When it comes to nifty accessories for camping, insulated bags have proven to be as important as hard coolers. They’re an easy-to-transport and lightweight solution for preserving food and beverages on picnics, hikes, campouts, boats, and road trips. And when it comes to insulated bags, no one does it better than Yeti. The best Yeti insulated bags feature a range of excellent designs that weigh less and can easily be carried by one person. What’s more, they come in a wide range of softness and sizes, and for a variety of purposes too. For instance, some of these designs are more rigid and hence stackable and serve as great lunch boxes. Meanwhile, others are pliable and completely collapsible, thus making for an excellent space-saving option for storage. Furthermore, today’s soft coolers can insulate just like their harder counterparts, including leakproof.
Clearly, the cat is out of the bag when it comes to soft insulated bags! You can find all the advantages of a sturdy hard cooler in a soft insulated Yeti bag that can be even be stored very easily, much like a foldable travel bag! To that end, here are the 7 best Yeti insulated bags.
Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler
7
There can be no mention of the best Yeti insulated bags without mentioning the Yeti Hopper M30. Whether you’re going to the best Michigan camping places or picnicking in the park, this Yeti cooler is one of the best products you’ll find on the market. To begin with, the shoulder strap comfortably slides over the shoulder. What’s more, it holds the cooler close to your body and prevents bounce, and also doesn’t slip around. Moreover, the high-density exterior fabric shell is tough and resistant to mildew and punctures. Plus, a perk is that it doesn’t sweat. However, you’ll be absolutely blown away by the HydroShield closure, which employs magnets to create a top leak-resistant seal. So, no water can exit the tote, and the mouth stays wide open when the cooler is open.
“I really like this cooler. The magnet (vs the zipper) works very well, and is the easiest closing cooler in existence. When adding items, have patience until you figure out the best way for you personally to keep it open… there are several diff ways that work well. There is also a YouTube video on the Yeti page with suggestions.”
You’ll also love the insulating bag’s closed-cell foam insulation, which retains ice for up to four days! Since it has a slim, tall frame, you do need to strategize how you’ll pack things. But, it can easily fit in 20 12-ounce cans. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the best travel coolers.
What We Love:
This well-designed all-around Yeti bag is great for a wide range of outdoor expeditions, retaining ice for the longest time on this list.
Pros:
- Large volume of 30 L.
- Sturdy base and upright build.
- The magnet closure is leakproof.
- Extremely robust.
Cons:
- The magnet closure needs a latch system to stay propped open.
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
6
The Yeti Hopper 12 Soft Cooler is a fantastic personal-sized cooler for short group sessions and individual use and is built to last. Featuring an over-the-shoulder carry, the Flip 12 is extremely durable, has a leakproof zipper, and has handles just about everywhere. For one, it has a padded, soft, and wide shoulder strap that makes the bag very comfortable to carry, even when it’s full. The top, back, and side handles ensure even more portability. In fact, the top handle is a new and rather nifty addition to the portability. What’s more, it hits the sweet spot of being small enough for most outings and even being used as a lunchbox, but still being large enough to hold 12 cans and ice.
However, the standout feature of this small-but-mighty cooler is that even after torture testing, it maintains food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for as long as 37 hours.
“I loaded my 12 Flip cooler for a vacation. Problem was we were not going to unpack the cooler for 2 days. It was kept in my car unopened for over 48 hours and much to my surprise- this cooler still had ice and all my food was still cold when I finally unpacked the car and opened it. I love this thing! Best purchase I’ve made in a long time! Worth every penny! Nice job Yeti!”
How does the ice stay put? The Flip 12 accomplishes this using Yeti’s well-designed closed-cell foam and leakproof zipper, sealing the contents stone cold. The cooler’s large opening makes loading and unloading a breeze, and the durable lining is easy to clean and never lets any water leak through in our testing. Fortunately, Yeti sends zippered coolers with a tube of zipper lubricant to help make this slightly easier. Much like a tube of lip balm, smearing this lubricant all over the zipper helps to make it glide more smoothly across the giant teeth.
