Best Cooler Bag For Camping (Review & Buyers Guide)

We reviewed over 20 different cooler bags and narrowed the list to four of Australia’s most popular cooler bags.

Read on for a detailed look at each of the 6 cooler bags, including their features, pros, and cons.

I’ve also included a handy Buyer’s Guide for your consideration so that you can arm yourself with knowledge before you make your final choice.

Best Cooler Bag – In-Depth Reviews

Coleman Soft Cooler Bag

The Coleman Soft cooler bag is one of the best cooler bags if you are looking for a cheaper option.

This cooler bag by Coleman is popular in Australia and is a well-known brand reputed for many quality products. This cooler bag is primarily used for sports and other outdoor activities and comes in many different sizes and colors.

You can keep ice in this cooler bag for up to 24 hours at 90° temperatures. This cooler bag has heat-welded seams that do not allow the melted ice to leak from the side.

One great thing about this Coleman cooler bag is its side pockets that keep any accessories dry. It has a germ-resistant liner (treated with antimicrobials) that prevents any odor or mold from forming.

You can conveniently keep 30 cans in this cooler bag. You can carry this bag easily and comfortably as it comes with adjustable straps. The bag is 27 cm long, 29 cm wide, and 24 cm high. It weighs just 700g. There are multiple sizes available.

Wanderer Soft Cooler Bag

If you are looking for a simple cooler bag at a great price then you might want to consider the Wanderer Soft Cooler Bag.

It will keep your food frosty and fresh while you are out and about and can fit up to 30 cans.

The small zipped compartment at the front gives you a place to store your phone and keys while keeping it separate from your chilled food and drinks. For the price, many people have been pleasantly suprised.

Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Cooler Bag

This cooler bag by Yeti is the best cooler bag for camping and everyday use. It is easy to store or access all your cans and beverages with its wide mouth.

This cooler bag and its zipper are leak-proof, so you don’t have to worry about water getting in or out. This cooler bag has a dry hide shell which means the high-density fabric is waterproof, mildew-resistant, and protects against punctures.

The Coldwell insulation in this cooler bag helps keep beverages colder for a longer time as it consists of closed-cell rubber foam.

Its compact size and cubed body make it easy to carry along anywhere. This cooler bag comes with a shoulder strap and a handle so that you can carry it comfortably. This bag is extremely durable and long-lasting. 

The bag is 23 cm long, 28 cm wide, and 20 cm high. It weighs 1.4 kg. This cooler bag can hold up to 13 cans and is a great personal cooler to carry for a full day in a tree stand or a boat.

With the hitch point grid on the sides, you can attach your accessories or anything else with ease, such as your bottle opener.

Companion Hard Cooler

The Companion Hard cooler is best to use for any outdoor events or picnics. This cooler bag is available in different sizes. You can choose according to your use and need. The size ranges are 7 L, 14 L, and 26 L.

The 26 L Companion Hard cooler can fit up to 38 cans with ease. You can store all your drinks and food conveniently in this bag.

The cooler is sturdy and well-constructed, and you won’t have to worry about any leaks. The cooler has an integrated cup holder. The inner part of the cooler is made of food-grade polypropylene and includes a locking lid. 

The cooler is 37 cm long, 29.5 cm wide, and 39 cm high. It weighs 2.37 kg. It comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty, so if you find any defect, you can get it replaced.

Cooler Bag Buyers Guide

Types of Cooler Bags

Two types of cooler bags keep beverages chilled for an extended period: hard coolers and soft coolers. 

Hard Coolers

Hard coolers are usually larger and heavier than soft coolers. The storage capacity is 20 to 30 liters. If you want to have a cooler bag for weekend outings, then a 50 to 70-liter bag is enough.

Soft Coolers

Soft coolers are lightweight, and you can carry them easily with a handle or shoulder strap. You can choose the size according to your need.

Soft coolers are cheaper than hard coolers; however, they do not keep cans chilled for as long due to their low insulation.

Cleaning The Cooler Bag

You can clean the soft cooler bags with ease if you follow specific steps. 

Clean the Exterior and Interior: To clean the inner part of the soft cooler bag, always clean it with lukewarm water and soap.

To remove any stains, you can use water and baking soda. Always clean the exterior part of the bag after every use. 

Remove Odours: To remove any odors, you can use water and chlorine bleach.

After cleaning, leave the lid open till it dries thoroughly. This will prevent the growth of any molds or mildew.

Improve The Performance Of The Cooler

• You should always look at different ways to improve cooling performance. To keep the cans and beverages chilled for a long time, make sure the beverages are pre-chilled before storing them in the cooler bag.
• To keep the cans chilled for a long time, you should always keep some ice between the beverages.
• You should avoid storing a cooler inside your car if you are not using it.
• Avoid putting the cooler bag directly on a hot surface as that can damage it. You can put a towel or a cloth down and then place the cooler bag on it for better performance.

Size

Before looking at the cooler bag, you need to decide on what size of cooler bag you need. The size of the cooler bag will let you know how many cans you can carry and its ease of portability.

Avoid cooler bags that are heavy and bulky as it won’t be easy to carry them along with you on your trips.

Material

Cooler bags are constructed with different materials. Always look if the cooler bag is made of good quality material so it will be durable and long-lasting.

Most of the hard cooler bags are made of plastic and metals, while the soft cooler bags are made of fabrics. Just make sure the bag is well-constructed with good quality material and is reliable.

Handles Or Carrying Straps

It is essential to look at the carrying handle for portability. A good cooler bag comes with a carrying handle or shoulder strap to make it easy and convenient to carry the bag.

Make sure the carrying handle is comfortable to hold and reduces the pressure on your hands.

Best Cooler Bag – Conclusion

We took a detailed look at six of the most popular cooler bags in Australia, and in our opinion, the Engel HD30 soft cooler bag is the best currently available.

If you need something a bit cheaper, then the Coleman soft cooler bag was the cheapest cooler bag we reviewed while still retaining functionality.