10 Best Camo Backpack Coolers for 2022
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The improvement in cooler technology over the last few years has been incredible. You can now find backpack coolers that are capable of holding ice for over three days!! We took a look at a wide range of packs, of varying prices and levels in an attempt to find the best camo backpack cooler on the market today.
Our detailed reviews will help you to find a backpack that will do everything you need it to whether you’ll be using it for hiking, a day in the tree stand or a day full of water sports.
Capacity: 34 Qt
Can Capacity: 24 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
20″H x 11″D x 14″W
Ice Retention: 24 Hours
Does It Float: Yes
Materials: MuleSkinET
Price: $$$
The IceMule Pro is a slightly different take on a backpack cooler, it avoids the traditional backpack shape in favor of a duffel sack construction where there is just one large, main compartment with no additional pockets or rigid rectangular shape.
This is soft-sided backpack cooler so when not in use it is extremely packable. This is one of our favorite aspects of this bag, it is one of the only coolers we have reviewed that you can pack within another bag to take on a trip.
The main compartment has a 34 Qt capacity that can keep 24 cans cold for up to 24 hours. The Pro is a perfect day cooler that is incredibly comfortable to wear and also compresses down to a fairly small form factor even when full. The IM valve allows air to be added to the insulation layer or removed to decrease the size of the bag during use or storage.
The IceMule Pro features a roll-top opening that is then clipped back on itself to create an airtight seal. This airtight seal makes the bag completely waterproof and combined with minimal stitching, that is 100% leakproof itself, allows the IceMule to float, even when at full capacity. Meaning you can bring this cooler on float trips, to the boat or simply not worry about it being out in the rain.
The pack is made from IceMule’s proprietary MuleSkinET outer, a 1000 denier tarpaulin fabric designed to be extremely tough. The bags interior is made from their MuleSkinEV. In-between these two materials lies the PolarLayer insulation that is surprisingly thick. These three materials are RF-welded together as are the few seams that are present on the pack.
The IceMule has two shoulder straps with very thick padding, a chest clip and two breathable back pads. When you combine the lightweight design with the ergonomic strap system this is a very comfortable backpack cooler to carry.
If you want a backpack cooler that is portable, comfortable to carry and easy to store then we highly suggest the IceMule Pro XL.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable design
- It floats
- 100% Waterproof
Cons
- Only one storage compartment
- Roll-top opening not as easy to use as other models on the list
Capacity:
Can Capacity: 15 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
16″H x 7″D x 10.5″W
Ice Retention: 22 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: Heavy-Duty Polyester
Price: $$
RTIC are known in the industry for manufacturing Yeti-like coolers at a fraction of the price. The 15 can Kanati camo backpack is not one of those coolers but a successful attempt to fill a hole in the market – a high quality day pack cooler at a reasonable price.
The RTIC 15 is not designed to hold ice for multiple days on end like the Otterbox, its primary function is to keep food and drinks cold for up to 22 hours. Perfect for a day at the tree stand or in the woods.
The outer material of the pack is heavy-duty polyester while on the interior the high-density insulation is encased in a waterproof FDA-approved food contact material. The zippers are regular fabric zippers, not the waterproof ones that are present in RTIC’s more expensive models so it is only leakproof when stood upright.
This is a backpack cooler that performs the job it was designed for extremely well. If you are looking for pack to keep your food/drink cold whilst you are out for the day then this is a great choice.
Pros
- Great price for a cooler with RTIC’s reputation
- Multiple extra storage spaces – 2 zippered side pockets with mesh outer, one large zippered front pocket and one small zippered front pocket.
Cons
- Not fully leakproof
- Some stitching not to the high standards of other coolers made by RTIC
Can Capacity: 18 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
16″H x 6″D x 15″W
Ice Retention: 16 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: Canvas Outer with TPU Liner
Price: $$
AO Coolers is a California based company that first introduced their soft-sided coolers in the mid-1990’s. They pride themselves on creating backpack and messenger bags that never leak or sweat due to high-quality materials and construction.
The Mossy Oak Camo Backpack Cooler is a solid option for anyone looking to keep food and/or drinks cold during a day trip. The 3/4″ thick closed cell foam insulation paired with a TPU interior liner will keep 18 cans cold for up to 16 hours.
For carrying it has two backpack shoulder straps with a really nice amount of padding and a chest clip for added stability. The coolers has a wide zippered opening that clips together with two side clips and is further protected by a top flap with a velcro seal. It is a very comfortable bag to carry.
The AO backpack cooler fits all airline carry-on regulations so it can be the perfect pack for vacations that can double as a cooler when needed. This is further supported by the 3 roomy, dry storage pockets and the mesh outer.
The ice life may not rival some of the top level coolers we reviewed but it is priced accordingly and with the majority of people not needing more than 24 hours of ice retention this is a solid option. That being said it definitely does not have the quality feel to it that some of its competition has.
