Ready for the sand between your toes, the sun above your head, and the sound of the waves crashing in the distance? That imagery wouldn’t be complete without fresh food laid out and a cold drink to complement it. To do that you’ll need the best coolers for the beach to keep everything cool and fresh between your home and the beach! Wondering which one you’re going to take to the next beach trip? Find our best recommendations here!
How To Choose The Best for The Beach
Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, you’ll want a dependable cooler to carry to the beach with you. But finding the right one won’t be easy so we’ve compiled several pointers to get you started! Now let’s jump onto the first concern.
Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided?
This is an important question you should consider before deciding on the best coolers for the beach. Should you bring a light (and sometimes, collapsible) soft-sided cooler that you can carry everywhere or a full-fledged hard-sided cooler that has more room and ice retention with a portability handicap? It’s completely your choice! Soft-sided coolers are great if you like a short trip to the beach that doesn’t require you to carry too much stuff. Get yourself a hard-cooler if you travel in a group or for a longer stay by the beach.
Weight and Portability
Coolers with higher ice retention rates usually have thicker insulation that results in a heavier build, but would you sacrifice a few days of chilling power to shed a few pounds? Sometimes, yes! Soft-sided coolers (whether shoulder-carry or backpack) are great for mobility because they can contain your basic necessities but still have adequate chill power. However, if mobility isn’t a problem since you travel by vehicle, a super-chilled hard cooler wouldn’t hurt, right?
Protection
Beaches are some of the most hostile environments for our stuff, especially a cooler that sits under the sun while keeping its content cold. Protection from UV rays, salty water, and sand is helpful to prolong the life and function of your cooler. Marine coolers excel in this and to be honest, it’s a bit overkill if you only visit the beach for a few hours. But that doesn’t mean your favorite regular coolers can thrive. If your cooler isn’t built with such protection, you can help it by keeping it in the shade and on a platform.
Do cooler bags need ice?
Yes, if you need to keep the content cold for a longer time! You have to make sure that it’s waterproofed, though. However, ice packs are your better bet because they don’t melt and create a puddle in the bag.
Do ice packs go on top or bottom of the cooler?
If you can’t cover all sides, putting ice packs on the top should give the content fair cooling. Ice packs on the bottom and sides can help the overall ice retention.
Can I put dry ice in a cooler?
Yes, but the problem with dry ice is that it requires airflow when working or your soft-sided bag will bloat due to the CO2 release. Make sure your cooler has a ventilation/drainage cap before putting the dry ice.
NorChill Soft Sided Cooler
13
NorChill Soft Sided Cooler is a cooler bag you’d want to be sitting right with you on a beach. This foldable ice bag is one of the best coolers for the beach that’s made from the most durable materials without looking boring. The exterior of this cooler is built by a combination of waterproof tarpaulin and a 1000D non-skid bottom to create a durable and stain-free construction to withstand the weather.
The seams of the GatorSkin liner are welded to make sure that chilled air stays inside and create a leak-proof lining in case you prefer ice instead of icepacks. To seal the compartment completely, a waterproof YKK zipper is attached at the opening. One of its interesting features is the water spout by using side ventilation so you can drain the compartment without opening the zipper. Pretty handy!
What We Love
A soft-sided cooler tank that’s ready at all times.
Pros:
- Tarpaulin shell
- Foldable
- Welded seams
- 1000D nylon bottom
- GatorSkin liner
Cons:
- Prone to leaking when using ice
Polar Bear Coolers
12
One of the best small coolers for beach is the Polar Bear Coolers. This mini foldable cooler can’t be underestimated in terms of durability and ice retention. Made of a strong 840D nylon as its outer skin, this bag is tear-resistant and furtherly enhanced with double hems and anchor stitches. No matter the weather, rest assured that it will keep the content safe and chilled.
With proper preparation, this soft-sided cooler can maintain 24 cans (plus 10lbs ice) ice-cold for 24+ hours. This powerful ice retention is created by a great design and 1-inch high-density insulation foal throughout the structure. Worry about spillage? You should not! The waterproofed food-grade TPU double-coated nylon will keep all liquid in!
