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Keep your six-pack cold for hours with these lightweight and portable cooler bags.
Credit:Southern Living/Tara Massouleh McCay
We tested the coolers at the beach, camping, tailgating, etc.
by filling them with half contents (food, drinks, etc.)
A bonus feature we love?
Credit: Southern Living / Eric Brockob
The cooler floats, so your drinks and food can join you in the lake or pool.
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.
Credit: Southern Living / Eric Brockob
Use it forroad trips, camping, beach days, lunches, and more.
Numerous colors and patterns are available.
It can keep your drinks cold for 12 hours or more and will hold 30 standard cans.
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.
We love HydroFlasks 20-liter backpack cooler for numerous reasons.
First, it keeps things cold for 36 hourslonger than most other cooler bags on this list.
Two colors are available, and the entire backpack is made from BPA-free materials.
Plus, loose ice would leak out of the zipper, as its made from fabric and not waterproof.
We love this collapsible choice from REI, as it folds down flat when you dont need it.
It has a sturdy and comfortable strap and doesn’t leak.
The top zipper opens wide for easy filling, and the seam-sealed liner is leakproof and easy to clean.
Carry it by the attached straps or the padded, adjustable shoulder strap to free up your hands.
REI uses recycled materials for this cooler bag for a touch of sustainability.
There are two side pockets as well, which also help with organization and a bit of added space.
Fill it with ice and then cans, to-go containers, etc.
There also werent any leaks, and the side pockets were super handy.
Its also leakproof, so you dont have to worry about any leakage while on the go.
Credit: Amazon
Carry it by the top handle, or attach the shoulder strap and carry it over your shoulder.
The capacity for 24 cans is also questionable.
and using the cooler for at least two hours.
Credit: Southern Living / Eric Brockob
Each cooler was filled with 50% contents (food, beverages, etc.)
and 50% ice.
Coolers were used at least twice during the testing period.
In total, 394 cans were used in the cooler bags.
Besides size, its also important to consider the amount of items that youll be transporting.
Questions and Answers
How long do cooler bags keep snacks and drinks cool?
Note that larger cooler bags remain cooler longer than smaller ones.
How do you care for a cooler bag?
What should not be stored in a cooler bag?
Be careful when storing glass bottles in a cooler bag that doesnt have padded dividers specifically for glass bottles.
The glass can clink together and break in the bag without padded dividers.
by filling them with half contents (food, drinks, etc.)
For expert insight, Amanda consulted withHannah Mara, head of food and beverage for YETI.
Credit: HydroFlask
Credit: Southern Living / Katherine Polcari
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Credit: Southern Living / Jenna Sims
Credit: REI
Credit: Southern Living / Massouleh McCay
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Southern Living / Chloe Gebacz
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Southern Living / Melanie Fincher
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Southern Living / Eric Brockob
Credit:Southern Living / Jeanna Clayton
Credit:Southern Living / Melanie Fincher
