Keep your drinks and snacks chilled on the go with our guide to the best soft coolers in Canada. We've reviewed top models for insulation performance, durability, and portability.
Does part of your job involve long days of travel? Do you love to take family road trips? Is weekend camping your go-to hobby? Do sporting events call you to tailgating parties? No matter what reason you have for leaving home for hours at a time, you’ll likely want to be bringing food and drinks along for the ride. It’s more economical, more convenient, and more suited to your tastes!
And the best way to do all of these things is with a soft cooler. That’s our opinion, at least. Soft coolers are incredibly durable, can hold a variety of drinks and food items, and are much more comfortable to carry than other options. They’re perfect for adventures, power-outage emergencies, and so much more. Why wouldn’t you want one?
If you agree with us that soft coolers are pretty handy things to have around, we’re here to help you find your perfect fit. Soft coolers will vary in all kinds of features, including price, portability, capacity, ice retention time, and more! And to find the best match, you’ll have to think about each and every one of them.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best soft coolers in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Soft Coolers Right Now
Top Pick: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler
Upgrade Pick: Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler
Wheeled Pick: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler
Backpack Pick: YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler
Also Great: YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler
Our Top Pick for The Best Soft Cooler
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler Review
What We Think of the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler
We really like the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler. It comes with a hard insert to help maintain the structure of the cooler, and it also comes with a plastic shelf that lets you separate your hard items (soda cans, condiments, etc.) from your soft items (sandwiches, yogurt, etc.). No more squishing or spilling!
Our favourite feature is probably the zipperless lid — it’ll take less than a second to open the lid and grab a snack or drink, and you never have to worry about a zipper getting broken or stuck. Both the inside and outside of the cooler clean easily, too, so there’s no hassle there either! Throw in a lightweight design and you’ve got a pretty perfect cooler for all of your daily adventures.
There are two things that you might not love about this cooler. The first thing we need to discuss is the lid. While it’s very convenient that it opens so easily, it can also be a problem if it falls at any point — that lid isn’t very secure and might spill all of your ice and food/drinks. The other potential issue is performance — it doesn’t offer the same insulation as other options, so it’s really best for day trips only.
Overall, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler is a really solid option. With excellent durability, great organization options, side pockets for your personal items, and a really great price tag, this cooler really offers everything you need for everyday outings.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler. The inserts make it really easy to organize, and they’re 100% in love with the zipperless lid — it isn’t great when the cooler takes a tumble out of a car, but the limited security is worth it for convenient access to their items. They’re also very happy with the weight and the price of this cooler.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’ll be travelling with soft items
Easy access to your food and drinks is your main priority
Easy cleaning is important to you
Portability is everything
Don’t Buy If…
You need a secure lid
Industry-standard performance won’t quite meet your demands
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 16.5” x 11” x 12.75”
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Colour: Moss
Capacity: 18.9 L
Closure Type: Velcro
Ice Retention Time: 2 days
Our Upgrade Pick
Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler Review
Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler (This link opens in a new tab)
The Advanced Choice
If you want a soft cooler that will last, and treat you like royalty, the Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler is the one to go with. It’s fully waterproof, can vacuum out all the air for better performance, and is built to withstand the toughest terrain. It’s nearly flawless, really.
What We Think of the Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler
There are lots of features to appreciate about the Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler. It’s truly the best for remote terrain, and we’ll tell you why. The zipper and all materials are fully waterproof, the 840 denier outer shell is supremely resistant to abrasions, and it’s even laminated to resist punctures. See what we’re talking about here?
You’ll also love that it’s made from responsibly sourced materials — no harm is being done to the environment with this one. This thing can vacuum seal the interior to keep your items cold even longer — you’re guaranteed at least two days even in hot temperatures! With three different carrying options (one side handle, one shoulder strap, and duffle straps), you’ll be comfortable during every outing. It’s even got a bottle opener attached. Win.