What We Love
A handy cooler slash lunch box for a day on the beach!
Pros:
- 24-hour ice retention
- High-density insulation
- Durable 840D nylon exterior
- Heavy-duty zippers
Cons:
- Only suitable for icepacks
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler
11
This company hasn’t let us down even once for releasing awesome products that just work! Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Backpack Cooler is one of their best ones yet. As one of the best backpack coolers for beach, it feels great on your shoulder, on your back, and – this is important, too – on your wallet! But wait, this cooler also chills your stuff well beyond your expectation!
With the Rhino-Tech material on the outside that repels water and stain, the compartment is well-guarded and insulated by 3 layers of SuperFoam insulation all around the backpack. The base is reinforced with ColdBlock technology that prevents the hot air from the ground from seeping into the bag. The interior also packs a lot of armament to achieve the 24-hour ice retention rate. It has a leak-proof UltraSafe lining, enhanced with Microban technology that keeps bacteria from growing inside your bag. with all of this cutting-edge technology, what stops you from having one?
What We Love
The backpack version of one of the best coolers for air travel!
Pros:
- Well-built
- Equipped with thermal barrier
- Excellent ice retention
- Triple insulation layers
- A leak-proof and anti-microbial liner
- Durable but easy to clean exterior
- Padded back part and shoulder straps
Cons:
- Need more reinforcement at the stitching
Igloo BMX
10
Igloo BMX is one of the go-to small coolers for beach chosen by road trip lovers. This tough little one is not so little since it can fit 52-quart worth of stuff inside its rotomolded casing. Even though it eats a lot of stuff, this awesome cooler is lightweight and durable! Aside from the whole construction, it also has oversized hinges, a kick plate (for convenience storing), and protective corners. Go wild on this cooler, it can take it!
Having this cooler sitting next to your beach hang-out spot is a statement that you can do fun while still choose quality. The interior holds the best thing about this cooler because it’s where the thick insulation dwells and works 24 hours to keep your stuff frosty for 4-5 days! This cooler comes in 3 sizes and 6 hip color variants to choose from. Whatever your personality is, we’re sure you’ll find just the one for you!
What We Love
When urban meets cooler!
Pros:
- Great form factor and design
- Strong rubber latches
- Rotomolded
- Rubber grips
- Great ice retention
Cons:
- Suitable for a trip on a vehicle
CleverMade SnapBasket Collapsible Cooler
9
CleverMade SnapBasket Collapsible Cooler is the cooler you’d never know needed! It’s one of the best coolers for the beach when you’re going out with family or a group of friends! This collapsible cooler has a huge appetite that can fit up to 30 cans of your favorite drinks excluding the ice/icepacks. This capacity is packed into a convenient pack that sits comfortably on your shoulder or hand!
To have this cooler means you don’t need to worry about having a lukewarm drink thanks to the leak-proof insulation that seals the chill air inside without letting any liquid seeps out. But it’s quite sturdy, too! The exterior of this cooler is made of durable outdoor-standard nylon for daily wear and tear. Get ready for an unforgettable moment at the beach when you have his cooler by your side!
What We Love
The basic portable cooler for your beach picnic.
Pros:
- Pop-up construction
- Padded shoulder strap
- Leak-proof insulation liner
- Reinforced exterior
- Good ice retention
Cons:
- It’s best for icepacks
OtterBox Venture Cooler
8
One of the best coolers for the beach was actually built for an adventure! OtterBox Venture Cooler would’ve been in our coolers for hunting recommendation if only we found it sooner. This rugged and versatile icebox does wondrous in keeping its contents in tach and properly chilled for more than 3 days! It’s a great feat for a soft-sided cooler!