What We Love:
This carry-the-day, tough-as-nails, and leakproof Flip 12 offers the ultimate portability for carrying ice on your outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Convenient size.
- Lots of handles.
- Great insulation.
- Easy to use.
- Extremely durable.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Cooler
5
Mixing function with design is the Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Cooler, one of the largest best Yeti insulated bags. It might be large, but the well-designed rectangular shape lies flat against your back. Available in two colors, fog gray and charcoal with Tahoe blue detailing, the bag features a Dryhide (Yeti trademarked) outer shell that’s resistant to punctures, UV rays, and mildew and is waterproof too. Moreover, the inner insulated rubber foam lined with a food-grade, FDA-approved material makes it safe for you to store food and beverages longer.
“Great amount of space, really heavy duty and comfortable straps, plenty of opportunities to hang a bunch of clips on the outside of the backpack to carry even more stuff! I LOVE this cooler/bag/backpack? It’s many things to me:)“
But, that’s not all. The Backflip 24 has immense carrying comfort thanks to the easily adjustable and solid ergonomic shoulder straps. What’s more, it even has a removable waist belt and chest strap, lending additional stability. And when you want to move just a short distance quickly, the hand straps are useful. Additionally, four hitchpoint grids, two frontal and two side ones, allow you to clip accessories such as carabiners and bottle openers onto the backpack. Thanks to the large wide-mouth opening, you can load/unload the main compartment easily. Post-closing it, the top is held firmly by the thick, waterproof, leakproof Hydrolok (trademarked) zipper. And since the zipper is so rugged, Yeti also sends a zipper lubricant with the insulated bag.
What about capacity? The Backflip 24 has a storage capacity of 20 cans. Furthermore, if you’re using this cooler just for ice, then it can carry a whopping 25 lbs! In fact, it’s one of the best coolers for air travel!
What We Love:
This tall soft cooler with a convenient-to-carry design is leakproof, has a huge carrying capacity, and keeps your food fresh and your ice as ice for a long time.
Pros:
- Roomy capacity of 24 L.
- Waterproof and leakproof.
- Sturdy shell.
- Holds ice for more than 24 hours.
Cons:
- Expensive
Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler
4
The Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler is one of the brand’s smallest soft-shell coolers, but it’s just as rugged and badass as its older brothers. It features the trademarked Dryhide shell that’s unique to Yeti products and is incredibly tough and durable. Not only is it resistant to mildew and punctures, but it’s also resistant to UV rays, thus keeping your food and beverages cooler for much longer. Furthermore, the inner Cold Cell insulation retains ice longer and keeps everything cold and nice, even salads! Finally, there’s the trademarked HydropLok Zipper, which not only keeps air and water at bay but also helps trap the cool in.
“Awesome! I use it as a shuttle in order to not have to take my big Yeti to and from the baseball fields. I can just leave it in the car and put a few drinks in it, and not have to lug the big one to and from the car.”
By Lance T
So, who’s the Yeti Hopper Flip 8 best suited for? It’s the solo adventurer for whom there aren’t many specific products, especially those in the get-up-and-go category. Whether you’re walking, kayaking, or hiking, it doesn’t make sense to lug around a massive 20 lbs cooler when it’s just a single person. The Hopper Flip 8’s cube body gives the most bang for the buck, ensuring tons of room in a small design. With features such as the hitch point grid and waterproof design, it’s perfect for the avid outdoorsman or woman.
What We Love:
This day trip, small-sized soft cooler MVP makes traveling light and easy for solo adventurers.
Pros:
- Excellent ice retention for a small sized cooler.
- Easy-to-carry body design.
- Leakproof, puncture-resistant, and waterproof.
Cons:
- For its size, it’s pricey.
