5 Things to Know About Soft Coolers for Hiking

A 20-can soft cooler under 2 pounds is the sweet spot for most hikes. Heavier coolers add unnecessary weight you’ll feel after mile three.

For day hikes of 4 to 6 hours, a cheap soft cooler from Igloo or Coleman works fine. Use a frozen water bottle instead of ice packs.

For overnight trips, better insulation matters. An RTIC or Orca is lighter than a Yeti and keeps ice just as long.

Overbuilt coolers like Yeti are overkill for a day on the trail. The extra insulation adds weight without benefit for short trips.

Carrying a heavy cooler up a mountain is a mistake you only make once. Your back will thank you for choosing a lighter option.