Do you know what the best feeling is? When you crack open the cold ones after completing a treacherous hike with your crew. That’s something worth celebrating. But wait, you can’t carry a refrigerator all the way up? How are you going to keep the bottles cold? I am pretty sure you’re thinking about all that stuff; you don’t have to worry anymore because we are presenting a list of backpack coolers for hiking. Choose from various coolers handpicked for our readers to ensure quality, durability, and portability. So, whether you want to open a cold one with your crew at the top of a hill, enjoy a camping night with some drinks, snacks, and good music, or maybe just have a random drink while you hike. You’ll need a backpack cooler for hiking. Find some of the best products below.
Table of contents
- Swig Life Packi Backpack Cooler
- RTIC Backpack Cooler, Lightweight Insulated Bag
- AKASO Backpack Cooler
- TUGUAN Insulated Cooler Backpack
- Insulated Cooler Backpack by Migirsthy
- OlarHike Cooler Backpack
- GoHimal Cooler Backpack
- SPARTER Backpack Cooler
- Cooler Backpack by LITNVEC
- Insulated Backpack Cooler by Earth Pak
- ADRIMER Cooler Backpack
- SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack
- TOURIT Cooler Backpack
- How To Choose The Best Backpack Cooler for Hiking
- Is there a possibility of leakage with ice?
- Should I be worried about damage on the way?
- Why can’t I use my regular backpack for food storage?
Swig Life Packi Backpack Cooler
13
Let’s start our list with a polyester leopard-patterned backpack. The Swig Life Packi Backpack Cooler uses the unique tri-cool technology, which gives you triple-layered protection to keep your stuff cool throughout your trip. There’s a PVC-coated outer body combined with a thick layering and closed-cell foam insulation in addition to the premium AquaSeal heat-welded outer seams. Furthermore, for those who hike during unpredictable weather patterns, the good news is that the Swig Life Packi Backpack Cooler is entirely weather-resistant and waterproof. As for safety, the product is completely non-toxic and leakproof, thanks to the AquaSeals seams. Besides that, it’s also quite spacious, with the capacity to store six wine bottles and ice.
Pros
- Ample storage
- Triple-layered
- Zippered pockets
- AquaSeal seams
- Thick outer wall
Cons
- Better with freeze packs as compared to ice
RTIC Backpack Cooler, Lightweight Insulated Bag
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Going for a long hike, you’ll probably need plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you entertained along the way. Worry no more; the RTIC Backpack Cooler, Lightweight Insulated Bag has you covered. Its heavy-duty polyester body makes it abrasion resistant and sturdy, so no matter how rough the terrain is, your bag will handle it. Moreover, the material is very safe for edible storage as certified by FDA. Besides that, if you’re carrying extra equipment with you in your hands, you can stow it within its mesh side pockets. Also, the thing to notice is that some travelers complain that their backpack cooler for hiking is too heavy for them to carry; therefore, the RTIC Backpack Cooler, Lightweight Insulated Bag comes with padded shoulder straps to make it easier for you to carry.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Abrasion-resistant
- Durable
- Easy to carry
Cons
- It could be a bit more spacious
AKASO Backpack Cooler
11
Are you having trouble finding a long-lasting backpack cooler for hiking? Look no further, presenting AKASO Backpack Cooler, which can keep your snacks and beverages cold for more than 72 hours. Well insulated body thanks to a five-layered environmentally friendly construction. This ingenious construction also allows the product to remain leakproof and withstand damage greatly. Moreover, even if you fill it to the brim with your favorite beverages, you’ll still be able to carry it pretty easily, wondering how? Thanks to its unique design consisting of back panels and shoulder straps that equally divide the weight and pressure throughout your body. Another significant feature that helps in the insulation properties of the AKASO Backpack Cooler for hiking is its airtight zipper which keeps the contents cold for extended periods.
Pros
- Durable
- Long lasting insulation
- Expertly designed zippers
- Portable
- Comfortable to wear
- Abrasion-proof
- Leakproof
Cons
- a bit expensive
TUGUAN Insulated Cooler Backpack
10
There is a frequently used phrase, “the bigger, the better,” but that’s not always true. Especially not in this case. When talking about the TUGUAN Insulated Cooler Backpack, it’s important to note that this backpack cooler for hiking is smaller than others, but its unique features make it stand out. You can use the TUGUAN Insulated Cooler Backpack on multiple occasions and for various food items, for example, packing sandwiches for the family when going on an outdoor adventure. The small size also makes it exceptionally lightweight, an essential feature that outdoor adventurers often look for because they admit it nobody wants to carry a bulky product when they have to walk or hike miles across the terrain. However, don’t let its lightweight fool you; it’s still pretty sturdily built. Perfect for weird weather patterns and uncomfortable terrain.
