Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Cooler Bag Manufacturer

• It's durable, leakproof, and spacious, plus easy to carry thanks to multiple handles and straps.

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• The ice retention is variable depending on the weather. 

We tested the Hydroflask Day Escape 26L in two different real-world scenarios, including in the hot southern sun and out on a boat trip. The 600D polyester exterior is durable and waterproof, and we really liked how they worked it into the cute tote design. The fact that it’s leakproof, easy to carry, spacious inside (one of our moms was loving the fact she could lay a veggie tray on the bottom with no issues), and stylish put it at the top of our list. There are no additional pockets or storage options, but the tote does have built-in loops and attachment capabilities so you can customize it with compatible extras as needed. 

One qualm was that the temperature retention wasn’t consistent. Most of the ice had melted within 2.5 hours when the cooler was out in Tennessee during the height of summer, but it kept more ice intact and drinks cool in lower temperatures out on the water. That said, we’re confident it could do the job on a day trip. We flipped the bag upside down when it was fully loaded and gave it a shake, and we’re happy to report there was no leaking. Overall, the Day Escape’s performance is outstanding, even after three months of real-world use.

The Details: 26 liters | 3 pounds | 23.9 x 10.4 x 14.97 inches | Leakproof

• Several built-in features and storage pockets make it a good bargain. 

• It disappointed us during our durability tests. 

The Tourit 30-can Cooler Backpack holds more like 20 cans with ice, and we love it for its bang-for-your-buck price and lightweight, multi-feature design. In addition to the main compartment, you’ll have your pick of extra storage options, including two side mesh pockets, a spacious front lid zip pocket, and a slim strap pocket (great for holding a or cash). It presents like a regular backpack and is easy to lift and carry, making it perfect for picnics in city parks. The thick-lined insulated interior is also leakproof (but the backpack itself isn't) and can keep ice for up to 16 hours. The padded, adjustable straps are comfortable, but there is no chest strap, and wearing the backpack at full capacity for significant distances may not be ideal for some. Unfortunately, we also experienced heavy leaking through the zippers and cans denting in the interior after we tossed this cooler off a table a couple times. However, no other damage was present, and we think this backpack performs admirably in most everyday scenarios.

The Details: 30 cans | 1.1 pounds | 13 x 7.5 x 17.7 inches | 16-hour ice retention

• The temperature retention is top-notch, and it feels virtually indestructible. 

• The price is investment-level high. 

This 12-can cooler lives up to the Yeti name and gave us impeccable ice and temperature retention. The cooler was tested multiple days at the beach, where it sat in the hot mid-80-degree sun for hours and still kept things notably cold. Cold cell insulation gives the cooler its superb ice retention and makes it perfect for use in hot weather or on overnight trips. Did we mention the heavy-duty, mildew-resistant over shell is not only durable but also blocks UV rays? If you’re hesitant about the single-compartment design, it does sport Yeti’s hitch-point grid that allows you to attach things to the exterior. Even when fully loaded with 12 cans and ice, the extra-thick shoulder strap made it feel like less of a haul, and you also have top and side handles as options. The durability of this totally leakproof cooler cannot be understated as we really put it to the test, from throwing it against rocks and floating it out in the salty ocean water to checking it in luggage. The price is hefty, but consider it an investment, because this baby will last. 

The Details: 12 cans | 2.8 pounds | 12.4 x 8.6 x 10.6 inches | Leakproof

• It’s a heavy-duty, leakproof cooler that can be taken in the water with you.

• It can feel cumbersome when full and carried on the shoulder for long periods. 

