Whether you're going camping, fishing or just to the beach, having the best lightweight cooler is essential for storing your beverages and food. But with so many coolers on the market, how do you make sure that you're getting the best?
In this blog post, we will review 6 of the most lightweight models available on the market to help you make an informed decision.
Here are the best lightweight coolers you can buy in 2025:
- Smallest Capacity (Soft Sided Cooler): Carhartt 8935810001
- Best For Tall Beverages (Soft Sided Cooler): FORICH FD-ZJ-221107-058
- Space-Saving Design (Soft Sided Cooler): ICEMULE Classic Mini 9L
- Best For Camping (Hard Sided Cooler): YETI 10022320000
- Sturdy (Hard Sided Cooler): Coleman Chiller Series
- Easy To Carry (Hard Sided Cooler): Igloo Playmate The Boss
| 6 Best Lightweight Coolers | ||
|---|---|---|
Smallest Capacity | Carhartt 8935810001
| |
Best For Tall Beverages | FORICH FD-ZJ-221107-058
| |
Space-Saving Design | ICEMULE Classic Mini 9L
| |
Best For Camping | YETI 10022320000
| |
Sturdy | Coleman Chiller Series
| |
Easy To Carry | Igloo Playmate The Boss
| |
Smallest Capacity: Carhartt 8935810001
- Provide the smallest capacity - 2.1 quarts of capacity
- Sturdy – YKK zippers
- An ID tag
- Not easy to clean
Holding 2.1 quarts of food and drink as a whole, the Carhartt 8935810001 is the smallest capacity cooler bag we tested, making it perfect for singles or couples.
It has two compartments, including a main compartment and an additional top compartment. Both are well-insulated to keep your food and drink cool all day long.
It also has a front zippered pocket for keeping small items like napkins and utensils. (All the zippers are from YKK, which is a big plus).
The top handle and shoulder straps make it easy to carry. The stitching is triple-needed for durability. There's also an ID tag.
| Carhartt 8935810001 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.2 ounces |
Dimensions | 10 x 9 x 7 inches |
Materials | Polyester |
Capacity | 2 Liters |
Highlight Features | 2.1 quarts of capacity YKK zippers An ID tag |
Looking for the best lightweight soft sided cooler bag with the smallest capacity? You should try the Carhartt 8935810001
Best For Tall Beverages: FORICH FD-ZJ-221107-058
- Able to fit tall beverages – 18.1” height & 2 side pockets
- Keep your stuff well-organized – multiple pockets & compartments
- Comfortable to carry on your back – padded back & adjustable shoulder straps
- Bulky to store
- The top can leak water
If you want a cooler bag that can fit tall beverages like wine bottles, pick the FORICH FD-ZJ-221107-058.
Its main compartment is up to 18.1 inches high. (To help you get a better idea of how high this cooler bag is, the average height ranges of other models are from 9" to 12"). So, this compartment can accommodate 6-8 wine bottles with some beer cans.
You also can pack four more bottles in the two side pockets of this bag. But that's not all. There are still multiple pockets for storage.
As a nice plus, the back of this cooler bag is padded, and the shoulder straps are adjustable for your best comfort.
| FORICH FD-ZJ-221107-058 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
Dimensions | 13.3 x 7.9 x 18.1 inches |
Materials | Foam |
Capacity | 30 Liters |
Highlight Features | 18.1” height & 2 side pockets multiple pockets & compartments padded back & adjustable shoulder straps |
The FORICH FD-ZJ-221107-058 is our top recommendation for those who are in need for the best lightweight soft sided cooler for tall beverages.
Space-Saving Design: ICEMULE Classic Mini 9L
- Space-saving – collapsible design
- Provide 24+ hour ice retention - PolarLayer insulation
- Able to stay afloat on the water – the patented IM AirValve
- Unable to retain ice as long as more expensive coolers
What's so special about the cooler backpack is its collapsible design. It means: when you're done, just roll up the cooler and pack it away until your next adventure. Very space-saving!
