Gear Up with the Best Beach Coolers, Soft-Sided and Collapsible Options for Your Next Family Vacation

If you’re heading to the beach on a warm summer day, you need the best beach cooler to keep your favorite beverages chilled to perfection. Not all coolers are created equal, though. Whether you’re looking for a beach cooler with wheels, the best ice cooler, or a soft-sided cooler, some options are better suited for a full day at the shore.

When choosing a cooler, features like being collapsible, leak-proof, and easy to carry can make all the difference for your outdoor excursions. Additionally, opting for eco-friendly materials ensures your new beach cooler is safe for holding your drinks and snacks while being kind to the planet.

If you’re ready to upgrade to the best ice chest cooler or a collapsible cooler for your upcoming adventures, we’ve made the search simple. Check out our top picks for the best beach coolers and ice boxes that are sure to become your summer favorites! Beach Gear, Beach Towels

1. YETI

Type of Cooler | Collapsible Leakproof Soft Cooler
Material | Rotomolded Indestructible Materials
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Flatwall Design, Permafrost Insulation, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 45 Cans

A lot of people know the name YETI and respect the fact that this brand creates some of the best and most durable outdoor coolers in the industry. This is the first cooler from YETI that comes on wheels. If you are looking for a portable cooler that is easy to take with you on-the-go, then consider the YETI Tundra.

There is a lot to love about this wheeled cooler. This cooler is puncture resistant and designed to be virtually indestructible and is considered as one of the best coolers available.

What many people don’t realize about YETI is that this company is a sustainable, eco-friendly brand that is dedicated to helping the planet. YETI makes gear that is meant for exploring nature and the brand wants to make sure that they help protect that nature. In fact, the family-owned company makes a concerted effort to incorporate recyclable materials and responsibly-sourced materials in the creation of their coolers so you can really feel good about supporting this brand.

SHOP YETI

2. Lifewit

Type of Cooler | Collapsible Leakproof Soft Cooler
Material | Oxford Fabric, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, EPE Foam, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 32 Cans

Looking for a cooler that will hold a lot of cans in one convenient package? Consider this Lifewit soft-sided cooling bag. This is the perfect cooler for your next beach trip.

It is completely insulated to keep your beverages cool and it can hold up to 36 cans at a time. This gray cooler is lightweight and portable but has a leakproof lining that will help make sure everything stays cool and no water or ice gets out of place. This convenient cooler is also great for carrying food as well.

We love that this Lifewit cooler is made with safe, high-density foam that is safe to use with your food. Plus, if you want to take this cooler with you when you go on vacation, it easily folds up and can fit right in your suitcase. There are even plenty of exterior pockets on this cooler so you can carry other accessories with you like koozies, sunscreen or a first-aid kit.

SHOP LIFEWIT

3. TOURIT

Type of Cooler | Collapsible Leakproof Soft Cooler
Material | Oxford Fabric, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, High-Density Insulation Materials, Food Grade EPE Foam, Light Weight
Capacity | 50 Cans

If you are looking for an insulated bag that makes carrying cans on the beach super convenient and practical, then consider this TOURIT Insulated Backpack. This cooler backpack is super lightweight yet still features enough insulation to make sure all of your favorite beverages stay as cool as possible. This lightweight cooler features a durable Oxford material exterior and an interior that is super-safe for all of your favorite food and drinks.

This EPE Foam is food-grade rated so you never have to worry about unwanted chemicals or toxins leeching into your food. This lightweight and durable cooler is made with waterproof materials and can actually keep your food and drinks hot or cold for up to 16 hours. If you need to keep other items in your bag, you can enjoy the two side mesh pockets, two large zipper pockets and two smaller pockets on this bag. Plus, it folds down for easy storage in your suitcase—making it a great cooler for travel.

SHOP TOURIT

4. CleverMade

Type of Cooler | Collapsible Leakproof Soft Cooler
Material | Oxford Fabric, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 50 Cans

This soft-sided collapsible cooler bag from CleverMade is the perfect travel-friendly beach accessory for your next trip. This CleverMade SnapBasket Collapsible Cooler. If you want to take this cooler with you on your next beach vacation, you will find that it easily folds down and fit in your suitcase so it can go with you wherever your next adventure.

This material is not only great for cans and can hold up to 50 at a time, but it is also made with food-safe foam, so you don’t have to worry about chemicals in your foo or drinks. We love that this large cooler bag has convenient carrying straps and a duffle style that makes it easier to carry heavy loads. Plus, this beach cooler is perfect for travel. Even though the bag is oversized, it can fold down into a flat and convenient package that you can easily put in your suitcase for your vacation.

