The Complete Guide For Cooler For Travel Of 2025
Keep your drinks chilled on a hot vacation with the help of a portable cooler. These coolers help you keep your food and drinks ice-cold without worrying about them melting or going bad. They are ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics, camping, boating, fishing, and road trips.
You can use these coolers to store leftovers from dinner or snacks for the next day. Portable coolers come in lots of varieties too. You can choose from metal or plastic models and different sizes ranging from small petite ones to large ones that can hold almost anything you want to put inside them. Read on to know more about the best portable coolers for your next trip.
Our team had to focus on researching for 16 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, Maelstrom Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler - 75 Cans Extra Large Lunch Cooler Bag Insulated Leakproof Camping Cooler is one of the most wonderful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also show the other fantastic alternatives with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.
RELATED: Our selections of best rotomolded coolers here both come with the highest quality and reasonable price. Whether yes or no, this article is for you!
Our Top Picks
- DURABLE - Maelstrom Ice Hollow Soft Sided Cooler Bags have double-stitched carry options. All pick-up points, the shoulder straps and carry handles are reinforced. This cooler bag can handle more weight than you’d prefer to carry. Capacity: 18x12x13.8 inches, 13 Gallons of ice and drinks.
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Extra-large size yet weighs only 1.65 lbs. The Maelstrom Icy Hollow Soft sided cooler will hold up to 75 cans of your favorite drinks plus 2-4 ice packs; or with 60 cans you can add 15 lbs. of ice for long lasting coldness. Whether it's camping, hiking, picnicking, or a BBQ party, the cooler bag easily packs a lot of food, fruits, beer, meat, or even seafood together. It’s large enough to carry all picnic essentials for the whole family!
- UNIQUE DESIGN - Top pull tab with Velcro opening design, easy to access your food without having to open the zipper around the whole top cover, keeping contents cool/warm longer. Ergonomic design with two different ways to carry - adjustable straps and a carrying handle. An integrated bottle opener gives you a quick access to pop open a bottle of beer.
- VERSATILE - Suitable for all outdoor activities as an all-around soft sided cooler for camping or road trips. It’s the perfect size for food delivery services and a great solution to transport groceries from the store or farmer's market to your kitchen at home.
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Extra-large size yet weighs only 1.65 lbs. The Maelstrom Icy Hollow Soft sided cooler will hold up to 75 cans of your favorite drinks plus 2-4 ice packs; or with 60 cans you can add 15 lbs. of ice for long lasting coldness. Whether it's camping, hiking, picnicking, or a BBQ party, the cooler bag easily packs a lot of food, fruits, beer, meat, or even seafood together. It’s large enough to carry all picnic essentials for the whole family!
- COLLAPSABLE HANDLE FOR COOL PORTABILITY | Bring the Refrigerator & Oven with You! | While an Integrated Handle Easily Extends & Folds Away for Stress-Free Transfer & Tidy Storage | Airtight & Watertight Lid Cover Also Includes Ergonomic Grips for Quick Open/Close Access
- LARGE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT | Enough Space to Hold Dozens of Bottles, Food Trays, Dishes, To-Go Containers, Refrigerated Medications—Even 2-L Soda Bottles! | Easy-Clean Design Wipes Down in Seconds & Requires No Costly Maintenance
- KEEP FOOD & DRINK FRESH ON THE GO | Powerful Thermoelectric Technology Provides Dependable Cooling & Warming for All Your Potables & Perishables | Maintains Drinks Icy Cold at 40°F & Maintains Hot Food at 130F. enjoy while While Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Catering, Dining Outdoors, Picnicking, Barbecuing, Road Tripping & So Much More
- CHANGE MODES WITH THE FLIP OF A SWITCH | No More Ice Runs! | Innovative Dual-Function Cooler Allows You to Keep Pre-Chilled Beverages Icy Cold or Maintain Heat of Pre-Cooked Foods As Long As You Have Access to an AC or DC Outlet | Includes Built-In Fans & One-Button Hot/Cold Switch for Safe, Effortless Operation
- POWER ADAPTERS FOR HOME & VEHICLE | Complete Travel Cooler System Has You Ready to Transport Food & Drink Supplies Anywhere with a Hideaway AC Power Cord for Standard Wall Outlet & DC Adapter for Plugging into Car/Truck Cigarette Lighter | Be the Life of the Party Whether You’re Indoors, Outside, or On the Move!