However, that’s not the only thing that caught our attention. It’s also one of the tough products you can take anywhere from beaches to the woods! It has super durable skin, an abrasion-proof base, and a comfy shoulder strap! The liner is made to be leak-proof and the walls are embedded with premium-grade thermal insulation. Want to keep the party going? Get one of these bad boys for yourself!
What We Love
A rugged portable cooler for the outdoor.
Pros:
- Huge capacity
- Leak-proof seal
- Great ice retention
- Exterior pockets
- Reinforced bottom
Cons:
- There aren’t many reviews yet
Coleman Xtreme 5 Rolling Cooler
7
There are times when you simply want to enjoy the beach without the fuss of preparing it. Well, we think you need help from one of our favorite wheeled coolers for the beach, Coleman Xtreme 5 Rolling Coolers! This sleek-looking 2-wheeled ice chest chills your food and drinks like its business without the fuss. Its never-flat tires are perfect to tackle tricky beach sand the telescopic handle is sturdy to keep the cooler rolling!
On the lid, you’ll see 4 cup holders located on the edges. They’re strategically built that way so you can sit on top of it while giving your cold drink someplace to stand. Yes, you can sit on top of it! Depending on your preference, at least now you don’t need to sit on the sand. This rolling cooler has a decent capacity to contain 50Q worth of stuff and maintain a low temperature for up to 5 days. Spilled some juice in the cooler? Just wipe it off with a paper towel and it will be clean like brand new.
What We Love
A cooler with trusted quality over centuries.
Pros:
- Built-in wheels and telescopic handle
- Have-a-seat lid
- Insulated body and lid
- Cup holders
- Fair ice retention
Cons:
- Only comes in black
IceMule Classic Cooler
6
Are you looking for small coolers for beach that don’t make your hand or shoulder sore from carrying, then IceMule Classic Cooler is the right one for you! This sling ice bag once revolutionized the portable cooler industry with its roll-able structure and never-before ice retention. This bag works by trapping air in the container using a zipper-less closure. Since the whole body is waterproof, the bag is buoyant! No wonder why it’s become one of the most favorite coolers for kayak.
The outer and inner skin is made of the super-tough Muleskin that’s welded at the seams to prevent leaking. This portable cooler can keep your stuff chilled for more than 24 hours (up to 2-3 days!) under the sun thanks to the PolarLayer insulation between the skins! The shoulder strap goes onto one shoulder and is ventilated for a whole day’s carry. This amazing ice chest comes in 6 colors and 4 sizes to accommodate all sorts of occasions.
What We Love
A cooler with a hands-free experience!
Pros:
- Fun, vibrant colors
- Rugged
- Buoyant and waterproof
- Great ice retention
- Collapsible
- Sling-carry
- PolarLayer insulation
Cons:
- The sling strap may dig into your shoulder
YETI Hopper Flip
5
YETI Hopper Flip is has been dominating the soft-sided cooler race in the market. coming from a legendary company that makes the best coolers for the beach, this one-of-a-kind portable ice chest is the one you need for an all-day cooling. This company claims that it can maintain a freezer-like temperature for 24 hours and keep the compartment cooled for up to 3+ days under the right circumstances – an expected quality from this brand.
The secret to its powerful chilling power lies in a balanced combination between the zipper, the liner, and the insulation to build this solid cooler. The liner of this cooler is completely waterproof and integrated into the company’s trademark ColdCell insulation that provides amazing insulation while keeping the overall weight light and compact. To protect this insulation system, the DryHide shell is resistant to puncture and tear which can happen when you’re having fun. To wrap it all up, the HydroLok Zipper seals the compartment perfectly to create a flawless vacuum.
What We Love
A soft-sided cooler with the performance of a hard-sided one.
Pros:
- Tough
- Comfy padded shoulder strap
- Leak-proof zipper
- Daisy chains
- Waterproof
- Great ice retention
Cons:
- Only comes in 18L size
RTIC Hard Cooler
4
This cooler is a huge contender to be the best coolers for the beach. Capable of delivering competitive performance, this cooler has a significant advantage over its competitors as it’s marginally cheaper than the rest! The company that makes it believes that overbuilding doesn’t go linear with overpricing so they promise to give their customers the coolers of their dream while letting them save up a few bucks with comparable quality.
