Whether you’re off for a day at the beach, a picnic in the park or heading to a musical festival, you’re going to want to take plenty of drinks and snacks with you. When there’s no fridge in sight, good cool bags and boxes should keep your drinks and food chilled for hours. The very best can even keep your food cool for days.
You have two main options for keeping food cool on the go: a cool box and a cool bag. The former are made from plastic, so they’re hardier and can also hold more, but they can be heavy and unwieldy. A cool bag, however, uses lightweight, foldable nylon and PVC. They’re much more portable, but don’t keep drinks cold as long as a cool box.
With that in mind, I’ve been testing a range of styles to find the ones that can withstand the hottest days (and the warmest car boots). The two most important factors in my search were insulation – this will determine how long your items stay cool – and portability, as you want it to be comfortable to move around, especially when full.
Spacious enough for plenty of supplies, but still easy to move around, Ninja’s cool box was the standout. But I’ve also found a small cooler that you can carry around as a backpack, and a bag that should keep supplies chilled for a whopping 70 hours. Whatever alfresco plans lie ahead, keep reading for top cool companions for every occasion.
How I tested
To find the best cool boxes, I tested seven top brands on the hottest days of the year so far. Each cool box was filled with ice and tested outdoors, as well as being taken in the car. I assessed using the following criteria:
- Portability: I noted how heavy they were, how easy they were to move around, taking into account the comfort and ease of using features like wheels and handles.
- Insulation: To test insulation, I filled each box with ice and timed how long it took to melt, seeing if each brand’s claims lived up to reality.
- Capacity: I made a note of how much and what kind of content would fit inside.
- Leak-proofing: I acknowledged whether they were airtight and whether there were any leaks or spills during use and when being moved around.
- Design: Looks were also important, so I factored in how aesthetically pleasing they were.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Rachael Penn is a food and travel writer and has been contributing to IndyBest since 2021. Rachael has put each of these through rigorous, real-world testing. After filling them to the top with ice and drinks, she has heaved (or wheeled) them while full, sniffed them (for off-gassing smells) and brought them on the road to see if ice melts, or if there are any leaks. She knows what makes them practical and what makes them a bit of a hassle to use. Whether for day trips or longer excursions, all of these have been vetted by Rachael.
The best cool boxes for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Ninja FrostVault wheeled cooler: £179.99, Ninjakitchen.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Thermos eco cool picnic bag: £25, Amazon.co.uk
- Best cool bag – Red Equipment waterproof soft cooler bag: £159.95, Johnlewis.com
- Best backpack – Yeti hopper M12 backpack: £275, Yeti.com
Ninja FrostVault wheeled cooler
Best: Cool box overall
Type: Box
Size: 43cm x 47.7cm x 49.9cm
Weight: 13.1kg
Capacity: 28l, 42l, 61l
Why we love it
- Wheels make it easy to move
- Large capacity
- Has a dry zone drawer to keep food cool and dry
Take note
- It’s really heavy, so hard to lift it into a car
The Ninja FrostVault is the perfect cool box. It is heavy and it’s big, but it has a generous 28l capacity which will hold up to 48 cans. That big capacity means that it looks heavy, but the chunky wheels and a telescopic handle mean that you can easily pull it around over any type of terrain.
It’s made using an impact-resistant plastic, which is good since it’s likely to be dragged around through all kinds of areas. There’s one locking latch to the front, which is easy to use but still feels sturdy when locked down. I especially liked the dry zone drawer, which stays chilled but will keep all your snacks and dry food completely dry.
During testing, it performed exceptionally well. Ninja claims that it will keep its contents fridge cold for up to five days in 35C heat, and I can confirm that this is completely accurate. I tested this cool box during a heatwave, and it took five days for the ice to fully thaw. It has a drain plug so you can empty it easily, too.
But the wheels are what really make a difference, especially when you compare it to the Petromax (£219.95, Berryuseful.co.uk), which has a similar capacity but is larger and has to be carried around. This cool box is stylish, practical and for its price, well worth the money.
