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10 Best Camping Coolers 2025 in Canada

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Our Top Picks

#2

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Navy

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Additional Features
Capacity
Perfect size backpack cooler that fits comfortably for medium-framed users, striking a balance between capacity and portability.
Additional Features
Ideal for outdoor activities like boating, combining functionality with a favorite color option.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack is a well-designed soft cooler that fits nicely for camping and outdoor activities where portability is important. It holds up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, making it a good size for day trips or small groups. The ColdCell insulation is solid, providing impressive ice retention to keep your drinks and food cold for hours. Its standout feature is the MagShield Access, which uses magnets to create a strong, leak-resistant seal that stays open when you want it and snaps closed easily, helping to maintain the cold inside. Portability is enhanced by its backpack style, allowing you to carry it hands-free and comfortably.

The Dryhide shell fabric is tough against punctures and UV rays, so it should hold up well outdoors. For convenience, the Kangaroo pocket offers quick access to small essentials like keys or your phone. In terms of weight, it is fairly light at just over 3 kg, which adds to the ease of carrying. Being a soft cooler, it may not be as rigid or stable as hard coolers when placed on uneven surfaces, and soft-sided coolers can sometimes be trickier to clean inside compared to hard plastic models.

If you want a portable cooler with reliable ice retention and added convenience features for active camping or hiking, the YETI Hopper M12 is a strong choice. Those who need maximum capacity or a very rigid cooler might want to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Additional Features
Capacity
Perfect size backpack cooler that fits comfortably for medium-framed users, striking a balance between capacity and portability.
Additional Features
Ideal for outdoor activities like boating, combining functionality with a favorite color option.
#3

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler, Navy

Rating
9.9
Capacity
Ice Retention
Portability
Capacity
Perfectly sized for day trips to the beach or lake, balancing capacity and portability.
Ice Retention
Keeps food and drinks fresh and cold for over 12 hours, even during long work shifts.
Portability
Comfortable to carry thanks to a well-designed shoulder strap that doesn't feel bulky.
Durability
Durable construction with a heavy-duty zipper that ensures leakproof performance.
Ease of Cleaning
The waterproof zipper requires some effort to pull but comes with lubricant to maintain smooth operation.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler is a solid choice if you need a compact and tough cooler for camping, fishing, or hiking. It can hold about 12-13 cans plus ice, which is enough for a day trip or small group. Thanks to its ColdCell insulation, it keeps ice and drinks colder longer than many soft coolers, so your food and beverages stay chilled throughout the day.

The cooler is also very durable, featuring a DryHide waterproof shell that resists punctures, abrasions, and UV damage—great for rough outdoor use. Its 100% leakproof HydroLok zipper helps keep moisture in and messes out. Portable and lightweight at just over 3 pounds, it’s easy to carry with a comfortable handle, though it’s not as roomy as larger hard coolers. Cleaning is fairly simple since the materials are designed to repel dirt and water.

Its capacity is perfect for personal use or a small group but may not suit bigger outings. While it won’t keep ice as long as some large hard coolers, it balances convenience with decent ice retention. For those seeking a reliable, easy-to-carry cooler that can handle rough conditions and keep drinks cold for hours, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is an excellent choice.

Rating
9.9
Capacity
Ice Retention
Portability
Capacity
Perfectly sized for day trips to the beach or lake, balancing capacity and portability.
Ice Retention
Keeps food and drinks fresh and cold for over 12 hours, even during long work shifts.
Portability
Comfortable to carry thanks to a well-designed shoulder strap that doesn't feel bulky.
Durability
Durable construction with a heavy-duty zipper that ensures leakproof performance.
Ease of Cleaning
The waterproof zipper requires some effort to pull but comes with lubricant to maintain smooth operation.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Coolers

Choosing the right camping cooler can make a big difference in your outdoor experience, keeping your food and drinks fresh and safe. When shopping for a camping cooler, it's important to think about how long you'll be out, how much you need to store, and how you'll be transporting it. Understanding the key features will help you find a cooler that matches your needs and makes your trip more enjoyable.
CapacityCapacity refers to how much the cooler can hold, usually measured in quarts or liters. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can bring along. Small coolers (under 20 quarts) are great for solo trips or short outings, while medium coolers (20-50 quarts) suit small groups or weekend trips. Large coolers (over 50 quarts) are best for bigger groups or longer adventures. To pick the right size, consider how many people you’re packing for and how long you’ll be away. If you need to keep supplies for several days or for a group, go bigger; for day trips or personal use, a smaller cooler is easier to carry.
Ice RetentionIce retention is how long a cooler can keep ice frozen and your items cold. This is crucial for food safety and convenience, especially on longer trips. Basic coolers may keep ice for a day or two, while high-performance models can last up to a week or more. If you’re camping for just a day, basic retention is fine, but for multi-day trips or hot climates, look for coolers with thick insulation and tight seals that promise longer ice retention.
PortabilityPortability covers how easy it is to move the cooler around, including its weight, handles, and wheels. Lightweight coolers or those with comfortable handles are easier to carry, while larger coolers often come with wheels for rolling. If you’ll be walking a distance from your car to your campsite, or if you’ll be moving the cooler often, choose one that’s easy to transport. For car camping or stationary use, portability may be less important.
DurabilityDurability is about how well the cooler stands up to rough use, weather, and the outdoors. Some coolers are made with tough plastic and reinforced corners, making them resistant to drops, bumps, and even wildlife. If you camp often, in rugged areas, or need a cooler that can double as a seat or table, look for one with a reputation for toughness. For occasional or gentle use, a lighter, less rugged cooler may be enough.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning refers to how simple it is to wash out the cooler after use. Features like smooth interiors, drain plugs, and removable lids make cleaning easier and help prevent odors or mold. If you plan to use your cooler frequently or for messy foods, choose one that’s easy to rinse and dry. For occasional use, this may be less of a concern, but it’s always helpful to have a cooler that doesn’t trap dirt or smells.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like cup holders, built-in bottle openers, baskets, or even compatibility with dry ice. These extras can add convenience and comfort to your camping experience. Think about what would make your trip easier or more enjoyable—if you like having drinks handy, cup holders might be useful; if you want to keep some items dry, look for a cooler with a basket. Choose features that match your camping style and preferences.

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