing for temperature and ice retention, we filled it up with snacks for three: six cans, three sandwiches, a pack of string cheese, and a bag of ice — and it all fit easily and nice and cold as the cooler impressed us with its ability to retain about two-thirds of the ice after six hours at the beach in 80-degree weather. The padded strap kept it comfy on the shoulder, but we also found it easy to carry via the tote handles. Durability was not a problem, and wiping off the little bit of dirt from the exterior nylon material was painless. It’s even got a small stash pocket in the front, which we found perfect for hiding trash or holding keys. We're just left wishing it came in more than three colors. 

The Details: 12 liters | 1.77 pounds | 9.95 x 14.5 x 12.7 inches | Ice retention: 24 hours

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best for Commuters

Carhartt 2-in-1 insulated cooler backpack.

  • Capacity 4.5 /5
  • Insulation 4.7 /5

It works for cooler and dry storage, and it can pass as a regular backpack. 

Cooler space is limited. 

This insulated cooler backpack works perfectly for day trips where you’ll want to store both dry and chilled items. Only the bag’s lower zippered compartment is insulated, giving you a dedicated space for storing dry items and items that need chilling. Although the bag claims to be able to hold 24 cans, we could only squeeze in 10 cans comfortably (with ice) in the lower insulated space. (Note: more cans can be stored in the main compartment, but it’s not insulated.) The 600-denier water-resistant canvas material was extra durable, surviving our toss tests with top scores, but it didn’t perform as well as we wanted during the leak test. We don’t recommend storing any electronics in the dry compartment when the bottom is filled with ice unless the bag stays upright at all times. 

This backpack can easily be slung over your shoulders and won’t stick out as a cooler among other commuter bags — it’ll be your little secret. We think it’s a go-to bag for bringing lunch to work. Having the overall design of a regular backpack worked in our favor regarding features, too. There’s a front zippered organization pocket, two stretchy mesh side pockets, and two front slip pockets, making it felt more like a regular everyday backpack that just happens to have a cooler compartment than a cooler backpack. We also love how the bag’s extra padding made it very comfortable to wear, even when full. 

The Details: 12 cans | 2.1 pounds | 12.5 x 8 x 17.5 

Best Collapsible

Icemule pro cooler 23l.

This is a durable, comfortable, and functional cooler that will last. 

There are no exterior pockets or storage compartments. 

This collapsible cooler bag takes a cue from the dry-bag playbook with its convenient buckle roll top and waterproof welding seam design. We tested the large 23-liter size and could easily fill the bag to its 18-can capacity — with room to spare — and kept our beverages super cold. The top-loading design makes it a cinch to load, unload, and peek into the bag to suss out available room. When you’re not using the cooler, it conveniently flattens down for easy transport and storage. IceMule is known for its high-quality materials, and this bag held up against our durability tests, leading us to believe it’s in it for the long haul. 

Packing food? The 18-inch height makes this bag great for stacking; just be sure any food is stored in sturdy, stackable plastic containers or boxes so nothing gets crushed. Overall, we found the weight was evenly distributed and the padded back and straps comfortable when wearing, but the chest strap does land at an awkward place for some people. Aside from the chest strap (which may depend on the wearer), we just wish this floatable, water-tight, and tough cooler bag had some exterior pockets. 

The Details: 23 liters | 2.6 pounds | 14 x 11 x 18 inches | Leakproof | Other sizes: 21 liters | Ice retention: 24 hours

These products were evaluated as part of two different cooler testing processes. All backpack-style coolers that made the list were tested in our very own in-house testing lab. Each bag underwent a line of rigorous testing, allowing us to gauge their performance side-by-side and see how they measured up when it came to capacity (both full of 12-ounce cans and then one-third filled with cans and two-thirds filled with ice, the recommended ratio for optimal cooling and ice retention), comfort while wearing, extra features such as storage pockets, durability, leakage, and ice retention. We packed the coolers full, strapped them on and walked around wearing them, and did a push test off of a table. After two hours, backpacks were placed on their side for five minutes and inspected for leakage.

Non-backpack coolers were tested out in the real world on multiple outings. Environments included grocery shopping, picnics, beach days, and festivals. Before taking off, we noted the overall quality and appearance of the coolers, including any extra features like storage compartments. Coolers were filled with beverages plus ice. After 2.5 hours, we recorded the ice retention and the temperature of the drinks. Durability was tested by tossing the cooler down the stairs (twice!) and slamming it on a hard floor surface before checking for any damage or wear. 

We will continue testing these coolers over time, collecting insights for an additional six months and updating our picks and descriptions as necessary. 

Tips for Buying an Insulated Cooler Bag

Carefully consider capacity and size needs.

Like lunch boxes , insulated cooler bags come in all shapes, sizes, and capacities. Think about what you’ll want to pack inside the cooler, now and in the future. Remember to factor ice or ice packs into your capacity needs (capacity is often advertised without ice included).

Anticipate the appropriate accessories for your needs

Consider your insulated cooler bag as an investment. Think of different ways you will need to use the insulated cooler bag down the line. Buying a bag that can be accessorized may prevent you from having to purchase a different bag in the future. Some common accessories include ice packs, carabiner clips, and extra storage pockets.

Plan on using ice packs instead of loose ice

Using molded ice packs is a water-friendly alternative to fresh ice. Ice packs can be reused and will avoid possible leakage as they defrost. Keep an eye out for coolers that are designed to use with specific ice packs or have room inside to fit an ice pack.

Look for padded straps and versatile carrying options

Coolers with comfortable and thoughtful carrying features — such as padded straps, adjustable straps, and multi-carry options — can make or break your experience with a cooler bag, especially as you get into larger capacity sizes.

Consider which opening and closure shape and style is best for you

Think about the situations you envision using your cooler bag for. Consider how and where you will want to access the contents of your cooler bag, whether you’ll have a solid flat surface to set it down on, and any portability needs you may have, and choose styles with the most beneficial shapes, materials, overall look, and access points for your needs.

The answer depends on your specific conditions and needs. Hard coolers are known for having better durability in rugged scenarios and providing longer ice retention than soft, insulated cooler bags. Hard coolers are best for lengthy trips like camping, while insulated cooler bags are better for portability and organization.

Finding a leakproof cooler bag is key for preventing spills and for temperature retention. Lower-end cooler bags are less likely to be equipped with water-tight, leakproof zippers and closures. If you’re concerned about leaks, make sure to pick cooler bags with explicitly leakproof closures and lining.

When using fresh ice, the minimum suggested amount of ice to use is a 50/50 split, though it truly depends on what’s inside and how and where you’ll be using the cooler. The higher the ratio of ice, the longer the cooler will retain cool temperatures. Some manufacturers advise filling the cooler with two-thirds ice and one-third contents.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Katherine Alex Beaven combined research, T+L tester input, and personal experiences using insulated coolers while traveling for this list. 

Related : The 11 Best Beach Coolers to Keep Your Things Cool in the Heat

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Best Insulated Food Bags

CleverMade SnapBasket Soft-Sided Collapsible Cooler

A sturdy insulated bag that keeps food hot or cold for a very long time.

The bag measures 18.25 x 12.25 x 12 inches, so it holds a lot of food. Leak-proof so you can add ice without worries. Includes side and top handles as well as a bottle opener. Keeps foods cold (or hot) for several hours and can handle more than 50 pounds.

The zipper is just OK quality, but the company is happy to replace if it breaks.

NZ Home 2 Pack Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag

Affordable, sturdy insulated bags that keep foods hot or cold and hold a lot of food.

Includes 2 bags that each measure 16 x 13 x 9 inches and hold up to 25 pounds. The bags stand upright on their own and each have 2 good quality zippers. Sturdy handles won't break and the bags insulate well.

These aren't as thick as some other insulated bags.

Earthwise Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag

Ideal for transporting a lot of groceries without spending a lot of money on pricier insulated bags.

Includes 2 very large (10 x 14.5 x 10 inches) insulated bags that stand on their own. Features a bottom insert you can use for extra stability. Holds up to 30 pounds. and folds completely flat for storage.

The zipper can be hard to get around the corners of the lid and the lining can start to rip over time.

Rachael Ray ChillOut Thermal Tote

A large bag that features extra insulation, but the zipper isn't great.

This leak-proof bag has a 5-gallon capacity and includes Triple-Tek foam insulation and Temperfoil. Includes sturdy handles and an exterior pocket for extra storage.

The zipper is just OK quality and can break easily.

Mier Insulated Thermal Lunch Tote

Keeps foods hot or cold for a long time and features 2 compartments.

This bag includes a bottom compartment (16 x 11 x 4.2 inches) and an expandable upper compartment (16 x 11 x 3.2 inches) and can hold most 9 x 13 inch baking dishes. Includes an exterior zippered pocket and keeps foods hot and cold for several hours.

The hook and loop attachment for the handles can sometimes be crooked and cause the handles to be lopsided.

insulated travel bag for food

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

insulated travel bag for food

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best insulated food bags.

Taking food on the go to eat at work, to share at a potluck, or to have on hand in a car ride is a given for most of our busy lives but keeping said food at a consistent temperature is a challenge. A quality insulated food bag can help maintain food at the temperature it was when you put it inside the bag — whether that's hot or cold. This makes them ideal for all kinds of alfresco eating, in addition to times when you need to keep food cool for long periods, such as camping or road trips or inside a locker or backpack at school.

It's important to find the best insulated food bag for the job, so you'll need to pick between recreational options, commercial options, and insulated lunch bags. Think about what size insulated food bag you require and whether a shoulder strap or backpack-style option would be better for you. We've collected all the relevant information about insulated food bags and written this guide to help you with your purchasing decision. Then, you can also see our top five insulated food bags when you’re ready to buy one.

insulated travel bag for food

Key considerations

Types of insulated food bags.

You'll need to choose the correct type of insulated food bag to meet your needs. The three main varieties are recreational insulated food bags, commercial insulated food bags, and insulated lunch bags.

  • Recreational insulated food bags: These are designed for home use, taking on picnics, transporting food to potlucks, and so on. While insulation levels vary, they tend to be fairly well-insulated and some have enough insulation to hold ice for more than a day. The majority are available in a number of colors or prints.
  • Commercial insulated food bags: Commercial models are made to fit the needs of caterers, delivery drivers, and other food service professionals. They tend to be large in size to fit large orders of food, rugged to stand up to heavy duty use, and are often plain in appearance.
  • Insulated lunch bags : These compact insulated food bags are made to fit a single person's lunch, for taking to work or school. They're ideal for anyone who doesn't have access to a fridge at their workplace or who go eat offsite. They only have moderate insulation, since food generally only needs to stay cool for four to seven hours (usually between packing it in the morning and lunch time).

Straps or handles

Perhaps the most common option is for an insulated food bag to have two short handles, one on either side, to allow you to carry it in your hand. This isn't always comfortable or practical, however, especially if you need to tote your insulated food bag a long way. Some models feature shoulder straps, often in addition to the aforementioned handles, so you have the option of two carrying methods, but sometimes alone. Less common are backpack-style straps, letting you wear your insulated food bag on your back. These are usually only practical for those bringing a lot of food, numerous meals, or who need it for hiking or camping and need to keep their hands free.

How much will you need to fit inside your insulated food bag? You'll need to choose a model with a sufficient capacity. The capacity may be listed in liters, but listings often state how many cans you can fit inside an insulated food bag. Even if you don't intend to put cans in your food bag, this can give you a more solid idea of how much will fit inside. If in doubt, you can also check the dimensions of your chosen insulated food bag.

