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Coolers

    Great Backpack Coolers Under $200 Tested
    CoolersSports & OutdoorsTravel & Adventure

    Great Backpack Coolers Under $200 Tested

    by Ben Jackson July 20, 2023
    written by Ben Jackson

    Summer is here, and that means it’s time to start thinking about outdoor adventures. Whether you’re going on a hike, a camping trip, or just a day at the beach, a backpack cooler is a must-have.

    In this article, we’ll test three of the best backpack coolers under $200: the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler, the RTIC Backpack Cooler 20 Can, and the ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler.

    We’ll put these coolers to the test in a variety of ways, including:

    • Ice retention: We’ll fill each cooler with ice and then measure how long the ice stays cold.
    • Durability: We’ll drop each cooler from a height of 6 feet and see how it holds up.
    • Comfort: We’ll wear each cooler for a few hours on a hike and see how comfortable it is.
    • Features: We’ll look at the features of each cooler, such as the number of compartments, the size, and the weight.

    After testing all three coolers, we’ll recommend our top pick.

    Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler

    Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler - Reusable Travel Backpack - Insulated - Peppercorn
    Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler - Reusable Travel Backpack - Insulated - Peppercorn
    • 36 hours cold
    • Watertight zipper and welded seams ensure leakproof transport
    • Durable 600D polyester shell is lightweight and waterproof
    • Padded mesh back panel and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable hands-free transport
    • Woven sternum strap and carry handles
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    The Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler is a great option for those who are looking for a lightweight and durable cooler. It’s made with a durable fabric that can withstand even the most rigorous outdoor adventures. The cooler also has a leak-proof zipper and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

    We tested the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler by filling it with ice and then measuring how long the ice stayed cold. The ice lasted for about 24 hours, which is a good result. We also dropped the cooler from a height of 6 feet and it held up perfectly. The cooler is also very comfortable to wear, even when it’s fully loaded.

    Overall, the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler is a great option for those who are looking for a lightweight and durable cooler. It’s also very affordable, making it a great value for the price.

    RTIC Backpack Cooler 20 Can

    RTIC Backpack Cooler 24 Can, Insulated Portable Soft Cooler Bag Waterproof for Ice, Lunch, Beach, Drink, Beverage, Travel, Camping, Picnic, Car, Hiking, Blue/Grey
    RTIC Backpack Cooler 24 Can, Insulated Portable Soft Cooler Bag Waterproof for Ice, Lunch, Beach, Drink, Beverage, Travel, Camping, Picnic, Car, Hiking, Blue/Grey
    • Insulated Design: The RTIC backpack cooler is insulated to keep food and drinks cold for hours.
    • Portable Size: With a 145 quart capacity, this cooler is perfect for camping, hiking, picnics, and more.
    • Waterproof Material: Made from durable, waterproof material that keeps contents dry even in rain or snow.
    • Multipurpose Use: Can be used to carry lunch, drinks, snacks, beach gear, and more.
    • Easy to Clean: The cooler is hand washable for quick and simple cleaning after use.
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    The RTIC Backpack Cooler 20 Can is another great option for those who are looking for a durable and affordable cooler. It’s made with a high-quality rotomolded construction that is both lightweight and durable. The cooler also has a leak-proof gasket and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

    We tested the RTIC Backpack Cooler 20 Can by filling it with ice and then measuring how long the ice stayed cold. The ice lasted for about 36 hours, which is an excellent result. We also dropped the cooler from a height of 6 feet and it held up perfectly. The cooler is also very comfortable to wear, even when it’s fully loaded.

    Overall, the RTIC Backpack Cooler 20 Can is a great option for those who are looking for a durable and affordable cooler. It’s also very versatile, making it a great choice for a variety of outdoor activities.

    ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler

    ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler Bag 36 Can Soft Cooler for Camping Fishing Party Outdoor Adventure Picnic
    ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler Bag 36 Can Soft Cooler for Camping Fishing Party Outdoor Adventure Picnic
    • ✔LEAKPROOF& WATERPROOF: Unlike ordinary bags with sewn zippers that easily leak cold air and water, ROCK BROS coolers are designed with airtight zippers to prevent loss of cool air, and effectively...
    • ✔EXCELLENT COOLING PERFORMANCE: More than 48 hours extra long cooling insulation time under a 107 degree indoor environment, will keep the food fresh and drinks cool.The inner material of the soft...
    • ✔DURABLE SOFT COOLER: Made of leak resistant, durable fabric, best ultra-portable backpack with cooler for picnics, road/ beach trips, BBQ, hiking, camping, cycling, the perfect gift for men women
    • ✔LARGE CAPACITY COOLERS: 14.8" x 11.18" x 19.88" (L x W x H), Weight: 4.22 pounds / 1918g, can hold at least 36 cans with ice, about 20L, own enough space for all your day’s worth of drinks and...
    • ✔100% Satisfied Customer Service :If any issue or questions about our soft coolers, contact us anytime you want, we will be glad and pleasure to service you.
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    The ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly cooler. It’s made with a durable fabric that is both lightweight and easy to clean. The cooler also has a leak-proof zipper and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

    We tested the ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler by filling it with ice and then measuring how long the ice stayed cold. The ice lasted for about 20 hours, which is a good result for a budget-friendly cooler. We also dropped the cooler from a height of 6 feet and it held up perfectly. The cooler is also very comfortable to wear, even when it’s fully loaded.

    Overall, the ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly cooler. It’s also very versatile, making it a great choice for a variety of outdoor activities.

    Which Cooler Do We Recommend?

    After testing all three coolers, we recommend the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler as the best overall backpack cooler under $200. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a lightweight and durable cooler. It’s also very affordable, making it a great value for the price.

    The Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler has a number of features that make it a great choice for outdoor adventures. It’s made with a durable fabric that can withstand even the most rigorous use. It also has a leak-proof zipper and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

    In our tests, the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler kept ice cold for about 24 hours. This is a good result for a backpack cooler, and it means that your food and drinks will stay fresh for a long time.

    The Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler is also very affordable, making it a great value for the price. It’s currently priced at around $150, which is a great deal for a cooler of this quality.

    If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, and affordable backpack cooler, the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape Soft Cooler is the best option for you.

    Other Great Options

    If you’re looking for a different option, the RTIC Backpack Cooler 20 Can is also a great choice. It’s a bit more expensive than the Hydro Flask, but it’s also more durable and has a longer ice retention time.

    The ROCKBROS Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof Soft Sided Cooler Waterproof Insulated Backpack Cooler is a great budget-friendly option. It’s not as durable as the Hydro Flask or the RTIC, but it’s still a great value for the price.

    No matter which cooler you choose, you’re sure to be happy with your purchase. All three of these coolers are great options for outdoor adventures.

    July 20, 2023
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  • Coolers

    Coolers to Travel With

    by Kara Parker August 14, 2022
    by Kara Parker August 14, 2022

    The road trip is one of the best times to bond with family and friends. To ensure that everyone has a great time, you should bring a cooler. There are several things …

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  • Coolers

    Best Marine Cooler

    by John Wren June 29, 2020
    by John Wren June 29, 2020

    If you’re a lover of fishing or outdoor activities, a marine cooler is a basic necessity that is going to come in very handy. Not only are they great for keeping your …

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  • Coolers

    Grizzly vs Yeti Coolers – Review & Comparison – Who Comes Out on Top?

    by John Wren May 22, 2019
    by John Wren May 22, 2019

    Arguably one of the most popular cooler brand comparisons has to be the Grizzly vs Yeti debate. In this article we take a deep dive in both of these excellent companies, review …

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  • Coolers

    RTIC vs Yeti Coolers – The Ultimate Showdown – A Battle Of The Heavyweights

    by John Wren May 21, 2019
    by John Wren May 21, 2019

    Choosing between RTIC vs Yeti isn’t easy. We get a lot of questions about both brands, their products and which is the better option. We’re going to compare RTIC and Yeti Coolers …

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About Us

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John Wren

John Wren is an avid outdoor enthusiast and dedicated blogger, his passions deeply rooted in hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping, adventures which he adores sharing with the world through his captivating narratives and breathtaking photos.

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