Another notable thing is this cooler can keep ice for 24+ hours, thanks to its PolarLayer insulation. Plus, its IM AirValve allows air to go into the insulation layer so that the backpack can stay afloat on the water.
The top-roll closure eliminates the hassles of rusted or water-leaking zippers
It also features a ventilated sling strap with padding and adjustment to leave your arms free to grab your gear.
| ICEMULE Classic Mini 9L Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 534 Grams |
Dimensions | 7 x 7.5 x 14 inches |
Materials | MuleSkin fabric |
Capacity | 9 Liters |
Highlight Features | collapsible design PolarLayer insulation the patented IM AirValve |
The ICEMULE Classic Mini 9L stands out from the competition for its space-saving design.
Best For Camping: YETI 10022320000
- Provide an easy one-handed opening - quick-access latches
- Strong - a rotomolded construction
- The strap could be longer
You'll love the YETI 10022320000, especially if you are an enthusiast camper. This hard-sided cooler is durable yet lightweight, plus it has a comfortable top handle, so you can keep your food and drinks cold on the go.
The quick-access latches provide an easy one-handed opening.
This cooler is perfect for a group of 3-5 people because it can accommodate 18 cans with a 1:2 can-to-ice ratio. With a height of 13", it also can keep beer bottles.
About the strength, the YETI 10022320000 has a rotomolded construction that can resist scratches or bumps along the way.
| YETI 10022320000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.21 Kilograms |
Dimensions | 16.5 x 14.5 x 17.5 inches |
Materials | Metal |
Capacity | 2 Liters |
Highlight Features | quick-access latches a rotomolded construction |
In search of the best lightweight cooler for camping? Then, check out the YETI 10022320000
Sturdy: Coleman Chiller Series
- Sturdy – made of high-quality plastic
- Easy to clean – quick-clean top design
- The handle could be stronger
The Coleman Chiller Series can accommodate 8 pounds of ice and 11 cans at the same time, perfect for couples or small groups.
It is built with TempLock insulation that ensures your drinks will stay ice cold. On top of that, this cooler is very sturdy and you can rest assured to carry it for small adventures, parties, or in your car.
One big plus is that if you unintendedly spill something on the top of this model, all you need to do is wipe it down with a wet cloth or sponge.
| Coleman Chiller Series Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.6 Pounds |
Dimensions | 12 x 15.75 x 11.13 inches |
Materials | Plastic |
Capacity | 16 Quarts |
Highlight Features | made of high-quality plastic quick-clean top design |
The Coleman Chiller Series is a great choice for those looking for a sturdy and lightweight hard sided cooler.
Easy To Carry: Igloo Playmate The Boss
- Easy to carry - a wide comfortable mold-in handle
- Cool-looking & easy to open - tent-top design
- Rugged – a diamond-plate texture on the exterior
- Not prevent water leaking well
The Igloo Playmate The Boss is our favorite pick for singles because it's compact and easy to carry.
This one measures 14.49 x 10.83 x 13.74 inches, weighs only 3.7 pounds, and features a wide comfortable mold-in handle so that you can carry it around easily with one hand. The cool tent-top design is an excellent bonus point.
Small yet mighty, this cooler features a rugged diamond-plate texture on the exterior. The secure lid helps prevent spills, while the push button lid design provides convenient one-handed operation.
| Igloo Playmate The Boss Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.7 Pounds |
Dimensions | 14.49 x 10.83 x 13.74 inches |
Materials | Foam |
Capacity | 13.2 Liters |
Highlight Features | a wide comfortable mold-in handle tent-top design a diamond-plate texture on the exterior |
After testing so many options, we find that no model could match the blend of convenience and aesthetics of the Igloo Playmate The Boss. It’s easy to carry, cool to look at, and functional.
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Cooler?
Weight
When it comes to coolers, the lighter, the easier to carry around. If you are going to do a lot of walking or hiking, make sure to choose a lighter option.