Buy now £179.99, Ninjakitchen.co.uk
Thermos eco cool picnic bag
Best: Budget cool bag
Type: Bag
Size: 25cm x 22cm x 28cm
Weight: 430g
Capacity: 9l, 16l, 25l
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Accessible
- Packs down
Take note
- Best for day trips
This bag comes in three sizes; 9l, 16l and 25l. I tried out the 16l, which was the perfect size for drinks and small snacks. Although it may seem small, the bag can actually fit up to 24 cans.
I found the bag easy to use; the zip opens right all the way around, so it’s easy to get things in and out. It’s made from a strong, durable fabric, and I felt confident that if I took this to the park or the beach, it wouldn't get marked or scratched. It makes no promises about super long-lasting coolness, unlike the Red Equipment bag (£159.95, Red-equipment.co.uk), but Thermos states that this bag will stay cold for up to five hours. I filled it with ice on a hot day, and whilst the ice did melt completely within two hours, the bag, which has a heat-sealed lining and insulation, stayed super cold for around six hours (despite being in the sunshine), beating the brand's own claims.
I found the bag easy to carry, as it has a padded strap which is also adjustable, and it’s light to begin with, so even when full it doesn’t get too heavy. Cleaning is a breeze as you can just wipe clean once the ice (or ice blocks) have been removed. It flattens down when not in use, so you can easily pop it in a bag or keep it in the car without it getting in the way. This cool bag is definitely a must-have for keeping in the car in case of any impromptu picnics. If you want an inexpensive cool box for picnics in the park, this is all you need.
Buy now £25.00, Thermos.co.uk
Bunker cool box
Best: Compact cool box
Type: Box
Size: 54.5cm x 34cm x 58cm (including handle)
Weight: 7.6kg
Capacity: 18l, 42l, 66l
Why we love it
- Extendable handle
- Compact design
- Excellent ice retention
Take note
- One compartment storage
This should fit neatly in your car boot, but still be able to carry plenty of food and drinks. It’s really tough, so I think it will suit everything from a muddy festival to a camping trip. It also has an extending handle, and there are two interlocking latches to keep the box airtight and secure. The top of the box has anchor points so you can tie it down to stop it from sliding around, too.
Inside the box, there is plenty of space; it has an 18l capacity, and because the lid opens up, I found it easy to get items in and out. If you fill it with ice as I did during testing, there’s a drain plug on the side, so you can empty the water without any heavy lifting. There are a few other extras included, from the practical – a stainless steel bottle opener – to the fun but slightly frivolous, like the built-in compass.
Most importantly, this keeps everything cold. The seals remained airtight, and the ice stayed fully formed and frozen for around three days, so if you’re going off-grid for a few days, you won’t have to worry about any food or drink spoiling. It also has a sweat-free exterior, so even if inside is freezing, there won’t be any condensation or water on the outside of the box. This is a very effective cool box; the only issue is that it lacks wheels, so it can be tricky to cart around. However, the larger Bunker cool box 66l (£329.53, Amazon.co.uk) has small wheels that make it easier to carry around, though it might be overkill for a picnic.
Buy now £179.95, Bunkerstorage.com
Red Equipment waterproof soft cooler bag
Best: Cool bag
Type: Bag
Size: 32cm x 40cm x 29cm
Weight: 1.7kg
Capacity: 18l
Why we love it
- Plenty of straps
- Pockets on the outside
- Completely airtight, so no leaks
Take note
- The zips are difficult to open
If you’re looking for a cool bag built for the outdoors, then this one from Red Equipment delivers. Designed by a Devon-based paddleboard brand, you can be sure that it’s waterproof. It has fully welded seams and an IPX7-rated zip, so it won’t leak whether it’s left out in the rain or if it’s filled with ice.
The outer material is soft-to-touch recycled nylon, and there are so many different ways to carry this cooler bag. It comes with a shoulder strap, has side handles, and a padded handle on the top of the bag. I found the zip quite tough to open, which can make getting in and out of the bag quite a faff, but it comes with a small oil so you can loosen it up if needed. I found it a lot easier to get into than the Yeti hopper (£275, Yeti.com), though, which also has a top opening, because the lid of this bag opens up more.