Not all insulated food bags have equal insulation. Some can keep your food at temperature for more than 24 hours, whereas others only manage a couple of hours. Insulated food bags are generally better at keeping cold food chilled than keeping hot food warm , but a quality model should keep food warm for a two to six hours, depending on the type of food, its temperature when placed in the bag, and the ambient temperature.

Compartments

Some insulated food bags have a number of compartments. They may contain multiple insulated compartments for keeping foods separate, or they may have just one insulated compartment with a couple of pockets for holding personal items. Compartments become important when you want to bring both hot and cold foods along.

Color or print

You can find insulated food bags in a range of colors and prints. Although this shouldn't be your first priority, if you can find a quality insulated food bag in a color you love, all the better.

insulated travel bag for food

Basic models can cost as little as $5 to $15 a piece. These tend to either be fairly compact (lunch-sized, for instance) or have minimal insulation. Mid-range insulated food bags cost roughly $15 to $40. These are well insulated options suitable for semi-regular use. High-end insulated food bags are priced between $40 and $100. These have the best insulation abilities, may be extra large, and are rugged enough for regular use.

  • Consider how you'll use your insulated food bag. Will you mainly use it for hot food or cold food? Or perhaps for drinks rather than food? Are you buying it for your daily lunches or for large family events? How you'll use your insulated food bag will make a big difference to the model you choose. For example, if you’ll use it for liquids, a leak-proof, well-insulated design is important.
  • Think about how often you'll need an insulated food bag. A bag that you dig out once or twice a year for a trip to the beach will need to be far less sturdy than one that's in use five days a week at a worksite.
  • Decide whether you need a waterproof model. If you're an all-weather adventurer, consider buying an insulated food bag with a waterproof exterior.
  • Check how easy it is to clean your chosen insulated food bag. Insulated food bags usually aren't machine washable, but they should have smooth, non-permeable interiors that can be thoroughly wiped clean without awkward, unreachable corners where crumbs can hide away and grow mold.

insulated travel bag for food

Q. What can I use my insulated food bag for?

A. If you've read this far, you'll already know that insulated food bags can keep hot food warm, in addition to keeping cold food chilled. They're perfect for all kinds of occasions where you might need to transport food without losing its original temperature. They can be used in commercial applications, such as by delivery drivers or event caterers, but they're more often bought for recreational use. You can use your insulated food bag for your lunch, bringing home takeout, picnics, or events where you want to bring your own food, potlucks, camping trips, or for bringing frozen foods home without them thawing. Of course, you can also use an insulated food bag for drinks, so they're great for keeping beer or soft drinks ice cold.

Q. Can I keep hot and cold food in one insulated bag at the same time?

A. If you put both hot and cold food in the same compartment of an insulated food bag, the hot food would warm up the cold food and the cold food would cool down the hot food, so it's not advisable. Stick to one bag for hot food and one bag for cold food, unless you have an insulated food bag with separate, individually insulated compartments.

Q. Can I bring an insulated food bag to an organized event?

A. This depends on the event. You should always check whether you're allowed to bring outside food, so that your time and money don't go to waste preparing a picnic that you're not allowed to bring to the event you're attending.

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The 8 best cooler bags.

Carry your beverages and picnic to the beach in cool styles.

The Best Cooler Bags

Group of friends cheering with beer on the beach.

Getty Images

Nothing beats a cold drink on a beach or at a camping site.

Keeping snacks and drinks cold when you're on a road trip, at the beach or car camping is essential. Depending on what you want to pack, where you're going to be and how much you need to take, there are different cooler bags to meet your needs.

The right cooler bag can save you money, keep the kids happy with fresh snacks and offer convenience. U.S. News researched online retailers, travel industry review sites and more to come up with this selection of the best cooler bags.

The Top Cooler Bags

Best overall: rtic outdoors soft pack cooler, best budget: tourit cockatoo insulated backpack, best wheeled: igloo maxcold fusion 36-can roller bag, best backpack: rei co-op cool trail pack cooler, best duffel: l.l.bean soft pack cooler, family, best collapsible: icemule classic medium 15l, best tote: rovr keepr cooler caddy, best durable: yeti hopper flip 18 soft cooler.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues or other factors.)

Capacity: Sizes range from 12 cans to 40 cans

What sets it apart: Don't you hate it when you pack a cooler with ice only for it to leak everywhere and let your food and drinks get warm? That won't happen with this lightweight cooler because it is designed to be completely leakproof. This RTIC cooler is made with heavy-duty nylon and a durable zipper that won't let liquid spill out.

If you're heading to a pool or lake, you'll be happy to know that it floats. You can pack this cooler on even the most rugged adventure since the liner is resistant to punctures and tears. The 2-inch closed-cell foam insulation is intended to keep your items cold for up to 24 hours. There are four sizes ranging from a 12- to 40-can capacity as well as nine color options. Need something smaller? The 6-can Everyday Cooler is compact and collapsible.

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this cooler bag say it is the perfect cooler bag for lake, river and ocean activities since it floats, though a few travelers noted the zipper can be a little tough to unzip.

Price: $149.99 or less for 40-can size Shop now: RTIC | Amazon

TOURIT Cockatoo Insulated Backpack in black against white background.

Courtesy of TOURIT

Capacity: 16 cans

What sets it apart: If you're looking for a budget-friendly cooler bag with lots of bells and whistles, this is the bag for you. The soft-sided backpack design makes it easy to carry, and its dual compartments keep your cool items separate from snacks that don't need to be on ice. The leak-resistant cooler includes front and side pockets, as well as a handy bottle opener on the backpack strap. Available in three colors, this insulated backpack keeps food cool for up to 16 hours.

Travelers appreciate: Purchasers praise the multiple pockets for storing gear, with some reviewers mentioning that this bag is also great to use as a lunchbox.

Price: $37.77 or less Shop now: TOURIT | Amazon

Capacity: 36 cans

What sets it apart: Whether you're heading for a picnic in the park or a day at the beach, this wheeled cooler makes it easy to transport your snacks and beverages. It has a sturdy, wide base and locking telescoping handle, as well as five exterior pockets to store your phone, reading material, sunscreen and reusable bottles.

There's also a handy compartment on top for additional nonperishable items – a great place to pack plates and utensils. The hard plastic interior liner makes the cooler easy to clean. If you want a cooler bag with a bit of glam, check out Igloo's Luxe Collection , made with vegan leather.

Travelers appreciate: Customers appreciate the effortless portability of the cooler bag, saying that the cooler is easy to pull and lift when navigating a number of environments.

Price: $91.59 or less Shop now: Igloo | Amazon

REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler in "Stargazer Teal" against white background.

Courtesy of REI

Capacity: 20 cans

What sets it apart: For those who want to go for a long hike, this cooler backpack is essential for hitting the trail, especially since it can keep your items cold for up to 40 hours. Able to hold up to 20 cans and 10 pounds of ice, the cooler has a padded, adjustable hip belt and a chest strap to hold it in place while you're on the move.

Three exterior pockets provide room for storing other supplies. The best feature is the removable leakproof cooler insert – take it out to easily clean it or use it as a separate cooler and backpack. You can also feel good about this purchase since it is made with recycled materials.

Travelers appreciate: Recent purchasers were grateful for the comfortable straps, which they say made the cooler easy to carry.

Price: $99.95 or less Shop now: REI

insulated travel bag for food

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Capacity: 36 to 48 cans

What sets it apart: If you're packing for a family or large group, this bag has plenty of room. In addition to its large capacity, the cooler features external zippered pockets and pouch pockets with elastic cuffs. The shoulder strap and interlocking carrying handle make it easy to haul. An added plus with this design is that the flip-top lid stays open while you're grabbing something from inside. This cooler is available in three colors.

Travelers appreciate: Customers love this cooler bag for trips to the grocery store, camping and long road trips. Users mentioned that it works best with bagged ice or ice blocks, rather than loose ice that can lead to leaks.

Price: $84.95 or less Shop now: L.L.Bean

Capacity: 16 to 24 cans (15 liters)

What sets it apart: The crossbody strap allows for hands-free carrying of this high-performance cooler bag that can hold 15 liters (up to 16 cans with ice or 24 cans without). With this durable design, liquids won't leak out or get in. You also don't have to worry if it falls off the boat, because it's water-resistant and it floats. When you're not using it, you can easily roll it up for storage.

Travelers appreciate: Customers who own this cooler bag highly recommend it for keeping items cool all day. Others commented that they appreciate the roll top, rather than a zipper closure.

Price: $84.95 or less Shop now: ICEMULE | Dick's Sporting Goods

RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy in Seagrass color against white background.

Courtesy of RovR Products

Capacity: Around 12 cans (13 liters including ice)

What sets it apart: This unique design makes a great portable cocktail bar, with room for spirits, mixers, garnishes, drinkware and even some finger foods to snack on. Use it as an alternative to a picnic basket to keep your food fresh while enjoying a concert in the park or a romantic alfresco meal. The stainless steel, vacuum-sealed ice container nestled in the middle keeps things cool and can also be used as a removable ice bucket. There are separate compartments to keep things organized and a sturdy carrying handle. Order one for your next outdoor event.

Travelers appreciate: This caddy has been praised by customers for its compartments that make things easy to organize. Some do express, however, that the plastic handle for the ice bucket seems flimsy.

Price: $149.99 or less Shop now: RovR | Amazon

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler in light purple color against white background.

Courtesy of YETI

Capacity: 30 cans

What sets it apart: Looking for a sturdy and durable cooler bag? This is it. YETI's Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler can hold 30 cans or 28 pounds of ice. The material is designed to protect the bag from punctures, UV rays, and mildew both inside and out. This rugged cooler is ready for any adventure with a high-performance zipper, a leakproof construction and closed-cell rubber foam insulation. If you want a smaller-capacity cooler than the 18, the cooler comes in sizes 8 and 12 as well. A Rambler Bottle Sling can be attached using the Hitchpoint Grid system. For keeping things on ice for one person, YETI also makes a lunch box and lunch bag .

Travelers appreciate: Shoppers who purchased this cooler bag recently noted that the ice did not melt for hours, but some felt the zipper was difficult to open and close.

Price: $300 or less Shop now: YETI | Amazon | REI

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cooler bags. She often uses a cooler bag for road trips, hikes and days at the beach. Her favorite bag for long hikes with friends is the REI Co-op Cool Trail Pack Cooler . For beach and boat outings or picnics at the park, she prefers the Igloo Maxcold Fusion 36-Can Roller Bag . Kolberg used her experience as a frequent traveler and research expertise to curate this list of top cooler bags.

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The 11 Best Insulated Grocery Bags to Spare Your Frozen Goods

We've rounded up functional and stylish picks to keep your popsicles, beverages, and fresh produce chilled for the long haul.

insulated travel bag for food

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks

Factors to Consider

Our expertise.

Food & Wine / Hydroflask

There’s rarely a weekend afternoon spent running errands where just one stop is on the agenda. If you’re anything like us, you’re likely bouncing between the grocery store, the coffee shop, the home improvement store, and the coffee shop again — you get the idea. So, rather than worrying about arranging your day just to get your groceries home to the refrigerator promptly — or worse, risking spoiled milk or soggy greens — make your weekend market trips easier by investing in a few insulated grocery bags.

