Best-Beach-Coolers

Spending time on the beach throughout the warm season is great, whether you like to be surrounded by groups of friends, family, or you’re more of a lone wolf. Going on a date on the beach is also a nice idea, and so is organizing a picnic get-together.

But for all of these, and even for simply catching a couple of hours of sun towards your tan goals, you need a reliable beach cooler. We’ve taken a look at the best rated beach coolers currently on the market and came up with this top.

Our goal is to help you choose the best beach cooler for you, depending on your needs, budget, preferences and so on. We will take a look at every item that made it to the list of best beach coolers and see what makes it special.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Yeti Hopper Flip Portable

Yeti Hopper Flip Portable


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Summary

A popular choice among campers, boating enthusiasts and beach goers, the Yeti Hopper portable cooler is among the best beach coolers money can buy. It’s widely considered the best cooler to take with you an any kind of adventures, from extreme water sports to camping trips in the wild.

The fabrics that make up each layer of the Yehi Hopper personal cooler make it perfectly resistant to all the elements, and to shock and abrasions as well. Anything you put inside this small cooler bag will be maintained at the perfect temperature and completely protected from mechanical shocks.

Whether you need to use the Yeti Hopper as a beach ice chest or take it with you on slightly more exciting adventures, it will keep your drinks and supplies safe and cool for days. It will outlast any of the other top rated beach coolers by far.

The only potential downside to this perfectly insulated beach bag cooler is its size, since the Yeti Hopper is rather on the small side. Only 6 cans plus the ice packs fit in it, but it may be enough for a small camping trip, and it’s definitely more than enough for a beach outing.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 100% leak proof HydroLok zipper (most beach coolers still leak through the zipper)
  • Wide mouth opening that helps you see inside it and reach for the contents
  • Coolness lasts for days, better than any other beach ice chest
  • The Dry Hide shell that makes it impervious to anything
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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Yeti Roadie 20

Yeti Roadie 20


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Summary

Another crowd favorite from the Yeti Hopper brand, the Roadie 20 model is more similar to a traditional beach ice box than to the other high tech beach coolers. Still, the resemblance only stands at the first glance; the Yeti Roadie delivers an impressive performance. Also, the rigidity of the cooler’s outer shell makes it double up as a chair or small beach table, and who wouldn’t welcome that?

Most beach cooler reviews agree that the entire Yeti Tundra line fully deserves its legendary tagline. The Yeti Roadie is one of the best coolers in the Tundra line. It is especially suitable for people on the move or who are practicing some water sports where the environment can become quite challenging.

The Bearfoot technology for the feet of the beach cooler makes it very unlikely to ever slip, no matter how you apply pressure on it. Also, the rotomolded construction makes it pretty much indestructible when faced with all manner of aggression.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Hinge and the handles reinforced for legendary durability
  • Tie-down slots to keep it securely mounted on the car, boat, or trailer
  • 100% non-slip feet and 100% waterproof exterior
View More By YETI »
3

BEST VALUE

Coleman 16-Can Soft

Coleman 16-Can Soft


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Summary

This may just be the best beach cooler for people who lead busy, active lifestyles and just want to relax at the beach without wasting too much time with preparations. The great thing about this cooler bag from Coleman is how easy it is to use, to stock, to clean and to carry with you.

It’s all about flexible options: you can use the Coleman beach cooler with ice or with ice substitutes, you can use it with the hard plastic liner or without it if you need some packing flexibility, you can carry it in another container or comfortably on your shoulder and so on.

The shoulder strap has extra padding and an adjustable length so it can be a better fit for almost anyone. In terms of capacity, the beach cooler can hold up to 16 cans of drinks and has plenty of lateral zipped-up pockets on the inside and on the outside.

The fabric is infused with anti-microbial properties, it’s designed to be easy to clean and also to prevent leaks, even in its most flexible and foldable parts.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Anti-microbial liner makes it resist mold and mildew
  • Extra padding and adjustable strap
  • Multiple choice of colors
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4

Yeti Hopper TWO Portable

Yeti Hopper TWO Portable


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Summary

Another version of the beloved classic of camp-goers across the world, this Yeti Hopper beach cooler is bigger and slightly better than its Flip model counterpart. For this model, the Yeti Hopper designers didn’t just amp up the size and storage space, but also tweaked some of the features.