It’s quite a large bag; it has an 18l capacity, and because of the materials used, it’s quite bulky. It doesn’t fold down, so you would need space for this bag in the same way you would if you had a cool box. But the shape definitely makes it easy to pack and to access the contents.
It did incredibly well during testing; it stayed cool for 24 hours, being opened and closed often, but the brand claims that it’ll keep the contents cold for up to 72 hours if it’s kept sealed. Think of it as the premium version of the Thermos eco cool picnic bag (£25, Amazon.com) above. It keeps food and drinks cooler for longer, and it’s easy to carry, but those extra features come at a price.
Buy now £159.95, Red-equipment.co.uk
Yeti hopper M12 backpack
Best: Backpack cool bag
Type: Bag
Size: 43.2cm x 20.3cm x 40.6cm
Weight: 2kg
Capacity: 12l
Why we love it
- Backpack design
- Magnetic seals
- Plenty of pockets and areas to store items
Take note
- Strong off gassing smell
- Very expensive
A stylish backpack with fully adjustable straps, this is easy to carry around, so it’s great for beach days and hikes. Although it may seem pretty basic on the outside, it keeps drinks and small snacks cool for days. I really do mean days; ice lasts for around three days.
It uses a magnetic closure system which keeps everything airtight and, more importantly, secure. But it’s also really easy to get in and out of, which is something I struggled with when testing the Red Equipment cooler (£159.95, Red-equipment.co.uk) above. It can hold quite a bit, too. Yeti says it can handle up to 5kg of ice or 20 cans, which held up on test. It was relatively comfortable, too. The padded shoulder straps were a godsend when I was carrying it at full capacity.
There’s plenty of other storage too, which is ideal if you’re on the move. To the front of the bag, there’s a kangaroo pouch pocket, which is a good size for my phone and keys. I also liked what Yeti calls a “hitch point grid,” which allows you to attach items via carabiner clips to the front. The material is also worth a mention; it’s soft-to-the-touch but puncture and UV-resistant, so though this is a little pricey for a cool bag, it should last a long time. The material is also easy to clean and resistant to mould and mildew. My main complaint, however, is the off-gassing smell, which seemed to linger for quite a while.
Buy now £275.00, Yeti.com
Coleman performance blue cooler 30QT
Best: Budget cool box
Type: Box
Size: 39cm x 45cm x 34cm
Weight: 2.6kg
Capacity: 28l
Why we love it
- Slim design
- Built-in cup holders
- Keeps cold for up to two days
Take note
- The handle is stiff
This cool box isn’t too big and bulky for days out and festivals, but with a 28l capacity, I could still fit plenty of food, drinks and snacks inside. One of the greatest features is that there are two cup holders on the top, so you can use it as a little table when you’re on the beach or at the campsite – meaning there’s no risk of your drinks being knocked over.
The large handle has a good grip, which makes it easy to carry, though it is a little stiff. I filled the box with ice during testing, and it didn’t quite live up to the brand's claim of staying frozen for two days. After 24 hours, some of the ice was still frozen, but by the 48-hour mark, it had completely unfrozen and was starting to warm up. However, for an overnighter, this box is perfect.
The lid was a little fiddly to open, especially when I attempted to do it one-handed, but it has a snap lock closure, so nothing leaked or trickled out when it was in the back of the car. It’s also light, considering its size – great if you need something portable but roomy. It’s a good option on a budget.
Buy now £41.25, Argos.com
Petromax cool box
Best: Cool box for long trips
Type: Box
Size: 58cm x 45cm x 40.5cm
Weight: 10.75kg
Capacity: 25l, 50l
Why we love it
- Large capacity
- Tough exterior
- Built-in drain
Take note
- Heavy even when empty
This cool box is made for long camping trips, three-day festivals, or day trips when you need plenty to eat and drink. It’s large, which isn’t surprising given that it’s got a 25l capacity. It doesn’t have any dedicated handles, unlike the bunker (£179.95, Bunkerstorage.com), so I wouldn’t want to take on a long hike, but it does have cutouts at the side for easy lifting. That said, since it’s already 10kg when empty, you may want to move it as a team when it’s full.
