If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Living 11 Coolers You'll Take on All of Your Summer Adventures, From Picnics to Beach Trips These coolers, which include options with wheels and hands-free backpacks, provide top-tier insulation for drinks and snacks. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Published on May 12, 2023 01:49PM EDT Photo: Courtesy of YETI, REI If you enjoy spending afternoons at the beach or planning camping trips and picnics, owning a quality cooler is a worthwhile investment. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your favorite brand of adventure. Generally, coolers are split into two categories: hard and soft. Hard coolers are more rigid, while soft coolers offer more portability. While both boast superb thermal performance, the former is often a better option for longer, more remote trips, while the latter are great for day excursions (they tend to weigh less and are easier for on-the-go travel). Things to consider while shopping for the perfect cooler include carrying preference, group size, and outing duration. If you're hosting a large barbecue or planning a weeklong camping trip, for example, you may want a cooler with more space than you would for a picnic. Additionally, you should consider carrying preference when selecting a cooler. Do you want something you can transport across the beach? A cooler with wheels may be your best bet. If you prefer a hands-free option, a backpack cooler may be a more desirable alternative. No matter the type of occasion or how many people you're providing foods and beverages for, there is a cooler out there designed for your specific needs. Outdoor Living 01 of 10 Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler Courtesy of YETI While soft coolers are often best when it comes to mobility, Yeti's Roadie cooler is just as easy to maneuver. Ideal for long trips, the cooler has a carrying capacity of 76 cans and can fit up to 54 pounds of ice. The wheels feature single-piece tire construction that is impact and puncture-resistant. With high-quality insulation and pressure-injected polyurethane, this cooler is designed to keep the cold in. Price at time of publish: $450 Buy on Yeti.com 02 of 10 RTIC 65 Quart Hard Cooler Courtesy of Amazon Perfect if you're going on a camping trip or another excursion where your cooler might take some impact, this hard option is designed for impact resistance, durability, and long-lasting ice retention. It has up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, which will keep your foods and beverages colder for longer. Price at time of publish: $289.99 Buy on Amazon 03 of 10 Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler Courtesy of YETI For shorter trips, like an afternoon at the beach or a picnic in the park, this soft cooler from Yeti is top notch. It's lightweight, which makes it easier to transport without compromising on storage space. Big enough to fit up to 30 cans, the cooler has a leakproof zipper and closed cell rubber foam, which offers superior cold-holding compared to some other soft coolers. Price at time of publish: $300 Buy on Yeti.com 04 of 10 Igloo 70 Qt Premium Trailmate Wheeled Rolling Cooler Courtesy of Amazon Getting your food and beverages across the sand has never been easier thanks to the all-terrain smooth-ride wheels on this cooler. It improves the cooling process by elevating the body away from hot surfaces. What's more, the lockable, water-resistant storage compartment has an anti-leak gasket to keep pocket-sized essentials handy and dry. Other bells and whistles include a removable butler tray, pole slots for beach umbrellas or fishing rods, and two built-in stainless-steel bottle openers. Price at time of publish: $339.95 Buy on Amazon 05 of 10 RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag Portable Ice Chest Box Courtesy of Amazon If you're an avid beach or lake goer during summer, this is the cooler for you. It floats, so you can bring your food and drinks with your in the water. Although it's lightweight, the material is durable and can be taken on any terrain thanks to its heavy-duty nylon shell. The 100 percent leaf-proof cooler will keep your contents cold for up to 24 hours and can fit up to 40 cans at a time. Price at time of publish: $159.99 Buy on Amazon 06 of 10 IceMule Pro Cooler Courtesy of REI If you're looking for a hands-free option—so you can carry a beach umbrella, trekking poles, or other trip necessities—this is a great choice. It has a 1,000-denier ripstop outer layer for strength and durability. Plus, its waterproof construction means it's ideal for beach and pool days. When you're not using it, the built-in air valve allows you to compress the cooler up for easy storage. Price at time of publish: $134.95 Buy on REI 07 of 10 RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Courtesy of RTIC Tough as nails and ultra-lightweight, this leakproof cooler can keep its contents cold for days. Every soft cooler from RTIC is designed to float, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. The durable shell is made of nylon, so it can stand up to impact as you tote it from place to place. It has two carrying mechanisms—a shoulder strap or handles—so you can do what feels best for you. Price at time of publish: $89.99 Buy on Rticoutdoors.com 08 of 10 Coleman Portable Cooler with Wheels Courtesy of Amazon A more affordable option than some other wheeled coolers, this one has a telescoping handle and durable wheels for easy, reliable transport. This cooler can carry up to 84 cans and has an insulated interior that provides five full days of ice retention. A nice touch? Cup holders are molded into the lid for easy access to beverages. Price at time of publish: $64.99 Buy on Amazon 09 of 10 Hydroflask 20 Liter Day Escape Pack Courtesy of Hydroflask This soft-sided backpack cooler keeps things cold for 36 hours and can hold up to 36 cans. The padded back and straps are comfortable, meaning you can easily carry this cooler on your back for hikes and other more labor-intensive adventures. Price at time of publish: $199.95 Buy on Hydroflask.com 10 of 10 Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler Courtesy of YETI Once of the most popular coolers on the market, this wheeled option has room for up to 82 cans and is wine bottle compatible. The wheels are puncture resistant, while the handle is formulated from welded aluminum, so it can withstand the weight of the contents packed inside. Plus, the cooler creates a form fitting barrier against extreme temperatures and has a freezer-quality gasket that blocks out heat and keeps in cold. Price at time of publish: $450 Buy on Yeti.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Good Things Shop Martha's Prime Day Deals Now, Including Bedding, Cookware, Home Décor, and More Le Creuset Is Retiring This Popular Color—Shop the Final Sale Now 20 Entertaining Essentials That Make Dining Al Fresco More Enjoyable