The Best Soft

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Think of these as grown-up lunch pails.

THE SOFT-SIDED COOLER is a handy, handy thing. It provides much-needed insulation in a convenient format, one you can tote along with you and sometimes even collapse to save space. For those who like to eat and drink outside, whether it's an impromptu trip to the beach or a day on the trail, these coolers are for you.

We like to think of this cooler category as a grown up lunch pail, big enough to feed and quench the thirst of the whole group. Some function like backpacks, while others look like tote bags or more traditional geometric coolers. Whatever their shape, they're engineered to get you to where you need to go, keeping your perishables and liquids fresh and cool. After combing through the long list of offerings out there, we created a best of list just for you.

Read more: Best Camping Coolers

This portable number keeps things cold for up to 24 hours. It's lightweight, great for meals and travel, and even has a leak-proof design. Better, if you drop it in the lake it'll float. That said, it's out favorite of the bunch, great for a whole host of activities.

It's a versatile box, setting you up for a day on the kayak, at the state park for a meal or two, or in the car in the midst of a scenic roadtrip. The closed-cell foam insulates exceptionally well, pretty much the whole point where coolers are concerned. Even if you don't know exactly what you're doing out there away from home, you're going to need some grub and beverage and this is the cooler to have.

Yeti is know for its great coolers and it's no wonder why. Here's one of the more portable options, built extremely tough and ready for all kinds of mishandling while on the trail or in the boat. The mildew resistant outer layer is a nice touch if you're like us and sometimes forget to fully clean the thing after each and every use.

It doesn't insulate quite as well as others, but the durability compensates for that. This is a rugged option, made for the backcountry (or clumsy people, or both). Overall, it's fairly compact and therefor easy to haul about. The oversized zipper is great in theory but can catch now and again, especially if you really pack the thing to the brim.

Read more: Best Beach Coolers

This bag features an impressive volume of 8 gallons, which equates to about 50 cans. It breaks down when you're not using it, meaning it won't eat up any precious space and can be packed out effortlessly. Also, it's nicely padded throughout and there's even a built-in bottle opener.

The collapsing feature can't be overstated. This thing can break down to a mere 2.75 inches in height, impressive and useful if you're trying to conserve space and covering a lot of distance. The little things add up to, like a grommet for hanging keys and a wire frame at the top which offers added stability.

This is essentially a high-performance backpack, great for packing in lunch or dinner on a more involved route that might require you to be hands-free. There's a wide-roll opening for amazing access, a dry compartment, and an insulated area large enough for a six-pack and ice. Hit the hills with a full meal (and liquid pairings) on your back.

The volume amount is less than a lot of coolers in the category, but the tidiness of the bag almost makes up for that. Things are very compartmentalized, which allows you to stay organized and find what you need fast while out and about. There's added comfort with the rubberized handle and the whole thing can stand upright, like a proper cooler.

Bonus point for the tear-proof outer shell, which protects from punctures, even if you're really headed into the brush.

Those who like to wine on the go will appreciate this bag as it has the frame for a few proper 750-ml bottles. The tote is fun and easy to use and can insulate for up to 24 hours. It's water resistant, with magnetic closures and a reinforced base for added durability.

We really like it for picnics in the woods and more involved lunches that could involve taller, specialty items like olive oil (who says you can't eat well while in nature?). The dark interior hides grub and stains and it can hold up to 20 pounds of ice, should you be throwing a real party away from home.

Read more: Best Gifts for Wine Lovers

A nice mid-sized option, this packable puffer can hold around 20 cans. It's made from recycled plastic and breaks down into a small and convenient front zip pocket. It can retain ice for approximately eight hours and has the look of a nice bag you'd bring to the market.

Igloo has been at it since 1947 so you'd think they'd know a thing or two about cooler culture. It collapses wonderfully, breaking down not unlike a windbreaker or small sleeping bag. It's a nice option for simple, everyday use and a bit of an outlier in its sustainability. It's refreshing to see a cooler bag made from 90% post-consumer recycled material.

Here's a product that's only improved over its iterations as L.L.Bean has responded to customer feedback. Now, it sports tons of exterior storage, with elastic side pockets that are especially useful. It can take on two full cases of cans (48) as well with ice.

The earth tones are nice touch and this cooler blends in with its surroundings. The shoulder strap pops off with ease and the smaller pockets are great if you're packing utensils. It folds down pretty well when empty as well, making it all the more portable.

This Coleman option is straightforward and therein lies the beauty. There's netting for extra cramming, a nice seal for proper storage, and the whole thing breaks down simply. Bonus points for the four cup holders on the lid that can be used like a table when collapsed.

While portable and fairly inexpensive, the look of this cooler is not the sharpest. The zipper does include a bottle opener and there is a germ-resistant liner for good measure. We like it as a tag-long to sporting events, where you can take in the game, sip a cold beverage, and secure said beverage on the table-like lid. The added mesh all over the bag is helpful for stuffing in last-minute items.

Our list is made up of products that excelled on several levels. For starters, we're after coolers that are as mobile as you are. This means they are easy and comfortable to take with you, with a reasonable weight and a build that can be carried with ease.

Volume is another key. With soft-sided coolers, you're likely not tailgating, but you do want more than just enough room for a beer and sandwich. They inhabit that middle ground between weekend warrior camping coolers (the really big ones) and lunch bags. And because you don't want to be caught with an absolute eye sore, we gauged presentation as well. It may not be as important as durability, but it's still worth noting.

To each his own, of course, but there are some general features that are pretty consistent across the board for this kind of cooler. Portability is key and can come in all shapes and forms, from shoulder straps and handles. A tight seal is another great trait, as it can both keep unwanted moisture out of the cooler as well as keep an internal spill from ruining your clothing.

You'll also want to take note of the insulation strength of the product and plan accordingly, as the last thing you want is a spoiled sandwich. Lastly, look out for

Mark Stock is a food, drink, and outdoors writer from Portland, Oregon. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. In addition to Men's Health, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more.

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