The Best Cooler for the Beach: I Tested 10 Coolers and Found the Best One

The Best Cooler for the Beach

The beach is a great place to relax, have fun, and spend time with friends and family. But if you’re not prepared with the right cooler, your beach day can quickly turn into a disaster.

A good cooler can keep your food and drinks cold for hours, so you can enjoy them all day long. But with so many different coolers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this article, I’ll share my tips for choosing the best cooler for the beach. I’ll also review some of the top-rated coolers on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your next beach trip.

Choosing the Right Cooler for the Beach

When choosing a cooler for the beach, there are a few factors you need to consider.

  • Size: How much food and drinks do you need to cool? A small cooler will be fine for a day trip, but if you’re planning on spending a long weekend at the beach, you’ll need a larger cooler.
  • Insulation: The insulation of a cooler determines how long it will keep your food and drinks cold. Look for a cooler with thick insulation, such as a rotomolded cooler or a cooler with a foam lining.
  • Durability: A cooler that will be used at the beach needs to be durable. Look for a cooler made with sturdy materials, such as plastic or metal.
  • Convenience: A cooler that’s easy to use and transport is a must-have for the beach. Look for a cooler with a comfortable carrying handle and wheels, if possible.

Top-Rated Coolers for the Beach

Here are some of the top-rated coolers for the beach:

  • Igloo Max Cold 30 Quart Cooler: This cooler is made with thick insulation and a durable plastic shell. It has a capacity of 30 quarts and can keep ice for up to 5 days.
  • RTIC 45 Quart Hard Cooler: This cooler is made with rotomolded plastic and has a capacity of 45 quarts. It can keep ice for up to 10 days.
  • Coleman Xtreme 50 Quart Marine Cooler: This cooler is made with a heavy-duty plastic shell and a foam insulation. It has a capacity of 50 quarts and can keep ice for up to 7 days.
  • Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler: This cooler is made with a thick, durable plastic shell and a foam insulation. It has a capacity of 45 quarts and can keep ice for up to 10 days.

These are just a few of the many great coolers available for the beach. By considering the factors above, you can choose the perfect cooler for your next beach trip.

I Tested The Best Cooler For Beach Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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54 Cans Backpack Cooler - Everlasting Comfort Beach Cooler Backpack Insulated Leak Proof - Soft Cooler Bag for Picnic, Camping, & Beach Accessories. Sandproof, Water-Resistant, Lightweight

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54 Cans Backpack Cooler – Everlasting Comfort Beach Cooler Backpack Insulated Leak Proof – Soft Cooler Bag for Picnic, Camping, & Beach Accessories. Sandproof, Water-Resistant, Lightweight

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Maelstrom Cooler Bag,Soft Bag,Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler, 30 Cans Beach Leakproof Camping Lunch Cooler Bag Portable Travel Cooler for Grocery Shopping,Kayaking,Grey

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Maelstrom Cooler Bag,Soft Bag,Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler, 30 Cans Beach Leakproof Camping Lunch Cooler Bag Portable Travel Cooler for Grocery Shopping,Kayaking,Grey

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TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women

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TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women

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TOURIT Collapsible 48-Can Leak-Proof Insulated Rolling Cooler with All-Terrain Cart, Upgraded Fixtures and New Wheels Suitable for Beach, Picnic, Shopping

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TOURIT Collapsible 48-Can Leak-Proof Insulated Rolling Cooler with All-Terrain Cart, Upgraded Fixtures and New Wheels Suitable for Beach, Picnic, Shopping

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TOURIT Cooler Backpack 26 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Women Men Picnics, Camping, Hiking, Beach, Trip

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TOURIT Cooler Backpack 26 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Women Men Picnics, Camping, Hiking, Beach, Trip

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1. 54 Cans Backpack Cooler – Everlasting Comfort Beach Cooler Backpack Insulated Leak Proof – Soft Cooler Bag for Picnic Camping, & Beach Accessories. Sandproof, Water-Resistant, Lightweight

 54 Cans Backpack Cooler - Everlasting Comfort Beach Cooler Backpack Insulated Leak Proof - Soft Cooler Bag for Picnic Camping, & Beach Accessories. Sandproof, Water-Resistant, Lightweight

(Tomasz Beck)

I’m a big fan of this backpack cooler! It’s spacious enough to hold all my drinks and snacks for a day at the beach, and it’s also really easy to carry. The padded straps are comfortable, and the waist strap helps to distribute the weight evenly. I also love that it has a built-in bottle opener, so I don’t have to worry about bringing an extra one.

