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10 Best Backpack Coolers 2025 in Canada

#1

Winner

9.9 score

SPARTER Backpack Cooler Insulated Leak Proof 33 Cans, 2 Insulated Compartments Thermal Bag, Portable Lightweight Beach Travel Camping Lunch Backpack for Men and Women

Capacity: 33 Can
Insulation Performance: Double insulated, thick foam, cool 20 hrs
Comfort and Carrying Features: Lightweight, padded shoulder straps and back
Durability and Material: Scratch-resistant nylon, water-resistant coating
Leak-Proof Design: Inner lining leak-proof, zipper not leak-proof
Extra Pockets and Organization: Pockets for phone, wallet, snacks, opener

Chosen by 1155 this week

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Navy

Capacity: 20 cans or 12 pounds ice
Insulation Performance: ColdCell closed-cell foam insulation
Comfort and Carrying Features: backpack-style straps
Durability and Material: Dryhide shell resists punctures and UV
Leak-Proof Design: MagShield magnets create leak-resistant seal
Extra Pockets and Organization: outside kangaroo pocket

Hydro Flask 20 L Carry Out Soft Cooler Black

Capacity: 20 liters
Insulation Performance: Keeps cold up to 24 hours
Comfort and Carrying Features: Lightweight, 1.2 kg
Durability and Material: Durable, water-resistant 600D polyester
Extra Pockets and Organization: Lacks extensive organization options

YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack, Aquifer Blue

Capacity: 23.8 liters
Insulation Performance: Closed-cell Rubber Foam
Comfort and Carrying Features: Removable shoulder strap, waist belt
Durability and Material: Foam, Rubber; Waterproof shell, zipper
Leak-Proof Design: Waterproof shell and HydroLok zipper
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SPARTER Backpack Cooler Insulated Leak Proof 33 Cans, 2 Insulated Compartments Thermal Bag, Portable Lightweight Beach Travel Camping Lunch Backpack for Men and Women

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,155
Capacity
Insulation Performance
Comfort and Carrying Features
Capacity
The cooler is roomy enough to fit up to 33 cans comfortably, balancing capacity and portability for most outdoor activities.
Insulation Performance
The backpack cooler offers excellent insulation that keeps drinks cold for hours, even in hot weather.
Comfort and Carrying Features
Comfort is a strong suit, with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel making it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
Durability and Material
Its durable, water-resistant fabric and scratch-resistant nylon construction provide reliable protection and easy cleaning.
Leak-Proof Design
The leak-proof inner lining prevents melted ice or condensation from seeping out, helping keep belongings dry.
Extra Pockets and Organization
Double insulated compartments allow for smart organization by separating drinks from snacks or dry foods.

The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is a solid choice if you want a lightweight and portable cooler backpack for activities like camping, beach trips, hiking, or sports. It has a good size, comfortably fitting up to 33 cans, which makes it roomy enough for drinks, snacks, and meals. It stands out with its double insulated compartments, allowing you to separate drinks and dry foods, which is great for keeping things organized.

The insulation quality is strong, with thick foam and a silver PEVA lining that help keep your items cool for up to 20 hours, so you can rely on it for a full day out. The material is durable, made from scratch-resistant nylon with a water-resistant coating, helping protect your belongings and making the bag easy to clean. Comfort-wise, it’s lightweight (just over 1 pound) and has padded shoulder straps and a back panel, so carrying it around won’t feel heavy or uncomfortable.

It also includes extra pockets for your phone, wallet, and snacks, plus a handy bottle opener. One thing to note is that while the inner lining is leak-proof thanks to a seamless pressing process, the zipper itself is not leak-proof, so tipping the bag over might cause spills. It is best used upright and with some care around liquids. This backpack cooler offers a convenient, durable, and well-insulated solution for outdoor lovers who want something easy to carry and organize without sacrificing cooling performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,155
Capacity
Insulation Performance
Comfort and Carrying Features
Capacity
The cooler is roomy enough to fit up to 33 cans comfortably, balancing capacity and portability for most outdoor activities.
Insulation Performance
The backpack cooler offers excellent insulation that keeps drinks cold for hours, even in hot weather.
Comfort and Carrying Features
Comfort is a strong suit, with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel making it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
Durability and Material
Its durable, water-resistant fabric and scratch-resistant nylon construction provide reliable protection and easy cleaning.
Leak-Proof Design
The leak-proof inner lining prevents melted ice or condensation from seeping out, helping keep belongings dry.
Extra Pockets and Organization
Double insulated compartments allow for smart organization by separating drinks from snacks or dry foods.
#2

