Best Beach Cooler for Refreshing Drinks and Snacks

Are you planning a trip to the beach with your family but worried about how to preserve snacks and beverages? Worry no more, as you can get the best beach cooler at an affordable price. Beach coolers allow you to keep food and drinks cold as you enjoy the sun and heat of a beach.

What size cooler do I need for beach?

What Is a Beach Cooler?

A beach cooler is a portable food storage bag or container that is insulated to keep your food fresh despite the high temperatures of the beach. With one, you can worry less about drinking hot drinks or having to eat a soggy sandwich.

When buying a beach cooler, you will need one that fits all your food items. However, added perks like portability and extra storage space for gadgets make purchasing a little more complicated. Ultimately, you will need an easy-to-transport option that can keep your food and drinks ice cold for long periods, which means preserving the packed ice for the longest time.

That said, here is a list of your best beach coolers to make it easier for you to buy. You can choose between a carry-along, push, or pull beach cooler, and you can also choose between a soft shell or a hard outer shell for durability. Read on to find which among these five will be ideal for your beach needs.

1. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 48 Can Zipperless Cooler, Blue

• Deep Freeze high performance insulation with...
• Patented, "flip open" Zipperless lid allows...
• Rhino-Tech water and stain resistant, wipe...

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While this is your best beach cooler, it also makes a vital addition to all your outdoor activities like camping and fishing, among many others. It is a portable beach cooler designed to preserve ice for up to three days.

It is a zipperless cooler that makes it easier to access food and drinks. In addition, the cooler has the best insulation with a radiant heat barrier to reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Even better, the front pocket is also insulated, ideal for storing snacks you need often.

With the 48-can storage space, the cooler is also easy to arrange as it comes with an FDA-approved HardBody liner with a removable SmartShelf so you can separate drinks from softer foods like sandwiches. In addition, the interior is made with an easy-to-clean, leak-proof lining, while the exterior also comes with Rhino-Tech water and stain-resistant and puncture-resistant fabric.

Now that you know your food will stay fresh, you also have to consider portability. This beach cooler does not disappoint; it comes with a softly padded back-saver shoulder strap that is also adjustable to your ideal length. It also comes with a stainless steel bottle opener you will find helpful when you need a soda.

2. TOURIT Cooler Backpack

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TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women

• Insulated Cooler Backpack: Insulation...
• Large Capacity Coolers: 13.0" x 7.5" x 17" /...
• Multiple Pockets: 1 main roomy storage...
• Light yet Durable: Made of waterproof,...
• Multiple Functions: The stylish design of our...

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If you want absolute portability, this is one of the best beach coolers to get. The backpack design may look small, but it comes with different compartments and clever storage ideas to pack everything you need for your beach visit.

Available in different colors, this beach cooler is insulated on the inside to keep food fresh for up to 16 hours. It also has a leak-proof liner and can preserve food cold or warm. While you are sure of easy portability, you will love the different storage compartments this beach cooler bag offers.

It comes with a large compartment that can carry 30 bottles, another one at the front for utensils, two side mesh pockets, another pocket on the zippered lid, plus one mesh pocket on the strap. The bag also comes with a bottle opener on one strap.

The beach cooler bag also comes with a ventilate exterior material that will not attract moisture when you carry it for long periods. It is also easy to clean and puncture-proof. The two straps are padded and adjustable for comfort.

3. Lifewit Collapsible Insulated Beach Cooler

Lifewit Collapsible Cooler Bag Insulated, Large Leakproof Soft Sided Portable Cooler Bag for Outdoor...

• Thermal Insulated: The lunch bag is made of...
• Large Capacity: Dimensions - 13.8" ( 35cm )...
• Leakproof & Waterproof: The exterior of...
• Durable Material: The lining of insulated...
• Convenient & Portable: The lid of this...

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Soft beach coolers are ideal for you when you want something stylish and lightweight. This Lifewit collapsible model is the perfect beach cooler when you want to enjoy cold drinks and food or preserve them hot when camping, fishing, or at work.

It is well insulated on the inside so that it can preserve your preferred temperature for even more than 12 hours. In addition to insulation, the bag has an oxford outer fabric that is easy to clean and durable. It is also available in several colors.

Portability will not be an issue as this bag comes with a padded handle so you can carry it along. In addition, it also comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap when you need to carry it for longer distances. When not in use, this bag is collapsible for easy storage.

The beach cooler has ample storage for drinks and foods and comes with a wide top opening so you can arrange the contents and retrieve them easily. On the front, the cooler comes with a wide pocket where you can put non-perishables like utensils and napkins. The two mesh side pockets are also big enough for storing items like bottles or umbrellas.

4. YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler, Charcoal

• The Hopper M30 delivers on a top customer...
• Hydroshield Closure - Uses powerful magnets...
• Coldcell Insulation - Closed-cell foam offers...
• Leakproof Liner - RF welded seams eliminate...
• Double-Stitched Carry Options -Every pick-up...