Pros
- Thick, leakproof inner liner
- Large dry storage pockets
- Customizable embroidery available
Cons
- Outer pockets zippers are not the most reliable
- Doesn’t feel high-quality
Capacity: 30 Qt
Can Capacity: 34 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
21″H x 11″D x 17″W
Ice Retention: 74 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: TPU Coated Nylon
Price: $$$$
The Otterbox LT30 tops our list of best camo backpack coolers due to its extreme functionality, incredible ice retention and durable construction.
Otterbox made a name for themselves by producing rugged, high-quality cell phone cases that were not cheap, but were built to last and perform their primary function to the highest level.
The same can be said here for their first backpack cooler. The LT30 is one of the most impressive soft coolers on the market when it comes to holding ice for a long period of time. During testing the Otterbox managed to keep its internal temperature below 50F, the recommended serving temperature for lagers/pilsners for over 3 days (74 hours).
The LT30 is made from a TPU-coated nylon outer that surrounds premium grade thermal insulation. All seams have been made leakproof giving the bag an IP-65 waterproof rating. Unlike some backpack coolers it has a hard-shell base, so it stands up nicely when you set it down. It has a unique clip-top opening that opens wider than most of its competitors allowing for easy loading and no sticky zippers.
The Otterbox is definitely an expensive cooler and the Forest Edge camo model is usually $50 more than the other colors, i’m guessing due to the Realtree licensing. Despite the price, if you are looking for the ultimate camo backpack cooler then this is the bag for you.
Pros
- Incredible ice retention
- Proprietary clip system
- Wide opening
- Large capacity
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Pricey
- Camo model even more expensive than the regular colors (not the case for the Igloo Sportsman)
- Wide form factor may not suit everyones taste
Capacity: 14.25 Qt
Can Capacity: 12 – 12 oz cans
Exterior Dimensions:
17″H x 11″D x 16″W
Ice Retention: 20 Hours
Does It Float: Yes
Materials: 840 Denier TPU
Price: $$
Orca is a leading brand in the rotomolded cooler world, they only offer limited soft-sided cooler models but with how good the Podster is we are hoping they increase their offering in this space.
The Podster has a 14.25 Qt capacity that will keep 12 cans covered in ice for up to 20 hours. This is one of the smaller packs on our list but they managed to include a lot of functionality in that small space.
The outside of the bag is made from thermoplastic polyurethane and all seams are ultrasonically RF welded which strengthens and waterproofs the Podster. Combining this with a TIZIP master seal zipper this pack is fully waterproof from the outside and fully leakproof from the inside, allowing you to take it kayaking, rafting or on a boat with no worries if it were to fall overboard.
The Podster has detachable back straps, two side handles and a rear lift handle that has a rubber cover. It also features an extensive Molle webbing system for additional storage and a licensed Realtree camo pattern.
Great little cooler and fortunately the camouflage model is almost $100 cheaper than the other color options!
Pros
- Useful Molle webbing outer storage
- Comfortable straps & handles
- RF-Welded seams
Cons
- Small internal capacity
Capacity: 17 Qt
Can Capacity: 24 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
20″H x 7.25″D x 13.75″W
Ice Retention: 48 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: TPU Coated Nylon
Price: $$$
Igloo is a brand synonymous with coolers, the company has been manufacturing ice chests since 1947. With that amount of time in the game you learn a few things about what people need in a cooler.
The Igloo Sportsman Camo Backpack Cooler is a feature packed bag with several well thought out additions that no other cooler in it’s niche has. The pack has a 17 Qt capacity and will keep 24 cans cold for up to 2 days at a time. It has a firm sided construction that holds its shape, even while full and has thick, insulated walls.
The addition of a drain plug to the bottom of the bag for easy melt water drainage is a great feature that is missing in all other backpack coolers we have tested. It works in conjunction with the Sportsman’s rigid base that gives the pack a protective, stable footing that keeps it upright when set down and protects the insulation from punctures. Igloo claims that the base also increases ice retention by elevating the cooler above the warm ground, i’m not sure how much this actually increases the ice life but it is a great feature nonetheless.
This is a really functional backpack cooler, the boxy shape may not be to everyones taste but this is one of the most feature rich coolers on the market.
Pros
- Drain plug is a great addition (I wish more backpack coolers would incorporate them)
- Hard base allows the bag to stand up off the ground
- Impressive ice retention
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Boxy design might not be for everyone
- Firm sided construction limits internal capacity
- Rolltop opening not as functional as some competitors
RTIC 30 Can Backpack Soft Cooler
Capacity: 30 Qt
Can Capacity: 30 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
20.25″H x 10″D x 15″W
Ice Retention: 72 Hours
Does It Float: Yes
Materials: Waterproof Coated Nylon
Price: $$$
The RTIC 30 can cooler backpack is one of the most popular portable coolers on the market. It has everything you could possibly need – great ice retention, large capacity, RF-welded seams and it’s fully waterproof so can float beside you in your raft or kayak.