From roomy soft coolers to cute totes that can go from the farmer’s market to the park in style, these insulated options will come in handy time and time again. We researched tons of options, looking for the best insulated grocery bags that not only keep your food perfectly chilled (a must!) but also make your groceries easier to organize and transport.

Learn more about our selects below, and breathe a big sigh of relief — your favorite ice cream will never be melted by the time you get home again.

Best Overall

Nook theory insulated grocery bag.

Pros: The exterior of this insulated grocery bag is made from scratch-resistant canvas, so it will look brand new even after dozens of uses.  

Cons: This bag doesn’t have an elongated cross-body strap, and the shoulder straps may be snug depending on how full the bag is. 

For a basic insulated grocery bag that performs well and doesn’t break the bank, you can’t beat Nook Theory’s Insulated Grocery Bag. Available in a variety of chic shades and made from durable scratch-resistant canvas, this roomy bag can hold up to 30 pounds of groceries, keeping them properly chilled for up to six hours when closed.

We love how sturdy this bag feels, and the insulated interior is surprisingly thick and padded. It’s also leak-proof, it folds flat for easy storage, and it’s designed with two side pockets that can house dry goods or anything else you don’t need to keep chilled.

  • Material: Canvas
  • Capacity: 30 liters
  • Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 12 inches

Best Budget

Bodaon reusable grocery bag.

Pros: These grocery bags come in a variety of capacities, so you can size up or down depending on how large your typical grocery runs are. 

Cons: Food will only stay cold for a little over an hour in these bags, so they’re not the best option if you’ll be away from a refrigerator for a while. 

You probably recognize the Bodaon bag if you’re a fan of Uber Eats, Seamless, or any other number of food delivery services. These bags are the pick du jour, thanks to their inexpensive yet functional appeal, foam insulation, and an easy-clean foil lining that, while thin, can keep your goods cold for up to 1.5 hours. The exterior color options are bold and bright (think: watermelon pink and lime green), so you’ll never lose track of them in your trunk or entryway closet.

  • Material: Non-woven fabric
  • Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 13 inches

Best Splurge

L.l. bean insulated tote, large.

Pros: This insulated grocery bag can be personalized with your choice of initials, a name, or a phrase. 

Cons: The zippered mouth of this grocery bag is smaller than many of the others on our list, which can make it difficult to get groceries in and out. 

L.L. Bean is a trusted, timeless brand, so it’s no surprise that their insulated grocery tote wins the best splurge on our list. The quality of this piece is apparent, from the durable coated canvas exterior to the padded interior, which is made of food-grade BPA- and PVC-free lining. There are even exterior pockets where you can stash dry goods, cutlery, and more.

Pack this tote to the brim with farmer’s market finds or bring it on a last-minute grocery run before a picnic. Either way, the comfy shoulder and cross-body straps will help you tote your snacks and beverages with ease.

  • Capacity: 33 liters
  • Dimensions: 17.25 x 7.5 x 14 inches

Best Everyday

Hydro flask insulated tote.

Pros: This bag can be folded completely flat and compact, so it's a great option if you’re someone who travels often and loves to hit up markets on the go.  

Cons: While the bag is self-standing in most instances, it doesn’t have a dedicated flat bottom, so its ability to stay upright may be compromised if overstuffed. 

Toting around a huge insulated grocery bag isn’t always practical, especially if you’re someone who is frequently on the go and picking up a carton of eggs here or a quart of milk there. Enter: This Hydro Flask tote, which is sleek and stylish enough to front as everyday gear while working hard to keep any fresh meat, dairy, or produce you have on-hand cold for up to four hours. The soft exterior is durable and waterproof and is paired with a fully lined interior that can be wiped clean of any spills or stains.

Choose from three different sizes — 8 liters, 20 liters, and 35 liters — and a variety of playful colors for a find that seamlessly marries form and function.

  • Material: Coated fabric
  • Capacity: 35 liters
  • Dimensions: 23.82 x 5.79 x 16.57 inches

Best for Grocery Shopping

Lotus trolley bags reusable grocery cart bags.

Pros: The bags in this collection are machine washable, so spills and leaks don’t have to mean a massive cleanup. 

Cons: There are no zippers at the tops of these bags, so groceries can easily spill out if they’re tossed around the trunk or tumble out of the cart. 

If making grocery shopping a less hectic occasion is on your wishlist, then these bags from Lotus need to be added to your Amazon cart ASAP. They’re made for streamlining the physical “add to cart” process, with long rods at the top that allow them to nest neatly atop your grocery cart. Each bag in this collection comes with an insulated insert, as well as pouches to keep fragile items like eggs or bread separate from the pack.

While these lack a sealed closure — and therefore won’t keep your groceries cold for longer than four hours — they do solve a particular pain point that makes them a worthwhile investment.

  • Material: Polypropylene
  • Capacity: 50 pounds
  • Dimensions: 27 x 3 x 12 inches

Best Extra Large

Nz home insulated bag for food delivery.

Pros: This insulated grocery bag folds flat when not used, making for easy, seamless storage. 

Cons: There are no interior pockets or dividers on the inside of this grocery bag, which can make it difficult to organize given its massive size. 

Shopping for a family of four? Instead of buying (and toting around) several different insulated grocery bags, add this oversized design to your arsenal. The 3X size is so utterly massive, you could easily fit an entire week’s worth of groceries inside — which is great if you’re a family that loves to stock up on freezer meals during the occasional trip to Trader Joe’s.

The handles on this design are reinforced with a cross-stitch to ensure they stay sturdy and strong even through daily use, and the interior is made from a triple-layered easy-clean foil. The best part? The entire top flap zips open so you can easily pack and unpack your haul without a lot of hassle.

  • Capacity: 79 liters
  • Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 14 inches

Best Collapsible

Clevermade collapsible cooler bag.

Pros: Sturdy side handles give you an additional way to carry this insulated grocery bag and make it easy to retrieve from the cart or trunk of your car.  

Cons: The patented SnapHinge interior on this design makes it extra sturdy but means you can’t quite stuff this style full as much as others on our list. 

If space is at a premium — either in your car or in your house — then the last thing you want is a bulky grocery bag that takes up even more room. This collapsible style from CleverMade is ideal for grab-and-go ease, folding down to less than 3 inches thick and immediately returning to shape once propped up thanks to the patented SnapHinge frame inside. Plus, with three layers of leakproof padding, it's great for storing liquids or sauces and can even handle bagged ice without leaking.

  • Material: Polyester
  • Dimensions: 18.25 x 12.25 x 11.5 inches

Best for Beverages

Yeti hopper flip 8.

Pros: Lots of extra bells and whistles — like an exterior bottle opener and hitch point grid — provide added value and functionality to your purchase. 

Cons: This insulated bag is the priciest pick on our list and paying a premium for such a utilitarian product may not be for everyone. 

With a mid-size interior and ergonomic shoulder strap, this portable soft cooler features above-average cold retention, promising to keep your contents chilly for hours on end — ideal if you’re looking to pack up a few favorite brews for the fairway or canned cocktails for a picnic in the park. It’s also made from the same DryHide shell as many other YETI products, which is resistant to punctures and UV rays and is leakproof.

Translation: If you do choose to use this bad boy for the occasional grocery store run, it will certainly be able to hold its own.

  • Material: High-density fabric
  • Capacity: 8 liters
  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 8 x 10.5 inches

Best Ice Retention

Otterbox trooper cooler.

Pros: This cooler has one of the hardest exterior shells on our list, making it a great option if you’re frequently shopping for more fragile items, like pastries. 

Cons: With an 18-liter capacity, this cooler is one of the smaller on our list and is therefore better suited to city living or smaller grocery runs. 

Need your ice to last over three days? Of course, you do! That feat is no match for OtterBox’s Trooper Cooler, which has some of the best ice retention of any cooler on the market. Though not technically geared toward grocery shopping, this design is a good option to have on your radar if you’re serious about preserving frozen items on the regular or are someone who will be out and about with a small selection of groceries over an extended period.

The semi-hard shell frame keeps the interior contents safe, while various add-ons — like an adjustable padded shoulder strap, bottle opener, and accessory mounting system — help it stand out from the crowd.

  • Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
  • Capacity: 18 liters
  • Dimensions: 14.3 x 17.50 x 10.25 inches

Best with Wheels

Dbest products ultra compact cooler.

Pros: The telescoping handle on this cart tucks away neatly to grant you extra room in the trunk of a car or on public transportation. 

Cons: The wheels on this cart do not boast the 360-degree swivel we’ve come to know and love on many pieces of luggage, which can make it difficult to maneuver this piece on crowded sidewalks. 

There’s no denying it: Carting groceries down the subway stairs or up to a fifth-floor walkup can make for a serious workout. Take a bit of the stress off your back and shoulders with this insulated grocery bag on wheels. Instead of shoulder straps or handles, it mimics the look and feel of a piece of carry-on luggage, granting you an easier way to get peaches, pork, and pasta from Point A to Point B.

The best part? Unlike bulky grocery carts that boast metal frames, this (mostly) soft-sided design folds nearly flat for compact storage when not in use.

  • Capacity: 15 liters
  • Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 36 inches

Best Backpack

Tourit cooler backpack.

Pros: This backpack touts lots of extra exterior pockets to make organizing snacks and supplies easier. 

Cons: There isn’t a hard side or base to this backpack, so any food or groceries inside are susceptible to damage. 

Whether you’re a backpacker that wants the freedom to hit up farmer’s markets in France or a city dweller that simply prefers to go hands-free, nothing can beat the ease and functionality of this lightweight pack. It’s lined with high-density insulation that is leakproof and promises to keep your food cold (or hot!) for up to 16 hours.

The padded shoulder straps and sleek shape make this a comfortable and stylish option if you’re a foodie who also likes to hike the trails or bike your way from market to market.

  • Capacity: 28 liters
  • Dimensions: 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches

When shopping for an insulated grocery bag, one of the first factors you should consider is the type of material you want your design to be. Look for interiors (and even exteriors!) that are wipeable, since schlepping groceries back and forth will likely come with more than a few spills. There are also personal preferences to consider, like whether your chosen insulated grocery bag has any hard sides, which will protect your groceries from bumps and drops.

Lastly, consider how durable you need your bag to be. Are you just going from the store to the trunk of your car? If that’s the case, you probably don’t need anything too thick or hefty. But if your average grocery shopping journey consists of six subway stops and a few city blocks, you may want a bag that’s made of more sturdy material, like coated canvas.  And if you're using yours in conjunction with your very own grocery shopping cart, you'll want to factor in those considerations, too.

Size and Capacity

Perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for an insulated grocery bag is the size and capacity. Your exact needs will come down to how much you typically buy at the store at any given time. Someone who makes several trips a week to the farmer’s market will need a bag that’s drastically smaller than the lead shopper for a family of four who makes bi-weekly Costco runs. Most of the insulated grocery bags that made our list hover around a 30-liter capacity, though plenty of them are available in multiple sizes to help cater to your exact needs. 

Comfort  

If you’re someone who has to physically carry your groceries long distances, the comfort of your insulated grocery bag will be a big factor for you. Look for pleasant additions, like padded shoulder straps, which will help make the schlepping process a bit more comfortable. You should also pay attention to how exactly each of these bags is meant to be carried — some people prefer a cross-body carry, while others do best with a backpack-style bag. 