The ZipLok in the Yeti Hopper TWO has been moved from the top of the box towards the side by an inch, making the portable beach cooler easier to store and protect while traveling. It’s also been designed to be less straining for your hands, and more flexible, even while retaining the same trademark sturdiness.

The increased size makes it ideal for a crowd event or a several days trip on a river. If you’re going to the beach with a group of friends or a large family, this portable beach cooler is ideal to keep snacks and drinks perfectly chilled.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 100% waterproof, leak proof, shock proof, maintains coolness for days
  • Capacity of up to 40 lbs
  • Very flexible and foldable in spite of its increased resistance
View More By YETI »
5

RTIC Beach Cooler

RTIC Beach Cooler


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Summary

A luxury range beach cooler perfect for those who like their products flawless, it’s impossible to see what could go wrong with this beach ice chest. Considered by most users a perfect Yeti Hopper alternative, it’s a great cooler for use in all seasons (including for winter camping trips).

It’s heavy duty, sturdy, with a longer coolness retention than most of the other beach coolers, as well as increased impact resistance. Basically, whatever you put inside will be better protected than by using other beach ice boxes, so you might as well bring your finest craft beer bottles along.

Since it’s so sturdy, the RTIC beach cooler can also be used as a bench, eating table, cutting board or foot stool. Most beach cooler reviews state that even if it’s a sizable box, it can be carried by one person. If you need to bring plenty of supplies with you to the beach, this is the perfect choice.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 100% waterproof, anti-dripping seals and fabric which prevent all spills
  • The fact that it’s an ideal Yeti Hopper alternative and usable in the cold season as well
  • The high capacity
  • Long-lasting temperature preservation
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6

MIER 24-can Large Capacity Tote Insulated Lunch Bag

MIER 24-can Large Capacity Tote Insulated Lunch Bag


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Summary

More lightweight than the Yeti range of beach coolers, this MIER small cooler bag is ideal for a casual afternoon at the beach. As the name says, it’s also a great choice for packing your daily lunch and taking it with you, since it will keep food and drinks fresh for at least half a day.

When you’re not looking for a heavy duty beach cooler, the MIER insulated beach bag cooler is exactly what you need. It’s soft and easy to fold away when not using, and the temperature inside is maintained for hours. It comes with extra pockets and mesh compartments to help you organize the space inside better.

Another pro for the MIER beach cooler is the capacity: about 18 cans fit well inside along with a few ice packs to keep them cool. Last, but not least, the designer pattern should also be taken into account. It’s one of the best-looking and colorful top rated beach coolers on the market.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Large size and generous capacity (18 cans)
  • Multiple choice of colors and eye-catching designs
  • Perfectly insulated but soft fabric which makes it easy to fold and store
  • Affordable price
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7

Wildhorn Tortuga Bag Tote

Wildhorn Tortuga Bag Tote


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Summary

A large beach cooler bag, the Wildhorn Tortuga tote is effective in keeping your food and drinks cool for one afternoon. It is also highly affordable and pretty large, which makes it ideal for going to the beach with a larger group.

The Wildhorn Tortuga beach bag won’t protect the contents inside from shock as well as the high-end beach coolers on this list, but it’s effective enough for one tame day on the shore. It can safely protect a large quantity of food and drinks (up to 24 cans fit well inside).

This insulated beach bag cooler keeps the contents cool for up to 18 hours. The space inside is easy to organize, since separate compartments come with their own drawstring closure system. You also get the extra perk of a hidden pocket, great for safekeeping your keys or phone while you’re enjoying the breeze.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Very large, can hold 24 cans
  • Comfortable and adjustable shoulder strap
  • Hidden extra pocket for valuables (keys, phone or money)
  • Waterproof and leak proof
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8

Yodo Collapsible Soft Bag 18L/25L

Yodo Collapsible Soft Bag 18L/25L


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Summary

This large beach bag is great for a short term family stay at the beach. The great advantage of the Yodo Collapsible Soft Cooler Bag is its size: you can choose from the 18 liter capacity and the 25 liter capacity beach cooler bags, but both of them are roomy.

You should remember that this insulated beach bag cooler is only suitable for trips that don’t last very long. Its cooling capacity is only meant to last for up to 6 hours, but you can help it last longer if you put it in the shade. The insulation comes from an aluminum-based lining placed inside, which can be removed for cleaning whenever you need. This aluminum lining meets FDA standards for foods, so it’s safe to use.

