Little Igloo Coolers: Playmate, Tag Along, Soft and Backpack Picks

Best for
Solo drinks for a LAN session

The Igloo Classic Playmate Coolers are the icon of the small cooler world. The trademarked tent-top lid doubles as the handle and swivels open to either side, so you can grab a drink with one hand from whichever side you are sitting on. This version holds 9 cans.

Igloo uses THERMECOOL foam insulation for ice retention, and the lid carries a hot-stamped Playmate logo with a debossed logo on the body. It is a hard shell, so it can double as a small side table next to a gaming chair. The listing gives a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

This suits one person or a pair: a few sodas for a long session, a lunch for a road trip. For a group, it is too small, and the Tag Along Too or backpack cooler holds more.

• Holds 9 cans
• Tent-top lid opens from either side
• THERMECOOL foam insulation

Best for
Hands-free carry to tailgates

The Igloo Tag Along Too Coolers hold 14 cans in a picnic-style hard shell. The standout feature is an extra-long, adjustable woven shoulder strap that lets you carry it over a shoulder or crossbody, leaving your hands free for chairs or a speaker.

The lid locks at each side and has an interior gasket to prevent spills, and MaxCold insulation runs through both the body and the lid. There is plenty of vertical room, so sports drinks and bottles stand upright. The listing title describes it as a rolling ice chest, but the features list no wheels, only the shoulder strap, so do not count on wheels. It carries a 1-year warranty.

This is the pick for tailgates and outdoor viewing parties where you walk a distance from the car. If you need wheels, look at our guide to a rolling Igloo cooler with wheels.

• Holds 14 cans
• Adjustable crossbody shoulder strap
• Locking lid with gasket
• MaxCold insulation in body and lid

Best for
Longnecks and tall bottles

The Igloo Hard Cooler from the Profile Series is designed around height. Its vertical profile fits tall bottles and longnecks, and its Cool Riser Technology raises the cooler for better cooling performance. Integrated pouring channels in the liner let you drain melted ice easily.

The bail handle folds flat into the liner so coolers can stack for storage, and Igloo uses its new THERMECOOL foam, which it describes as a cleaner, eco-friendly solution. The listing gives a unit count of 16 but does not clearly state can capacity in the features. It has a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

This suits anyone bringing tall bottles to a party or a barbecue. For pure cans, the Playmate or Tag Along Too are easier to carry.

Best for
Convention lunch and snacks

The Igloo Soft Sided Coolers listing covers the Everyday Lunch cooler bag, which holds up to 12 cans and is listed at 12 quarts. MaxChill insulation keeps food and drinks cold through the day, according to Igloo.

The exterior is 100 percent recycled polyester with a DWR coating that repels dirt and water. You can carry it crossbody on the adjustable padded shoulder strap or by the faux-neoprene top handle. A front zipper pocket holds napkins and utensils, and an expandable side pocket takes a bottle or tumbler. The listing’s included components mention a bottle and utensils, but the features describe pockets for them, so expect to supply your own. It has a 1-year warranty.

This is the pick for conventions, where you want lunch and a couple of drinks without lugging a hard chest through crowds. A soft bag typically holds ice for less time than a hard shell, so it is a day cooler, not a weekend one.

• Up to 12 cans, 12 quarts
• Water-repellent recycled polyester
• Front and expandable side pockets

Best for
Wet, sunny outdoor trips

The Igloo Marine Cooler is built for sun and water. UV inhibitors protect the shell from sun damage, and non-slip, comfort-grip swing-up handles help in wet conditions. The hybrid latch uses stainless steel at the hinge and plastic at the snap, and the hinges are made from Riteflex resin, described as impact resistant and flexible.

A rust-resistant stainless steel lid strap and screws are designed for harsh marine conditions. The listing does not specify capacity, size or insulation type, so check the product page for dimensions before buying.

This suits fishing trips, boating and beach days. For a convention or LAN party, its marine hardware is overkill, but for an outdoor movie by the lake it is the toughest choice here.

Best for
Peanuts fans at conventions

The Igloo Peanuts Insulated Backpack Cooler is part of a special-edition Peanuts x Igloo collection. It has a custom Snoopy patch on the front and a Woodstock patch on the D-ring, with a Peanuts-inspired print on a durable 600D polyester exterior. It holds 16 cans, listed as 192 fluid ounces.

A wide main compartment with a zipper opening makes it easy to reach food and drinks. The listing does not describe the backpack straps, and some spec lines look like errors, including a 25W Edison bulb listed as an included component and a model name of Gripper. Rely on the feature text and photos.

This is the fun pick for fans heading to a convention, a theme park or a picnic who want their cooler to double as a statement piece. At 16 cans, it holds the most of any cooler here with a stated can count.