Editor favorite
This cooler is waterproof, leakproof, and it can even float, so it’s perfect for boat trips and beach days. It comes in four different sizes that can hold up to 12, 20, 30, or 40 cans. I tested out the smallest size, and it held enough drinks for my party of six. If you’re packing food as well, I’d say it could fit sandwiches and snacks for three to four people, depending on how hungry you are. I accidentally left some seltzers in the cooler overnight after a trip to the beach and when I opened it up the next morning the cans were still cold to the touch. This was only with two or three small ice packs in the cooler, but if you really fill it up with more ice, the contents can stay cool for up to two days.
The RTIC Soft Pack Cooler is fully waterproof; the only downside to the leakproof zipper is that it can be pretty difficult to open and close. The cooler itself is easy to carry while walking a few blocks to the beach and thanks to the crossbody shoulder strap, my hands remained free for beach towels and chairs. Since it’s a soft-shell design, it’s very lightweight, though the larger sizes will be heavier, of course: the smallest size available is 2.4 pounds when empty and the largest is 5.5 pounds. Considering how durable and long-lasting this cooler is, it’s pretty impressive that it can float. According to online reviews, it can even withstand floating behind a whitewater raft over rapids. I can’t wait to take it out with me paddleboarding. —Hannah Towey, associate editor, transportation and travel news
Capacity: 12 cans
Weight: 2.4 lbs.
