BACKPACK COOLERS

New innovations in technology and changes in lifestyles have led to a booming business in coolers. Coolers exist for almost every possible situation. Rolling coolers, personal coolers, coolers with music systems, and lunchbox coolers are a few types. But what if you want to do a day hike at that national park where you set up camp last night? You want to take along plenty of water and snacks, and you’d like your supplies to stay cool. A backpack cooler is a perfect choice. Within the group of backpack coolers there are several further specializations to meet your needs. Talk about a niche market!

Igloo MaxCold MaxPack Cooler

MaxCold is Igloo’s line of extra-cold coolers. This soft-sided cooler is designed as a backpack and holds up to 18 cans and keeps them cool with extra-thick PolarTherm insulation. It stands just under 16 inches high and measures about 12 inches wide and nine inches deep. Adjustable straps provide a comfortable fit for every hiker and outside pockets offer extra storage.

Outside Baby Backpack Cooler

As every parent knows, baby gear seems to sprout from the woodwork overnight. This particular cooler/backpack combination is one of those baby items, designed to carry other baby items (but not the baby) on a day hike. The pack is divided into two sections with the cooler below and a dry compartment above. There’s a pocket each for valuables, cell phone, organizer, and water bottle, plus an integrated changing pad. Shoulder and waist straps easily adjust for either mom or dad.

Rolling Coolers with Backpack Straps

In yet another niche, many soft-sided rolling coolers include backpack straps in case you can’t roll it where you want to go. The backpack straps will get you from the car or campsite to the lake, river, or scenic overlook if the ground is too uneven or brushy for wheels. The amount of padding on the straps and coolers varies from brand to brand; test a few to find a comfortable one. These coolers are intended mainly for picnic use and are not suitable for wilderness backpacking trips.