Top 15 best cooler bags: 2021-2022 rating for quality and reliability

A cooler bag is a necessary purchase for all lovers of outdoor recreation and road trips.

When choosing such a product, first of all you need to decide on the type. For example, a thermo-bag is cheaper, but it allows you to keep food only for a short time. Rechargeable models cost more, but they can be periodically recharged from the car battery to keep the cold longer.

There are other criteria for choosing cooler bags. They will be discussed in the article, so that the user does not have difficulty choosing a suitable model. We have also compiled a ranking of the best refrigerator bags according to 2021-2022, which definitely deserve attention.

Top 15 best refrigerator bags ranking for 2021-2022

How to choose a cooler bag?

In order for a refrigerator bag to successfully perform its functions for several years, it is important to choose it in strict accordance with some basic criteria:

• Size and weight. If the bag is bought for the car, it is necessary to calculate how much space the device will take up in the trunk. If the product will be carried in hand, it is important to choose a small and not too heavy model.
• Material. All cooler bags consist of an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer is usually made of nylon and polyester (in inexpensive models) or PVC (in automotive units). All of these materials are durable but easy to care for. In quality cooler bags, the inner layer is usually made of a layer of polyvinyl chloride with a foil surface. Models with an inner layer of paper or thin film are considered of poor quality and should not be purchased. It should also be taken into account that the thickness of the walls should be at least 0.8 cm. Only in this case, the product will successfully retain heat.
• Additional accessories. Most models have add-ons that make it easier to transport the product. These can be shoulder straps or wheels. It is also desirable that the lid of the bag has a lock, which will not allow the food to fall out and scatter.

It is also desirable that the inside of the bag have special dividers for placing food. Even if the bag accidentally falls or overturns, the food will remain in place.

Best cooler bags by price/quality for 2021-2022

It's not always possible to buy an expensive cooler bag. But also it is not worth buying budget models of insufficient quality, because they are unlikely to last a long time. It is better to give preference to inexpensive products from trusted brands.

Arctic Refrigerator Bag 3000

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.8 / 10
	Owner's review
	The bag is great. It looks great - stylish and expensive. Convenient hatch on top so you can put in/get out without having to open the bag all the way. Tested it on one trip, managed to keep food and drinks noticeably cool even by the end of the day for 12 hours. Keep in mind that in order to achieve a low temperature, you need to put cold batteries in the bag. In the simplest case, just frozen bottles. This takes away a noticeable amount of usable volume. 20 liters is a good volume for a day storage bag for a family of 3-4 people.

This cooler bag is available in several variants of different volumes, so to pick up a suitable model will not be difficult. The compact 10-liter size is easy to carry in your hands, while the larger 20- and 30-liter sizes are perfect for road trips.

Irrespective of its size, the bag has a clever rectangular shape, so it can easily fit in the trunk of a car or be taken on board a train.

The low temperature inside is preserved by the cold batteries. They are not provided in the kit, and before using the purchased batteries should be placed in the freezer until completely frozen. To make the bag easy to carry, it is equipped with a wide shoulder strap.

The bag can keep cool for 10 hours, and the nylon exterior is easy to clean to remove any dirt. Additionally, the product features a thermal protection window that allows you to use the bag without opening the zipper.

Technical specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• Cooling principle - the cold accumulator;
• volume: 10, 20 or 30 liters.

2. Green Glade Isothermal Bag P1052

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.6 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	This bag is made very neat and does its job very well. Looks very good on the outside. This is my second bag. I used the first one for over a year until my daughter took it away, she really liked it. I had to order a second one. Now everyone is satisfied. For more effective preservation of cold, do not forget to put the battery.

Externally, this insulated bag looks like a normal travel bag, but due to the quality workmanship it will be an indispensable thing on a picnic, a trip or a trip to the cottage.

The manufacturer took care that the product was easy to carry. To do this, its top has two small handles and an additional shoulder strap. The bag has a rectangular shape, so you can easily put inside not only bottles, but also ready-made food in lunchboxes or containers.