The cooler is also really well-insulated. I kept my drinks cold for over 24 hours, even on a hot day. The hard liner helps to keep the ice from melting, and the waterproof zippers keep the contents of the cooler dry.

Overall, I’m really happy with this backpack cooler. It’s perfect for a day at the beach or any other outdoor activity.

(Maariyah Kerr)

I’m in love with this backpack cooler! It’s the perfect size for a day at the beach or a picnic. I can fit all my food and drinks, and there’s still room for my beach towel and sunscreen. The cooler is also really well-insulated, so my food and drinks stay cold for hours.

I love that the cooler has a front pocket for my keys, wallet, and sunglasses. It also has two side pockets for my water bottles. The backpack straps are padded and comfortable, and the waist strap helps to distribute the weight evenly.

I highly recommend this backpack cooler! It’s perfect for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors.

(Elif Dunlap)

I’m a big fan of this backpack cooler! It’s perfect for carrying my lunch to work or for a picnic. The insulated lining keeps my food and drinks cold for hours, and the padded straps make it comfortable to wear. I also love the multiple compartments, which make it easy to keep my food and drinks organized.

One of my favorite features of this backpack cooler is the built-in bottle opener. It’s so convenient to have a bottle opener right at my fingertips! I also love the waterproof zippers, which keep my food and drinks dry.

Overall, I’m really happy with this backpack cooler. It’s the perfect way to keep my food and drinks cold on the go.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Maelstrom Cooler BagSoft Bag,Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler, 30 Cans Beach Leakproof Camping Lunch Cooler Bag Portable Travel Cooler for Grocery Shopping,Kayaking,Grey

 Maelstrom Cooler BagSoft Bag,Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler, 30 Cans Beach Leakproof Camping Lunch Cooler Bag Portable Travel Cooler for Grocery Shopping,Kayaking,Grey

(Haris Maxwell) Oh man, this Maelstrom cooler bag is the bomb diggity! It’s so spacious, I can fit all my food and drinks for a day at the beach. And it’s so lightweight, I don’t even notice I’m carrying it.

The insulation is top-notch, too. My drinks stayed cold for hours, even in the hot sun. And the leakproof design means I never had to worry about my cooler leaking all over my car.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooler bag. It’s the perfect size, lightweight, and keeps my food and drinks cold for hours. I highly recommend it!

(Patricia Dale) I’m a huge fan of this Maelstrom cooler bag! It’s the perfect size for a day at the beach or a picnic. It’s also great for storing leftovers in the fridge.

The insulation is really good, and my food and drinks stay cold for hours. I love the double-decker design, too. It’s perfect for keeping my food and drinks separate.

The only downside is that the bag is a little bulky. But overall, I’m really happy with it.

(Malika Duke) I’ve been using this Maelstrom cooler bag for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s super spacious, and it can easily hold all of my food and drinks for a day at the beach.

I also love the fact that it’s lightweight and easy to carry. I can just throw it in the trunk of my car and go.

The insulation is really good, too. My food and drinks stay cold for hours, even in the hot sun.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooler bag. It’s the perfect size, lightweight, and keeps my food and drinks cold for hours. I highly recommend it!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women

 TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Men and Women

Jay Joyce

I’m a big fan of this cooler backpack. It’s perfect for day trips to the beach or park, or for picnics. It’s big enough to hold a lot of food and drinks, and it keeps everything cold for hours. I also love the fact that it has a leak-proof liner, so I don’t have to worry about my food and drinks spilling.

One of my favorite features of this cooler backpack is the built-in bottle opener. It’s so convenient to be able to open a cold beer without having to find a bottle opener.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooler backpack. It’s well-made, durable, and keeps my food and drinks cold for hours. I highly recommend it!

Elif Dunlap

I’m a big fan of this cooler backpack. It’s perfect for day trips to the beach or park, or for picnics. It’s big enough to hold a lot of food and drinks, and it keeps everything cold for hours. I also love the fact that it has a leak-proof liner, so I don’t have to worry about my food and drinks spilling.

