# Best Soft Coolers for Car Camping Source: https://carcamppicks.com/best/best-soft-coolers Updated: 2026-09-14 Publisher: Car Camp Picks. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://carcamppicks.com/how-we-research#our-score A soft cooler is the flexible, easy-carry companion to a big hard cooler, ideal for drinks, lunches, and short outings from camp. For car campers, it packs into tight trunk space and slings over a shoulder for hikes or beach runs where a rigid box is a hassle. When shopping, look at insulation thickness, a leakproof liner, and a zipper that seals tight to hold cold longer. Check capacity, carry straps, and whether the exterior wipes clean. Durable, welded seams stand up to rough handling. A well-made soft cooler complements your main cooler and keeps a day's food and drinks cold on the move. ## Picks ### 1. RTIC 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) RTIC's 20 can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro upgrades the shell for campers who toss soft coolers into truck beds and boats. Pros: - Ultra-tough shell resists punctures and abrasion better than basic bags - 20 can capacity covers drinks for an afternoon with friends - Pro version adds durability without jumping to YETI pricing Cons: - Tougher materials make it heavier than simple soft coolers - Not large enough for multi-day food storage Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B0DMXKMQ9Y ### 2. RTIC Soft Pack 20 Soft Cooler Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) RTIC Soft Pack 20 is a mid-size soft cooler with thick insulation, a value alternative to premium soft coolers for day trips. Pros: - Thick insulation holds ice longer than basic lunch coolers - 20 size carries drinks and snacks for a small group - Much cheaper than YETI soft coolers with a similar concept Cons: - Stiff zipper can take effort to open and close - Soft walls do not protect crushable food as well as hard coolers Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B07577JLZ8 ### 3. YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10) YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a premium soft cooler for day trips and side outings from camp, carrying drinks and lunch for one or two. Pros: - Leakproof style zipper and tough shell handle rough use - Compact 12 size is easy to carry by the shoulder strap - Keeps ice for a full day, perfect for hikes and beach trips Cons: - Small capacity limits it to lunch and a few drinks - Very expensive for a small soft cooler compared with RTIC or Coleman bags Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B07PB4HJLZ ### 4. CleverMade SnapBasket 30 Can Collapsible Cooler Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) CleverMade SnapBasket 30 can collapsible cooler is a basket-style soft cooler that folds flat for campers short on storage space. Pros: - Collapses flat when empty, freeing trunk space on the drive home - Basket shape with open top access is easy to pack and unpack - 30 can capacity handles drinks for a family day out Cons: - Insulation is light, so ice melts faster than in thick soft coolers - Structure is less rigid, so heavy loads can sag the sides Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B08FZPDP5R ### 5. Coleman Chiller Insulated Soft Cooler 30 Can Our score: 7.0/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) The Coleman Chiller 30 can insulated soft cooler is an inexpensive bag for picnics, drinks and short outings near camp. Pros: - 30 can capacity handles drinks for a group at a picnic - Very low price makes it an easy second cooler for drinks - Soft sides fold down smaller than a hard cooler when empty Cons: - Basic insulation keeps ice for hours, not days - Lighter fabric can tear if dragged over rough ground Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B0FF3BRZ1N ### 6. CleverMade Collapsible Soft Cooler Tote 18 Can Our score: 7.0/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) The CleverMade collapsible soft cooler tote holds 18 cans, a small foldable bag for lunches, drinks and short day trips. Pros: - 18 can size is right for a couple's lunch and drinks - Collapses flat to store in a door pocket or seat back - Tote handles make it easy to carry to a beach or trail Cons: - Small capacity is not enough for groups or a full day of drinks - Light insulation suits hours of cooling rather than overnight Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B08B6B7ZJS ### 7. Coleman Soft Cooler Bag 30 Can Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Coleman's 30 can soft cooler bag is a simple budget cooler for picnics, road trip snacks and drink runs from camp. Pros: - 30 can capacity at a budget price point, handy for drink runs - Soft bag design is light and easy to carry by the strap - Coleman is a familiar camping brand with wide availability Cons: - Keeps drinks cold for an afternoon, not a whole weekend - Soft walls can leak condensation onto car seats Details: https://carcamppicks.com/product/B0BXYTPQXZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.