Straight to the Point

The Easiest Cooler to Carry: The Hydro Flask backpack cooler has two plushy, adjustable straps that don't dig into your shoulders even when the cooler's full.

The Best Cooler Under $100: If you want a soft cooler without frills but that'll still keep drinks ice-cold for the whole day, get the one from AO Coolers .

The Best Soft Cooler for Ice Retention: The Yeti Hopper Flip 18 kept our ice from melting for about a day and a half. It also has a padded carrying strap.

If you’ve ever tried to schlep a full-size hard cooler across a beach or even a parking lot, you know it ain’t happening…at least not by yourself. (They often weigh 25-plus pounds, empty!) For day trips, overnight campouts, and picnics, the answer to your cold beverage prayers is a soft cooler.

Instead of a hard outer shell that's packed with lots of insulation, soft coolers are flexible, lightweight, and compact. Most have nylon, polyester, or canvas exteriors.…