“But, how many weights are considered lightweight for a cooler?”—you might be wondering.
Well, most coolers on the market today range from 5 to 10 pounds. Still, some models can be as light as 3 pounds or as heavy as 20 pounds.
If you're looking for a lightweight cooler, it's important to find one that's around 5-7 pounds.
Size
When it comes to coolers, size definitely matters.
After all, you want a cooler that can hold all your food and drinks and keep them cold for hours on end.
Consider how much food and drink you need to be able to fit in your cooler. How many people will the cooler serve? And for how long? During several hours or throughout the day?
If you're planning on taking it on long hikes or camping trips, you'll want to ensure that it's large enough to hold all your food and drinks. On the contrary, if you're only going to use it for short trips or picnics, a smaller cooler will suffice.
Once you've decided on the capacity you need, compare different models to find one that fits your needs.
Features
Next, think about what features you need in a cooler.
Do you need a built-in ice pack? Would you like a removable liner for easy cleaning?
Make sure to choose a model that has all the features you need while still being lightweight and portable.
Insulation
Some coolers are made with better insulation than others, and this can make a big difference in how well your cooler keeps things cold.
So, make sure to check the specifications of the cooler you're considering to see how well it is insulated.
If you're planning on using your cooler for long periods of time or in hot climates, good insulation is even more important. A well-insulated cooler will keep your food and drinks cold for longer, even in high temperatures.
It's worth paying a little extra for a cooler with good insulation, as it will save you money in the long run by preventing your food from spoiling.
Price
Lightweight coolers can range in price from pretty cheap to pretty expensive.
Figure out how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping. Keep these things in mind, and you'll be able to find the perfect lightweight cooler for your needs!
Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Cooler?
Carhartt
Carhartt is one of the longest apparel brands in the industry, since 1889. This is a well-known American company with headquarters in Michigan, dedicated to providing high-quality workwear, outdoor apparel, and gear.
ICEMULE
ICEMULE coolers stand out from the competition for its dedication to portability, affordability, function, durability, and quality. They are the ones who invented the adventure cooler and now offer the best portable high-end coolers on the market.
YETI
Founded in 2006, YETI is a leading American manufacturing company that specializes in outdoor goods. If you're looking for a cooler that can retain ice for long periods of time, you'll appreciate a YETI cooler.
One of the coolest features of YETI coolers is their rugged construction and outperformed materials at every turn.
But durability is not all they have to offer! With extra insulation in the walls and lids on most sizes (combined with freezer-quality sealing) and one-piece construction, YETI coolers provide ice retention like no other.
FAQs
Does the weight of a cooler matter?
Yes, it is. A basic rule of thumb is: the more lightweight the cooler, the easier to carry it around. If your camping spot is far from where you park, the weight of your cooler is way more important to consider.
How much can a cooler hold?
We would say the cooler’s capacity depends on two factors: how many people will use it and for how long. On average, a 16-quart cooler is perfect for 1-2 users, while a 100-quart model is better for a large group of up to 10 people.
Is there a cooler better than a Yeti?
Pelican is a great alternative to Yeti cooler because of its superior ice retention, all thanks to the all-angle freezer-grade gasket construction and thicker insulation layers.
Do coolers wear out?
Yes, they do. Coolers don’t last forever. Being dragged into the ground or suffering the repeated high temps cause coolers to wear out.
How long will food be kept in a cooler?
The best coolers on the market can keep food for 4-5 days. Steel belted coolers retain ice for 2-3 days, while Styrofoam coolers can last for 18-24 hours.
Conclusion
Lightweight coolers are a great way to keep your food and drinks cold while you're out on the go, without having to lug around extra weight.
With this article, we've provided some of our top choices that provide maximum performance with minimum bulk.
We hope it's helped you find the best lightweight cooler that best fits your needs, so you can enjoy all the convenience and portability that comes along with it. Happy adventuring!