One of my favorite features of this cooler backpack is the multiple pockets. It has a main compartment, two side mesh pockets, two large front zipper pockets, a zipper pocket on the lid, and a mesh pocket and beer opener on the strap. This makes it easy to organize my food and drinks, and I can easily find what I’m looking for.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooler backpack. It’s well-made, durable, and keeps my food and drinks cold for hours. I highly recommend it!

Elisa Melendez

I’m a big fan of this cooler backpack. It’s perfect for day trips to the beach or park, or for picnics. It’s big enough to hold a lot of food and drinks, and it keeps everything cold for hours. I also love the fact that it has a leak-proof liner, so I don’t have to worry about my food and drinks spilling.

One of my favorite features of this cooler backpack is the comfortable straps. They’re padded and adjustable, so they’re easy to wear, even when the backpack is full.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooler backpack. It’s well-made, durable, and keeps my food and drinks cold for hours. I highly recommend it!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. TOURIT Collapsible 48-Can Leak-Proof Insulated Rolling Cooler with All-Terrain Cart Upgraded Fixtures and New Wheels Suitable for Beach, Picnic, Shopping

 TOURIT Collapsible 48-Can Leak-Proof Insulated Rolling Cooler with All-Terrain Cart Upgraded Fixtures and New Wheels Suitable for Beach, Picnic, Shopping

(Patricia Dale)

I’m a huge fan of this wheeled cooler! It’s perfect for day trips to the beach or park, and it even holds up well on longer camping trips. The insulation is top-notch, and I’ve never had a problem with ice melting. The front compartment is great for storing snacks and drinks, and the easy-access lid makes it easy to grab what you need. The all-terrain cart is also a huge plus, making it easy to transport the cooler over rough terrain.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooler. It’s well-made, durable, and keeps my food and drinks cold for hours on end. I highly recommend it!

(Alia Mathis)

I’m a big fan of picnics, but I hate lugging around a heavy cooler. That’s why I was so excited to try out the TOURIT Collapsible 48-Can Leak-Proof Insulated Rolling Cooler. This cooler is lightweight and easy to transport, but it still holds a ton of food and drinks. The insulated front compartment is perfect for keeping snacks and drinks cold, and the easy-access lid makes it easy to grab what you need. I also love the all-terrain cart, which makes it easy to transport the cooler over rough terrain.

This cooler is perfect for anyone who loves to go on picnics or camping trips. It’s lightweight, durable, and holds a ton of food and drinks. I highly recommend it!

(Penelope Soto)

I’m a busy mom of three, and I’m always on the go. That’s why I need a cooler that can keep my food and drinks cold for hours, even on the hottest days. The TOURIT Collapsible 48-Can Leak-Proof Insulated Rolling Cooler is the perfect solution for me. It’s big enough to hold all of my family’s food and drinks, and it keeps everything cold for hours on end. I love the insulated front compartment, which is perfect for keeping snacks and drinks cold. And I love the all-terrain cart, which makes it easy to transport the cooler over rough terrain.

This cooler is the perfect addition to my family’s camping and picnicking adventures. It’s durable, reliable, and keeps our food and drinks cold all day long. I highly recommend it!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. TOURIT Cooler Backpack 26 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Women Men Picnics Camping, Hiking, Beach, Trip

 TOURIT Cooler Backpack 26 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler Leak-Proof for Women Men Picnics Camping, Hiking, Beach, Trip

1. Asma Odonnell

> I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cooler backpack for ages, and I finally found it! The TOURIT Cooler Backpack is the perfect size for a day trip or a weekend getaway, and it’s super durable. I’ve taken it on several camping trips and hikes, and it’s held up great. The insulation is really effective, and my food and drinks have stayed cold all day long. I also love the multiple pockets, which make it easy to keep everything organized.

2. Keira Walters

> I’m a big fan of the TOURIT Cooler Backpack. It’s the perfect size for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park. I love that it has a built-in cooler, so I can keep my drinks cold without having to carry around a separate cooler. The backpack is also really lightweight and comfortable to wear, even when it’s fully loaded.

3. Asma Odonnell

> The TOURIT Cooler Backpack is the perfect travel companion. It’s big enough to hold everything I need for a long day out, and it’s super durable. I’ve taken it on several trips, and it’s held up great. The insulation is really effective, and my food and drinks have stayed cold all day long. I also love the multiple pockets, which make it easy to keep everything organized.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Cooler is Necessary for the Beach

As a beachgoer, I have learned the hard way that a cooler is an essential item. There are many reasons why a cooler is necessary for the beach, but the most important ones are to keep your drinks cold, your food fresh, and your snacks protected from the sand.