If you’re looking to snag all the benefits of a hard-sided cooler with the flexibility that comes with a soft-side cooler, the RTIC Soft Pack should be your go-to — especially if you’re heading out on the water. The thick, heavy-duty nylon exterior is highly durable and escaped our toss tests and beatings with minor scuffs. Any sand, mud, or dirt easily just rinses off. Yes, the leakproof zippers are tight, but they kept the cooler leakproof during our upside-down shake test. A noticeably thick interior insulating layer excels at temperature retention — we left the cooler out in the summer sun for over two hours, and barely any ice melted, and the drinks were crisp and cool. Want to take this cooler in the water? Go for it without worrying about water leaking inside (or outside of the bag back in your car). One downside we should mention is that the cooler wasn’t as comfortable as we’d have liked with a heavy load and carried on the shoulder. We suggest two people carrying it via the tote handles when it’s packed full and not using it solo on any excursions with long walks. After three months of real-world testing, it still looks and feels brand-new.

The Details: 12, 20, 30, or 40 cans | 3 pounds for 20-can | 13.5 x 9.5 x 13.75 inches for 20-can | Leakproof | 24-hour ice retention

• It has the perfect mix of portability and capacity for a day outing. 

• It doesn't have a lot of structure.
  

This 12-liter soft cooler was the perfect midsize we didn’t realize we desperately wanted for a day out at the beach with friends. It’s larger than a lunchbox cooler but still small enough to be manageable on an outing (and to fit in your suitcase). With nothing else, this ultra-portable cooler can carry around 12 cans. Since we were testing for temperature and ice retention, we filled it up with snacks for three: six cans, three sandwiches, a pack of string cheese, and a bag of ice — and it all fit easily and nice and cold as the cooler impressed us with its ability to retain about two-thirds of the ice after six hours at the beach in 80-degree weather. The padded strap kept it comfy on the shoulder, but we also found it easy to carry via the tote handles. Durability was not a problem, and wiping off the little bit of dirt from the exterior nylon material was painless. It’s even got a small stash pocket in the front, which we found perfect for hiding trash or holding keys.

The Details: 12 liters | 1.77 pounds | 8.5 x 11.5 x 12 inches | 24-hour ice retention

• It works for cooler and dry storage, and it can pass as a regular backpack. 

• Cooler space is limited. 

This insulated cooler backpack works perfectly for day trips where you’ll want to store both dry and chilled items. Only the bag’s lower zippered compartment is insulated, giving you a dedicated space for storing dry items and items that need chilling. Although the bag claims to be able to hold 24 cans, we could only squeeze in 10 cans comfortably (with ice) in the lower insulated space. (Note: more cans can be stored in the main compartment, but it’s not insulated.) The 600-denier water-resistant canvas material was extra durable, surviving our toss tests with top scores, but it didn’t perform as well as we wanted during the leak test. We don’t recommend storing any electronics in the dry compartment when the bottom is filled with ice unless the bag stays upright at all times. 

This backpack can easily be slung over your shoulders and won’t stick out as a cooler among other commuter bags — it’ll be your little secret. We think it’s a go-to bag for bringing lunch to work. Having the overall design of a regular backpack worked in our favor regarding features, too. There’s a front zippered organization pocket, two stretchy mesh side pockets, and two front slip pockets, making it feel more like a regular everyday backpack that just happens to have a cooler compartment than a cooler backpack. We also love how the bag’s extra padding made it very comfortable to wear, even when full. 

The Details: 24 cans | 2.1 pounds | 12.5 x 8 x 17.75 inches

• This is a durable, comfortable, and functional cooler that will last — plus, it's easy to store when not in use. 

• There are no exterior pockets or storage compartments. 

This collapsible cooler bag takes a cue from the dry-bag playbook with its convenient buckle roll top and waterproof welding seam design. We tested the large 23-liter size and could easily fill the bag to its 18-can capacity — with room to spare — and kept our beverages super cold. The top-loading design makes it a cinch to load, unload, and peek into the bag to suss out available room. When you’re not using the cooler, it conveniently flattens down for easy transport and storage. IceMule is known for its high-quality materials, and this bag held up against our durability tests, leading us to believe it’s in it for the long haul. 

Packing food? The 18-inch height makes this bag great for stacking; just be sure any food is stored in sturdy, stackable plastic containers or boxes so nothing gets crushed. Overall, we found the weight was evenly distributed and the padded back and straps comfortable when wearing, but the chest strap does land at an awkward place for some people. Aside from the chest strap (which may depend on the wearer), we just wish this floatable, water-tight, and tough cooler bag had some exterior pockets. 