The bag is able to keep cold for 12 hours. To do this, place pre-frozen cold batteries inside (they are not included), and then place the food and zipper it up.

Additionally, the bag has additional side pockets, which can compactly place useful little things that you may need while traveling or on vacation. Despite the fact that the volume of bag is 20 liters, the product itself weighs only 0.4 kg.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• weight 0.45 kg
• load up to 10 kg;
• 31 cm high.

3. AVS Thermal Bag TC

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.5 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	Don't know if there is a 6L, but it looks like a very compact bag. The stitching seems fine, zippers work, and there is a long shoulder strap. The bag accommodates containers: 1*1,6l + 2*0.8l, as well as 2 cold batteries from AVS company, they are quite compact. Keeps cool well, during the day, not even half of the batteries defrosted (tested 2 pcs AVS)

Users who often go on trips to the countryside in the warmer months, or travel a lot, will definitely like this model of bag cooler. The product is made of durable and hard-wearing polyester, which is easily cleaned from any dirt.

The inner layer is covered with a special waterproof PEVA film, and the insulation layer of foil allows you to keep cold for 20 hours. Two cold batteries are provided with the thermal bag, which freeze before being placed in the bag.

Additionally, the coolbag is equipped with a padded carrying handle and a wide shoulder strap. The length of the latter can be adjusted to make carrying as comfortable as possible. The product also features several side pockets for storing useful little things, and the wide top flap allows you to conveniently place bottles, ready-to-eat meals in containers or factory-packaged foods inside.

The bag has a rectangular shape, so it can be easily placed in a car trunk or right in the cabin.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• temperature keeping time - 12 hours;
• volume: 6, 10 or 20 l.

Best 10-15 liter cooler bags

Thermo bags for 10-15 liters are great for trips on the bus or train. They are lightweight, compact, and roomy enough to hold food supplies for 2-3 people.

1. Airline Cooler Bag AO-CB

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.9 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	Bought for a fishing trip to Astrakhan to bring my catch. Filled a bag full of pre-frozen fish. Took it with me on the plane in my luggage. On arrival to Moscow the fish remained frozen even for the next day, without any cold batteries. Quality of the bag is excellent, so is its appearance. A friend has been using the same bag for a few years now and is happy with it too. Anyone who needs a similar bag highly recommended!

Externally, this cooler bag resembles a normal travel bag. It has a rectangular shape, so it can easily be placed in a car trunk or cabin.

The top of the product has a small handle for carrying in hands, and for more comfortable transportation a wide shoulder strap is provided. Its length can be adjusted so that users of different height can carry the bag comfortably. The bag itself is made of durable and hard-wearing material that is easy to clean from dirt.

To make it convenient for the user to store the little things needed during the trip, the bag has several additional side pockets. All of the bag's compartments close with zippers, and the sliders are equipped with special hangers for easy opening.

Inside, the bag is roomy enough to comfortably hold cold batteries, beverage bottles, prepared food in containers, and factory-packaged food.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• Thermal insulation layer - polyurethane foam;
• size (for 20 liters): 43x23x22 cm.

2. Green Glade Isothermal Bag P2015

	Expert Rating: ? 9.7 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	Comfortable and stylish cooler bag. The walls are not very thick, so it is designed to hold heat/cold for a few hours, but no more if used without a battery. Good bag for a picnic trip for one or two people, quality sewn. I suggest buying a small battery for longer food preservation.

This cooler bag is inexpensive and as simple as possible, but still allows you to preserve food while traveling or vacationing in nature. You can carry not only bottles or packed foods in it, but also prepared food in lunchboxes or containers.

Thought-out rectangular shape of the product allows you to place the bag comfortably in the trunk or cabin of the car. The manufacturer has also equipped the product with a convenient adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable transportation of the bag.

The outside of the bag is made of polyester. This is a very strong and durable material that does not tear and, if necessary, can be easily cleaned of dirt. Inside there is a foil insulating layer that keeps food warm or cold.

