OutdoorGearLab

With many exciting backpack coolers now on the scene, we retested this pack next to several new models, and the IceMule Pro handily holds its own among the backpack-style coolers. Though this cooler requires a bit of a learning curve, it proves itself incredibly easy to use and comfortable to carry. The large roll-top design allows easy access to its contents, so you won't have to remove everything on top to reach that last cold soda at the bottom. Soft, wide shoulder straps, a longer torso length, and sides easily inflated or deflated by hand make this pack much more comfortable to carry than its many rigid competitors. With a lightly padded back panel, breathable mesh, and a more flexible structure, we found ourselves much less sweaty hiking this model down the trail than any other backpack cooler. It also performs quite well among backpack models in our insulation testing and is solidly durable.
It took some time for us to figure out the best way to use the inflatable sides to maximize both capacity and insulation, but once we got that down, we enjoyed the extra padding provided by the air-filled walls. However, we can't quite get the top rolled tight enough to be waterproof, though it only leaks little drips when completely inverted. When fully loaded with a whopping 39 cans, we wish we had a waist belt to take some of the weight off our shoulders. But for lighter loads, wearing the IceMule is like carrying a grade school backpack. While we wish it had more pockets on the outside for extra items, we enjoy using the IceMule Pro, and it is our go-to choice for bringing a few refreshments along for a multi-mile hike or for any destination a little further from the parking lot.

Switchback Travel

For the ultimate in portability, backpack-style coolers are the clear winners. And many of these bags, including ICEMULE’s Pro series, share a lot in common with regular daypacks. The Pro’s padded shoulder straps keep it comfortable even when loaded down with ice, food, and beverages, and the ventilated backpanel does a decent job at keeping you cool. With a 1,000-denier, waterproof build, the drybag-like ICEMULE should be able to withstand just about all the scratches, scrapes, and tussles that crop up along the trail or in the water (we’ve also found it suitably tough for air travel).

In order to shave weight and materials, some backpack coolers like the ICEMULE Pro lack structure. Compared to many other soft-sided models here, the Pro can feel a bit sloppy if loaded improperly (the upside is it can be compressed with the roll-top closure). This also translates to less insulating power, although the Pro’s 24 hours of ice retention is actually fairly good in this category. In comparing the Pro with other backpack options, you can go colder with alternatives like YETI’s Hopper M20 or more modern with the Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape, and both offer more structure and leak protection. But where the ICEMULE Pro stands apart is value: It undercuts most of the competition significantly in price while still delivering solid performance and functionality overall.See the ICEMULE Pro Large

For the ultimate in portability, the IceMule Pro is where we turn to. Though the number of backpack-style soft coolers has continued to increase, this one is the only one we truly find comfortable to carry for serious and longer distance hikes. Its walls can be inflated or deflated to match your load, body, and preference and its shoulder straps are soft and flexible. It offers solid insulation to keep your peak-bagging beverages chilled until you reach the summit and an easy roll-top design that's beyond simple to use. Made of thick, waterproof material, this backpack cooler proved itself more than capable of holding its integrity through all our backcountry rough handling.
Those inflatable walls can be a bit tricky to get the hang of at first, finding the happy medium that matches appropriate insulation with reasonable comfort, but we think is worth the effort. The durable fabric edges of the roll-top and thick sides make it very difficult to get a truly watertight seal when the cooler is inverted, so be careful when setting it down in the back of your car. When fully loaded, the IceMule Pro carries 39 cans &mdash; and makes us wish it had a weight-bearing waist strap. But for what we most like to carry for a daytime adventure, it's not bad. We wish it had exterior pockets. Still, for bringing some cool refreshments and a chilled lunch for a few friends on a longer walking journey, this comfortable backpack cooler is our top choice.
Read more: IceMule Pro review

With many exciting backpack coolers now on the scene, we retested this pack next to several new models, and the IceMule Pro handily holds its own among the backpack-style coolers. Though this cooler requires a bit of a learning curve, it proves itself incredibly easy to use and comfortable to carry. The large roll-top design allows easy access to its contents, so you won't have to remove everything on top to reach that last cold soda at the bottom. Soft, wide shoulder straps, a longer torso length, and sides easily inflated or deflated by hand make this pack much more comfortable to carry than its many rigid competitors. With a lightly padded back panel, breathable mesh, and a more flexible structure, we found ourselves much less sweaty hiking this model down the trail than any other backpack cooler. It also performs quite well among backpack models in our insulation testing and is solidly durable.
It took some time for us to figure out the best way to use the inflatable sides to maximize both capacity and insulation, but once we got that down, we enjoyed the extra padding provided by the air-filled walls. However, we can't quite get the top rolled tight enough to be waterproof, though it only leaks little drips when completely inverted. When fully loaded with a whopping 39 cans, we wish we had a waist belt to take some of the weight off our shoulders. But for lighter loads, wearing the IceMule is like carrying a grade school backpack. While we wish it had more pockets on the outside for extra items, we enjoy using the IceMule Pro, and it is our go-to choice for bringing a few refreshments along for a multi-mile hike or for any destination a little further from the parking lot.
Read more: IceMule Pro review

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If you need a wide-mouthed cooler that can keep things cold for hours in the direct sun, this is it. That said, it is heavy and may be difficult for some to carry when it’s fully loaded.

If you need a wide-mouthed cooler that can keep things cold for more than a day, this is your pick. That said, it’s heavy and difficult to carry when fully loaded, and we aren’t sure how long the complicated lid will stand up to long-term testing.

Backpack Cooler Comparison