The Details: 23 or 33 liters | 2.6 pounds for 23-liter | 14 x 11 x 18 inches for 23-liter | Leakproof | 24 hour-ice retention

• It's lightweight, can compress into it's own stuff sack, and features extra pockets.

• It's not watertight and the bag strap can be uncomfortable if the cooler is filled up.

This 14-liter cooler bag is extremely packable and can easily compress into its own stuff sack, which makes it ideal for traveling. After filling it up halfway with ice, we were able to pack away a bottle of champagne, two tall cans, and four traditional sized cans. We noticed the cooler kept ice frozen for up to 18 hours, after which point it had completely melted, but the water stayed cold enough to keep the bag's contents cool until the 30-hour mark.

Crafted from soft and flexible ripstop nylon, the bag could easily be stuffed into any bag or luggage, which makes transporting it super easy. It also features supplemental pockets great for storing smaller belongings. While its packable design is its crowning feature, we noticed that the cooler bag is not watertight and will sweat and leak once the ice inside of it has melted. We also found its shoulder straps to be uncomfortable if the cooler is filled up with heavier items, and continued to notice this during three months of at-home testing. We think it's an excellent bag for transporting just a few items at a time.

The Details: 14 liters | 14.7 ounces | 18 x 9 x 5 inches

• It's collapsible and stores flat which is perfect for shorter day trips.

• The wheels only work well on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

If you're a fan of day trips, consider this 15-liter cooler from dbest Products. It's extremely collapsible and can easily be folded flat to pack away, and can be expanded within 90 seconds by attaching a removable hard support to its base to give it structure. While its collapsible nature is ideal for maximizing limited space, we found that the cooler needs to be mostly filled with ice and cans to prevent it from collapsing in on itself. The bag also features external pockets including one large front zippered pocket and two side mesh pockets which are great for storing items like sunscreen, snacks, smaller electronics, books, or additional cans.

The lightweight cooler features a small but sturdy telescoping handle and two wheels, which we found cannot rotate 360 degrees. Because of this, the cooler tends to glide better on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. While the bag kept our cans cold while out in 70-degree weather, we weren’t seriously impressed with its insulation ability, which leads us to believe that it would be better used for shorter day trips. After six months of regular use, we've continued to be impressed with the cooler's functionality and durability.

The Details: 15.1 liters | 3 pounds | 12 x 10 x 36 inches

Other Coolers We Liked

One cooler didn't perform well enough to make our main list but is still worth mentioning. While the following presented a few concerns, it might still be a good option for the right user.

For more High-quality Lunch bags ODMinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Wheeled Cooler: We’re fans of the extra storage from the two front pockets and the two side mesh pockets that are big enough for magazines or books. While the detachable wheeled trolley can be extremely convenient, we found it difficult to use over bumpy terrains.

Our Testing Process

These products were evaluated as part of two different cooler testing processes. All backpack-style coolers that made the list were tested in our very own in-house testing lab. Each bag underwent a line of rigorous testing, allowing us to gauge their performance side-by-side and see how they measured up when it came to capacity (both full of 12-ounce cans and then one-third filled with cans and two-thirds filled with ice, the recommended ratio for optimal cooling and ice retention), comfort while wearing, extra features such as storage pockets, durability, leakage, and ice retention. We packed the coolers full, strapped them on and walked around wearing them, and did a push test off of a table. After two hours, backpacks were placed on their side for five minutes and inspected for leakage.

Non-backpack coolers were tested out in the real world on multiple outings. Environments included grocery shopping, picnics, beach days, and festivals. Before taking off, we noted the overall quality and appearance of the coolers, including any extra features like storage compartments. Coolers were filled with beverages plus ice. After 2.5 hours, we recorded the ice retention and the temperature of the drinks. Durability was tested by tossing the cooler down the stairs (twice!) and slamming it on a hard floor surface before checking for any damage or wear. 