Cold batteries must be placed inside the bag to keep it warm. They are not provided in the package, so the future owner will have to buy them separately.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• temperature preservation time - 12 hours;
• weight 0.3 kg.

3. ECOS CB-600/CB-601/CB-602 thermal bag

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.6 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	Great bag for a small set of food for the road. Refrigerant capsules are not included. Easy to store in the closet because it folds up. The inner fabric is washable without any problems. Plastic containers do not damage the inside of the bag. On the bottom fits 4 0.5 liter cans. The weak point is the zipper, it is flimsy and clearly lets the cold out.

One of the most inexpensive thermal bags on the market today. Despite its democratic price, the product is made with high quality sewing. The volume of thermal bag is small, but it will be enough for a short trip or vacation in nature.

Its design is very simple but it does not affect its performance. The outer part of the bag is made of durable polyester, which can be easily cleaned from any dirt.

The interior has a PEVA insulation layer, which perfectly keeps food temperature. For example, if you put warm food inside the bag, it will stay that way for hours. If you need to store food for a long time, you put cold batteries inside the bag and then put the food out.

If the bag is permanently closed, the cold will last for 12 hours. To make the bag easy to carry, the manufacturer has equipped it with a wide shoulder strap, the length of which can be adjusted to the user's height.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• 4 mm thick thermal insulation layer;
• dimensions: 29x27x21 cm.

The best cooler bags 15-20 liters

If you send three or more people on a trip, it makes sense to buy a refrigerator bag of 15-20 liters. Three models were voted best in this category in 2021-2022.

1. Green Glade Isothermal Bag P1052 Brown 20 L

	Expert Rating: ? 9.7 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	The exterior of the bag looks nice. The stitching is excellent. Pretty sturdy. And the temperature is good, but not for long - you need to take extra cold batteries, in their quality, in principle, can even do bottles of frozen water. I like the bag - we take it for family picnics for three outdoors. I recommend it for purchase!

A stylish, compact yet roomy cooler bag that will help keep food fresh and cool during an outdoor vacation or a long trip. Every detail of the product is carefully designed for maximum user convenience.

The top of the bag has small handles for easy carrying in your hands. The product also features a length-adjustable shoulder strap. If necessary, it can be removed for more compact storage.

To keep the bag cold longer, it has a thermal insulating layer of foil inside. The product is able to keep cold even without any refrigerants, but to extend this period it is still better to put a frozen storage battery inside.

For added comfort of use, the bag has several additional exterior pockets in which you can store the necessary small things.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• the maximum load of 10 kg;
• weight 0.45 kg.

2. ECOS CB-97/CB-98/CB-99 thermal bag

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.5 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	The bag for its price just exceeded my expectations! At sea, beach, in the heat in the shade of +41 kept frozen water and strongly chilled beer for 5 hours, then the water began to thaw slightly, but we drank the beer earlier) In general, I was quite pleased with the acquisition. Very comfortable and roomy. Can hold 6 1.5l bottles. I recommend to buy it, you won't regret it.

Despite the fact that this thermo bag is inexpensive and has the simplest design, it has all the necessary performance characteristics.

The product is characterized by high-quality tailoring, and the firm attachment of handles allows you to carry in the bag enough large volumes of products. The outer part of the product is made of polyester. This is a durable and long-lasting material that successfully withstands increased loads and is easily cleaned from any contamination.

There is a zippered flap on the top part of the bag. Thanks to this design, it is very easy to put products in and take them out of the bag. The zipper seals the bag hermetically, which helps to keep the cold in.

There is no shoulder strap, but the handles are long enough for comfortable carrying.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• thickness of thermal insulating layer - 4 mm;
• size: 32x32x21 cm.

3.AVS Thermo Bag TC Red 20 L

	Expert Rating: ? 9.4 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	The appearance is bright and beautiful, nice to look at! Compact and handy. Pretty to high quality tailoring. Has many pockets for small things, has a handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. Keeps the cold well even without cold batteries. Temperature preservation with the use of cold batteries up to 12 hours. The cavity of the bag, after use is very easy to wash or just wipe with a damp cloth, does not get wet.