This cooler can hold up to 45 quart-worth of stuff in its compartment. The liner is easy to clean and won’t smell funny over the years. This cooler also has incredible ice retention (7+ days) under a constant sun. The key to this incredible chilling power is the 3-inch insulation within the walls of its rotomolded body. Then, the freezer-grade gasket will completely seal the compartment to prevent any seepage while stored. Need a constant drink to freshen up your days on the beach? Get the RTIC Hard Cooler now!
What We Love
It the big and tough cooler for any group beach trip.
Pros:
- Durable rotomolded body
- More affordable
- Thick insulation
- Strong hinges
- Heavy-duty rubber T-latches
- Freezer-grade gasket
- Excellent ice retention
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a strong customer service nor manufactural warranty
YETI Tank Bucket Cooler
3
One of the best coolers for the beach, YETI Tank Bucket Cooler revolutionizes how we see a cooler. Beach time with your family or crewmates becomes limitless with free-flowing cold drinks supplied from this bucket cooler! It’s all possible thanks to its huge appetite to hold 45-quart effortlessly with a space-efficient form factor. Store virtually any types of bottles and cans into this cooler and rest assured they’re properly chilled!
This cooler has a pair of DoubleHaul handles to promote easier transfer. It has decent insulation from the PermaFrost insulation on its walls. The build is highly durable for any tough outdoor environment. Draining this cooler is a lot easier since it’s built with a Vortex Drain System! Get this cooler in 4 colors for your next beach get-together!
What We Love
The true tank of a cooler to fit everything you need for a fun time on the beach!
Pros:
- Permafrost insulation
- Vortex drain system
- Great ice retention
- Fits all kinds of bottles and cans
- Doesn’t sweat
- Rotomolded durable
Cons:
- It has no latch to secure the lid
Tourit Cooler Backpack
2
In our journey to find the best backpack coolers for beach, we came across the Tourit Cooler Backpack and it caught our attention right away. This 30-can portable cooler isn’t only great at keeping your drinks cool, but also keeps your back from getting too exhausted before the fun begins! Coming in 4 color combination, all of them are equally well-made and attractive either on your back or on the sand bed.
This backpack has a tear-resistant 600D Oxford skin to take your mind free of tossing this bag onto the sand. The liner is leak-proof to help the high-density insulation maintain the low temperature throughout the day (16-hour ice retention). This cooler is also a fully functional bag that has extra organizational zip and mesh pockets located at the front and on the sides. If you like a hands-free experience while you’re on vacation, this bag is surely for you!
What We Love
A backpack cooler for great mobility and high capacity.
Pros:
- Made of durable 600D Oxford
- Leak-proof liner
- High-density insulation
- Organizational pockets
- Padded shoulder straps
Cons:
- It needs a better sealing zipper
YETI Roadie
1
It’s hard to find the one that beats the best coolers for the beach, YETI Roadie coolers. This lightweight cooler continues to reign the popularity among travelers and beachgoers all around the world. This reputation is considered to be a well-earned result of rigorous research and build improvement the company did to this unit. This recently updated product has been enhanced in capacity and lightness to cater to the needs of fun-chasers, like you!
This cooler is 10% lighter and holds 20% more stuff than the previous one. It can carry a standard-size wine bottle upright while you’re traveling. The durability of this cooler is no longer questioned since its rotomolded can take a violent impact like it’s nothing. Get this cooler if you only need the best of the best and you don’t find the price too much of a concern. However, this cooler should be the best investment you’ll make since you only need to buy one for a cooler that stays with you forever!
What We Love
A wine-friendly mobile cooler.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Excellent ice retention
- Rotomolded
- Durable
- Padded handle
- Fits wine bottles
- Fits under a passenger seat
Cons:
- It’s non-collapsible