We will continue testing these coolers over time, collecting insights for an additional six months and updating our picks and descriptions as necessary. 

Tips for Buying an Insulated Cooler Bag

Carefully consider capacity and size needs

Like lunch boxes, insulated cooler bags come in all shapes, sizes, and capacities. Think about what you’ll want to pack inside the cooler, now and in the future. Remember to factor ice or ice packs into your capacity needs (capacity is often advertised without ice included).

Anticipate the right accessories for your needs

Consider your insulated cooler bag as an investment. Think of different ways you will need to use the insulated cooler bag down the line. Buying a bag that can be accessorized may prevent you from having to purchase a different bag in the future. Some common accessories include ice packs, carabiner clips, and extra storage pockets.

Consider using ice packs instead of loose ice

Using molded ice packs is a water-friendly alternative to fresh ice. Ice packs can be reused and will avoid possible leakage as they defrost. Keep an eye out for coolers that are designed to be used with specific ice packs or have room inside to fit an ice pack.

Think about what features you need

Coolers with comfortable and thoughtful carrying features — such as padded straps, adjustable straps, and multi-carry options — can make or break your experience with a cooler bag, especially as you get into larger capacity sizes. You should also think about the situations in which you envision using your cooler bag. Consider how and where you will want to access the contents of your cooler bag, whether you’ll have a solid flat surface to set it down on, and any portability needs you may have, and choose styles with the most beneficial shapes, materials, overall look, and access points for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are insulated cooler bags as good as hard coolers?

  The answer depends on your specific conditions and needs. Hard coolers are known for having better durability in rugged scenarios and providing longer ice retention than soft, insulated cooler bags. Hard coolers are best for lengthy trips like camping, while insulated cooler bags are better for portability and organization.

• Will insulated cooler bags leak?

  Finding a leakproof cooler bag is key for preventing spills and for temperature retention. Lower-end cooler bags are less likely to be equipped with water-tight, leakproof zippers and closures. If you’re concerned about leaks, make sure to pick cooler bags with explicitly leakproof closures and lining.

• How much ice should I put in my cooler?

  When using fresh ice, the minimum suggested amount of ice to use is a 50/50 split, though it truly depends on what’s inside and how and where you’ll be using the cooler. The higher the ratio of ice, the longer the cooler will retain cool temperatures. Some manufacturers advise filling the cooler with two-thirds ice and one-third contents.

• How should I clean my insulated cooler bag?

  Dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth into some soapy water and gently clean the inside of your insulated cooler. For more stubborn stains and stickiness, scrub the areas with a bristled cleaning brush.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Katherine Alex Beaven combined research, T+L insights, and personal experiences using insulated coolers while traveling for this list. 

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1. Why do we need a cooler bag?

Cooler bag is also called a lunch bag, which is popular among students, white-collar workers and outdoor sports enthusiasts because of their function of keeping the temperature.

The main functions of a cooler bag are as follows:

• Lunch bag keeps ingredients fresh
• Eat hot meals in winter
• Cold drinks are available after exercise
• Carry napkins and a bottle

2. What is the insulation principle of the Cooler bag?

2.1 Insulation structure

The insulation principle of a cooler bag is not to create a heat source, but to isolate the inside of the bag from the material used on the outside. If it’s summer and you have cold drinks and ice in your cooler bag, the cooler bag will insulate the outside heat source from entering the bag, so as to achieve the effect of keeping a low temperature in the bag. On the contrary, if it’s winter and the cooler bag is filled with a hot meal, the cooler bag will insulate the cold outside and keep the bag hot inside.

Therefore, the main factor of the insulation effect of the cooler bag lies in the thickness of the insulation material, the number of layers and the sealing process. The insulation structure of the cooler bag is generally four layers:

• Fabric
• Insulated cotton
• PU foam
• PEVA or aluminum film

2.2 PEVA VS aluminum film

PEVA and aluminum film are the two most commonly used materials for the interior of cooler bags, both of which have the effect of insulation and moisture resistance. PEVA and aluminum film of the same thickness have different performances in thermal insulation effect, easy cleanliness and cost.

