The Best Mini Coolers for Everything From Beach Days to Backyard Hangs
Mini coolers have come a long way over the past few years. For one, they’re no longer strictly styrofoam. And they’re also no longer found in the deep, dark corners of the dollar store. These days, brands like IGLOO and YETI are dropping mini coolers that are handbag chic, but are also major work horses.
What I love about a good mini cooler is that you can bring it just about anywhere. They’re perfect if you want to crack open a few cold ones in your backyard or if you need to pack away a few Cutwaters and a Pub Sub for your next beach trip. Personally, I’ve found that I use my collection of mini coolers the most for short trips and picnics in the park.
With cooler season on the horizon, I wanted to share a few of my mini cooler favorites.
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YETI M12 Backpack Soft Cooler
Yeti
Listen, don’t let a mini cooler’s petite size fool you, they can pack some serious weight. Especially if they’re filled with ice and drinks. So, if you plan on going anywhere that involves an extensive amount of walking, I highly suggest a backpack mini cooler. YETI’s M12 Backpack Soft Cooler is a stunning option for those in search of a cooler that won’t leave your shoulder sore for 3 business days. It can fit 20 cans (not including ice), so you have plenty of room for beer, canned wines, soda, and more. Coldcell Insulation keeps your drinks nice and cold.
I also love that it has an exterior kangaroo pocket that holds a phone, keys, wallet, and other items. And have you seen that Sea Foam color?? Gorgeous!
Igloo Tag Along Too
IGLOO
Ughhh I love this cooler so much. It was really the retro look that sold me. The one I have (pictured in the main photo) is a fun mix of teal green and mustard yellow. And occasionally, IGLOO does release exclusive colors, so be on the lookout for those.
When I lived near a pool, the Tag Along Too was my best friend. I’d fill my Tag Along Too with some ice and a few Cutwaters or some canned wine, and have the time of my life relaxing by the pool. But before I find myself traveling too far down memory lane, I will say that the Tag Along Too is a worthy option for the price.
As far as specs, it holds about 11-quarts, features a long shoulder strap, and boasts MaxCold insulation. Be sure to let me know if you get one, so we can be cooler besties.
IceMule The Classic 15 L
IceMule
One thing most coolers have in common is that they’re bulky, even if they’re a mini cooler. Well, my friends, let me introduce you to The Classic from IceMule. It’s a crossbody cooler that “rolls up like a newspaper.” That means you can toss it in your suitcase for your next vacation and don’t have to worry about buying a cooler when you arrive. Drinks remain cold and crispy for up to 24 hours (when loaded with cold drinks and ample ice). The Classic is available in a number of tempting colors, including Ice Blue, Ice Sea Foam, and Ice Sunshine.
Hydro Flask Carryout Soft Cooler 30 L
Hydro Flask
The Hydro Flask Carryout Soft Cooler is out here pulling double duty thanks to both a short strap and a long strap for easy carrying. I had the pleasure of taking the Carryout Soft Cooler with me on a trip to the Postcard Cabins in South Carolina, and it was a worthy comrade. There’s not a lot of excess bulk, so it likely carries more than what you’d think (40 cans, without ice, to be exact). I was a fan of the multiple carrying options and the exterior pocket.