The Yodo beach cooler has a soft shell and can be folded away easily when you need to store it away until the next use. It has inner pockets where the ice bags need to be placed, and it also has one large front pocket where you can put sandwiches or your sun screen. It’s leak proof but not waterproof, and it should be used only with ice bags and not loose ice.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Room for 18 cans or plenty of food boxes;
  • 100% anti-leak
  • Adjustable and comfortable shoulder strap
  • Beautiful colors, easy to clean inside and out
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9

CleverMade SnapBasket Insulated

CleverMade SnapBasket Insulated


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Summary

A very large beach cooler bag, the CleverMade tote is roomy enough for taking almost your entire fridge with you. It holds 30 liters or 50 cans (plus the ice). You can use both ice packs and regular ice for it, since it’s perfectly waterproof.  

When loaded to full capacity, it can weigh as much as 50 pounds, but it’s easy to carry with its two types of handles. While not as easy to transport as a beach cooler with wheels,

The cooling capacity lasts for 8 hours, so it’s not suitable for longer camping trips, but it will have you covered for one afternoon at the beach on on a boat.

Most beach cooler reviews indicate a great level of satisfaction with the product and its waterproof and anti-leaking lining. When you’re not using the beach cooler, you can collapse it flat and store it away in even the narrowest of places.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Multiple choice of colors
  • Comfortable to carry even when heavily loaded
  • Built-in bottle opener placed on the strap
  • Snaps open with ease
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10

Blue Sky Basics Mesh

Blue Sky Basics Mesh


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Summary

This is a two in one hand bag with a mesh upper compartment that works as a regular beach bag and a beach cooler compartment that keeps the contents cold. The cooler compartment has a 12 can capacity and the temperature will last for 6-8 hours (enough for a short beach trip).

The mesh bag on top of the entire assembly is very easy to clean if sand gets in, and the lower cooler compartment will also clean easily by wiping it with a damp cloth. If you’re not going away for a multi-day trip, it super-convenient not to have to carry a separate beach cooler in addition to your beach bag.

The Blue Sky tote bag also comes with a free waterproof pouch with can hold your keys and money even when you go for a swim. The shoulder strap comes with extra padding, making it easy to carry both on your shoulder or in your hand.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Beautiful colors for a fashionable beach day
  • Can be machine washed on a gentle fabrics cycle
  • Mesh compartment can also be used for drying wet things fast
  • Resistant to tear and wear due to the durable polyester
View More By blue sky BASICS »

How To Choose A Beach Cooler – Buying Guide

Choosing the perfect beach cooler for your needs is easy enough, once you know the exact key features to look for. If you only need it for spending a few hours on the beach, than you need a smaller beach bag that is convenient to carry and store. Even if the coolness will only last for a few hours, it’s enough for the purposes of 1 day at the beach.

If you’re looking into beach coolers which can also serve you well on a multi-day camping trip or on a water sports adventure, then you need a heavy-duty one. This often comes at the expense of space occupied and ease of use, but it keeps the contents safe from shock and cool for days.

After you decide what kind of beach cooler you’re looking for, there are a few extra criteria to take into account. This is what you need to consider before making the final decision.

Size

The exact dimensions of top rated beach coolers can vary from brand to brand and model to model, but it’s easier to understand it if you look at capacity instead of standard dimensions. For a casual day on the shore, a beach cooler that can hold between 6 and 12 cans should be enough. If you’re going with a group of 4 to 6 people, then you can consider a beach cooler bag of up to 16 cans.

If instead you are going on a multi-day camping adventure, a larger beach cooler box is required, and the capacity you should look for is around 20+ cans. Of course, when considering a beach cooler for a longer time away from home, you should also look for one that maintains the temperature for days.

Material

When it comes to the materials used, not all beach coolers are created equal. The best insulation capacity is reserved for the beach coolers that are hard sided and coated with complex steel-based fabrics.

The soft-sided beach bags and totes that only insulate the contents for a few hours are usually lined with an aluminum-based fabric, enough for maintaining the temperature for the afternoon.

There is also the matter of product life that comes directly from the type of material used. A hard sided beach box made with reliable insulation has the advantage of lasting for decades, even taken care of properly. Therefore, even if these beach coolers tend to be more expensive, you can think of them as an investment, not only for future beach trips but for more challenging camping days as well.