Intended Use

When it comes to insulated grocery bags, there are a lot of options out there, which means it’s possible to find a great design that caters to your exact use. When reviewing our winners above, shop with your intended use in mind. If you don’t envision being away from your refrigerator for an extended period (maybe one to two hours while grocery shopping and that’s it), then you probably don’t need to spring for a cooler bag that touts a 16-hour chill time.

Likewise, a design focused on liquid retention probably isn’t a must if you don’t see yourself piling a cooler high with ice. Shopping for just the features you need — and none that you don’t — is a great way to stay on budget and find the right design for you. 

Washability

While all of the insulated grocery bags above can be wiped clean, not all of them are entirely washable in a traditional machine. In most cases, because these models are also waterproof, any spills or liquid won’t sink into the fabric, meaning a wipeable design should be more than adequate. But, if you fancy yourself a fairly messy grocery shopper, a completely washable insulated tote may be something you want to keep an eye out for when shopping. 

Additional Features

The insulated grocery bags we awarded above all have various levels of bells and whistles, from the very basic to name-brand models that promise to be by your side through every adventure and travel that comes your way. If you’re looking for a bag that gives you a bit more bang for your buck, look for nice-to-have features like an exterior bottle opener, added pockets, interior organization, or hooks for additional gear.

No, insulated food bags do not need to be refrigerated to work, provided the food is cold when you first place it in the bag. These bags will not cool food that is already room temperature — they are more geared towards maintaining the temperature your food is already at.

In general, most insulated grocery bags will keep food to a safe temperature for at least an hour, though many last much longer than that. When shopping, it’s important to keep temperature stability in mind, as it can range between products from one hour to 16 or more.

To clean your insulated grocery bag, wipe down the interior and exterior with warm water and mild dish soap, if necessary. You should avoid placing the entire pack (or any of its parts) in the washing machine unless specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer.

The ideal insulated grocery bag is one with enough room for your typical haul and the ability to keep your groceries cold for at least a few hours at a time. Beyond that, you should shop with your specific needs in mind, including how you prefer to carry your bag and any other perks or features you might need.

The terms cooler bag and insulated bag (or insulated grocery bag) are typically used interchangeably, and both can refer to designs that will help cart around your groceries and keep things chilled.

Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she's not diving into the latest trends and products, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children.

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The best cooler bags composited

The best cooler bags for 2024

Pick up an insulated bag to keep your drinks cold as the weather heats up.

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You’ll be shocked how frequently a cooler bag comes in handy. They can keep drinks frosty on a hot day at the beach, keep lunch fresh during a long work day, or prevent your frozen groceries from thawing on the way home from the store. You’ll find every type of soft cooler out there, from heavy-duty waterproof versions to simple insulated vessels meant to take minimal abuse. We’ve researched dozens of the most popular models to develop this list of the best cooler bags for every person and type of outing.

  • Best overall: Yeti Hopper Flip 18
  • Best small: Carhartt Deluxe Dual-Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
  • Best collapsible: Igloo 36-Can Snapdown
  • Best backpack: Brümate MagPack 24-Can Backpack Soft Cooler
  • Best soft-sided: Iron Flask Soft Cooler Bag
  • Best value: Coleman Soft Cooler Bag

How we chose the best cooler bags

Cooler bags are a hot commodity because they don’t require the amount of space (or expense) as a full-sized cooler . There are dozens of popular models on the market vying to keep your cans and lunch containers cool. We started with a wide survey of the product space and narrowed it down based on personal experience, user feedback, editorial reviews, and general reputation. We put several models through typical activities, including trips to the beach and toting lunches. For the best results, it’s still important to know how to pack a cooler and nail the ice-to-drinks ratio properly.

The best cooler bags: Reviews & Recommendations

From the boat and the beach to the jobsite or campsite, insulated bags keep your food and drinks at your desired temperature. Here are the best cooler bags for no matter where you plan to be this summer, whether it’s landscaping or playing backyard games .  

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is the best portable soft cooler.

Why it made the cut: With burly construction, superior insulation, and lots of carrying options, this is the champion of cooler bags.

  • Capacity: 30 cans
  • Handle type: Hand and shoulder
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Price: $300
  • Waterproof construction includes the zipper
  • Exceptional insulation
  • Designed to withstand UV rays and mildew buildup
  • Very expensive

Yeti has made a name for itself, making some of the best full-sized and roller coolers , and it’s brought that same engineering to its Hopper Flip 18 soft cooler. Its 30-can capacity (without ice) is more than sufficient for a day-long beach trip or hike. Adding ice will lower the number of cans you can bring but increase the amount of time your beverages will stay cold. Yeti says the cooler bag can keep beverages cold for several hours (if not days), though the exact timeframe will depend on your environment and beverage-to-ice ratio. This longevity is possible because of Yeti’s DryHide double-TPU Shell and Coldcell Insulation, which put a dense barrier between the contents of your soft cooler and the outside world.

A leakproof zipper will prevent liquid from getting in and out of the Hopper Flip 18 unnecessarily. Yeti says the materials it uses on the inside and outside of its soft cooler were designed to reduce mildew, and the outside can prevent damage from exposure to UV rays. All of these performance characteristics are common in full-sized coolers, but it’s impressive Yeti was able to keep cramming them into a much lighter, more portable cooler design. There are still some features—like the ability to use dry ice for cooling—that are exclusive to Yeti’s full-sized coolers, but all of the essentials are here.

Best small: Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag

A small square shape black lunch bag with a zipper at the bottom of it and full with items in it.

Why it made the cut: This basic lunch bag is built super-tough and keeps food cold long enough for really late lunches.

  • Capacity: Six cans
  • Handle type: Shoulder strap and carry handle
  • Price: $29.50
  • Extremely durable outer
  • Shoulder and hand straps
  • Extra front pocket for more storage
  • Holds a 6-pack for when you’re off the clock
  • Shoulder strap is sewn on so it’s not removable
  • Capacity may be small for some large lunches if you’re also adding an ice pack

Don’t let this small cooler’s size fool you; its ultra portability doesn’t mean it’s less performant than our other recommendations. It’s made of 1,200-denier polyester, designed to resist water and protect your food. The soft cooler’s thermal insulation will keep hot foods hot or keep up to six canned beverages cold for several hours. At just 10 inches wide and nine inches tall, this soft cooler was designed to be taken on quick trips to the beach or onto a job site. A front zippered pocket can be used to hold utensils, small sauce bottles, or other paraphernalia, while a top compartment can hold more cans or be used to keep food and beverages separated. A carry handle and shoulder strap make this Carhartt lunch cooler bag easy to cart to any jobsite.

Brumate MagPack 24-Can Backpack Soft Cooler outside on a deck.

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

Why it made the cut: This big but portable soft cooler is easy to carry around and can keep drinks cold for days.

  • Capacity: 24 cans
  • Handle type: Shoulder straps
  • Price: $274.99
  • Kept beverages cool for over 24 hours
  • Shoulder straps were comfortable
  • Magnetic lock was easy to open but stayed firmly shut

The most premium model in Brümate’s newly launched MagPack line of soft coolers is this 24-can backpack, and it’s worth every cent of its comparatively high price. The inner layers of the backpack are constructed using a proprietary technology called “IceShield” to insulate your beverages and a waterproof shell around the outside to keep any unwanted pests from getting inside. Both of these elements made the soft cooler feel solid both inside and out. We never felt like we’d damage it by moving it in and out of a car or casually dropping ice and cans into its inner chamber, then shaking them around to ensure even distribution. Our favorite design element was this cooler’s magnetic latch, which was powerful enough to prevent drinks and ice from spilling out when the backpack was turned upside down but easy enough to open one-handed.

Brümate says you can fill this cooler with up to 24 cans plus ice, 21 pounds of only ice, or seven bottles of wine with ice. We filled it with 18 cans and roughly 10 pounds of ice and left them to sit overnight. After 12 hours, it looked as if virtually no ice had melted, and the cans felt colder to the touch than when we put them in. We continued to check on our beverages at 12-hour intervals, and it was well into the second day before the ice almost completely melted. At that point, the soft cooler kept the water from the melted ice cool enough that we could grab chilled cans for several additional hours. (The cooler was left in an environment of roughly 68 degrees.)

Carrying the MagPack around was comfortable, as there was enough padding in the back and slack in the straps to make the proper adjustments. Its straps were removable, though, so we could carry it around single-handed or double-handed using its side straps. It’s nice to have this versatility, just in case. If you need a backpack cooler to keep your beverages chilled this summer, we highly recommend checking out Brümate’s MagPack 24-Can Backpack Soft Cooler.

Best collapsable: Igloo 36-Can Snapdown

Igloo snapdown cooler bag

Stan Horaczek

Why it made the cut: With lots of room for beverages and a very secure fold-down design, it’s an ideal way to pack for the coast.

  • Capacity: 36 cans
  • Handle type: Hand and shoulder straps
  • Price: $58.75
  • Very spacious
  • Front pocket provides extra storage for sunscreen or other essentials
  • Sturdy handles
  • Solid insulation
  • Fold-down opening makes for easy loading
  • Heavy when fully loaded
  • No dividers if you want to carry other items besides cans

This rectangular bag unfolds at the top to create a large opening for easy loading. It weighs just 1.7 pounds when it’s empty. That’s crucial because it holds up to 36 cans and ice, which makes it hefty when loaded to capacity. The sturdy hand straps feel very secure, and the included shoulder strap is removable, so it won’t flop around when you’re not using it. This insulated cooler bag’s large, flat front pocket is roomy enough to hold silverware, sunscreen, a Kindle, or whatever other beach essentials you might want to lug along. I brought it along to an all-day fitness competition, and it kept my lunch, some protein shakes, and a few cans of energy drinks chilled nicely, even without adding ice. The fold-down opening does a good job of keeping out sand and other debris from the environment, but the lining can wrinkle, making it tricky to clean. This is ultimately a very solid replacement for those wasteful foam coolers they sell at the supermarket. It’s a lot sturdier, too.

Iron Flask Soft Cooler Bag on a wooden deck.

Why it made the cut: Iron Flask’s soft-sided cooler is a well-constructed day-trip-friendly choice for campers and beachgoers.

  • Handle type: Straps and handles
  • Price: $170.95
  • Solid capacity
  • Drink holders on top

Iron Flask’s Soft Cooler Bag impressed by living up to the company’s claims that beverages would stay cold for two whole days—though that does mean sacrificing some can space in the name of ice. Our tests used the suggested 12 cans and about 10 pounds of ice in a 68-degree environment, and we could continue to grab cold drinks from it for a couple of days. What impressed us the most about this soft-sided cooler was its design. The cooler’s handles and strap felt solid, making it easy for us to carry it around. A pair of circular cutouts on top of the cooler provided convenient spots to hold drinks, while a built-in bottle opener ensured we’d always have one on us at a moment’s notice. The cooler bag’s design makes it the perfect choice for carting around on a commuter/cargo bike , too.

Iron Flask said its soft cooler was rip-resistant and leakproof, and we put the latter statement to the test by leaving ice water inside, shaking it around, and keeping the cooler upside down. Water didn’t get through, so you shouldn’t have any leaking issues while transporting beverages or keeping water in this soft cooler bag in a car or on the beach overnight. By using the right insulation, Iron Flask was able to coax the maximum amount of performance from a lighter weight soft cooler bag. While it’s a little more expensive than the competition, you’re certainly getting what you paid for.

Best budget: Coleman Soft Cooler Bag

A square bag in gray, red, black and white, with a chain on the top of the bag and a pocket in front.

Why it made the cut: This roomy bag provides solid insulation and lots of space to cover various uses.

  • Handle type: Shoulder strap
  • Waterproof: No
  • High capacity
  • Flip-open top makes for easy access
  • Folds down when empty for easy transport
  • Not waterproof or leak-proof, so best for packaged products
  • No handle for hand-carrying

This may not be the least expensive soft cooler we recommend, but its 30-can capacity is impressive given its sub-$50 price tag. Even on 90-degree Fahrenheit days, this Coleman soft cooler bag can keep 30 cans cold for 24 hours because it has heat-welded leakproof seams and robust insulation. While hardly bulletproof, the nylon exterior has an antimicrobial lining designed to keep out odor, mold, mildew, and fungus. Plus, the ripstop fabric is made to prevent tears. That’s plenty of protection for a budget buy. The soft cooler bag also features side handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transport, plus a front pocket to store your keys or bottle opener. 

What to consider when shopping for the best cooler bags

Whether you need them for play or work, the best cooler bags have one main job: maintaining your food’s temperature. Bags accomplish this through insulation, leakproof seams, and other features. Just in time for you to pack that picnic, we’ve unpacked what you need to look for in a cooler bag.

Insulation is the primary way the best cooler bags keep food cold—or hot, for that matter. Most bags feature thermal insulation, which keeps food or drinks at the desired temperature by stopping heat transfer. Think about it: If you place a hot mug of coffee on the counter, the beverage will slowly cool to room temperature. But suppose you put it in a concealed environment. In that case, it’ll transfer its heat energy to the inside of that space while simultaneously pulling heat energy from the air around it until the temperature of both the coffee and that concealed space settles somewhere in between.

A cooler bag’s insulation helps win the heat-transfer battle, and the best cooler bags use foam insulation. The gas bubbles in the foam, as well as the porous spaces between those bubbles, help slow heat transfer. But not all foam is the same. Open-cell foam is lighter and more flexible—making it an easier fit for soft-sided coolers. However, it doesn’t stop the transfer of heat as well as closed-cell foam, which does a better job of limiting the interaction between the gas bubbles. Brands such as Yeti have created foam insulation that’s light and soft enough for bags, bringing the best of thermal to soft-sided coolers. Of course, expect to pay higher prices for technology that so effectively keeps the temperature up (or down).  

Seams are critical in a soft cooler bag because they prevent leaks of all kinds. One type of leak is apparent—if the seams aren’t tight and your bag of marinating chicken spills, you’ll be cleaning your trunk, as well as your cooler. (Also, if you’re planning to dump ice into your insulated bag, weak seams could lead to a wet picnic blanket.)

While not as messy, the other kind of leak could be just as problematic. Remember, they work by creating a perfectly concealed environment to prevent heat transfer. Leaky seams compromise that environment by allowing air to flow in and out.

So what should you look for in a cooler’s seams? Rather than being stitched or glued together, the best cooler bags—the most airtight, that is—are welded together with heat and pressure. The seal on top of the bag also factors in. While zippers are most common—and perfectly suitable—Yeti has developed a magnetic seal that’s nearly as tight as a drybag. 

The outside of your cooler bag is important since that material determines waterproofing and other protections. A fabric’s deniability refers to the thickness of each thread, and anything above “1,000 denier ” should provide ample resistance to water, mildew, and the sun. Many bags also feature breathable, elements-resistant linings—à la Gore-Tex .  

Soft bags can have as much capacity as blocky hard coolers. But if you plan to use it as a lunch box rather than a camping refrigerator, you’d be foolish to opt for the 30-can model. Still, a bigger bag can accommodate more ice, giving you the option of keeping food chilled for longer. Plus, the advantage of the best soft cooler bags over hard coolers is that they are packable, often folding down or rolling up in a way that lets them take up just a fraction of the space when they’re empty.

When your cooler bag is loaded with a case of beer and a bag of ice, you may need an extra set of hands. Models with handles, as well as shoulder straps, offer more ways—and more places—to grab and lift. Extra pockets are useful, too. Some bags have two insulated pockets, allowing you to keep your leftovers warm on top and your beer cold down below. Front and side pockets provide the perfect places to stash your dry goods or your keys. 

Q: Are soft coolers waterproof?

Many soft coolers are waterproof. They feature protective shells or linings that also keep mold, mildew, and the sun’s rays at bay.

Q: Can I put ice in an insulated bag?

You can absolutely put ice in an insulated bag. The interior linings of the best options are completely leakproof, with seams that are welded together. Some even include pourable spouts, letting you easily drain water as the ice melts without requiring that you take out all of your food or drinks.

Q: How long does food stay cold in an insulated bag?

Depending on the cooler bag you choose, your food can stay cold for hours or days. As a reference point, Coleman’s budget bag boasts that it can keep 30 cans cold for 24 hours. Of course, the quality of the insulation technology is important—with Yeti’s closed-cell foam, such as in the Yeti Hopper M30, leading the way—but size also matters. The bigger the bag, the more ice it can hold and, therefore, the longer your bag will have ice to keep your food cold.  

Q: How do you clean a cooler bag?

In most cases, you can clean out a cooler bag by sloshing water around it and using mild dish soap inside to prevent bacteria or odors from building up. If a spill has occurred, you may want to use a sponge to clean the inside more thoroughly. Rinsing off the outside of a cooler bag will be sufficient to keep it clean.

Q: Should I get a soft-sided or a hard-sided cooler?

Soft-sided coolers are generally lighter but keep beverages cooler for a shorter period of time. Hard-sided coolers typically use denser materials as insulation, which adds to their weight and cooling capabilities. There’s no wrong answer, and the best choice will come down to your personal preference.

Q: How much do cooler bags cost?

This depends on their size, capacity, and materials. Our recommendations cost between $33 and $275.

Final thoughts on shopping for the best cooler bags

Whether you’re looking for frosty beers or fresher produce, an insulated bag is like a portable refrigerator that packs up easily when it’s emptied. With thermal bags’ foam insulation systems and airtight seals, the best cooler bags can keep your hot food warm and your cold cuts cool. The size and style you need depend on what you want to eat and drink and where you want to consume it—maybe at a pier or a picnic table . But no matter if you’re looking to tip back a few cold ones on a boat deck or eat a hot sandwich while constructing a client’s back deck, there is an option that’s right for you.  

Why trust us

Popular Science  started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

Andrew Waite

is a Boston University journalism graduate with more than a decade of professional newspaper and magazine experience. Most recently, he worked full-time as an editor at Alaska Beyond, the inflight magazine for Seattle-based Alaska Airlines.

Stan Horaczek

Stan Horaczek is the executive gear editor at Popular Science. He oversees a team of gear-obsessed writers and editors dedicated to finding and featuring the newest, best, and most innovative gadgets on the market and beyond.

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The 14 Best Cooler Bags Of 2024

Keep your six-pack cold for hours with these lightweight and portable cooler bags.

insulated travel bag for food

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks

The Bottom Line

  • Tips for Choosing

Questions and Answers

Why trust southern living.

Southern Living / Eric Brockob

If you don’t want to invest in a hard-sided cooler , or maybe you need something more compact for on-the-go use, a cooler bag is a great choice. They come in numerous styles and designs and allow you to carry them like a tote, shoulder bag, or backpack. “Soft coolers offer more portability and are typically more comfortable to carry on the go,” says Hannah Mara , vice president of product management for YETI. Cooler bags give you more space while road tripping, but also allow you to still remain mobile while camping, hiking, and spending time on the water. “Soft coolers tend to weigh less, have more flexibility, and are easier for individuals to manage on their own,” says Mara. 

To compile this list, we took factors like ice retention, size, capacity, weight, and carrying style into consideration, even testing several of the options on this list over several weeks. We realize that some consumers want a larger cooler bag than can carry as many cans as possible, while others need a simple design that will keep a six-pack cold for hours, so you’ll find a variety of cooler bags on our list. Mara also weighed in with expert insight on what to look for in a cooler bag. 

Best Overall Cooler Bag

Rtic insulated soft cooler bag.

Ice retention rivals more expensive options

Durable outer shell and tear-resistant liner

Smooth, leakproof zipper

Floats in water

Zipper can be hard to pull

Lightweight, durable, affordable, and leakproof, RTIC’s Soft Pack Cooler has it all. It comes in 12-, 20-, 30-, and 40-can sizes, so you’re sure to find a size to accommodate your needs. It’s made with a heavy-duty nylon outer shell that works well on sand, the trail, or any terrain you may encounter. And 2 inches of closed-cell foam on the inside combined with a puncture and tear-resistant liner keeps drinks and food cold for up to 24 hours, all with no leaks. When we we filled both this cooler and the YETI Hopper with ice and left them in a covered area for four hours, the ice in both coolers remained mostly solid, and there was no discernible difference between the two.

A bonus feature we love? The cooler floats, so your drinks and food can join you in the lake or pool. Plus, the leakproof zipper keeps liquids sealed inside, although it can require some effort to unzip (although it was still smoother than the Hopper's zipper) . The wide opening also makes the cooler easy to pack and unpack. It also comes with a removable carrying strap and a zippered pocket on the front. Use it for road trips, camping, beach days, lunches, and more. Numerous colors and patterns are available. 

Style: Tote/shoulder strap | Capacity: 12, 20, 30, or 40 cans | Dimensions: Varies | Weight: Varies | Ice Retention: 24 hours

Best Budget Cooler Bag

Coleman chiller soft-sided portable cooler.

Holds up to 30 cans

Includes several pockets for storing ice packs and other essentials

Removable plastic insert for easy cleaning

Ice retention is less than most cooler bags on our list

Only comes in two colors

If you don’t plan on using your cooler bag every weekend, this choice from Coleman is great for the price. It can keep your drinks cold for 12 hours or more and will hold 30 standard cans. 

We liked the removable plastic liner that helps to protect the contents of the cooler and makes cleanup a breeze in the event of a spill. The elastic bands along the top of the cooler are great for securing paper plates and other items you don't want to jam into a cooler bag.

There’s a main zippered compartment that opens up wide and zippered front and inside mesh pockets for storing ice packs and other essentials. The welded seams also ensure the cooler is completely leakproof. We did notice some loose threads along the seams, but the seams themselves still felt secure.

If you prefer a smaller bag for lunches or short trips, the Chiller also comes in a 9-can size and a 16-can size . Carry it by the side handles or use the adjustable strap, which allows you to transport the cooler more comfortably when it’s full. As of right now, it’s only available in blue and black, so we would like to see more colors available in the future. 

Style: Shoulder bag | Capacity: 30 cans | Dimensions: 13 x 13.2 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Ice Retention: 12 hours

Best Backpack Cooler

Hydroflask soft backpack cooler.

Includes backpack straps for comfortable carrying

Stands unsupported on its own

Tough polyester shell that's lightweight and waterproof

The top opening is a bit narrow

For a hands-free way to haul drinks and snacks from your car to the beach , a backpack cooler is a great choice. We love HydroFlask’s 20-liter backpack cooler for numerous reasons. First, it keeps things cold for 36 hours—longer than most other cooler bags on this list. It will also hold 36 cans without ice, and the padded mesh back and straps add comfort when carrying. The backpack’s exterior is a tough polyester shell that’s lightweight but also waterproof, and the watertight zipper keeps water out and helps prevent leaks. 