Daytrip Lunch Bag
3
Pack a lunch in style with the Daytrip Lunch Bag, one of the best Yeti insulated bags ever. This indestructible lunch bag boasts a magnetic “Thermo Snap” seal that seals your food and beverages or ice safely in. Thanks to the food-safe inner lining, foam insulation, and waterproof outer lining, hot food stays hot and cold stuff stays cold. If you want to keep stuff really cold, consider adding the 2-lb, quick-freezing Yeti Ice, which is favored by many users of the Daytrip and is one of the best coolers’ ice packs.
“I bought this lunch bag almost 4 years ago along with a one pound yeti ice. What I have found out over the years is to always pre chill all your foods. I work 8 to 16 hours a day depending on the schedule and my lunch is always cold. The craftsmanship that when into making this bag is exceptional. This bag is holding up to my expectations and most of all no signs of ware. I love it so much I bought the new lunch bag and this one is going on my atv permanently. Thank you yeti for making a excellent product!!!!!!”
Additionally, the heavy-duty nylon straps make it very easy to be carried around in style. Plus, there are several loops for the carabiner, so you can remove and consume the contents, making it perfect for being on the move. What’s great is that once the bag’s empty, it weighs just 1.1 lbs! How many lunch bags have you thrown out due to the seams coming off or it having been riddled with mildew or mold? With the yeti Daytrip, you don’t have to worry about any of it. The best bit? It doesn’t stain!
What We Love:
This fashion-forward lunch bag comes in 7 colors and is packed with hours’ worth of insulation power. Classic Yeti, indeed.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Adjustable closure.
- Magnetic seal.
- Stain resistant.
- Sturdy.
Cons:
- Needs a cooling agent to keep things truly cold.
Daytrip Lunch Box
2
After the Daytrip Lunch Bag comes the Daytrip Lunch Box. Peeps who love soft-sided lunch boxes will find this Daytrip box to be right up their alley. The cooler employs Yeti’s trademarked Coldcell Flex insulation, a flexible, lightweight, and closed-cell foam that keeps hot items hot and cold items cold. Moreover, the molded EVA bottom offers your food and beverages a firm “landing pad,” while keeping it waterproof at the same time. And thanks to the Thermosnap magnetic closure, the lid stays shut even when the dual zippers are completely undone.
“Keeps warm food warm for hours and cold food cold for hours. It’s really good and durable.”
Despite being soft-sided, this Daytrip Lunch Box features a good structure and retains its shape nicely. What’s more, it has a fair amount of room inside, especially if you want to include an ice pack with your food and beverages. Finally, the outer shell keeps the water out, and additional features include a Yeti logo on the flap and three carrying handles.
What We Love:
Easy to clean and keeping food and beverages fresh for hours, this lunch box is a one-way ticket to packing your favorite lunch and eating it fresh even hours from when you pack it.
Pros:
- The lightweight, closed-cell foam keeps food and beverages hot/cold.
- Excellent magentic closure.
- EVA-molded bottom offers a firm landing pad for food and beverages.
Cons:
- If you store more food or beverages, then there might be no space for an ice pack.
Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler
1
Sitting atop the list of the best Yeti insulated bags is the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler. This grizzly-bear-proof cooler is the largest cooler in the Hopper Flip lineup. So, it’s perfect for a group of people who need room for their brews and want the last tier of portability. The UV, mildew, and puncture-proof and durable dry hide shell combined with the superb inner cold cell insulation makes this far better than other coolers. Pair all this with the waterproof HydroLok zipper that keeps the cold in and the elements out, and you have a cooler that’s truly cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool – Jake Peralta style!
“My wife got me this cooler a year or 2 ago. This is my go to cooler. Beach, lake, concerts, job site. I have a hard 45, hard 20, and a hopper 30, they all have there place but this one is my go to.”
