Finding the right cooler to take with you on your next camping trip, or to buy as a gift for someone else can be difficult, as there are so many out there, with different sizes, features, and prices.
To help make your decision easier, we've researched the seven best small coolers you can take with you that are available today.
From budget-friendly options to those with more advanced features, in this article we've reviewed and identified the top models for keeping your food and drinks cold wherever you go, so read on!
How We Choose Our Selections
We considered the following factors when identifying the best small cooler you can take with you.
Size & Weight
It's no secret that the size and weight of a cooler are key considerations when deciding on your next purchase — and when looking for a cooler you can take with you then you probably aren't looking for something really big or overly heavy, or just insulation yet no capacity for actually storing your drinks and food in.
So, our researched items factored in space as being a premium and weight being something to be minimized where possible, although our top 7 do encompass a good range to ensure there's something for everyone.
Durability
When shopping for a cooler, durability is just as important as temperature control and portability. There's no point in buying a unit that meets your requirements, but it doesn't last the trip, so construction materials were important considerations when we were finding the best small cooler for you.
Features
For some, a simple, no-frills cooler to keep your items cold is great for what it's needed for, and for others, features such as a bottle opener, adjustable shelves, additional pockets, and the list of potential features goes on! So, we included features into the mix to ensure our top 7 cover all bases.
Price Point
Last but not least, price points are important when looking for the best small cooler, as they can vary quite widely depending on the features, designs, and sizes that you are considering. You want something that gives you what you need and want, but within your budget!
Before springing for a new small cooler, if you're cost-conscious then we do suggest you consider your budget and try not to stray too far from that if possible!
What We Love
Introducing the ICEMULE Pro, which is a collapsible backpack cooler and is definitely one of the best small coolers available on the market today, as attested to by close to 700 Amazon purchasers who love it too!
We love that this backpack is a 100% waterproof cooler, and keeps your drinks and snacks cool for 24+ hours!
We also love the unique backpack design that can be rolled up when not in use, and due to its welded seams, zipper-less closure, and a valve enabling air to fill the insulation layer it's even waterproof and can also float including when full! This beauty has a 33-liter (or 24 cans plus ice) capacity, although we wouldn't recommend you use it as a backpack with that weight in it for your back and also the longevity of the backpack!
What You Need to Know
The ICEMULE Pro collapsible backpack cooler is great for taking on a hike, camping, hunting, fishing, tailgating, partying or basically any outdoor activity or BBQ where you need to cool a few things down. Being a backpack, you have free hands to hold other items.
The ICEMULE Pro is made from proprietary tough Mule Skin fabric on the outside and PolarLayer insulation on the inside, which makes this unit not only tough, but also superior when it comes to ice retention, and it's, therefore, a great small cooler.
It has a front zippered pocket and this pack's dimensions are 14” L x 11” W x 24” H.
Whether cooking a summer BBQ or packing lunch for a day spent at the beach, the ICEMULE Pro Collapsible Backpack Cooler is one of the best small cooler options on the market today and the perfect solution to keep your food and drinks chilled!
Best Round Heat/Cold Small Container
YouLike 4.75qt Portable Cooler with Handle Party
What We Love
We think the YouLike 4.75qt Portable Cooler is one of the best small party coolers with a handle on the market today!
We love the round shape and 4.5-quart capacity. It's only a baby but will keep your bare (or beer!) essentials such as a few drinks and snacks cool at a party, the beach, the pool, or when you're camping, fishing, or doing pretty much any outdoor adventure.
We also love that the YouLike pretty much fits into any space so won't take up too much room when you're taking it on the go with you.
What You Need to Know
With the YouLike 4.75-quart cooler, there's no more worrying about up to 6 cans getting warm or your food spoiling during your outdoor adventures!
This unit's double-wall PP plastic design has excellent insulation and will keep items chilled for up to 12 hours. Best of all, it is small and light enough to carry around so won't be a burden when taking it with you.
The cooler's dimensions are 9.45” L x 7.8” W x 7.8” H.
Get yourself a YouLike 4.75-quart today, and never worry again about whether your lunch or drinks will still be cool when you get to your destination again!
What We Love
The Amazon's Choice, made in the USA Coleman FlipLid Personal Cooler is the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure. This 5-quart capacity cooler can hold up to 6 cans of your favorite refreshments and snacks, making it an excellent small cooler option for a day of fishing, tailgating, or camping.
We love that this unit is designed with thermoelectric cooling to ensure that your food and beverages stay cold on even the hottest days.
We also love the flip lid with reversible hinges, which enables the lid to double as a mini tray table.
What You Need to Know
The name Coleman is synonymous with great coolers, so if you're looking for a dependable and convenient unit that won't take up too much space in your car or boat, then look no further than the Coleman FlipLid Personal Cooler.
The unit is smart in red, and with its smooth hard-sided texture and EZ-Clean lid, cleaning it up after a day out is a breeze! The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort when carrying this cooler, which is increasingly important when the parking lot seems to be far away!
The cooler's dimensions are: 7.36" L x 10.43" W x 7.01" H.
So, if you're looking for a small hard-sided cooler from a big-name brand, then don't go past the Coleman FlipLid Personal Cooler and grab yours today!
What We Love
YOREPEK has crafted an Amazon's Choice product in this excellent golf cooler bag that can also be used for any other outdoor situation to keep your beverages and snacks not only cool but will also keep warm drinks and snacks warm too if that's what you need.