Honestly, there isn’t anything wrong with this cooler. It exceeds expectations in pretty much every single category. The only thing you might not love is the price because that also exceeds expectations. Just not in the good way. Not everybody will be willing to spend so much on a cooler, but if you are, you’ll certainly get to reap the rewards for years to come.
Overall, the Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler is one of our favourite soft coolers of all time. It’s built for remote adventures, versatile carrying options, and exceptional cooling performance. What more could you ask for?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler
Reviewers could not have a higher opinion of the Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler. Its durability is unparalleled, the eco-friendly materials make them feel good about their purchase, and all of the handles make it easy to carry however they like. It keeps ice frozen for 2-3 days (depending on the temperature) and it has a capacity large enough to serve everyone along for the adventure.
Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’re eco-conscious
You spend a lot of time in rugged environments
Versatile carrying options are a must
You enjoy remote multi-day trips more than anything else
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft-Sided Tote Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 22” x 11” x 18”
Weight: 5.25 lbs
Colour: 3 options
Capacity: 35.5 L
Closure Type: Zipper
Ice Retention Time: 3 days
Warranty: 1 year
Our Wheeled Pick
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler Review
What We Think of the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler
There are a lot of things to like about the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler. It’s got a really great capacity for a soft cooler (60 cans and up to 100 lbs!), so you’ll be able to pack for large groups, no problem. Plus, since it comes with a cart that boasts large, rugged wheels, you’ll be able to move it on every terrain type without any strain on your body.
It stall has small carrying handles and a big shoulder strap for you can’t (or don’t want to) use the cart. Both the cooler and the cart collapse for easier storage (yay), and it offers a top flap that secures only with Velcro to make it super easy to grab a drink or snack without unzipping the lid. And it’s truly perfect for folks who drink a lot of beverages from bottles—it has a bottle opener attached. Talk about convenience.
There are only a couple of minor concerns we want to raise before we wrap this up. First of all, the cooler doesn’t secure to the cart super well, so if you’ll be travelling on rough terrain (hiking trails, for example), you’ll need to spend some time with bungees or similar straps to secure it better. Also, it isn’t as easy to clean as other coolers, so you’ll have to spend a little extra time on that as well. No dealbreakers here though, right?
Overall, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler is our number one wheeled cooler right now. It’s extremely durable, well-priced, and offers more organization than most other coolers. It even collapses for easier storage. This thing is winning in all categories!
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler
Reviewers have a great opinion of the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler. The top access flap makes it really easy to grab a drink without opening the entire lid, and ice really does stay frozen for multiple days. They really appreciate the two options for carrying it plus the rolling cart — it’s the most versatile cooler they’ve ever used. They love that it collapses for storage, too.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d like a secure close and easy access to your items
You’ll be opening a lot of bottles
You’d prefer not to have to carry your cooler (but the option would be nice)
Ease of storage is a priority
Don’t Buy If…
Ease of cleaning is important to you
You aren’t willing to put in a little extra time to secure the cooler to the cart
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 39.5” x 15.5” x 14.75”
Weight: 6.8 lbs
Colour: Moss
Capacity: 35.5 L
Closure Type: Zipper and Velcro
Ice Retention Time: 3 days
Warranty: Lifetime
Our Backpack Pick
YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler Review
What We Think of the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler
We are very big fans of the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler. It’s got just about everything working in its favour. It’s got a large capacity for the soft cooler world, so you won’t have to worry about leaving any of your things at home — main ingredients, snacks, drinks, even your condiments can travel with you anywhere you go. It’ll all sit comfortably on your back, and it’s easy on your shoulders with the balanced and padded straps!
This thing is also really easy to clean. You just wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth. The magnetic rim can stay open or closed whenever you need it to, and it buckles for extra security while you’re on the move. No spilling! Since it comes in a wide variety of colours, it can even match your personal style.
The only gripe we have with this option is the price. Sadly, it’s a common problem with all the best coolers out there. You really do get what you pay for with this one, but it won’t be a reasonable amount for everybody to spend. We get it, but it sucks because this cooler is amazing and we want everyone to be able to have one.