By TimAsh
While this is the biggest bag in the Flip lineup, it’s still very easy to transport thanks to the soft, padded shoulder strap. So, you can simply toss it over your shoulder and get going. Plus, there is a lunchbox-style top handle for short distances and two small side handles for attaching it to your kayak or bike. And even with this larger design, it’s still lightweight! Additionally, Yeti sends across a vast variety of accessories, allowing you to outfit and modify your cooler. So, if you’re going beach camping in Arkansas or on a lake kayaking adventure, then this is the cooler to take along with you into the wild. In fact, it’s considered one of the best beach coolers!
What We Love:
This Flip 18 cooler is perfect for hauling food and beverages for longer expeditions for travelers who need a big cooler for their much-needed camping trip.
Pros:
- Molle-style Hitchpoint grid for attaching accessories.
- Puncture-resistant and durable.
- Easy to transport.
- 100 percent waterproof.
Cons:
- None, really.
How To Choose The Best Yeti insulated bags?
Generally, most soft coolers are simple and feature a central insulated compartment. Others also have inner zippered compartments on the inside of the lid. Plus, some other designs have exterior pockets such as open mesh ones or even ones with waterproof zippers and velcro latches. So, what should you keep in mind when choosing Yeti insulated bags?
Ice retention
Obviously, the very first thing you need to check is how well the bag can retain with controlled variables. That’s because when the variables such as weather conditions, sunny or shaded, and kind and type of ice all differ. Many other factors influence the retention of an ice pack, including the ambient temperature, whether it’s kept in direct sunlight or shade, or how frequently the cooler is opened.
Shape
Even though we’re talking about soft Yeti insulated bags, they can be of different shapes. For instance, soft cooler bags are slender, long, and streamlined against your side. What’s more, they can be comfortably carried over a shoulder. When you need to access buried items, taller coolers can get trickier to work with. On the other hand, wider or bucket-style insulated bags are easier to access, especially when you’re specifically looking for something. However, they’re not that easy to carry over a shoulder. So, look for ones with flatter and broader surfaces, if you must.
The boxier bags, such as lunch bags, are the easiest to stack, which have a rigid base and walls. Again, sleeker and softer coolers can slip in anywhere in the car. So, you need to assess what you’re looking for and then invest in an insulated bag.
Build
Broadly speaking, the materials of a soft cooler also include the handles, inner liner, insulation, and exterior. Moreover, coolers come with a variety of top closures, such as leakproof but non-waterproof zippers and vice versa. So, you need to pay attention to your needs to understand what sort of a cooler you’re looking for. For instance, if your cooler always needs to be upright, go for ones with welded seams, clasp, or magnetic seam closures.
Furthermore, good soft coolers have shoulder straps, which are usually removable, as well as outer and inner pockets, attachment points, and buckles. Plus, the pockets on some expensive coolers even have waterproof and durable zippers. Since all these influence the insulation value, durability, and waterproofness of the product ensure you take all this into account.
Handles and straps
Since you’ll be carrying these coolers, the straps and handles need to be durable, comfortable, and ergonomic. Usually, most of the soft coolers have top or side handles, with the two straps swinging up to come together above or featuring a removable shoulder strap. Make sure that no matter the kind of handles or straps, they’re well-cushioned for easy carrying.
Is the Yeti Hopper 18 worth it?
Not only is the Yeti Hopper 18 incredibly portable and durable, but also its ice retention is far superior as compared to the other soft-shell coolers on the market. Despite having a lot of competition, nothing quite matches up to what the Yeti brand offers.
How long does ice last in a YETI soft cooler?
Even though they have soft shells, Yeti’s insulated bags or coolers can keep ice for more than 2-3 days. This is thanks to the closed-cell foam that maintains 40 degrees Fahrenheit for around 73 hours. Compared to the meager 48 hours that most other colors give on a good day, this is excellent.
Do Yeti coolers sweat?
While condensation around the lid and the drain plug is normal, the cooler’s body should not sweat. That said, none of the Yeti coolers sweat, not even the small ones.