It’s made with a 45mm thick double-walled design and a robust polyethylene shell. During testing, I was amazed at how well it kept items cold, with ice not melting until around day three of opening and closing it on a regular basis. Even more impressive is that Petromax states this cool box can keep items cool for up to twelve days if it's kept sealed.
The box closes using two rubber latches, which keep a tight and reliable seal. There are also tie-down slots and reinforced corners. It has a drainage valve, which is super handy if you’re filling it up with ice instead of ice blocks, as you won’t want to lift this cooler to empty it. Reliable and sturdy, I was seriously impressed with this one. If you want something reliable for long-term camping trips, this is the cool box for you, but it’s not very portable.
Buy now £219.95, Berryuseful.co.uk
Fieldbar cool box
Best: Cool box for drinks
Type: Box
Size: 38cm x 25cm x 16cm
Weight: 1.8kg
Capacity: 10l
Why we love it
- Great design
- Lightweight
- Perfect for drinks
Take note
- The lid can open if tilted so keep it upright
If you’re looking for a cool box that will not only keep your drinks cool but also look good whilst doing it, then look no further than the FieldBar. This retro-style cool box has a 10l capacity, so it’s not massive, but it holds more than you’d think. You can fit 10 330ml beer cans, three wine bottles, or two champagne bottles in it, so think of this as more of a personal bar than a serious bit of camping kit.
It’s absolutely perfect for taking on a picnic or just having in the garden to keep your drinks cool whilst you relax in the sun. It comes with interchangeable carry straps, so you can either sling it over your shoulder or carry it like a bag. The brand states that it stays cold for up to 50 hours, and I think that’s fairly accurate. Although the ice started to melt within 24 hours, it hadn’t completely melted by the 48-hour mark.
It’s made from a durable, scratch-resistant, and shockproof plastic, and it opens from the top. Whilst the seals are extremely good, the box does need to stay upright; otherwise, the contents will be all over the place. This box may look fantastic, but it certainly isn’t a case of style over substance.
Buy now £179.00, Fieldbar.com
Tatay 5-piece urban lunch pack with 4 food containers
Best: Cool bag for packed lunches
Type: Bag
Size: 22cm x 10cm x 22cm
Weight: 590g
Capacity: 3l
Why we love it
- Compact
- Comes with plastic tubs
- Has pockets
Take note
- Flimsy zip
If you want to keep your lunch cold, whether you’re off to school, work or a day out, this little bag is perfect. It has a generous 3l capacity and comes with four food tubs, which are perfect for packing sandwiches in.
The bag is made from a tough, woven fabric, so it’ll withstand a lot of rough treatment in your handbag or school bag. However, I found the zip slightly weak. The bag has two pockets, one inside which you can keep cutlery or paper towels in (alternatively, during testing, I was able to fit a cool block inside it), and there’s also a pocket to the front which is big enough for a phone and keys. On top of that, I found that the bag is easy to clean, as it can just be wiped clean.
The bag is insulated, but how long it stays cool depends on how you cool it down. I used an ice block during testing, and the bag stayed cool for around five hours. But you can also freeze the tubs before putting them in your bag, which will then lower the temperature within the bag. Unfortunately, when I tried this, they only kept cool for an hour.
Buy now £21.99, Lakeland.co.uk
What is the best cool box?
Choosing the best cool bag depends on how you will use it and the size you need. However, for most people, I highly rate the Ninja FrostVault. It has plenty of room, is easy to move around thanks to its wheels, and the dry zone drawer keeps food cool but dry, which is ideal if you’re going on picnics or barbecues and don’t want soggy food.
If money is tight, try the Thermos eco cool picnic bag, as it offers decent cooling at a good price. Hikers will find that the Yeti M12 hopper is perfect for a day out, as you can simply strap it to your back and carry it around with ease.
For more outdoor recommendations, read our review of the best family tents