• Insulation effect: the insulation effect of PEVA is slightly better than aluminum film.
• Easy cleanliness: the PEVA material is smoother, so it’s easier to clean if it sticks to oil.
• Appearance: the aluminum film is usually silver, and it can be customized with various text or graphics embossing, therefore, it is more fashionable.
• Cost: aluminum film of the same specification without special embossing is cheaper than PEVA material.

3. How to choose a good cooler bag?

3.1 Insulation effect

The most important function of a cooler bag is insulation. If a cooler bag is poor even with the most basic insulation function, then there is no need to buy it. Then how to choose the good insulation effect of a cooler bag? It has been summarized above that the insulation effect of thick insulated cotton and a well-sealed cooler bag is the best.

3.2 Capacity

According to different requirements, the capacity requirements for the cooler bag are different.

Students who bring their lunch boxes: 5L

White-collar commuters: 6-7L

Outdoor enthusiasts: 8-15L

The mommy who takes the kids on a picnic: 7-8L

3.3 Large load-bearing

For outdoor enthusiasts, the load-bearing effect of a cooler bag is an important indicator to consider. Imagine a day’s camping trip. How much food do you need to pack? How much does the food weigh? Of course, if you plan to be outdoors for more than a day, the cooler bag may not be enough, and you need to use an oversize incubator.

3.4 Nice appearance

A good-looking cooler bag is often more favored by consumers. Most of the cooler bags with high sales volume have a beautiful appearance or pattern with a good color scheme. The cartoon-patterned children’s lunch bag is the most popular among kids.

3.5 Excellent storage structure

The cooler bag with excellent storage structure not only has an insulation space but also has storage spaces. Hot food or cold drinks placed in the insulation space for a long time will certainly have water vapor, then the carried thermos cup or paper towels will be damp. A separate storage space would solve the embarrassment.

4. How to find a reliable COOLER BAG manufacturer?

For how to find a reliable cooler bag manufacturer, see China Bag Factory: The Ultimate Guide. In this guide, you can use multiple channels to find cooler bag manufacturers and it will also tell you how to distinguish the pros and cons of cooler bag manufacturers.

5. What kind of customer cooperation does the cooler bag manufacturer accept?

Customers of cooler bag manufacturers are commercial customers who purchase products in bulk, including supermarkets, outdoor brands, convenience stores, brand stores, etc. The cooler bag manufacturer will accept orders only when the purchased quantity of a customized cooler bag reaches more than . Why don’t cooler bag manufacturers accept personal customization of less quantity? Because the purchased quantity of a single style is large, the cooler bag manufacturer can exert a scale effect and minimize the production cost of the cooler bag.

6. TOP 5 cooler bag manufacturers

Here are five excellent cooler bag manufacturers for you:

Yeti： American outdoor cooler bag manufacturer, its cooler bags are nice but expensive.

LifeWit: One of the hot-selling cooler bag brands on Amazon.

OPUX: Sell well on Amazon, lots of models in option.

Adidas: The best among the peers, but expensive.

Honeyoung: A cooler bag manufacturer from China, the bag can be customized, and the price is medium. Better quality.

7. How do cooler bag manufacturers test the quality of cooler bags?

7.1 Insulation test of cooler bag

Place a non-thermos cup filled with 100 ° C boiling water in a cooler bag and wait for 1 hour before measuring the temperature of the water in the cup. The result was a drop of 8 ° C or 8 percent.

The cooling rate for one hour is within 10 percent, which indicates that the heat preservation effect of this cooler bag is excellent.

7.2 Waterproof test of cooler bag

Pour a 100ML cup of water onto the surface of the cooler bag, and dry it with a paper towel without water stains. Waterproofing is also good. But what about 200ML or more?

7.3 Wear resistance test of cooler bag

If you use a cooler bag outdoors, you’re bound to scratch the ground. We swipe the key back and forth 30 times to see if there are any marks.

The above all are the ultimate guide for cooler bag manufacturers, if you still have questions after reading this, please feel free to contact us.