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Angela State

Specialist III

What is the best lightweight cooler for picnics?

September 10, 2011 11:08 AM PDT · Flag · 10 answers

Matt Maiser

Professional I

Igloo 6-Can Capacity Mini Playmate Cooler (Red)

For toting around drinks, lunch or a fresh-caught trout, this personal cooler does the job. Playmate side-button locks the lid closed, so there are no worries of leaks or spills. Easy to carry around with molded-in lid and trademarked tent-shaped ... read more...

I like the od fashioned igloo playmate! In my experience it's better than the soft shell variety because it A) doesn't leak out the bottom if there's moisture, and B) it will keep your stuff cooler for longer. Those soft shells tend to get warm quite easily and certainly won't last all day in the sun. This is my go to guy for picnics or any fun in the sun activity.

✔ Highest voted answer

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago · 10 people agree

Johnny Winchester

Specialist III

Picnic Time Zuma Insulated Cooler Backpack, Red

The Picnic Time Zuma insulated cooler backpack won't weigh you down when carrying food and gear to your destination. The backpack is made of durable 600D polyester and divided into two sections. The top mesh section, with it's drawstring closure,... read more...

This is great for packing in a picnic if you have a ways to go and want to keep things cool. Also good for biking to work with a lunchbox, which is what I use it for primarily.
It feels comfortable enough, just like any other decently made backpack.
It's very convenient because the bottom half is insulated like a lunchbox and the top holds whatever else you what to bring.
The only thing I don't like is the cooler isn't waterproof. i feel like they got this far, they might as well make it waterproof! That would be n awesome feature.
But it insulates well and with a cold pack you'll be in good shape!
Makes going to a picnic with cold beverages way easier.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago · 9 people agree

Lance Reynolds

Specialist III

Zero Degrees InnerCool 12 Can No Ice Folding Cooler (Color May Vary)

No ice needed with InnerCool Integrated cooling system coolers. The built in cooling system was compared to a regular cooler in the 6 can cooling version. A regular cooler and 6 can Zero Degrees InnerCool cooler were placed in a room at 72 degrees... read more...

GREAT COOLER IDEA
It's collapsible. you put it in your freezer for a few hours before you want to pack it, or just leave it in there overnight.
The lining of the cooler is like a freezer gel pack and keeps whatever you put in there cold pretty darn well. So you don't need ice! Just the cooler and the drinks!
I will say this thing does have an arch nemesis - direct sunlight!
Yeah it does not do well in direct sunlight if it's too hot out, so think about trying to keep it in the shade!

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago · 3 people agree

Cody Chase

Professional II

Custom LeatherCraft 1540 15-Inch BigMouth Cooler Bag

Large interior holds up to 12 cans of beverage. Quick grab top hatch. Sealed, insulated cooler bag with reinforced bottom panel. 14"L x 7"W x 12"H read more...

This is basically just a large, soft shell lunchbox style cooler. I like it because it's light and easy to pack some beers or cokes in it and take it to the picnic.
One warning, it's not waterproof. So don't fill it with ice! Use ice packs for sure. I don't know why they use ice in the pic because that would be a stupid idea.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago · 2 people agree

Lindsey Welch

Practitioner I

Picnic Time Turismo Insulated Backpack Cooler, Black

This Picnic Time Turismo backpack was designed for people on the go. It's made of durable 600D polyester and features non-slip, extra-comfort backpack straps, two large insulated interior compartments, multi-use mesh pocket with reinforced base an... read more...

I love the backpack function of the cooler. So great and easy carry for picnics.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 251 days ago · 1 person agrees

Becca Hansen

Specialist I

Koolatron 12V Travel Cooler - D25, Dark Grey

This Koolatron D25 Soft Bag Cooler can be taken anywhere! Such as in a car, picnic sites, hotels, office, etc. For even more convenience the D25 plugs into all 12V cigarette lighters. Koolatron D25 Soft Bag Cooler comes with an easy-to-carry adjus... read more...

This one is a little pricey but for good reason! It is an electronic cooler with an AC adapter for your car to keep all your goodies cool. There are many pockets for your cell phone, keys, and drinks as well as lots of internal space for lots of food and beverages of choice. My family and I use it regularly when we go to the lake, go fishing, the beach, etc. I love that I don't have to use any ice. Keeps everything dry so there are more choices for my food selection.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 251 days ago · 1 person agrees

Frank McPartland

Specialist III

Zero Degrees InnerCool 6 Can No Ice Folding Cooler ( Colors may vary)

These are so great for picnics because you don't have to deal with ice. Just freeze the night before and the lining becomes the cooling system.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago · 1 person agrees

Jeannie Sutton

Specialist I

Zero Degrees InnerCool 12 Can No Ice Folding Cooler (Color May Vary)

This is a great cooler, it is so useful to me and easy to pack up and carry.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago

Lorenzo Hernandez

Practitioner III

Picnic Time Zuma Insulated Cooler Backpack, Red

This is the best because when I have sop much crap to carry when going to the beach or park for a picnic or BBQ or just to hang out, This keep my drink colds as heck and its easy to carry on my back as a backpack. My old cooler I had to carry my hand and it was slipping and my hand was cramping, I just could carry my chair, umbrella and ice chest. This was perfect and kept it all cool. I was so glad I bought this.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago

Tammy Smith

Practitioner III

Picnic Time Zuma Insulated Cooler Backpack, Red

I have one of these and it is great. We always have so much to pack in and out that we've used wagons, strollers, everything we can get our hands on to carry it all. I can pack my food and drinks and other accessories with ease. It's perfect. My husband generally has to carry it to and from, however, because I have a tendency to overpack and it can still get heavy on my back.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 253 days ago

Voting Summary

1.	Picnic Time Zuma Insulated Cooler Backpack, Red	32% agree
2.	Igloo 6-Can Capacity Mini Playmate Cooler (Red)	29% agree
3.	Zero Degrees InnerCool 12 Can No Ice Folding Co...	13% agree
4.	Custom LeatherCraft 1540 15-Inch BigMouth Coole...	8% agree
5.	Picnic Time Turismo Insulated Backpack Cooler, ...	5% agree