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Navy

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Insulation Performance
Comfort and Carrying Features
Capacity
This cooler is perfectly sized for medium builds, striking a great balance between capacity and portability.
Insulation Performance
Despite being lightweight for a backpack cooler, it still offers reliable cold storage for day trips.
Comfort and Carrying Features
Its compact design makes it ideal for hands-free use during outdoor activities like boating and hiking.
Durability and Material
The backpack style and durable materials handle rough conditions without compromising comfort.
Leak-Proof Design
The leak-resistant magnetic seal is a standout feature, preventing spills while making access effortless.

The YETI Hopper M12 backpack cooler is designed for those who want to keep their drinks cold while staying mobile and hands-free. It holds up to 20 cans or about 12 pounds of ice, making it a good fit for day trips, hiking, or outdoor events where you don’t need a huge cooler but still want reliable cold storage. Its ColdCell insulation uses closed-cell foam to keep your items icy for a long time, which is ideal if you’re out for several hours.

The Dryhide shell material is tough against punctures and UV damage, so this cooler can handle rough outdoor use and sun exposure without wearing out quickly. A standout feature is the MagShield Access, where magnets create a strong leak-resistant seal that stays open easily when you want it and snaps closed securely to prevent spills. Carrying comfort is well thought out with backpack-style straps, and the kangaroo pocket on the outside adds convenient storage for small essentials like your phone or keys.

While it excels at portability and leak protection, the capacity is on the smaller side compared to big coolers, so it may not suit larger groups or longer trips where more storage is needed. Also, at just over 3 kilograms, it’s not the lightest option if you plan to carry it for long distances. Given its solid insulation, durability, and smart design, this backpack cooler is an excellent choice for active users who value convenience and reliable cold performance in a compact size.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Insulation Performance
Comfort and Carrying Features
Capacity
This cooler is perfectly sized for medium builds, striking a great balance between capacity and portability.
Insulation Performance
Despite being lightweight for a backpack cooler, it still offers reliable cold storage for day trips.
Comfort and Carrying Features
Its compact design makes it ideal for hands-free use during outdoor activities like boating and hiking.
Durability and Material
The backpack style and durable materials handle rough conditions without compromising comfort.
Leak-Proof Design
The leak-resistant magnetic seal is a standout feature, preventing spills while making access effortless.
#3

Hydro Flask 20 L Carry Out Soft Cooler Black

Rating
9.5
Capacity
Insulation Performance
Comfort and Carrying Features
Capacity
The cooler fits perfectly for a family outing, providing ample space for drinks and snacks without feeling bulky.
Insulation Performance
It maintains cold temperatures for several hours, even in hot conditions, especially when used with ice packs.
Comfort and Carrying Features
Comfortable to carry with both shoulder straps and handles, and it remains lightweight even when fully packed.
Durability and Material
The bag is sturdy and well-made, featuring a durable zipper and a stable, structured design that holds its shape.
Leak-Proof Design
The interior is easy to clean and resists leaks or sogginess at the bottom, making maintenance hassle-free.

The Hydro Flask 20 L Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag is a reliable cooler backpack that keeps your drinks and snacks cold for up to 24 hours. Its 20-liter capacity is practical for day trips, picnics, or short outdoor activities, fitting enough food and beverages without being bulky. The insulation uses lightweight materials, which help maintain cold temperatures but may not match the performance of thicker, heavy-duty coolers for longer outings.

The bag’s exterior is made from durable, water-resistant 600D polyester fabric that also incorporates recycled materials, making it a good pick for those who care about sustainability. The compression-molded lid and base add stability, so it holds its shape well and feels sturdy when packed. Weighing just 1.2 kg, it’s light enough to carry comfortably.