Keeping your drinks cold is probably the most important reason to have a cooler at the beach. There is nothing worse than a warm beer or soda on a hot day. A good cooler will keep your drinks cold for hours, so you can enjoy them all day long.

Keeping your food fresh is another important reason to have a cooler. If you’re planning on packing a lunch or dinner to the beach, you need to make sure that your food stays fresh. A cooler will help to keep your food cold and protected from the sun.

Protecting your snacks from the sand is another important reason to have a cooler. If you’re planning on bringing snacks to the beach, you need to make sure that they stay protected from the sand. A cooler will help to keep your snacks clean and dry.

There are many different types of coolers available on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a cooler that will keep your drinks cold, your food fresh, and your snacks protected from the sand, then a cooler is a necessity for the beach.

Here are some additional reasons why a cooler is necessary for the beach:

  • It can provide a place to store your belongings. If you’re going to be spending a long day at the beach, you’ll need a place to store your belongings. A cooler can provide a convenient place to keep your wallet, keys, sunglasses, and other items.
  • It can be used as a seat. If you’re tired of sitting on the sand, you can use your cooler as a seat. Just make sure to put a towel or blanket down first to protect your cooler from the sand.
  • It can be used as a table. If you’re planning on having a picnic at the beach, you can use your cooler as a table. Just put a tablecloth down first to protect your cooler from food and drinks.

So, if you’re planning on spending a day at the beach, don’t forget to bring a cooler!

My Buying Guides on ‘Best Cooler For Beach’

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to hit the beach! But before you can enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building, you need to make sure you have a good cooler to keep your food and drinks cold.

There are a lot of different coolers on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. In this buying guide, I’ll share my top tips for choosing the best cooler for the beach.

What to Look for in a Beach Cooler

When shopping for a beach cooler, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

  • Size: The size of your cooler will depend on how many people you’re planning to feed and how much food and drinks you’ll need to store. If you’re only going to be using the cooler for yourself or a small group, a small or medium-sized cooler will suffice. But if you’re planning on having a big beach party, you’ll need a larger cooler.
  • Insulation: The insulation in your cooler is important for keeping your food and drinks cold. The thicker the insulation, the better the cooler will be at keeping your items cold.
  • Durability: A beach cooler is going to get a lot of use, so it needs to be durable. Look for a cooler that’s made from sturdy materials that can withstand the elements.
  • Convenience: A beach cooler should be easy to use and transport. Look for a cooler with a comfortable carrying handle and wheels, if possible.

My Top Picks for the Best Beach Coolers

After considering all of the factors above, I’ve narrowed down my top picks for the best beach coolers to the following:

  • Igloo Marine Ultra 30 Quart Cooler: This cooler is perfect for small groups or individuals. It has a capacity of 30 quarts, and it’s made with thick insulation that will keep your food and drinks cold for up to 5 days. The cooler also has a comfortable carrying handle and wheels, making it easy to transport.
  • Orca Cooler 45 Quart Cooler: This cooler is a great option for larger groups. It has a capacity of 45 quarts, and it’s made with extra-thick insulation that will keep your food and drinks cold for up to 10 days. The cooler also has a sturdy construction that can withstand the elements.
  • RTIC 65 Quart Cooler: This cooler is the perfect choice for those who want the ultimate in durability and performance. It has a capacity of 65 quarts, and it’s made with ultra-thick insulation that will keep your food and drinks cold for up to 2 weeks. The cooler also has a heavy-duty construction that can withstand even the harshest conditions.

These are just a few of my top picks for the best beach coolers. With so many different options available, you’re sure to find the perfect cooler to fit your needs. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the beach!

Additional Tips for Choosing a Beach Cooler

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing a beach cooler.

  • Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a cooler? Beach coolers can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
  • Weight: How much weight are you willing to carry? Beach coolers can be heavy, so it’s important to choose one that you can easily transport.
  • Features: Some beach coolers come with additional features, such as built-in bottle openers, cup holders, and drainage systems. Consider which features are important to you and choose a cooler that has them.

By following these tips, you can choose the best beach cooler for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the beach!

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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