Loops on the sides of the backpacks allow you to attach gear and accessories to the cooler to free up your hands, and the sternum strap and carry handles help you out in case you’re trekking the cooler a long distance. The backpack will stand unsupported on its own, which helps when you’re trying to load it down with drinks and snacks. Two colors are available, and the entire backpack is made from BPA-free materials. 

Style: Backpack | Capacity: 36 cans | Dimensions: 18.1 x 18.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Ice Retention: 36 hours

Best Cooler Tote

Orca walker tote.

Includes magnetic split handle and a shoulder strap

Holds 18 cans or multiple wine bottles

RF welding and tough outer materials for moisture protection

Small compared to other bags on our list

A bit of a smaller option on this list, we still love the Walker Tote from ORCA for numerous reasons. It holds up to 18 cans or multiple wine bottles (standing upright). It also comes with a comfortable, padded shoulder strap for hands-free carrying or a split handle that magnetically sticks together if you want to carry it by hand. Waterproof inner and front pockets allow you to stow your keys, phone, wallet, and other belongings inside and away from water, and the tough bottom pad adds extra strength and protection. 

The Walker Tote has insulated inner walls that keep things cold for 24 hours, and the tough outer material, coupled with RF welding (the same used for whitewater crafts), provides added moisture protection. And the top zipper, while not a wraparound zipper, still opens up wide for easy access to drinks and snacks. Take it to the beach, a barbecue, or on a picnic for ice cold drinks all day long. Four different color options are available. 

Style: Tote | Capacity: 18 cans | Dimensions: 15.3 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Ice Retention: 24 hours

Best Beach Cooler Bag

Orca walker 20-can soft cooler.

Wraparound, waterproof zipper

Tough outer shell

Comes with bungee straps, D-rings, and loops

Zipper can be tough to open

The Walker 20 holds 20 cans and comes with magnetic split handles and a padded shoulder strap, like the Walker Tote. It also has the tough bottom skid pad, welded construction, and insulated walls that hold ice for about 24 hours.

We chose this one as the best beach pick because of the durable outer shell that holds its own against sand and the waterproof zipper that keeps moisture out. This zipper is a wraparound zipper too, making it easier to access cans and food within. The Walker 20 also has an added bungee strap to easily connect it to your canoe or kayak, plus D-rings and loops to clip on accessories and your keys. The cooler is BPA-free, food safe, and can hold up to 50 pounds of weight. Four color options are available. 

Style: Shoulder bag/tote | Capacity: 20 cans | Dimensions : 13.3 x 14.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Ice Retention: 24 hours

Best Collapsible Cooler Bag

Rei co-op pack-away 24 soft cooler.

Folds down flat when not in use

Adjustable shoulder strap

Wide opening for easy filling

Condensation can accumulate on the liner of the bag

Trying to save space in your car while traveling? We love this collapsible choice from REI, as it folds down flat when you don’t need it. When you’re ready to add your beverages, just use the side clips to expand it to hold up to 24 cans with ice. The top zipper opens wide for easy filling, and the seam-sealed liner is leakproof and easy to clean. The exterior shell is made from polyester that stands up to the outdoors, and an abrasion-resistant, recycled nylon material helps prevent wear and tear, too. Carry it by the attached straps or the padded, adjustable shoulder strap to free up your hands. An added outer pocket includes a key ring to store your car keys, and daisy chains allow you to attach accessories and gear. REI uses recycled materials for this cooler bag for a touch of sustainability. 

Style: Shoulder bag/tote | Capacity: 24 cans | Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 10 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Ice Retention: 32 hours

Best Waterproof Cooler Bag

Icemule classic collapsible backpack cooler.

Comes with a backpack strap for hands-free carrying

Zipperless, roll-top closure keeps water out

There isn’t a lot of structure to the bag

Designed like a dry bag with a roll-top closure, this cooler bag from IceMule is made with welded (not sewn) seams that keep water out. It’s also zipperless, so once the cooler bag is full, simply roll the top down over itself, then secure the buckles together to keep the bag closed. This bag also floats, a win in case you drop it in the water. 

An included air valve allows you to add air into the cooler to help with insulation and floatability, or take air out to make more room in the cooler if needed. When you’re not using the cooler, it lays flat or rolls up for easy storage. It comes with a backpack-style strap, so you can sling it over your shoulder and go hands-free, and the tough exterior shell holds up at the beach, lake, or on the trail. Interior insulation helps ice hold for 24 hours, and numerous color options are available, as well as multiple sizes.

Style: Backpack | Capacity: 12, 16, or 20 cans | Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 9 inches; 22 x 10.3 x 10.3 inches; or 22 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 1.6, 1.8, or 2.1 pounds | Ice Retention: 24 hours

Best Cooler Bag for Lunches

Yeti lunch box.

Insulated interior keeps food cold for hours

Wraparound zipper and magnetic closure

Leakproof lining

Available in over a dozen colors

Pricey for a lunch bag

It might seem simple in design, but the YETI Daytrip Lunch Box is great to have on hand for lunches or a few hours at the pool. It has a wraparound zipper and a magnetic closure to help keep the cold in, so your food stays fresh for longer. 

Closed-cell foam insulation also keeps things cold, and a water-resistant exterior protects from splashes. The interior liner is also leakproof, so if the contents accidentally spill inside, you won’t have to worry about them leaking through to the exterior. Simply wipe it clean and you’re good to go. All materials used inside are food safe, so rest easy knowing your fruits, veggies, and other items are safe. Plus, it’s available in 17 vibrant colors, including Alpine Yellow, Nordic Purple, and more. 

Style: Lunch box | Capacity: 5 cans | Dimensions: 4.6 x 10.7 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Ice Retention: Hours (not specified)

Best Cooler Bag for Groceries

Nook theory insulated grocery bag.

Can keep over 30 pounds of groceries cool for six hours

Foldable when not in use

Two side pockets for organization

No key loops or interior pockets

Designed for use as a grocery store bag, Nook Theory’s insulated bag can hold over 30 pounds of groceries and will keep cool for around six hours in case you need to run some errands after grocery shopping. The bag has a sturdy base to help you organize its contents, and it’s foldable so you can store it easily when not in use. Grab a few of them to store in the car to make grocery shopping a breeze (and feel better knowing you’re not using single-use plastic bags). 

The exterior is made of a scratch-resistant canvas material that comes in lots of colors, and the interior is made with thermal foam that is leakproof and designed to keep things cold for hours. There are two side pockets as well, which also help with organization and a bit of added space. The front and back handles are long enough to use the bag as a tote, or throw it over your shoulder as a shoulder bag. 

Style: Tote | Capacity: 40 cans | Dimensions: 13 x 16 x 9 inches | Weight: 12 ounces | Ice Retention: 6 hours

Best Cooler Bag for Wine

Tirrinia 2-bottle wine carrier.

Tall enough to accommodate four standard wine bottles

Comes with dividers to keep the bottles from breaking

Elastic strap inside the lid holds a wine bottle opener

No external pockets

Not the longest ice retention

Lots of cooler bags aren’t tall enough for bottles of wine, but this one is made specifically to cart your wine to parties, the lake, a picnic, and more. It will hold four standard wine bottles, and comes with a divider to keep the bottles separated and prevent them from bumping into each other and possibly breaking. You can also take the divider out and use the bag to store other items if you wish. 

The interior is made with thermal foam, which not only protects your wine bottles, but insulates the cooler to keep wine chilled (for about three hours in our experience). It’s also leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about any leakage while on the go. Carry it by the top handle, or attach the shoulder strap and carry it over your shoulder. An elastic strap inside the lid holds a wine bottle opener for when it’s time to get the party started. 

Style: Shoulder bag | Capacity : 4 wine bottles or 15 cans | Dimensions: 13.5 x 8 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Ice Retention: Hours (not specified)

Best Cooler Bag for Cans

Yeti hopper flip.

Keeps cans cold all day

Leakproof zipper

Tough outer shell holds up to punctures and UV rays

Detachable shoulder strap frees up your hands

The zipper is hard to pull

You always want your canned beverages as cold as possible, and the Hopper will keep them ice cold all day, depending on weather and how often the cooler is being left open. The Hopper comes with ColdCell insulation, a closed-cell foam that keeps food and beverages cold for much longer than standard cooler bags. “I’ve brought my Hopper Flip to the pool and the beach for up to eight hours, and it’s always kept canned drinks chilled the entire time,” says Melanie Fincher, Southern Living commerce editor. 

It’s also leakproof with a HydroLok zipper that keeps the cold in, although it does require you to pull pretty hard to get it all the way around the opening. The outer fabric is made to hold up against punctures and UV rays, and the exterior shell is waterproof, so it will hold up for days spent camping, at the beach, and more. Carry it by the side handles, top handle, or the detachable shoulder strap if you need to free up your hands. The Hopper Flip also has front and back hitch points, making it easy for you to attach your keys, carabiners, bottle openers, and more. In addition to the 12-can size, it’s also available in 8-can and 18-can versions. 

Style: Shoulder bag | Capacity: 24 cans | Dimensions: 12 x 14.3 x 10.7 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Ice Retention: Days (not specified)

Best Compact Cooler Bag

Mountainsmith the sixer cooler bag.

Can accommodate six cans, six bottles, or two growlers

Compact design

Internal mesh storage pocket and front and back stash pockets

Canvas exterior isn’t as durable as other materials

If you don’t need a large cooler and are just trying to keep a six pack cold, the Mountainsmith Sixer is great, as it doesn’t take up a lot of room and snugly holds six cans, six bottles, or two growlers. We love that the height of this bag can accommodate growlers, and the internal mesh storage pocket provides organization for keys, credit cards, and more. It also has front and back stash pockets, too, for even more storage. You can carry the cooler bag by the dual-rope handle, or attach the shoulder strap and carry it that way. 

A waterproof, seam-sealed liner prevents leaks and is easy to clean in case there’s a spill, and foam insulation keeps your drinks ice cold. The opening is a wraparound zipper that makes it easy to access. The bag is available in three neutral color options.

Style: Shoulder bag | Capacity: 12 cans | Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Ice Retention: Not listed

Best Large-Capacity Cooler Bag

Engel heavy-duty soft sided cooler bag.

Holds up to 48 cans

Welded construction keeps items cold for days

Padded shoulder strap

The zipper requires lubrication

You won’t find any stitching here, as this cooler bag from Engel is welded rather than sewn together, meaning there’ll be no air or water leaks. The welded build also helps keep the interior colder for longer, as no air can escape or penetrate the bag. This means that the cooler bag should keep contents—up to 48 cans with ice—cold for around three to four days in 90-degree weather. 

The cooler does open by a zipper at the top, but it requires lubrication for best function, as it’s also designed to be water and air resistant. Closed-cell foam insulation on the inside also helps keep things extra cold, and the tough outer shell is resistant to punctures and abrasions. An added layer of thermal plastic urethane film on the front and back also helps with puncture-resistance, too. 

Carry it by the tote handles or with the attached padded strap. And be sure to take advantage of the attached bottle opener, a perk when camping, paddling, or hiking. Due to new, patent-pending vacuum valve technology, it’s recommended that customers use a vacuum to suck out excess air before the first time using the cooler for best performance. 