- PREMIUM INSULATION – Built with premium insulation, the insulated backpack cooler will keep your items cold for days. Come in 2 sizes. Backpack cooler 20 can. Backpack cooler 30 can.
- IT FLOATS TOO – Not to mention it’s a floating cooler, it floats, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. Ideal for a day at the pool or lake, no matter where the adventure takes.
- HANDS-FREE COOLER – The RTIC backpack cooler is a hands-free insulated cooler bag that straps comfortably to your back, leaving both arms free for what your adventure calls for.
- DURABLE ZIPPER – The soft cooler backpack has a durable zipper to protect your drinks and snacks and prevent spills and leaks. This portable cooler bag measures 12 x 10 x 16 inches.
- 100% WATERPROOF – It’s the perfect ice cooler bag, drink cooler bag, travel cooler bag, beer cooler bag, lunch cooler bag, camping cooler bag, beach cooler bag. It’s 100% waterproof.
- Lightweight insulation keeps contents chilled for 24 hours
- Removable cross-body strap
- Food grade BPA-free liner with welded seams keep spills and splashes contained
- Large, accessible opening for loading, unloading and cleaning
- Webbing loops easily attach Dry Storage accessories
- POWER ADAPTERS FOR HOME & VEHICLE | Complete Travel Cooler System Has You Ready to Transport Food & Drink Supplies Anywhere with a Hideaway AC Power Cord for Standard Wall Outlet & DC Adapter for Plugging into Car/Truck Cigarette Lighter | Be the Life of the Party Whether You’re Indoors, Outside, or On the Move!
- WHEELS & HANDLE FOR COOL PORTABILITY | Bring the Refrigerator & Oven With You! | Bottom of Cooler Features Smooth-Rolling Wheels, While an Integrated Handle Easily Extends & Folds Away for Stress-Free Transfer & Tidy Storage | Airtight & Watertight Lid Cover Also Includes Ergonomic Grips for Quick Open/Close Access
- KEEP FOOD & DRINK FRESH ON THE GO | Powerful Thermoelectric Technology Provides Dependable Cooling & Warming for All Your Potables & Perishables | Maintains Drinks Icy Cold at 40°F & Maintains Hot Food at 130F. enjoy while While Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Catering, Dining Outdoors, Picnicking, Barbecuing, Road Tripping & So Much More
- 45-LITER INTERIOR COMPARTMENT | Holds about 60 cans of Soda or 6 two Liter Bottles and 15 Cans of Soda or Beer. Enough Space to Hold Dozens of Bottles, Food Trays, Dishes, To-Go Containers, | Easy-Clean Design Wipes Down in Seconds & Requires No Costly Maintenance
- CHANGE MODES WITH THE FLIP OF A SWITCH | No More Ice Runs! | Innovative Dual-Function Cooler Allows You to Keep Pre-Chilled Beverages Icy Cold or Maintain Heat of Pre-Cooked Foods As Long As You Have Access to an AC or DC Outlet | Includes Built-In Fans & One-Button Hot/Cold Switch for Safe, Effortless Operation
- POWER ADAPTERS FOR HOME & VEHICLE | Complete Travel Cooler System Has You Ready to Transport Food & Drink Supplies Anywhere with a Hideaway AC Power Cord for Standard Wall Outlet & DC Adapter for Plugging into Car/Truck Cigarette Lighter | Be the Life of the Party Whether You’re Indoors, Outside, or On the Move!
- CHANGE MODES WITH THE FLIP OF A SWITCH | No More Ice Runs! | Innovative Dual-Function Cooler Allows You to Keep Pre-Chilled Beverages Icy Cold or Maintain Heat of Pre-Cooked Foods As Long As You Have Access to an AC or DC Outlet | Includes Built-In Fans & One-Button Hot/Cold Switch for Safe, Effortless Operation
- KEEP FOOD & DRINK FRESH ON THE GO | Powerful Thermoelectric Technology Provides Dependable Cooling & Warming for All Your Potables & Perishables | Maintains Drinks Icy Cold at 40°F & Maintains Hot Food at 130F. enjoy while While Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Catering, Dining Outdoors, Picnicking, Barbecuing, Road Tripping & So Much More
- COLLAPSABLE HANDLE FOR COOL PORTABILITY | Bring the Refrigerator & Oven with You! | While an Integrated Handle Easily Extends & Folds Away for Stress-Free Transfer & Tidy Storage | Airtight & Watertight Lid Cover Also Includes Ergonomic Grips for Quick Open/Close Access
- 25-LITER INTERIOR COMPARTMENT | Enough Space to Hold Dozens of Bottles, Food Trays, Dishes, To-Go Containers, Refrigerated Medications—Even 2-L Soda Bottles! | Easy-Clean Design Wipes Down in Seconds & Requires No Costly Maintenance
- 24 HOUR COOLER - High density foam insulation with ice will keep food or 32 cans icy cold for up to 24 hours. Great for trips to the Beach, Park, Tailgating, Road trips and will fit into the overhead compartment on aircraft.
- A GREAT GIFT IDEA - Surprise Your Friends and Family - Great for Housewarming, Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, Retirement, Birthday, Christmas, Holiday, or Hostess Gift!
- LEAKPROOF - Heavy grade, thick puncture resistant food safe liner- HEAT SEALED to prevent leaks
- LIFETIME WARRANTY from PICNIC at ASCOT USA - Designers and Manufacturers for over 25 years of a Wide Range of High Quality Picnic Baskets, Coolers, Wine Carriers & Life Style Products
- RUGGED - 600D Polycanvas exterior construction provides for a long life. Carry handles & shoulder strap for heavy lifting when full.
- It's got a taller build than its predecessor, so it now accommodates a standard bottle of wine (or 2 liter bottle) upright, and is a better fit behind the driver's or passenger's seat of a car
- The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter in weight and holds 20% more than a Roadie 20, it even performs 30% better thermally
- The Roadie 24 holds 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio or 24 lbs of just ice. It measures 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H
- ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - Evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough
- QUICKLATCH - Flexible, simple, and built for quick, one-handed cooler access
- 【Fish Farming & FDA Food-Grade Certification】- The cooler bag is designed with waterproof layered strips, and seamless splicing for excellent waterproof and leakproof performance. It can hold ice cubes and water, even for fish-keeping. With the FDA Food-Grade Certificate, it can also be used for cold beer and cola.
- 【Strong Pull, Not Easy to Break & Durable】- With seamless stitching of the lunch bag is made of four layers of high-quality materials, the cooler bag is of good quality, hard to tear, and can carry heavy loads.
- 【Easy to Clean & Multiple Usage Scenarios】- The inside and outside of the cooler bag is composed of a TPU waterproof layer which is waterproof and wear-resistant, and easy to clean. It can be used for breast milk preservation, fishing, barbecue, camping, traveling, and lunch carrying.
- 【Keep insulated & Refrigerated & Fresh】 - The small soft cooler bag is comprised of NBR foam insulation, waterproof TPU fabric, 420D Oxford cloth, and TPU anti-permeability materials.Small cooler bag can be kept under heat insulation for 12 hours. When used with ice packs, it can refrigerate for even 24 hours! You can use this cooler bag as a lunch box or a refrigerator to keep stuff fresh.
- 【12 Cans Capacity & Fold as Book Sizes】- The cooler bag with a capacity of 6L can hold 12 cans of Coke at maximum. The collapsible and soft-sided cooler can be folded to the size of a book. It is also convenient to carry.
- Warming and Cooling Functions: Eco-friendly iceless technology efficiently cools to 40°F (22°C) below surrounding temperature or warms to 140°F (60°C), using less power than your vehicle’s tail light
- Versatile Two-Way Design: This unique cooler’s secure sliding door lock lets you use it either as a classic chest-style cooler or placed on its side as a portable front-opening mini refrigerator
- Plugs Into Any 12V Outlet: Thermoelectric cooler/warmer comes with a 12V DC adapter for use on the go in your car, truck, or boat; also compatible with AC power (adapter sold separately) for indoors
- Made in North America: Proudly Canadian, Koolatron has been manufacturing industry-leading 12V coolers in North America for over 30 years
- 27.5 L (29 qt) Capacity Travel Cooler: With its large 27.5 liter (29 quart) capacity, the 12V powered Voyager cooler/warmer can hold up to 48 standard soft drink cans
What to Look For in a cooler for travel?
Different considerations must be taken during the shopping process. Study resources are obtained in a wide variety of ways. Thus, our staff is all here to lend a helping hand, advice, and solutions to your issues.
Please take a closer examination of the features below and that would be beneficial before your purchase of cooler for travel:
Weight And Portability
Wheeled (Rolling) Coolers
Cooler Sizes (Capacities)
Cooler Drain Systems
Ice Retention And Cooling Capabilities
Bear-Resistant Ratings
Cooler Latch And Closure Systems
Cooler Construction
RELATED: Our team of experts compiled top 10 best 12v cooler for car by gathering about 17,703 customer reviews. Check them here.
FAQs
What Is The Best Hard Cooler?
There are many coolers. It really doesn't matter which cooler you choose. A cooler that is more resistant to damage will be the most suitable if you intend on using it every week.How Much Do Coolers Cost?
Consider what your cooler will be used for. If you need it to store food or drinks for several days or at extreme temperatures then more money is an investment in food safety. A cooler that is cheap and cheerful may suffice if you just need to chill a handful of drinks for an afternoon barbecue.Which Size Cooler Do I Need?
Although you might feel compelled to buy a large cooler, make sure it fits in the car. Smaller coolers can be lifted without the need for assistance. However, coolers with larger capacities can hold more ice and so tend to stay cool longer than smaller models.Higher coolers can store bottles more upright. Models with recessed lids are better for loading items higher, but they may become warmer.
Does Food Stay Cool In A Portable Cooler Without Ice?
But it will take longer than if you put ice inside the cooler. Insulation in the cooler stops food from heating up faster than if left out. The temperature of the cooler and how chilled the food were at the beginning will determine the time it takes to cool down. Even frozen foods will heat up faster if they are kept cool in a trunk compartment of a vehicle.How Do I Clean My Cooler?
Warm water and dish soap will generally clean your cooler. You can also use warm water and bleach to remove stubborn stains or odors.How Long Does A Cooler Stay Cold?
It all depends on how efficient the cooler is at insulation. This includes the temperature outside, initial temperature of food and its stacking. Food can be kept cold for up to 4 days with ice (the best), in ideal conditions. A high-end cooler may even keep it chilled for as long as 10 days.Can I Use Dry Ice In A Cooler?
Most times, the answer is yes. Some coolers can be damaged by dry ice, but the majority should work fine. However, you will need to cover dry ice with blankets or other insulators. A cooler designed for dry ice is best if you plan to use it every day. You won't have to do any special tasks because the cooler has compartments to store dry ice.How Does A Portable Cooler Work?
Combining the insulation of the cooler with the ice you put inside, either ice cubes, ice packs, or foam, slows down warm air circulation and helps keep things cool.When the latest info related to cooler for travel comes available, we will update it as soon as possible. Please check our websites frequently for the most up-to-date research data.
Our team is able to support you with many problems, even the out of cooler for travel. If you require support with your issues, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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