We love that this YOREPEK soft cooler bag is designed to be portable and compact and can hold 6-8 cans of your favorite drink or up to 2 bottles of wine, and even has a corkscrew and removable key holder in a front pocket (that is separate from the main insulated compartment).
We also love that this best small cooler is easy to carry with its adjustable padded shoulder strap that has 3 different buckles so you can adjust how you want to hold it.
What You Need to Know
The YOREPEK Golf Cooler Bag is perfect for all your on-the-go needs.
It has been designed and constructed with a double slider zipper, and high-density fabric that is lightweight and durable, and its insulated lining from waterproof fabric helps to keep your food and drinks cool for up to 6 hours or warm for up to 3 hours.
The bag also offers multiple compartments plus an organizer pocket to find your keys or snacks in a flash!
The cooler bag's dimensions are 7.25" L x 3.25" W x 16.75" H.
So, if you're after a portable cooler or warmer bag that you can simply hoist over your shoulder to take your favorite drinks and food with you, then don't go past the YOREPEK Golf Cooler Bag which has quickly become one of the best small cooler bags available today!
What We Love
Igloo has been making coolers for 75 years, and the Igloo 7 Quart Playmate Lunch Cooler demonstrates that they know a thing or two about coolers! Whether you need a hard-sided cooler for lunch (particularly good for a construction site), or something to keep a few items cool when camping or if you're heading out for an afternoon picnic, this little Igloo has you covered!
We love the easy-to-carry design of this unit which has convenience and portability in mind.
We also love the tent-shaped locking lid as it helps to prevents spills, and the top push button for opening the cooler, and can be done with one hand.
What You Need to Know
This awesome Igloo cooler packs big capabilities into a small package with its two-way opening lid and molded-in handle that makes this cooler easy to carry.
This rugged unit has a durable hard-sided construction, and its insulation is made from polyurethane, and it can handle getting knocked around a bit.
It has 9 (12-oz) cans or 7 quarts (6 liters) capacity for your drinks, snacks, or lunch.
This cooler weighs 2.2 pounds (1 kg) and its dimensions are 11.75" L x 8.25" W x 12" H.
So, if you need a small durable hard-sided yet lightweight cooler that'll stand up to adventures or everyday use, then you should consider putting the Igloo 7 quart Playmate Lunch Cooler at the top of your shortlist!
Best Soft Mini Cooler Thermal Meal Tote Bag
FlowFly Mini Insulated Soft Lunch Bag Cooler
What We Love
Introducing the FlowFly Mini Insulated Soft Bag, which is an Amazon's Choice product!
We love the portability of this small soft-sided lunch bag, as it's lightweight so can easily be carried with its convenient soft grip handle, and is small enough to fit inside a backpack for carrying around if that's what you'd prefer to do.
We also love the design that can work for both adults and kids, and with its one-person meal capacity is fantastic for school, work, a round of golf, or traveling and hiking.
We love that this FloFly not only works as a cooler but due to its insulation can also keep food and drinks warm, to ensure your food is fresh and tasty when you're ready to eat!
What You Should Know
The FloFly Mini Insulated Soft Bag is practical yet has a spacious design, offering just enough room to fit your lunch fixings, snacks, and beverage of choice, and even a small ice pack in its separate inner mesh pocket.
This lunch bag is constructed with premium fabric - 600D polyester, and on the inside from food grade aluminum foil. The bag is padded with 5mm thick PE foam, and it has solid zips that are built to last.
The FloFly can easily be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth, and it dries out quickly too.
This bag's dimensions are 9.5" L x 6.3" W x 3.5" H.
If you're needing a soft one-person lunch or snack bag, then do what more than 2,000 happy Amazon customers have done - grab yourself a FloFly Mini Insulated Soft Bag today!
What We Love
Amazon's #1 Best Seller for its category - the dbest Ultra Compact Collapsible Rolling Smart Cart Cooler!
We love that this insulated cooler is not only collapsible when not in use, so it can be stowed out of the way or taken on a trip with you without taking up a lot of space, but it also has ball-bearing wheels and a two-step handle making it easy to cart around when you've filled it up with your goodies.
We also love that it has a 4-gallon capacity (36 cans plus ice or ice packs) yet only weighs around 3 pounds, and can keep your treats cool for up to one day!
What You Need to Know
With the dbest rolling smart cart you can say goodbye to the days of lugging around large coolers to the beach or your next camping or tailgating experience. This unit can even be used for small trips to the store or grocery!
This collapsible cooler has a fully insulated interior, and the smart design features extra-large side mesh pockets which are perfect for storing items like sunglasses, sunscreen, open beverages, or whatever else might come in handy when you're on the move; and, a large front zipper pocket is great for storing personal items like keys, wallets, phones that you want easy access to.
This item's dimensions are Item Dimensions 12" L x 9.5" W x 36" H.
So, if you are looking for something that doesn't take up much space when in its collapsed state, yet is extremely portable once set up and filled with your goodies, then get ready to experience convenience redefined with the dbest products Ultra Compact Cooler!
To Sum Up
Not all small coolers are created equal, so finding the right lunch box, hard coolers, or soft-sided coolers to fit your needs can feel overwhelming given everything that's on the market. We've done the research, and in this article, we've presented to you what we believe to be the best small cooler you can take with you covering 7 scenarios.
We hope this article was helpful for you to make your decision about which product is right for you.
Thanks for reading, and in case it's of interest, we've included a couple of links to other articles we've written about coolers - check them out today!
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