Overall, the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler is an amazing choice no matter where you’ll be travelling with your cooler. It could not be easier to carry, it’s extremely effective at keeping your food and drinks cold, and it’s easy to clean. That’s pretty much everything you need in a soft cooler, right?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler
Reviewers have amazing things to say about the YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler. The backpack style is their absolute favourite — they get to keep their hands free for other gear and it keeps the weight more balanced. The magnetic close system is highly effective, and they’re really happy with the accessory loops and easy cleaning.
YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You have a lot of walking to do with your cooler
You’d like the cooler to stay open and closed on its own
You’d like to carry accessories and extras on the cooler
You’d love a cooler that will match your style
Don’t Buy If…
You need/want something budget-friendly
YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft-Sided Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 18.1” x 15.3” x 9.9”
Weight: 4.8 lbs
Colour: 9 options
Capacity: 19.7 L
Closure Type: Buckles and magnets
Warranty: 3 years
Also Great
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler Review
What We Think of the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler
The YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler has a lot going for it. And if you’re a day-tripper, you’ll love pretty much every single thing about it. Our favourite feature (or one of them, anyway) is the zipper. It’s incredibly durable and is 100% leak-proof. Even if all of your ice melts and it takes a tumble down a hill, you won’t have any spills. Pretty cool, right?
The rest of the cooler is also really durable. It’s waterproof and can be rinsed off for easy cleaning, but it’s also resistant to mildew, scratches, and even UV rays. It’ll be looking like new for years of use. We’re also really happy with its size. It can hold 16 drinks plus ice and is fairly compact, and with its padded shoulder strap, you won’t have any trouble carrying it around. It’s also got an attachment for accessories! It’s the best all-rounder for shorter trips.
One of the only things we don’t like about this option is its price tag. This thing is pretty expensive considering its size, and you just might not want to pay that much. We get that. Our only other concern is with the zipper — while we respect its robustness and leak-proof design, those things do make it a bit tough to open. If you’ve got kids or poor hand strength/mobility, it might not be a good fit.
All in all, the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler can easily become your go-to if you give it a chance. It might be a bit pricey, but the quality is there to back it up. This thing will last you for years, even if you treat it roughly, and it’s the perfect size for pretty much every 12-24 hour outing.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler
Reviewers have a great opinion of the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler. It’s the perfect size for every purpose — they’ve used it for concerts, long work shifts, overnight camping trips, kayaking/boating adventures, and more. It’s very robust and easy to keep clean, and it’s the perfect size for a small group of people. Plus, it’s still really portable.
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want something incredibly durable
Portability is important to you
You’ll mostly be using your soft cooler for day trips
You’d like the option of adding accessories
Don’t Buy If…
A budget-friendly option is a must
It’ll be used by kids or adults with poor hand strength/mobility
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 10.75” x 13” x 16.25”
Weight: 5.1 lbs
Colour: Navy blue
Capacity: 23.5 L
Closure Type: Zipper
Warranty: 3 years
How to Properly Choose Your Soft Cooler
Price
Some soft coolers cost less than $50, others cost close to ten times that amount. In general, more expensive soft coolers will offer a larger capacity, better insulation, and extra features like included bottle openers or side pockets.
Capacity
Soft coolers are designed to be carried, so they don’t match the capacity of hard coolers. Generally, the larger end of the market hovers around 36 L (space for 60 cans) and can be as small as 8.5 L (12 cans or lunch box size). You’ll want to think ahead to your planned adventures and group size to choose the right capacity.
Carrying Comfort
Every soft cooler should come with a shoulder strap, but some also have extra strap types for versatile carrying options, and some even roll along on wheels. Plus, the strap quality (padding, padding, padding!) will vary between different models. Carrying comfort is definitely something to think about if you’ll be walking for a while with your cooler.
Ice Retention Time
Some coolers keep ice frozen for less than a day, others can perform perfectly for up to three days before heat starts to break in and melt the ice. A better ice retention time will be linked to a higher price tag, but it’ll be worth it if you’ll be out for multiple days without access to a fridge or fresh ice.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.