Pros
- Small
- Easy to carry
- Durable
- Adequate storage space
- Lightweight
- Abrasion-proof
Cons
- Sometimes people prefer larger backpack coolers for hiking
Insulated Cooler Backpack by Migirsthy
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Our hunt for the best backpack cooler for hiking continues with the Insulated Cooler Backpack by Migirsthy. This one is like the whale of backpack coolers for hiking because it has an enormous capacity of 45 liters, which is enough even if you want to store beverages for your entire crew. Moreover, the outer style is also pretty artistic, making your backpack cooler for hiking look like the best hiking cooler backpack in the whole neighborhood. But, don’t be frightened by its huge capacity; it’s still relatively lightweight and convenient to carry. You can also stow small items in its small but handy pockets. And, that’s not all; it’s also waterproof, so even if the rain is here to stay, your hike and, more importantly, your snacks will not be affected.
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Multiple pockets
- Portable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Straps can be sturdier
OlarHike Cooler Backpack
8
As we move further down the list, the better it gets. The OlarHike Cooler Backpack is like other backpack coolers for hiking but better. It’s got extra features such as reflective strips that are often very useful when you’re out in the wilderness; it helps create visibility, potentially preventing deadly accidents. Just pack it up with ice, and the solid outer body and anti-leaking features will ensure that your edibles or beverages remain cool for at least 16 hours. Yes, 16 hours is pretty good, considering you don’t even have a working time refrigerator during your journey. Other than that, there are plenty of spaces in and around the bag where you can store multiple items. You can find side pockets outside and zippered pockets within the cooling compartment of the bag.
Pros
- Good storage capacity
- Multiple pockets
- 16-hour cooling time
- Portable
- Durable
- Leakproof
Cons
- The cooling time is a bit lower than other products
GoHimal Cooler Backpack
7
On number 7, we have the GoHimal Cooler Backpack. Let’s start this discussion by looking at some of its best features. Almost every hiker has been wrecked by the rain at least once in their lives. And imagine if they have a low-quality backpack cooler for hiking, there’s a high chance their bag wouldn’t have much of a chance against the rain. This is where GoHimal Cooler Backpack’s water repellent and leakproof Oxford fabric comes into play.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Portable
- Leakproof
- Water-resistant
- Sturdy
- Multiple pockets
Cons
- Although it’s quite leakproof, a good number of ice cubes may cause leaks
SPARTER Backpack Cooler
6
Next on our list is a nylon product made keeping comfort in mind as a priority. Although the bag is quite comfortable, as mentioned above but that’s not the only reason it’s so special. There’s also a degree of waterproofing and abrasion resistance that comes with the SPARTER Backpack Cooler. Along with an incredibly thick EPE foam ensures that all your beverages are kept cool throughout your hike. Moreover another feature worth discussing is its dual compartments which allow you to keep two different categories of food products without the fear of intermixing. Let’s go back to talking about the comfort level it provides. We must include the fact that it’s made of dynamically designed straps that help the user carry it large distances without having any body soreness.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Dual compartments
- Cools for long periods
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- Not entirely leakproof
Cooler Backpack by LITNVEC
5
Cooler Backpack by LITNVEC is a sizeable backpack cooler for hiking with enough space to store at least thirty 330 ml cans in one go. There’s a top zippered pocket to ensure leak proofing and safe storage. Moreover, plenty of additional features come in handy during your hike. These include an anti-theft pocket which, in the case of hiking, can be used as a dedicated space for stowing your smartphone, and a beer can opener to open your cold beverages. Since you won’t find a can opener out in the wilderness, that’s where this built-in can opener does the trick.
In addition to the leakproof zipper, internal insulation is reinforced with the help of foam and a PEVA liner. Another excellent feature that is also very unique is the RFID pockets which can secure your identification and private data stored within your credit cards or passports.
Pros
- Spacious
- Portable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
- RFID pockets
Cons
- Leakproofing needs to be better
Insulated Backpack Cooler by Earth Pak
4
Another long-term cooling product on our list, the Insulated Backpack Cooler by Earth Pak, has an external covering crafted expertly from a high-density NBR foam which allows the bag’s contents to stay cool for around 72 hours, even for the most extended hiking trips that time is more than enough. For those that have bad experiences with their bags leaking, the Insulated Backpack Cooler by Earth Pak is great. Not only does it have a strong exterior and is abrasion-proof, but it can also resist punctures to a great extent. In addition to that, it’s equipped with a waterproof IPX-8 zipper. As for comfort and portability, though the bag is quite large and spacious, the manufacturers have kept the needs of a hiker in mind. Therefore, an Eva molded back panel and additional straps ensure comfort at all times.
