We know that you don’t want to waste a single second of your summer vacation, and that includes making trips to the bar and back or struggling to pull a heavy cooler through the sand. Save yourself the hassle and get yourself one of these top picks of the best backpack cooler for beach days. It’s just what you need to transport your favorite beverages to the beach and keep them cool all day long.
Backpack coolers are a dime a dozen, but they’re not all created equal. In this guide, we’ll tell you what to look for in a backpack cooler for beach days and give you four recommendations.
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Benefits of Backpack Coolers
Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than an ice-cold bottle of water or a frosty beer. If you’re spending the day at the beach, the last thing you want to do is leave the shade of your umbrella and trudge across the sand to the bar for drinks. Lugging around a heavy cooler isn’t fun either, but there’s another option: a backpack cooler.
A backpack cooler is exactly what it sounds like – a wearable cooler shaped like a backpack. It consists of an insulated, waterproof body with a handle and two shoulder straps. Some backpack coolers have pockets for wine bottles and zippered storage compartments.
Backpack coolers are a convenient alternative to traditional coolers because they are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. Because you can wear the cooler, it leaves your hands free. The waterproof inner lining keeps beverages cool and keeps the ice from melting quickly. Plus, you can rest assured that it won’t drip water all over you as it melts.
What to Look for in a Backpack Cooler
When planning a beach day or any other outdoor adventure, it’s important to have the right gear and supplies. A backpack cooler is essential for hot days spent by the ocean, but what features should you look for?
Here are some key features to look for in a backpack cooler:
Waterproof Lining
A backpack cooler won’t do you much good unless the lining is waterproof. This helps contain liquid as your ice melts and protection against spilled beverages.
Durable Materials
Not only should you consider the lining of your backpack, but think about the materials from which it is made. Rugged materials like nylon or canvas are preferable.
Compartments
Many backpack coolers contain a single compartment for ice and beverages but some have multiple compartments.
Storage
In addition to space for ice and beverages, consider whether the backpack has dry storage space for clothing or other essentials.
Adjustable Straps
The benefit of a backpack cooler is that you can wear it, so make sure the straps are sturdy, comfortable, and adjustable.
The best backpack cooler for beach days is one that fits all the beverages you need and is comfortable to carry from the car to the beach. Think about how much you intend to carry when comparing sizes and don’t forget to add extra room for ice.
Our Top Recommendations
Whether you’re spending a day at the beach or heading out on a leisurely hike, a waterproof backpack is a must-have. Not only will it keep your beverages cold, but the added storage provides a convenient way to transport other essentials.
Here are our top four picks for the best waterproof backpack cooler:
SEEHONOR Insulated Cooler Backpack
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13×7.9×17.7 inches
- Material: Nylon
- Color: Gray, Black, Blue, Camouflage, Khaki
- Weight: 1.74 pounds
- Capacity: 30 liters
With over 6,000 reviews on Amazon, the SEEHONOR insulated cooler backpack is incredibly popular. Constructed from durable nylon materials with a waterproof inner lining, this lightweight backpack has a generous 30-liter capacity.
In addition to offering plenty of space for beverages and ice, this backpack has two mesh side pockets and a large zippered pocket in front. While vertical zippers are prone to leakage, this backpack is designed with horizontal zippers. It also comes with a multifunctional opener.
Buy on AmazonTOURIT Backpack Cooler
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.8×11.8×7 inches
- Material: Oxford
- Color: Gray, Black, Beige, Blue
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Capacity: 25 liters
For something a little bit smaller than our first pick, the TOURIT backpack cooler has a 25-liter capacity, or about 28 cans. It’s lightweight but durable, made from oxford with high-density foam insulation and a leak proof liner.
This backpack cooler comes in five colors and is designed for form as much as function. It has a stylish design with bottle storage on the sides and a covered storage compartment in front. The straps are adjustable and padded for comfort.
Buy on AmazonEverlasting Comfort Insulated Cooler Backpack
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.4×8.7×17.7 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Color: Gray
- Weight: 2.06 pounds
- Capacity: 54 cans
If you’re going to be spending a whole day at the beach, you’ll need a generously sized cooler to hold all your beverages. Weighing just over 2 pounds, this Everlasting Comfort cooler backpack is surprisingly large, capable of holding up to 54 cans.
This backpack cooler is made from polyester and lined with waterproof PEVA materials. With multiple storage compartments, you’ll have plenty of room to pack essentials and it even comes with a keychain bottle opener.
Buy on AmazonTUGUAN Insulated Cooler Backpack
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.8×9.8×4.7 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Color: Khaki, Black, Green, Gray
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Capacity: 16 cans
If the previous pick is much larger than you need, the TUGUAN insulated cooler backpack might be more appropriate. This lightweight backpack holds up to 16 cans in an insulated compartment at the base of the backpack with a larger dry storage compartment above it.
This cooler backpack comes in four colors and is durably constructed from polyester with two side pockets and a zippered storage compartment in front. It features fully adjustable padded shoulder straps and comes with a beer opener on the strap.
Buy on AmazonBottom Line
As you soak up the sun this summer, remember to stay hydrated. Having a cooler full of cold water and other refreshing beverages makes it easy, so consider investing in one of the backpack coolers reviewed above. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
