Should I use a soft cooler or a hard cooler for day hikes?

For a day hike, a soft-sided cooler is lighter, easier to pack, and more comfortable to carry than a hard one. Hard coolers are better for long car camping or hot beach days, but a soft cooler with a decent liner and a frozen water bottle will keep lunch cold for a few hours. The big advantage is weight and packability—soft coolers strap to your backpack or get shoved in, while hard coolers are bulky and awkward to carry any real distance. Get one with at least 0.5 inches of foam for $30–50.