Style: Tote | Capacity: 48 cans | Dimensions: 17 x 20.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Ice Retention: 3-4 days

Most Stylish Cooler Bag

Business & pleasure co. premium cooler bag.

Vintage-inspired design with leather accents

Can hold two bottles of wine or 12 standard cans

Three exterior pockets

Fabric exterior is hard to keep clean

Pack a lunch, two bottles of wine, or 12 standard cans in this fun cooler bag that works well for short day trips. The attached handles come with a leather covering and metal snaps to keep the handles together, or you can use the adjustable shoulder strap that clips on and off for hands-free carrying. The shoulder strap even comes with a sewn-on leather piece for an elevated look. The interior of the bag is not only leakproof and easy to wipe clean, but also has a fun, floral pattern that adds a pop of color. If you want to keep your contents extra cold, you can purchase the additional Business & Pleasure Co. ice pack that fits inside the cooler bag. The exterior comes in both a navy stripe design and a yellow stripe design, although keep in mind that the fabric is spot-clean only. Three exterior pockets give you added space for your belongings, and the wraparound zipper makes it super easy to grab what you need from the cooler. 

Style: Shoulder bag | Capacity: 12 cans | Dimensions: 8 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Ice Retention: Hours (not specified)

We love the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler because it’s affordable, leakproof, durable, and comes in multiple sizes to suit different needs. The ice retention rivaled much more expensive coolers in our testing, and the wraparound zipper keeps the cold inside. For a budget-friendly option, Coleman Chiller Soft-Sided Portable Cooler is very spacious and comes with multiple pockets for storing extras. Plus, it can retain ice for 12 hours, which should be more than enough for a picnic or beach day, and we loved the removable inner bin that makes cleanup a breeze.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cooler Bag

Size and capacity.

Whether you're toting just a few bottles of wine or a six-pack, or drinks for a crowd, you’ll want to consider what your cooler bag can handle when purchasing. The last thing you want is to be lugging around a huge cooler bag that you won’t even fill all the way up, or vice versa: having a cooler bag that’s too small for all the drinks and snacks you need. 

Destination

Consider where you’re going to be using the cooler bag, as weather can play a huge role in ice retention. If you’re going to the lake or beach on a hot day, you’ll want a cooler bag with great ice retention that’ll keep your drinks cold all day long. You’ll also want to consider the bag’s exterior as well to make sure it can hold up to sand, water, dirt, and mud you might encounter. 

Carrying Options

Cooler bags often come with either a top handle, a shoulder strap, backpack straps, or a combination. If you’ll be carrying your cooler bag with other equipment, like beach equipment or camping chairs, consider a backpack cooler bag or even one that comes with a shoulder strap. If you aren’t going too far, or are using a small cooler bag, you might be able to get away with a tote-style bag that you can carry by hand. 

Do soft cooler bags work as well as hard-sided coolers? 

Soft-sided cooler bags and hard-sided coolers work in the same way. They provide insulation to keep ice from melting and a sealed top to keep hot air out. Cooler bags will have a leakproof zipper a lot of times, while a hardside cooler will have a sealed top. Either way, the cooler is supposed to keep ice from melting and keep drinks and food cold. 

How do you care for a cooler bag?

Always check to see if there are specific cleaning and care instructions that come with your cooler bag, and abide by those. If there are no instructions, simply wiping out the interior with a cleaning wipe or paper towels and an antibacterial cleaning spray will work. Depending on the materials used on the exterior of your cooler, you can possibly clean the outside with soap and water and then rinse them off and let them air dry. 

What should not be stored in a cooler bag?

Be careful when storing glass bottles in a cooler bag that doesn’t have padded dividers specifically for glass bottles. The glass can clink together and break in the bag without padded dividers. (Fortunately, our favorite cooler bag for wine, the Tirrinia 4-Bottle Wine Carrier , does come with dividers to prevent this.) It’s also recommended to clean out the cooler bag when you’re done using it, as leaving liquids and food inside the bag will make it grow mold quickly. We also don’t recommend storing anything super smelly, like fish, inside your cooler bag, as the insulation can lock in that smell and it can be hard to get rid of. 

Amanda Ogle is a freelance writer and editor with seven years of experience covering food and drink, travel, and general lifestyle topics. For this list, we researched different types of coolers and tested several of the options on our list over several weeks, considering factors such as style, capacity, size, ice retention, and portability. For expert insight, Amanda consulted with Hannah Mara, vice president of product management for YETI. 

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The Best Insulated Grocery Bags for Bringing Home Cold Foods

Whether you're stocking up on frozen meals at the supermarket or transporting a dessert to a potluck, insulated grocery bags will keep your rations perfectly chilled..

By Emily Blackwood | Updated Feb 25, 2021 7:23 PM

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The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option: Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag

Photo: amazon.com

Transporting cold or frozen foods can be a little inconvenient. Using regular grocery bags on long drives from the supermarket can increase the risk of cold items spoiling, particularly if the temperatures outside and in the car are soaring. Insulated grocery bags, also referred to as soft coolers , can maintain food at a safe temperature so it’s ready to eat.

Because not all insulated bags are created equal, it’s a good idea to research products’ construction and features carefully. If you’re searching for the best insulated grocery bag, read on to discover our top picks.

  • BEST OVERALL: Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: VENO BAG 2 Pack Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag
  • UPGRADE PICK: CleverMade SnapBasket Insulated Grocery Shopping Bag
  • BEST EXTRA LARGE: BELLEFORD Insulated Food Delivery Bag PRO XXL
  • BEST ROLLING: dbest products Ultra Compact Smart Cart Cooler

The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Insulated Grocery Bag

Before purchasing an insulated grocery bag, there are a few important details to think about. A bag’s material, size, and how comfortable it is to carry have a lot to do with whether a bag is the right fit for you.

Read on to learn more about what to consider when choosing an insulated grocery bag.

Insulated grocery bags are generally made of one of two materials: vinyl or nylon.

Nylon is a fairly breathable fabric, which means it helps maintain food temperature. Its breathability allows steam to escape, so warm meals won’t be soggy after being enclosed in a bag with a lot of condensation. Nylon bags are also very durable; they’re typically more expensive than their vinyl counterparts.

Vinyl insulated bags are more affordable because they are typically not as well insulated as nylon bags. If you need to keep food cold on short trips, a nylon bag is worth the investment.

Intended Use

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an insulated grocery bag is how you plan to use it.

If the main reason insulated grocery bags are on your radar is that you want to use them to transport perishable groceries, it’s a good idea to purchase a few bags that collapse easily and keep them in the car. If insulated grocery bags are needed to bring cold dishes to parties or gatherings, consider shopping for one that has pockets for other supplies or a reinforced bottom that will support heavy casserole dishes. Delivery people who need insulated bags for work might think about getting large-capacity totes.

Once you determine how—and how often—the insulated grocery bags will be used, it’s easier to zero in on the right bags for your situation.

Size and Capacity

Insulated grocery bags come in many sizes, and the one you choose should be roomy enough to accommodate the amount of food you expect to carry in it. It’s better to have too large a bag than one that’s too small, so you may want to size up if you’re not sure how much capacity you need.

It’s also wise to think about how heavy insulated grocery bags will be when packed full of food. Bags that have strong handles—and multiple handles—are much less likely to stretch or rip when they are full. Look for bags with handles that wrap around the entire bag to distribute weight evenly.

How comfortable an insulated grocery bag is to carry depends a lot on how its handles are designed.

It’s not only important that a bag’s handles be strong, the handles should also be wide and long enough to sling over a shoulder if the load is very heavy. Some insulated grocery bags even come with multiple handles of different sizes—both short, one-hand handles and long over-the-shoulder handles—to give the user flexibility in how they carry their items.

Another feature that can make the best insulated grocery bag easier and more comfortable to carry is fasteners. Being able to zip or snap a bag shut keeps its contents secure, and gives the carrier peace of mind that groceries aren’t going to tumble out.

Versatility

Some insulated grocery bags are designed to be used for more than one purpose. One good way to use smaller bags is as a lunch box ; larger ones make good delivery bags. Most insulated bags can also be used to keep food warm rather than cold until it reaches its destination.

Some insulated bags have organizational compartments and rods that go through the handles to allow the bags to rest on top of a grocery cart. These features’ intended purpose—organizing and packing your groceries as you shop in the supermarket—also make insulated bags handy tools for organizing crafts, toys, and other items in the home.

Finally, consider buying a multipack of insulated grocery bags rather than just one. When you have a half-dozen bags on hand, you can leave some in the car for grocery shopping and have a few around the house for alternate uses. It won’t be long before you realize how indispensable these durable totes have become.

Ease of Cleaning

As we all know, carrying groceries can sometimes result in a mess—a broken egg here, some spilled bread crumbs there. After a few uses, an insulated grocery bag is bound to need a little cleaning, especially if it starts to smell.

Bags that are machine washable are the most convenient. Most manufacturers recommend, however, that the bags be air-dried instead of tossed in the dryer because they can shrink. Bags that are not machine washable can usually be spot cleaned with a little soap and water or a disinfecting wipe.

Most insulated grocery bags will need to be cleaned at least after every third or fourth use, so it’s worth choosing a bag that’s easy to clean and maintain.

Additional Features

While there are certainly some no-frills insulated grocery bags on the market, others have useful features that add to their functionality.

One thing you may not want to do without is a way to fasten the bags closed, so food doesn’t fall out while in transport. Zippered pockets and other segmented storage can help keep food organized when you’re on the road or making multiple deliveries. Adjustable straps are another great feature because they can make a bag easier to carry.

Another criterion to think about is portability. We like insulated grocery bags that are foldable or have a lay-flat design, so they’re ready when they’re needed but blend into the background (and don’t take up much space) until then.

Our Top Picks

The best insulated grocery bags will maintain the temperature of cold food and prevent it from spoiling. Top-quality grocery bags are durable, comfortable to carry, easy to clean, and can hold plenty of cargo.

The insulated grocery bags below are the best in their categories and include many of the features detailed in the paragraphs above. Read to learn more about why these products are the best insulated grocery bags on the market and find the right bag to suit your needs.

Best Overall

Creative green life jumbo insulated cooler bag.

The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option: Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag

Creative Green Life’s roomy insulated cooler bag is made of durable nylon fabric, three layers of insulation, and a waterproof PEVA liner—a winning combination that can keep ice cold for up to 8 hours. At 22 inches long, 17 inches high, and 8 inches thick, it’s an extra large-capacity bag with a 10-gallon capacity.

There’s a lot to like about this insulated cooler, which looks more like a stylish weekend tote than a grocery-store workhorse. It has a heavy-duty zipper closure, outside pockets, and its straps adjust so it can be carried horizontally as well as vertically. Not only is this bag great for groceries or deliveries, but it also makes an excellent travel or picnic cooler. The Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag is affordably priced and comes in three colors: charcoal, gray, and green.

Best Bang for the Buck

Veno bag 2 pack insulated reusable grocery bag.

The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option: VENO BAG 2 Pack Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag

The VENO BAG 2 Pack Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag is a set of two non-woven, recyclable fabric bags constructed with thermal insulation and two reinforced, dual-tab zippered tops. These bags have strong handles and can hold 30 or more pounds, which is the equivalent of 40 soda cans.

The large size of these VENO BAG bags—15.8 inches wide, 13 inches high, and 8.7 inches deep—make them great not just for groceries, but also for picnics, tailgating, or camping. Their lay-flat design allows for easy storage in the car or home, and their flexible sides can easily accommodate odd-shaped items. This product’s main drawback is that it is not machine washable.