This cooler bag is not the most affordable, but it boasts thoughtful construction and advanced performance. In particular, the product has a rectangular shape, so it can be easily placed in the trunk or interior of the car. The outside of the bag is covered in polyester and the inside has a layer of foil that has thermal insulation properties.

To make the bag easy to carry, the manufacturer provided it with a convenient handle and a wide shoulder strap. Also, the product has several additional pockets on the outside that can be used to store small things you need while traveling.

Be sure to put cold batteries inside the bag, which will help keep the temperature low for long periods of time.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• temperature preservation time - 12 hours;
• weight 0.4 kg.

The best cooler bags 20-30 liters

For a large company will suit a refrigerator bag for 20-30 liters. It can store not only food but also drinks.

1. Camping World Isothermal Snowbag 38181 Dark Blue 30L

	Expert Review: ? 9.8 / 10
	Owner's Review
	Needed a big bag to carry frosting, as the old one didn't fit much in it. Couldn't find any reviews on this model. We chose based on the parameters and price. Focused on the Ezetil Extreme, which we have been using for more than a year, but in which everything does not fit anymore. For 12 hours on the road in the car the frozen meat remained frozen, the cold batteries are almost defrosted. Satisfied with the bag, maybe a little easier than Ezetil, but 2 times cheaper. Plus due to the large volume it is easier to keep the temperature, the main thing is to fill it completely and put large cold batteries.

Externally, this refrigerator bag looks very simple, but at the same time at a cost it belongs to the average price category. Such a price is explained by the increased internal volume of the product.

The manufacturer has thought about the design of the product so that the bag was the most convenient to carry. To this end, it has several conventional handles and a long shoulder strap for comfortable carrying even a loaded bag.

Despite the fact that the outer layer of the bag is made of textile, it is very easy to clean from dirt. The inside of the bag is covered with foil, which acts as a thermal insulation layer. Due to this the temperature of the food remains the same, but if you need to cool the food, it is better to put inside the bag pre-frozen accumulators of cold.

Technical specifications:

• outer layer - textile;
• temperature preservation time - 14 hours;
• weight 0.84 kg.

2. ECOS CB-7046 folding thermo bag with aluminum frame

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.6 / 10
	Owner's Review
	I was pleased with the bag on the whole. Beautiful design. The frame is sturdy. Used as a picnic basket - all contents stayed cool long enough, super. Used as a cooler bag - 6 hours on the road, keeps frosty. It's easy to fold, easy to carry, quite light in itself, and roomy. The only problem is the quality of the zipper - you have to make some trouble to close or open it, but, in principle, the pros of this disadvantage.

This is a stylish, original and high-quality cooler bag that is perfect for picnics and short trips to the countryside.

The bag has a rectangular shape and resembles a picnic basket, although the outer material of the bag is polyester, which is resistant to damage and easy to clean from any dirt. A 3 mm thick polyethylene foam layer is used as a thermal insulating layer, so the bag is not designed for long-term storage of food.

But if you put cold storage batteries inside, the duration of cold storage increases, which means that not only drinks but also cooked food can be stored and transported in the bag. Another feature of the bag is the aluminum frame and aluminum handles. Thanks to this, you can load quite a lot of products inside without fear that the bag will be torn.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• frame material - aluminum;
• dimensions: 27 x 48 x 24 cm.

3. PALISAD thermal bag 69595 green 27 l

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.3 / 10
	Owner's Review
	Nice and neatly made thermo bag, quality fabric and fittings. I bought it as a present and I am happy with it. Other manufacturers similar bags are 2-3 times more expensive and the quality is average. The shape of the bag puts you in a picnic mood, even if you can make photo shoots with it!

Another convenient, stylish and relatively inexpensive cooler bag that will help you comfortably travel or relax in nature.

The outer part of the bag is made of polyester, which is highly durable and easy to clean from dirt. For added durability of the product manufacturer has provided the bag with a metal frame and a metal handle, which provides a comfortable carrying.

