Backpack & Portable Coolers

Portable coolers that keep drinks cold wherever you go

When the drinking leaves the house, a portable cooler keeps a stash of beer cold for the day. The best ones hold ice for days, not hours, so a beach trip, a tailgate, a camping weekend or an afternoon in the garden all stay properly supplied. The range here covers small soft coolers for a six pack up to hard chests that swallow a full case with ice to spare.

New to this? Our guide on how to choose a portable cooler walks through ice retention, capacity and the easiest way to carry one.

Hard or soft

Hard coolers are built for ice retention, thick insulated walls and a tight-sealing lid keep ice frozen far longer, and the sturdy ones double as a seat or a table. Soft coolers are lighter and easier to carry and store, ideal for a short trip or a packed lunch of cans. Capacity is usually given in quarts or as a can count with ice, so think about how many drinks you carry and how long you need them cold before you pick a size.

Built for the outdoors

A portable cooler is a solid gift for anyone who drinks outside, from campers and festival-goers to anyone with a garden and a barbecue. For single cans in the hand, add a can cooler, and for keeping the main supply cold at home, a beer fridge does the steady work. See more present ideas in our beer gift guides.