Upgrade Pick

Clevermade snapbasket insulated grocery shopping bag.

The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option: CleverMade SnapBasket Insulated Grocery Shopping Bag

The SnapBasket by CleverMade is an insulated grocery bag that can hold up to 30 pounds of food and drinks. Its long, adjustable shoulder strap gives the user the option to carry it in their hands, or over a shoulder.

One of this bag’s advantages is that it has a metal frame to give it extra stability. Because it is structured like a basket, it’s less likely to fall over while in a moving car. Its top zips shut completely, and the bag folds flat for easy storage.

SnapBasket comes in a variety of color schemes. Its dimensions are 18.19 inches long, 12.13 inches wide, and 11.5 inches high.

Best Extra Large

Belleford insulated food delivery bag pro xxl.

The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option: BELLEFORD Insulated Food Delivery Bag PRO XXL

At 23 inches long, 14 inches high, and 15 inches deep. Belleford’s oversized food delivery bag is one of the largest insulated grocery bags on the market. It’s constructed with full insulation that can keep frozen items cold and hot items warm, and has a waterproof lining that prevents leakage. A removable hard plate stabilizes the bottom of the bag so it can bear heavy dishes, and the bag’s padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry heavy loads.

Other thoughtful features on Belleford’s bag include two exterior pockets to keep drinks, utensils, and other delivery accessories at the ready, and a commercial-grade zipper that keeps its contents from spilling. This is not an inexpensive bag, but it’s super roomy, durable, and looks professional.

Best Rolling

Dbest products ultra compact smart cart cooler.

The Best Insulated Grocery Bag Option: dbest products Ultra Compact Smart Cart Cooler

Why carry a heavy bag full of cans or groceries when it can be rolled? The Smart Cart cooler from dbest products is a great alternative for those who can’t, or don’t want to, carry a bag. Its fully insulated, leakproof interior can hold up to 45 cans, and it also has multiple zippered and mesh exterior pockets for quick and easy access to essentials.

Smart Cart has a locking, telescoping handle that makes it a snap to maneuver, and its ball-bearing wheels glide easily over myriad surfaces. This cart cooler weighs less than 5 pounds, folds flat for easy storage, and comes in red, blue, and black.

FAQs About Your New Insulated Grocery Bag

Now that you’ve learned about the features of the best insulated grocery bag, it’s time to answer any remaining questions you might have about making a good selection. Below is valuable information about how to care for an insulated grocery bag and how to choose the best one for your family.

Q. Do insulated food bags need to be refrigerated?

If you’re not eating the food they contain for over two hours, then yes they need to be refrigerated.

Q. How long do insulated bags keep food hot or cold?

Insulated bags should keep food hot or cold for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Q. How do you clean an insulated grocery bag?

You can spot clean most insulated grocery bags unless they are labeled as machine washable.

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CIVJET Insulated Reusable Tote Bag for Grocery Shopping for Women/Men, Pizza/Food Delivery Bag to Keep Food Cold/Hot for Uber Eats/Doordash/Grubub, Cooler bags for Travel/Beach/Picnic, Blue

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Insulated Reusable Tote Bag for Grocery Shopping for Women/Men, Pizza/Food Delivery Bag to Keep Food Cold/Hot for Uber Eats/Doordash/Grubub, Cooler bags for Travel/Beach/Picnic, Blue

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Purchase options and add-ons

  • ✅【LARGE CAPACITY】Dimension: 21W x 17H x 8D. With its generous capacity of 39L. Our tote bag allows you to carry multiple orders or larger food containers without compromising on insulation performance. It provides ample space to comfortably transport various types of dishes without crowding or squishing.
  • ✅【KEEP WARM & COLD】The thermal food delivery bag has both insulation and cooling functions. It is designed to keep hot food hot and cold food cold during transportation. This ensures that the temperature-sensitive items remain fresh and at their desired temperature until they reach the customer's doorstep.
  • ✅【MULTI-PURPOSE】The large soft tote bags work for women and men. The large capacity cooler bag has multiple functions. It could also used for tote bag, meal and pizza delivery, food packaging, reusable grocery shopping, travel to beach, food transport by car, cart shopping for groceries, catering bag for hot/cold food deliveries.
  • ✅【DURABLE】The external cloth of insulated grocery bags are made of oxford cloth, material of internal is leakproof and easy cleaned alumnium foil.The reusable shopping bags for groceries are heavy duty. The insulated bag with cooler function is perfect for women and men.
  • ✅【COLLAPSIBLE】The reusable grocery shopping bags are foldable which make it convenient for carrying and storage. When not in use, simply fold it up to save space and make it easy to carry. This makes it particularly practical for those with limited space or for people who need to carry shopping bags frequently.
  • ✅【MULTIPLE CARRYING OPTIONS】The tote bag offers multiple carrying options, allowing you to choose between hand-carrying, shoulder carrying, or crossbody carrying. Whether you're walking for a long time, shopping, or taking public transportation, you can select the most convenient way to carry it.
  • ✅【100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED】We offer you a 100% satisfaction of after-sales service. If you are not satisfied with the bag for any reason, you are able to return it and we will fully refund you. If the bag is broken within 1 year, don't hesitate to contact us by email and we will replace you a new bag for free.

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Product details

  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 21 x 8 x 17 inches; 9.6 ounces
  • Department ‏ : ‎ Women
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 22, 2023
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CG8G98VF
  • #8 in Pizza Delivery Bags

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the construction, temperature, appearance and size of the tote bag. For example, they mention it's durable, keeps everything cold, nice looking and that it has a large capacity.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the size of the tote bag. They mention that it is big and roomy, with a large capacity. Some say that the liner could be better. Overall, most are happy with the quality and size of this product.

"...Two is the right number for my weekly grocery trips. They are very roomy , zip easily and smoothly, and keep cool and frozen items preserved for..." Read more

" Large capacity and well made except that I feel like the liner could be thicker, though, I feel like any sharp edge could tear the liner." Read more

"I use this for my groceries and the amount that fits in this tote is incredible . Keeps everything cold or frozen." Read more

"I use this as my lunch bag. Material is strong and I have plenty of room to carry all my stuff. I’m very pleased with my purchase." Read more

Customers like the construction of the tote bag. They say it's durable, has strong handles, and is well-made. Some say that it keeps frozen water bottles solid for 7 hours.

"I love it for my grocery keep cold products. The handles are very strong . You could use it for a weekend bag etc and its nice looking." Read more

"... They seem durable . I would definitely recommend!" Read more

" Durable and nice looking" Read more

"Large capacity and well made except that I feel like the liner could be thicker, though, I feel like any sharp edge could tear the liner." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the temperature of the tote bag. They mention that it's insulated, keeps everything cold, and is a great cooler.

"...They are very roomy, zip easily and smoothly, and keep cool and frozen items preserved for quite a long time...." Read more

"... Keeps everything cold or frozen ." Read more

"...We have to drive an hour each way with groceries to home! Keeps everything cold 🥶 !..." Read more

"...Lots of room for meats, fruits, and vegetables. The bag keeps everything cold and fresh even without freezer packs." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the tote bag. They mention that it's durable, and looks great. Some appreciate the coastal color and the good quality of the product.

"...You could use it for a weekend bag etc and its nice looking ." Read more

"Durable and nice looking " Read more

"... Love the coastal color too!!!" Read more

"this seems to be a nice food bag , It's a little bigger than we thought it would be but that's ok the extra space comes in handy." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the thickness of the tote bag. They mention that the liner could be thicker and the insulation is too thin.

"Large capacity and well made except that I feel like the liner could be thicker , though, I feel like any sharp edge could tear the liner." Read more

"Fine for cold on short distances but not thick enough for long distances ." Read more

"...The overall construction was flimsy & the insulation was too thin . Needless to say we returned this item for a full refund" Read more

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COMMENTS

  1. Amazon.com: Insulated Travel Bag For Food

    LHZK Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag with Thermal Foam Insulation, Premium Quality Cooler Tote Bag with Zipper, Insulated Hot Cold Bag for Food Transport, Picnic, Travel, Beach (X-Large-50L, Black) 302. $2386. Save 10% with coupon. FREE delivery Mon, Feb 5 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  2. The 10 Best Insulated Cooler Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag at Amazon ($99) Jump to Review. Best Small: Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler at Amazon ($84) Jump to Review. Best for Commuters: Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler ...

  3. 11 Best Cooler Bags For Travel [2024]

    By considering these factors and your specific needs, you can find the best insulated cooler bag to keep your food and drinks fresh and at the right temperature during your outdoor adventures. Sale Bestseller No. 1. Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag (Gray) with HD Thermal…. Extra-Large 21 x 17 x 8 Inches: Soft sided cooler….

  4. 5 Best Insulated Food Bags

    A sturdy insulated bag that keeps food hot or cold for a very long time. Pros The bag measures 18.25 x 12.25 x 12 inches, so it holds a lot of food. Leak-proof so you can add ice without worries. Includes side and top handles as well as a bottle opener. Keeps foods cold (or hot) for several hours ...

  5. Amazon.ca: Insulated Bags For Food Transport

    65L Large Cooler Bag, Insulated Food Delivery Bag for Pizza, Reusable Waterproof Food Grocery Bag for Catering, Camping Picnic, Drinks, Hot and Cool Food Transportation ... Leak Proof, X Large Insulated Cooler Bag - Insulated Shopping Bags for Groceries - Travel Cooler Bag for Frozen and Hot Food with Zippered Top (Blue) 4.6 out of 5 stars 541 ...

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  7. The 20 Best Insulated Food Bags

    Crock-Pot Travel Insulated Food Bag. The name says a lot. This is a food bag intended for traveling and keeping your food warm during a longer trip. Feel free to put 4- to 7-quart slow cookers inside. It will fit them all. It also features an inside strap for carrying them tight during transportation. The high-quality zippers only add to the ...

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    1. YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Backpack Cooler. The YETI Hopper Backflip 24 is a top-of-the-line travel cooler that's perfect for day trips and weekend getaways. With a capacity of 24 cans, it's large enough to hold all your snacks and drinks for the day, but not so large that it's unwieldy.

  9. 11 Best Insulated Grocery Bags of 2024

    Best Overall: Nook Theory Insulated Grocery Bag at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review. Best Budget: Bodaon Reusable Grocery Bag at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review. Best Splurge: L.L. Bean Insulated Tote ...

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    Best Cooler Bag for Lunches: YETI Lunch Box at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review. Best Cooler Bag for Groceries: Nook Theory Insulated Grocery Bag at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review. Best Cooler Bag for Wine: Tirrinia 2-Bottle Wine Carrier at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review.

  12. Travel Insulated Cooler Bags and Totes

    Travelpro ® Essentials™ SparePack™ Foldable Tote. $49.99. $42.49. Travelpro ® Essentials™ 2-in-1 Travel Tote & Cooler. $99.99. $84.99. Shop our new line of ultra lightweight insulated soft side coolers and travel tote bags. Whether you're packing a water bottle for a day at the beach, lunch at the office, or looking for a lightweight ...

  13. The Best Insulated Grocery Bags for Supermarket Trips

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  14. Huizhou Lucky Enterprise Co., Ltd

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  16. Logos Packaging

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  17. Logos Packaging

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