Pros
- Spacious
- Portable
- Comfortable
- 72-hour cooling time
- Waterproof
- Abrasion-resistant
- Sturdy
- Leakproof
Cons
- The zipper is difficult to use at times.
ADRIMER Cooler Backpack
3
Need something with guaranteed durability. You should consider getting yourself an ADRIMER Cooler Backpack engineered to perfection. It has dual storage compartments and plenty of space, so don’t worry about storing those jelly sandwiches. And that’s not all. A long-lasting cooling time of 16 hours ensures that your edibles do not rot while you’re climbing those mountains or strolling through the valleys. Moreover, unlike other products, the ADRIMER Cooler Backpack has collapsible compartments which allow easy carry or storage in a trunk or any good quality storage container. Furthermore, a water-resistant fabric ensures resistance against any downpour, while the padded back panels provide comfort all the way.
Pros
- Spacious
- Collapsible
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- The bottom-most compartment is a bit small
SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack
2
Next up, we have the SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack, which contains high-quality PEVA hot-pressed material that gives the bag its extraordinary cooling ability. But, that’s not the only thing that makes this one of the best backpack coolers for hiking. There’s also a thick inner foam along with heat-sealed and leakproof inner covering that assists in the insulation. The average capacity is 25 liters which are pretty decent as well. Moreover, an overall breathable design and comfortable padded straps make your journey burden free and a bit more relaxed. Furthermore, if you’re carrying utensils, plates, or other small items that need stowing, use the inner mesh pocket, or if that doesn’t fulfill the demand for space, you can even use the front zipper or the side mesh pockets; all in all, there are plenty of options for the user.
Pros
- Spacious
- Leakproof
- Multiple pockets
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- Leakage issues at the zipper
TOURIT Cooler Backpack
1
Finally, presenting perhaps the best backpack cooler for hiking, the TOURIT Cooler Backpack. It’s a very stylish product to start with. The excellent insulation it provides to your foodstuff also ensures comfort thanks to the use of comfortable material coupled with padded shoulder straps. With freeze packs within its main compartment, the backpack can keep your edibles cool for at least 16 hours (with temperatures as low as 15 C). Suppose we were to talk more about its material. In that case, it’s important to point out that to ensure good insulation and leak proofing, the manufacturers have used both a thick foam and a leakproof liner which work in combination with each other. As for durability, its outer fabric is quite sturdy and can easily resist damage or scarring. Also, don’t worry about the space; the backpack is divided into multiple compartments from the inside, which gives you ample space to store your food or beverages.
Pros
- Spacious
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Easy to carry
- Durable
- Abrasion-resistant
- Leakproof
Cons
How To Choose The Best Backpack Cooler for Hiking
For any hiking trip, long or short, most of the time, you need to carry your own lunch and drinks. Sometimes, this is a major issue for hikers as the everchanging weather, or simply because their hike is a relatively long one, their foodstuff goes bad, or their drinks get warm, consequently becoming less enjoyable to drink. That’s where the best-hiking cooler backpacks come in handy. However, not every backpack is the best backpack cooler for hiking; therefore, when making a purchase, there are specific points you should be aware of.
Cooling time
Different backpack coolers for hiking have different insulation materials in their fabric to resist temperature change. Some can give you 16 hours on average of cooling time; however, some can even go up to 72 hours or three days. So, it depends on your needs. If you’re embarking on a days-long hike, you may consider a 72-hour cooling backpack; however, this would be considered extra for a shorter trip.
Comfort
As with all other best hiking backpacks, having a comfortable grip and padded backrest is always a plus when you’re hiking in the wilderness. The same concept goes with the best hiking cooler backpacks. Since you’ll also be carrying the extra weight of your edibles and beverages, you’ll need something with padded straps, something that’s comfortable to carry
Storage space
Storage space is also an important point to consider because hiking cooler backpacks come in many different sizes. Therefore, knowing how much stuff you will be carrying is essential because you’ll have to choose your backpack accordingly.
Is there a possibility of leakage with ice?
The best hiking cooler backpacks are insulated, sometimes using two different layers. This often makes them less permeable and leakproof.
Should I be worried about damage on the way?
While being cautious with your gadgets is a positive thing, the best backpack coolers for hiking are made from durable external fabric. Plus, it’s sometimes reinforced with other materials to give it a sturdy outlook.
Why can’t I use my regular backpack for food storage?
You can use your regular backpacks to carry your beverages and food items. However, since they aren’t specially designed for it, there is a high chance that your food could go bad on the journey. You might even find excellent waterproof backpacks; however, they wouldn’t have the features such as temperature regulation and leak proofing that are found in the best hiking cooler backpacks.