Outer pockets are not provided in the product, but there is a large zippered valve in the upper part. Due to this, it is very convenient to load products inside the bag and take them out from there. The flap has a quality and durable zipper, and for long-term storage of food inside it is better to put pre-frozen batteries of cold.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• PEVA insulating layer;
• weight 0.64 kg.

The best inexpensive cooler bags

If you do not plan to use the refrigerator bag frequently, you can buy an inexpensive model, especially since many brands have such products.

1. ECOS CB-90/CB-91 thermal bag

	Expert's evaluation: ? 9.7 / 10
	Owner's review
	Very usable bag, took it with me on the road, the trip took 5 hours, carrying dairy products (cottage cheese and kefir) to a small child. I bought 3 extra batteries, I put two on the bottom and one on top, everything was cold after 5 hours. I took this bag with me to the pool, it is convenient to put everything together and it looks really good), so I definitely recommend it.

The design of this thermal bag reminds me of a normal shopper bag. It is made of polyester and has two convenient carrying handles.

The interior has only one compartment, but it's roomy enough to hold drinks, food, and cooked food inside. The handles are firmly sewn to the bag itself, so the product will not tear even if a large amount of food is loaded into it.

It is available in several colors, so it is easy to choose a suitable one. Inside the bag, there is a thermal insulation layer, which keeps the temperature of the food.

If you put the cold storage battery inside, the food will stay fresh longer. Additionally, the bag has a small outer pocket for storing useful little things.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• thermal insulation layer - PEVA;
• size: 48x32x15 cm.

2. 17 L Thermo Bag

	Expert Review: ? 9.5 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	Very sturdy and roomy thermo bag. Holds temperature well. Easy to clean if needed. Loaded the bag with foods from the freezer. Kept it for 5 hours - nothing melted. Also took a cake - came in chilled and didn't go bad. Only thing I didn't like was that the coloring was too toxic. If the bag was made in calmer colors, it wouldn't be worth it at all! However, this minus does not detract from the more important characteristics. I recommend it.

This thermo bag differs from previous models by its unusual oval shape that allows you to put inside bottles, cooked food in containers or food products.

There is also enough space inside to accommodate cold batteries. They are not provided in the kit, and you need to freeze them before using them. The bag has short handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

The outer layer of the product is made of polyester, which is highly resistant to mechanical damage and easy to clean from any dirt. The inside of the bag is covered with foil, so the product successfully keeps the temperature, and if you put cold batteries in the bag, the temperature will remain low for at least 12 hours.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• the volume of 17 l;
• dimensions: 39 x 22 x 20 cm.

3. Green Glade Isothermal Bag P2007

	Expert Rating: ? 9.3 / 10
	Owner's Review.
	The bag is small (about 25 x 22 cm). I was happy with it - I took it to carry small amounts of medicine. The travel time was airplane luggage + auto, a total of 13 hours, but along with the gel coolers! Brought it home to the fridge in cold condition. Everything is great. I recommend it. However, it is worth bearing in mind that a bag with this volume is unlikely to be suitable for picnics - it is better to choose a larger model for groceries.

Despite the democratic cost, this cooler bag will be an indispensable assistant in hiking or during the holidays in the countryside.

It's made of durable and easy to clean materials, and the long and wide shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. The inside of the bag is covered with foil, so it is able to hold the temperature of the food even without cold batteries.

But if you put cold batteries inside the bag, the product will keep the temperature much longer. The outside of the product has additional pockets in which you can store useful little things. The top has a zippered flap that allows you to quickly load and retrieve your groceries in the bag. Since the product has a clever rectangular shape, the bag can be conveniently placed both in the trunk and in the car interior.

Specifications:

• outer layer - polyester;
• thermal insulating layer - foil;
• weight 0,2 kg.

What company to choose?

There are few manufacturers of refrigerator bags, but the lineup is quite extensive, so picking the right device will not be difficult.

Useful video

How to choose a refrigerator bag: