3 Things to Know About Backpack Coolers for Hiking

Choose a backpack over a shoulder-strap cooler for real hikes A backpack cooler keeps your hands free and distributes weight on your hips, not your shoulders. Shoulder-strap coolers dig in and swing on the trail, making them better for short walks near the car.

Consider distance and load For hikes over a mile or carrying more than a few cans, a backpack cooler is the better choice. For a quick lunch spot a quarter mile in, a shoulder bag works fine.

Let your shoulders decide If your shoulders ache from a single strap, switch to a backpack. Your body will tell you which design suits the hike.