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If you want a simple but effective beach bag, this Yeti Hopper M30 is one of the best you can get. It is a soft beach cooler that is easy to carry and built with unique technology to preserve cold drinks and foods when you are at the beach.

Unlike other soft-shell coolers that use zippers to close, the wide opening of this Yeti beach bag closes with the help of powerful magnets plus quick-release buckles that ensure the closure won't come undone when in transit.

The bag will preserve the integrity o your ice cubes using the closed-cell foam technology used for insulation. In addition, the bag features welded seams that eliminate the risk of leakages or premature wear or tear. The exterior is also waterproof, UV-resistant, and puncture-proof.

The Yeti Hopper M30 is also very portable, and it comes with two soft carry handles plus an extra removable and adjustable shoulder strap. But, while the closure is fault-proof, you might find the bag harder to load since the magnets pull together. However, a quick solution is to put your hand in the way of the magnets and quickly load your cans or food.

5. Coleman Beach Cooler with Wheels

Coleman Rolling Cooler 62 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels Wheeled Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to...

• XTREME TECHNOLOGY: Insulated lid and extra...
• HIGH CAPACITY: Holds up to 95 cans
• HEAVY-DUTY WHEELS: Effortless rolling over...
• HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to...
• CUP HOLDERS: Molded into the lid to keep...

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This Coleman cooler is one of the best beach coolers you can get when you have a beach day with your family. Not only will you enjoy enough storage, but you will also love how easy to use the cooler is.

As a wheeled beach cooler, the model comes with heavy-duty, sturdy wheels you will love using on sandy beaches; they won't get stuck or stall as your wheel the cooler. In addition, it features a wide and easy-to-grip pull handle.

This beach cooler with wheels is also ideal for longer beach stays as it can preserve ice for up to five days. It uses Xtreme technology with an insulated lid and walls for the best thermal conditions. It is a big rolling cooler with a capacity to fit up to 95 cans of beer.

The best rolling cooler also offers versatility; it can serve as a seat or table. When closed, the lid can carry up to 250lbs, while it also features built-in cup holders to serve as a table. While the company seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, they use low CO2 insulation and sell the cooler affordably.

Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Beach Cooler

Your drinks are best enjoyed cold and more so when you sit under the sun on a beach. The humidity and the heat leave you dehydrated fast, so having a cold drink is the best solution for a happy time.

There are many benefits of using beach coolers; they keep your beverages cold and food fresh, are easily portable, lightweight, and are available in different styles. When you need the best beach cooler, you will have to consider a few factors such as;

a) Storage capacity

Before getting the best beach coolers, it is best you understand the things you need to carry to your trip. The beach cooler will carry most edibles packed in cans, bottles, and others as snacks. Since you want to keep everything fresh, choosing the right size and style for the cooler becomes vital.

When buying, look for the main compartment that can hold many cans, plus other insulated compartments to keep snacks cool. In addition, side pockets are a great addition to put other valuables such as utensils, keys, napkins, and more.

b) Portability

When you load a beach cooler, a vital consideration is how to get it to the beach. If you carry it, you will need to ensure it comes with softly padded straps that you can adjust to your size. Additionally, ensure the design of the cooler is ideal for carrying without leakages. If you intend to transport your cooler in the car, look for a flat, sturdy base so it can sit without leaking.

If you want a wheeled cooler, it is ideal to ensure the wheels won't get stuck on the sand and that the handles are ideal for pushing and pulling.

c) Design

While you will find beach coolers in different portability designs, such as backpacks, wheeled coolers, and other carry bags, you will also choose between hard or soft-sided coolers. The designs differ in that soft coolers are made with a fabric for the sides, while hard coolers have molded walls, but both are insulated and serve their cooling purpose.

You can pick any of the two designs when buying, but hard-sided coolers tend to last longer than soft coolers. In addition, hard shells are better for preserving ice longer than most soft coolers.

d) Ice retention

While there are many top-rated beach coolers in the market, you need one to preserve ice the longest. You need to understand the insulation used on the portable cooler you want.

As mentioned above, most hard coolers can preserve ice longer, but they won't make a big difference if you use it for a short beach outing, in which case a soft cooler would be better suited.

e) Cleaning

When buying a beach cooler, you need an easy-to-clean option in case of spillages and stains. Hard-shell coolers are often easier to clean than soft coolers, but you can also look for soft coolers you can throw into the washing machine for a more effortless cleaning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Beach Cooler

a) Which is the best beach cooler?

When looking for a portable cooler, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler is ideal for most beach outings and camping trips, and more outdoor activities. It is easy to load and retrieve, easy to clean, and very durable.

b) How long can the best beach coolers keep food and beverages cold?

The length of time your cooler contents will remain cold and fresh will depend on a few factors like design and size. For example, a bigger cooler can pack more ice packs that will ultimately take longer to melt.

On the other hand, a hard-shell cooler has better insulation compared to soft-shell coolers and will thus retain the cold temperature longer.

c) Are beach coolers expensive?

The price of your cooler depends on the brand, storage capacity, and durability. That said, most beach coolers are reasonably affordable and durable.