SHOP CLEVERMADE

5. California Innovations

Type of Cooler | Hardbody Thermal Cooler Pack
Material | Slime Tech Exterior, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, FDA Compliant, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 50 Cans

If you love the durability that the brand California Innovations (Columbia) is known for, then you are sure to love this Columbia Zipperless Hardbody Cooler. This cooler features a zipper-less lid that is easy to open but will still stay closed tight so your beverages always stay the perfect temperature. This cooler is FDA-compliant and is safe enough for you to use with food—and you won’t have to worry about chemicals leaching in to what you are planning on eating.

If you are planning on storing cans, this cooler can hold up to 50 cans at a time. This best cooler features an insulated, leak-proof design that will keep everything in place. It is both expandable and designed to fold up flat so you can store it right in your suitcase. There is even an included “back saver” shoulder strap that makes carrying those larger loads to the beach much simpler.

SHOP CALIFORNIA INNOVATIONS

6. California Innovations

Type of Cooler | Collapsible Leakproof Soft Cooler
Material | Oxford Fabric, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, Zipperless Lid, FDA Compliant, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 30 Cans

If you are looking for a zipperless cooler that isn’t just convenient to use, but that will help keep all of your beverages as cool as possible—then consider this item from California Innovations (Arctic Zone). This lightweight cooler is a great option for any beachgoer. You can flip open the top of this cooler and don’t have to worry about the hassle of a zipper while you’re at the beach. We love that this cooler not only has a large capacity, but that it can easily hold down for easy storage.

Plus, this cooler is made with safe and natural materials. This includes a FDA-compliant liner, that is safe enough for you to use with you food. Plus, the exterior of this cooler is both water and stain resistant, so you can rest assured that this cooler continues to look its best even when you’re taking this cooler out with you on the beach.

SHOP CALIFORNIA INNOVATIONS

7. Hap Tim

Type of Cooler | Outdoor Soft Cooler
Material | Oxford Fabric, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, Food Safe, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 40 Cans

If you are looking for a simple, yet convenient cooler for your next beach trim, then consider this Hap Tim Reusable Cooler. This cooling bag can hold up to 40 cans at a time, plus ice. While it has a large capacity, many also love that it can easily fold down for simple storage when its not in use.

This makes this cooler a great option for when you are planning on going to the beach or want to take your cooler with you while you travel. This beach cooler is guaranteed not to leak and designed to help keep your beverages and food cool and safe. We love that it folds down for easy travel, making it the perfect accessory to pack with you as you plan for that next big beach vacation. There is even a built-in bottle opener that makes it simple to open all of your favorite beverages in an instant, without having to bring any extra accessories.

SHOP HAP TIM

8. Yodo Group

Type of Cooler | Insulated Cooler Bag
Material | Leak-Free Oxford Fabric
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 30 Cans

This collapsible soft cooler from Yodo Group is the perfect travel-friendly piece for your next trip. You can easily put this foldable cooler right in your suitcase and take it with you for your next beach outing. This light and bright beach cooler will work for all of your parties, picnics and even sporting events.

This cooler is leak-free, made with head-welded seams so it won’t leak and is designed to keep your food and drinks either warm or cool for up to six hours. There are even additional compartments on the exterior of this cooler so you can bring all of your favorite accessories with you.

This functional and convenient cooler folds up to a flat, lightweight package that you can easily put in your suitcase for your next big trip. However, our favorite feature of this cooler has to be that it is made with a safe and natural lining that won’t cause any harsh chemicals to leach into your food. This lining is FDA qualified to be used with foods as well.

SHOP YODO GROUP

9. VINGLI

Type of Cooler | Wagon Cooler
Material | Rattan
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Wheels, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 96 Cans

Looking for a new portable cooler for your beach trip? This rolling, portable beverage cooler is on wheels and is easy to transport when you are out and about. If you are planning on carrying enough beverages for your entire group, then this rolling cooler is a great option for you.

This device is one-part cooler and one-part wagon and boasts big wheels that can easily handle sand and all types of difficult terrain. This massive cooler can hold up to 96 cans at a time and can keep your drinks cool for up to 48 hours or your food warm for up to eight hours at a time. Plus, this cooler is made out of safe materials so you can feel confident putting food in this cooler and knowing it will stay safe. This cooler is also great for travel as the wheels are actually inflatable and can be removed to easy storage when they’re not in use.

