10 Best Car Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler is a great choice for those who want a portable and reliable cooler for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, or picnics. It has a moderate capacity, holding about 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, which is enough for a small group or day trip. The cooler uses YETI’s ColdCell insulation, which does a solid job of keeping your items cold for hours, making it suitable for warm days out. One of its standout features is the MagShield Access, a magnetic closure system that creates a strong, leak-resistant seal and stays open when you need it, which adds convenience.

The backpack style means you can carry it hands-free, and the DryHide shell fabric is tough enough to resist punctures and sun damage, boosting durability for rugged use. Additionally, the HitchPoint grid lets you attach extra gear like dry bags or tools, great for customizing your setup. However, it’s a soft-sided cooler, so it might not protect very fragile items as well as a hard cooler. Also, it doesn’t have a built-in power source since it relies on insulation alone, so it’s not for long-term cooling without ice.

Weighing about 3.45 kg (7.6 lbs), it’s fairly light but can feel bulky when fully packed. This cooler is well-suited for active users who value portability, strong cold-holding ability, and rugged construction but don’t require large capacity or electrical cooling.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler is a versatile and portable option for keeping beverages and ice cold while on the go. With the capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, it offers ample space for your needs. The ColdCell insulation ensures impressive cold retention, making sure your items stay frosty for extended periods. The MAGSHIELD Access feature uses durable magnets to create a leak-resistant seal that is easy to open and close, adding to the cooler's practicality.

The high-density DryHide Shell is designed to withstand punctures and UV rays, enhancing its durability for outdoor adventures. Additionally, the kangaroo pocket provides convenient storage for small essentials like phones, keys, or wallets. However, the cooler's weight (3.06 kilograms) might be a bit hefty for some users, especially when fully loaded.

Its portability as a backpack is a major plus, but it lacks an additional power source, which might be a drawback for those looking for a cooler with electric cooling capabilities. Nonetheless, its durability, efficient cooling technology, and added features like the kangaroo pocket make it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable cooler.

The Dometic CFX3 55-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is a versatile and powerful option for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable cooling. Its 55-liter capacity is ample for storing food and beverages for picnics, fishing trips, and camping. One standout feature is its unique ice maker, which can produce ice quickly without impacting the temperature of the cooler. This can be particularly useful in hot weather or remote locations.

The cooling technology is impressive, with the ability to reach temperatures as low as -7°F, ensuring that your items stay chilled or frozen as needed. Additionally, its low power consumption makes it an energy-efficient choice, capable of being powered by AC, DC, or solar sources. This flexibility is enhanced by a 3-stage dynamic battery protection system that prevents your vehicle battery from dying, which is a smart feature for extended trips.

The cooler's advanced technology includes the CFX3 app, allowing you to control and monitor temperatures via WiFi or Bluetooth, adding convenience to its usage. Durability is well-addressed with its high-density polyethylene construction and impact-resistant design, making it capable of withstanding rugged outdoor conditions. However, at 47 pounds, it is relatively heavy, and its size might make it less portable for some users. Transporting it might require a bit of effort, especially when fully loaded. The high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons facilitate easy usage, making it user-friendly even for those who are not tech-savvy.