Yes. The way we store food and beverages while on the go has never been easier or better. Whether you’re going to the beach, camping, having a picnic, tailgating at a sports game, or even simply packing lunch for work, cooler bags work.
Everyone remembers those tin lunchboxes we used to bring to school as kids. Even though those were not nearly as effective as the modern thermal bag we use today, they still got the job done and some kids still use them. This concept originally came from the first type of cooler bags which were actually ice boxes made of steel.
Modern cooler bags are way more efficient. These work by insulating the inside of the bag to prevent any cold air from escaping while simultaneously blocking any external temperatures from entering the bag. You will find the higher quality cooler bags are waterproof, watertight, and sealed with airtight zippers and seamless welding which creates a vacuum of air. This maintains the desired temperature for the contents of your insulated bag for much longer.
Cooler Bags vs Cooler Boxes
Both will get the job done. Which one is better? Even though cooler boxes and cooler bags share the same purpose, they both have their pros and cons in functionality. Cooler boxes usually will have a greater capacity but will take up much more space. One of the benefits of a cooler bag, is that they often can fold down when not full or not in use whereas a cooler box will always be the same size. Pound for pound a cooler bag can carry more for this reason. On that note, since cooler bags are soft, many have been designed to transition into a secondary carrying style, such as duffel cooler bag that alters into a cooler backpack.
Cooler boxes can sometimes offer features that powers the unit like a mini fridge of sorts. This is a feature found only in some of the most expensive cooler boxes, so more likely than not, cooler boxes will need ice packs to set the temperature just as you would with a cooler bag.
With the advancements in technology of the materials used in higher end cooler bags, you will get almost the same quality insulation as a cooler box. Often, you will get even better quality from a cooler bag than a low to medium grade cooler box. Sometimes at a lower price for a much greater value.
Best Cooler Bags
Campers, hikers, and travelers need a versatile cooler bag that will keep its contents exactly as intended. Most of these can transition from duffel to backpack in seconds. Their high-grade durable fabrics, seamless construction, and airtight zippers make them ideal for any weather condition or water activity. You can see why this is a great product for campers and hikers as it’s easy to carry while offering large capacities. For hikers and campers with electronics like a laptop or photography gear, the backpacks have compartments that will keep your gear dry and safe from the elements. Additionally, it is virtually impossible for bugs to get in.
A low-profile duffel cooler is perfect for activities like fishing, or heading to the beach. These water-resistant cooler bags are super lightweight and with padded straps making them comfortable to wear or carry. They will protect your food from sand or water and everything else while also providing you a place to store other belongings like a change of clothing. For cleaning, you simply need to rinse out the duffel inside and out with water, then set it somewhere to dry. It’s very easy.
Best Cooler Bags for Food and Beverages
Although all cooler bags can provide you cooling functionality, there are specific kinds that are less versatile but better for food and beverages. Frigidaire makes one of the most popular insulated tote bags that holds up to 36 cans or 13 gallons and 40lbs of ice. This tote is waterproof, has a very high-performance ice retention, and a leak free main compartment so when your ice finally does melt, it will never leave you with a mess. Just like the other cooler bags I have highlighted, this too is extremely easy to clean and has antimicrobial properties built into the flexible lining to resist odor, mold, and mildew. There is also a front zippered pocket that can be used for additional storage.
Finally, I am happy to feature my absolute favorite cooler bag, Cold Jack’s 48 can rolling soft sided portable cooler. I have already taken this with me on a weekend camping trip and plan to use this for my tailgating events this upcoming football season. This cooler is great, it holds up to 48 cans and can hold ice for days. After 3 days of camping, I found very little change in temperature and wondered how long it could really hold ice for if I just left it. Unfortunately, I did not as I had to travel and didn’t want to leave it without cleaning it, but I was impressed.
This portable cooler by Cold Jack features high frequency seamless welding, an airtight rubber sealed zipper, and ballistic nylon exterior making it rugged and tough. Amazingly, it is waterproof and can withstand up to 15 feet underwater and still maintain its watertight seal. The two wheels and built-in telescope handle make this very easy to move around even when it’s at max capacity. Because its soft sided and durable, it’s also very easy to squish and store wherever you need it to fit during travel. The wide opening access makes it easy to find anything inside and helps accessibility if there’s a lot of different hands grabbing drinks or food at the same time, which I am expecting when I take this with me tailgating with my friends. Additionally, there is a top tray on the lid with two cupholders and a grooved space to set things down along with built in stretchy cables which will keep the wind from blowing away whatever you set on in that space.
This cooler is perfect for taking with you anywhere and for any occasion where you want to keep your food and beverages fresh without concern of temperature. It’s large enough for a small group and small enough to use if you’re just relaxing by yourself in your backyard or wherever. Take it to the park for a picnic or BBQ. Bring it to the lake. Let it join you on a road trip. Take it with you anywhere and don’t worry about wear and tear, this cooler bag comes with a Cold Jack 5-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Cooler bags are effective and will support you with fresh food and cold drinks for sustenance and pleasure so you can continue enjoying any event or occasion. Cooler bags are much better than cooler boxes because they’re more convenient in their mobility and capacity while typically a much better price and value. Cooler bags are built strong and serve many purposes beyond keeping your food and drinks cold. Cooler bags are easy to maintain and have longevity lasting for many years.
The bottom line is cooler bags are chillin’.
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