SHOP VINGLI

10. Coleman

Type of Cooler | Leakproof Hard Cooler
Material | Safe Antimicrobial Plastic, EPE Foam
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, Antimicrobial, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 42 Cans

Need an extra-large cooler for your next outdoor trip? Then consider this cooler with removable wheels. This Coleman cooler has removable wheels that you can add or take off, depending on your preference. There is even more to love about this cooler besides just the large size. This large cooler comes with multiple pockets for your dry goods and a zippered main compartment for your cold and hot items.

This large cooler actually has a pop-up handle and options wheels that make it easy for you to take it with you on your beach trip. In fact, this little cooler can easily hold up to 42 cans with ice. However, our favorite feature of this cooler is that it is also safe for use with food and has natural antimicrobials in it. This allows the cooler liner to resist mold, odor, mildew and fungus, so your food stays safe and healthy.

SHOP COLEMAN

11. SEEHONOR

Type of Cooler | Backpack Cooler
Material | Lightweight Liner
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, PEVA liner, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 25 Cans

This insulated backpack from SEEHONOR is the perfect piece for anyone who wants a convenient way to carry all of their favorite beverages on the beach. With this cooler, you can easily carrying your drinks right on your back. Plus, this cooler is leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about ice or water getting all over you while you’re carrying your cooler around.

While this backpack cooler may seem small and lightweight, it can hold up to 25 cans at a time. Another thing we love about this soft cooler bag? It features an inner insulation of safe, thickened foam that will help make sure that your food and drink stay warm and cool as they should—all day long.

This cooler also features a natural, safe, PEVA liner. This means that you can safely put food in this cooler and not worry about anything chemicals leaching into your food.

SHOP SEEHONOR

12. MIER

Type of Cooler | Grocery Cooler Bag
Material | Nylon
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Eco-Friendly, Durable, Foldable, PEVA liner, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 20 Cans

Looking for a new insulated grocery bag to take with you at the beach or to your next outdoor adventure? This simple, insulated grocery bag from MIER is great for camping and beach outings and has a surprising ability to keep items at their proper temperature. When this bag isn’t in use, you can fold it flat and throw it in the back of your car or in your suitcase.

We love that this cooler bag has two different straps for convenient carrying options and that it can easily fit up to 20 cans at a time. This cooler also works to keep your food warm, or cold, as well. There is a PEVA liner with heat-welded seams that will prevent leaks. This brand makes liners that are safe to use with food, so you can feel good about using this with your bare food and snacks. MIER is also dedicated to creating eco-friendly products, like this cooler that won’t harm you or the environment.

SHOP MIER

13. FORICH

Type of Cooler | Cooler Backpack
Material | Nylon
Benefits | Leakproof Lining, Safe, Durable, Foldable, PEVA liner, Large Capacity, Light Weight
Capacity | 10 Cans

If you are looking for a lightweight, insulated backpack that is great for picnics, beaches and camping—then consider this FORICH cooler. This cooler is compact but can fit up to 10 cans at a time. It also has several exterior cooler pockets where you can easily store up to four bottles of wine.

Worried about carrying all of these beverages? This cooler features a convenient back pack design that makes it easy to carry even heavier loads. We also love that this cooler is made with a thick, leak-proof material that will keep everything in place and will make sure that your food and drink stays the perfect temperature for hours. The interior lining of this cooler is made with safe PEVA materials that are graded to be used with food, so you never have to worry about where you are storing your snacks while you are at the beach.

SHOP FORICH

Super Convenient Beach Coolers and Ice Boxes That You Are Sure to Love

If you are ready to get a new cooler for your beach trips, but aren’t sure which insulated bag is the right one for you—take a look at our list of best coolers available. These bags are all foldable, convenient and travel-friendly making them great for your beach ventures. Plus, these beach coolers are all made with safe, eco-friendly practices that you can really feel good about buying. Now, you just need to determine which beach cooler is the right beach cooler to meet your needs.

Shana Thompson is a full time professional writer and editor. Shana has worked extensively in the fields of content marketing, on-page and off-page SEO (guest posts, backlink acquisition), and creative writing. As an experienced pro content writer, Shana has worked on several magazines, publishing companies and marketing agencies. Many recent projects have included everything from nutrition and health services, where a lot of research and citations were needed, to writing about health, sustainable, eco-friendly products.

Follow Shana at Shana Thompson