The design is water-resistant and durable, and the cooler is easy to clean via machine wash, making it user-friendly and built for casual outdoor use. If you’re after a lightweight, environmentally friendlier cooler bag with decent insulation and solid build, the Hydro Flask Carry Out Cooler fits well. It may lack the more advanced comfort features or extensive organization options found in other models.

Rating
9.5
Capacity
Insulation Performance
Comfort and Carrying Features
Capacity
The cooler fits perfectly for a family outing, providing ample space for drinks and snacks without feeling bulky.
Insulation Performance
It maintains cold temperatures for several hours, even in hot conditions, especially when used with ice packs.
Comfort and Carrying Features
Comfortable to carry with both shoulder straps and handles, and it remains lightweight even when fully packed.
Durability and Material
The bag is sturdy and well-made, featuring a durable zipper and a stable, structured design that holds its shape.
Leak-Proof Design
The interior is easy to clean and resists leaks or sogginess at the bottom, making maintenance hassle-free.

Buying Guide for the Best Backpack Coolers

Choosing a backpack cooler is all about finding the right balance between portability, capacity, and cooling performance for your needs. Whether you're planning a picnic, a hike, or a day at the beach, the right backpack cooler will keep your food and drinks cold while being comfortable to carry. Think about how you'll use it most often, how much you need to carry, and how far you'll be walking with it. This will help you focus on the features that matter most for your lifestyle.
CapacityCapacity refers to how much the backpack cooler can hold, usually measured in liters or by the number of cans it can fit. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can bring along. Small coolers (10-15 liters or up to 12 cans) are great for solo trips or short outings, while medium (16-25 liters or 16-24 cans) and large (over 25 liters or 24+ cans) are better for groups or longer adventures. To pick the right size, think about how many people you usually pack for and how long you'll be out. If you often go with friends or family, a larger capacity is helpful, but for quick solo trips, a smaller, lighter cooler is easier to carry.
Insulation PerformanceInsulation performance describes how well the backpack cooler keeps its contents cold. This is crucial if you need your food and drinks to stay chilled for several hours or even a whole day. Some coolers offer basic insulation for a few hours, while others can keep ice for up to 24 hours or more. If you plan to be out all day or in hot weather, look for a cooler with thick insulation and a leak-proof lining. For shorter trips or cooler climates, basic insulation may be enough. Your typical outing length and the climate you’ll be in should guide your choice here.
Comfort and Carrying FeaturesComfort and carrying features include padded shoulder straps, chest or waist straps, and ergonomic back panels. These are important because a fully loaded cooler can get heavy, and you want to avoid discomfort or strain. If you plan to walk long distances or hike, look for a backpack cooler with good padding and support. For short walks or car trips, simpler straps may be fine. Consider your usual activities and how far you’ll be carrying the cooler to decide how much comfort you need.
Durability and MaterialDurability and material refer to what the backpack cooler is made of and how well it stands up to wear and tear. This matters if you’ll be using it outdoors, on rough terrain, or in wet conditions. Some coolers are made from tough, water-resistant fabrics and have reinforced bottoms, while others are lighter but less rugged. If you’re often outdoors or in unpredictable weather, choose a cooler with strong, water-resistant materials. For casual use, a lighter, less durable option may be sufficient.
Leak-Proof DesignA leak-proof design means the cooler won’t let melted ice or condensation escape, keeping your belongings and car dry. This is especially important if you use ice or pack items that might leak. Some coolers have welded seams and waterproof zippers for extra protection. If you plan to carry the cooler in a backpack or car, or if you’ll be using ice, a leak-proof design is a must. For dry snacks or short trips, this may be less critical.
Extra Pockets and OrganizationExtra pockets and organization features help you keep things like utensils, napkins, or personal items separate from your cold food and drinks. This is useful if you like to stay organized or need quick access to small items. Some coolers have multiple compartments, mesh pockets, or even bottle openers. If you carry a lot of extras, look for a cooler with plenty of pockets. If you just need to keep things cold, a simpler design may work for you.