The soft sided beach cooler bags are lined with fabrics which make them do the job well for half a day, but the insulation will also wear off faster. Even for the top rated beach coolers, you shouldn’t expect them to last more than a few years if they are from the soft-sided category.

Price

More expensive is not necessarily better, and there are plenty of affordable beach coolers on the market that do their job well. Still, when it comes to really high performance, you can expect the good ones to be more of an investment. The popular favorites like Yeti or RTIC beach coolers can stay in use for a very long time (up to 20 years), so when you think about it like that the price doesn’t seem so high.

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On the other hand, sometimes the price of a beach cooler is higher than what you need to pay for a similar one from a less known brand. If you don’t mind whipping out $20 extra for the same features from a brand with more prestige, then it’s ok. But if you want to always get your money’s worth, you need to pay attention to the features and just choose exactly what you need, regardless of the logo on it.

Cleaning

When shopping for a beach cooler, you should also look at how easy it will be to clean and maintain. The soft sided coolers can sometimes be put into the washing machine, but this may shorten the product life due to the wear and tear. The hard sided ones can be wiped clean with cloths or cleaning wipes, but the many components that create the inner lining and pockets can make the job harder.

To make sure you won’t have a hard time keeping your beach cooler clean, you should look for one which specifically states it is easy to clean. A little trick to consider is that the beach coolers with plenty of secured compartments and pockets inside may also be easier to clean. Since everything you put inside will be held tight, there is little risk of the contents spilling or being dispersed all around the cooler.

FAQs

Q: How to clean beach coolers?

A: 

Speaking of cleaning, it’s very important to look for beach coolers that are spill-proof, since they will also be easier to clean than regular ones. Also, keep in mind that using loose ice inside the cooler (instead of ice packs or packs of ice cooling gel) can also make it harder to clean due to the water which will be left on the bottom.

Most beach coolers can be kept clean simply by removing their contents and placing the cooler upside down so every drops remaining can drain out. If there is actual dirt to be cleansed, cleaning wipes or a damp cloth should do the trick.

For soft beach coolers, there is also the option of machine washing (if the instructions specifically state this is allowed). When using a machine is not an option, giving them a wipe with a damp cloth will do. Any stains on the outside of the beach cooler can be cleansed with a toothbrush and a little soapy water, whether it is a hard sided box type or a soft tote bag type.

Q: How do beach coolers work?

A: 

The basic idea of any beach cooler is to allow you to place food, drinks or cosmetic products inside that will be kept cool for at least 4-6 hours, and up to several days. But the way in which this is accomplished can vary, depending on the type of beach cooler in question.

Soft-sided beach coolers usually consist of a waterproof fabric outer layer, and an extra insulating layer that will maintain the cold temperature inside. This layer can be made of aluminum lining or of other insulating materials, and everything needs to come together tightly to prevent the temperature from being influenced by the one on the outside. Everything from the corners to the zippers or caps that lock it is made from similar special materials for perfect insulation. This is why the top rated beach coolers tend to be expensive.

For hard-sided beach coolers, the materials used are even more complex, since the box needs to ensure not only insulation, but also resistance to shock. Furthermore, the hard sided coolers also make the coolness last for a longer time, so the fabric inside needs to be based on steel rather than aluminum.

Still, the beach coolers don’t produce the cold themselves, they only maintain the temperature that is created inside them. To ensure this coolness, you need to place ice-cold items inside the beach cooler, whether you use ice packs, ice gel packs or even actual ice. In a way, beach coolers function similarly to old-fashioned ice-boxes, but they are portable and designed for time spent outdoors.

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Being perfectly equipped with a suitable beach cooler can make the difference between a great vacation and an irritating one. Especially when going in a hot area (like the beach), having access to cold drinks or food several hours after you’ve left home is essential. If the weather is particularly hot, you should also place your sunscreen inside the beach cooler as well.

But beyond the basic necessity for a functional beach cooler, there are plenty of other perks to look for in a good product. Extra pockets, coolness for days (in case of out of town camping trips), built-in bottle openers, being easy to fold and store away when not using, comfortable carry straps or handles, extendable compartments etc. are just a few. If you know what to look for and what you need in a beach cooler, making the right choice should be easy after reading our guide.

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Do you use beach coolers when you go get some sun? What kind of beach cooler do you have? Would you change it and if so, why? Share your experience with the other readers below!