Backpack cooler vs wheeled cooler: Backpack wins for hiking and commuting

Wheeled coolers are great for tailgating or flat parking lots, but useless on trails with roots, rocks, and inclines. For commuting, you’ll face stairs, curbs, crowded sidewalks, and subway turnstiles—dragging a wheeled cooler through a train door or up steps is a pain. A backpack cooler handles both scenarios easily.