The RTIC is a firm-sided, boxy cooler with a lot of back padding and a strap system that includes a waist belt. It is tied with the Otterbox as the most comfortable cooler to carry on our list.
This pack will keep up to 30 cans cold for well over two days and if you swap out a few cans for some extra ice you might even reach 3 days. For a cooler priced just over $150 that is incredible.
The cooler features a fully waterproof zipper-top opening that allows for easy loading, the zipper may be a bit tough at first but RTIC include zipper lubricant that quickly eases the process.
The only issue that keeps this cooler from topping our list is that it might be slightly too big for some people. The Otterbox is actually taller than the RTIC but with the RTIC’s firm-sided, boxy style it feels far larger. That being said we still highly recommend this backpack cooler.
Pros
- 100% waterproof – It even floats!
- The most comfortable bag to carry on the list
- Very good ice retention
Cons
- Slightly hard to open to begin with (lubricant included)
- Large, boxy form factor may feel too big for some
Capacity: 18 Qt
Can Capacity: 18 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
18″H x 7″D x 12″W
Ice Retention: 18 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: Water-Resistant Nylon
Price: $$$
The Mossy Oak Tracker is the camouflage version of Polar Bear’s extremely popular nylon backpack cooler range
Polar Bear was recently featured on an episode of the NBC TV show ‘The Profit’ where they tried to get the company back on track after a drop in revenue. The issues were found to be with inventory and people management, not with the quality of the product they were producing.
The cooler is made from a 1000 Denier nylon outer that is both tear and water-resistant, a thick layer of insulation and a double coated TPU inner liner.
The Polar Bear Tracker has a wide, zip top opening that can be clipped down at the sides to keep the cooler compact when being carried. There are two, non-detachable backpack shoulder straps and two top-level carry straps with a velcro handle. The cooler ships with two bottle opener attachments which is a nice little added bonus.
The pack has an 18 Qt capacity that can keep 18 cans cold for up to 24 hours making it a solid option for a full day in a tree stand or out on the boat. The main compartment is a little on the tight side compared to the more boxy bags on our list but the does mean that the Tracker has a more traditional backpack feel when you are wearing it.
Pros
- Good ice retention
- Handy outer mesh storage pockets
- Customizable embroidery available
Cons
- Thin form factory limits capacity
- Some customers have reported bags leaking
Capacity: 31 Qt
Can Capacity: 24 – 12oz Cans
Exterior Dimensions:
17.7″H x 7.9″D x 13″W
Ice Retention: 18 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: Heavy Duty Nylon
Price: $
The Seehonor Insulated Backpack is one of the most popular options available on Amazon. It has over 700 ratings and reviews with very few of them being negative.
This 30 Qt backpack will keep 24 cans cold for up to 19 hours. The outer is made from heavy-duty nylon that surrounds a solid layer of insulation that is covered with a PEVA inner liner.
We really like the multiple outer pockets on this bag as it is hard to find a backpack cooler with enough dry storage. The pack features a breathable padded back, two shoulder straps (with pockets of their own) and even a built-in bottle opener. The mesh side pockets are large enough to fit two bottles of wine each and the main zipper is fully leakproof.
This is the best budget backpack cooler on our list, for a pack that costs under $40 it has a large capacity and decent ice life. This should be your go-to backpack cooler if you only need short-term ice life, large capacity and want to keep the cost down.
Pros
- Multiple outer storage pockets & compartments
- Great price
- Comfortable back padding
Cons
- Inner-lining not as hard-wearing as other bags on the list
- Durability over time may not be the best
Capacity:
Can Capacity:
Exterior Dimensions:
11.5″H x 10″D x 16″W
Ice Retention: 6 Hours
Does It Float: No
Materials: 600D Polyester Oxford Cloth
Price: $
The Outrav stool cooler made our list primarily as it offered something the other entries didn’t, dual functionality. A compact camo backpack cooler that doubles as a stool with useful dry storage compartments fills a slightly different need than the other coolers on our list.
The Outrav is a solid addition to your fishing, hiking or camping gear if you find yourself frequently looking for a brief sit-down.
The cooler compartment of this model cannot hang with the other models that we have reviewed for this list. The insulation is nowhere near as thick its competitors and will only last for a few hours.
If you are looking for a backpack cooler to use for a few hours on a short hike that can double as a short-term seat then we recommend this model, especially for the price.
If you want a cooler that will hold ice for a full day then look elsewhere.
Pros
- Useful dual functionality
- Low price
Cons
- Small storage capacity
- Short ice life
So there you have it the Otterbox LT30 is the best camo backpack cooler on the market today closely followed by the two RTIC models and the Icemule Pro XL. Please feel free to use the buttons below to share around our list.