Are you planning an outdoor picnic, but don't know how to keep your food hot? Are you more of a hiking fan and prefer body-hugging gear to store your food and drinks? That's where cooler backpacks come in.
Classic coolers and insulated purses aren't the only ways to carry your food. On the market, there is another typology of containers that fit the needs of a specific target. These are the cooler backpacks, containers specially designed to carry your meals while keeping them cool or warm. For people looking for practicality and still used to the school style, this is the best reference for keeping at the right temperature.
However, you will need to follow a best backpack cooler: comparison and guide to get a custom model. Naturally, this takes into account many options and selection criteria.
This is exactly what you will discover in this comparison guide: a top 6 of the best cooler backpacks on the market, according to their specificities. You will also benefit from a practical guide to choose the product that best suits your needs. So follow the guide without hesitation.
What are the best cooler backpacks on the French market?
We want to give you the best possible experience with the world of cooler backpacks. To this end, find this comparison that highlights 6 products that you absolutely must test.
Green Isothermal Backpack 30L
Healthy Lunch's signature green insulated backpack presents itself as a premium accessory.
First of all, it is designed to make it easy to transport and store your meals and drinks. With its 30-liter capacity, this cooler is ideal for family outings, picnics, hikes or travel.
In addition, the bag features a design made from high-quality materials, including 900D Oxford. In turn, you are dealing with a product that guarantees durability and exceptional resistance.
Further, it has a water-resistant nylon coating that makes it easy to clean and maintain. The large compartment is also fully insulated and optimized to keep your food and drinks cool for up to 8 hours. Of course, you can increase this performance by using ice packs.
On the other hand, if you are carrying hot meals, the insulated bag can keep the temperature over a time range of 4h to 6h.
The other advantage of this jewel is its practicality and functionality. Obviously, it is equipped with several pockets, including a large zippered front pocket to store:
- cutlery ;
- towels ;
- small items such as cell phone, wallet, medicine, etc.
The main compartment is easily accessible thanks to a sturdy zipper and a large opening. In addition, there are two black mesh side pockets for water bottles and a free bottle opener.
Want more? Just remember that this backpack is still very comfortable to wear thanks to its adjustable and padded shoulder straps. You also get a breathable mesh back panel that reduces perspiration. It also has a carry handle for easy use off the back.
Finally, your backpack is available in multiple colors and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Black Isothermal Backpack 35L
Accessible at a price defying all competition, here is a backpack that combines style and functionality. Thanks to its minimalist design and its black color, it is discreet and blends in with any decor.
You will be pleasantly surprised by its large capacity of 35 liters that meets the needs of 4 people for a day. And to facilitate the organization of meals, the interior of the bag offers a main compartment and other internal pockets.
The first one is zipped and can take cutlery or light accessories. Meanwhile, you can fit a napkin or ice cubes in the second white mesh pocket.
Plus, the bag is so optimized for storage that it offers you 5 more external pockets spread across its structure. Now there's no excuse for not carrying all your guests' favorite meals on a group trip.
In addition, we appreciate the small details around the shoulder strap. It is padded and has a place to store your smartphone. With this feature, this bag could be suitable for a hike in the mountains. You will be able to hike the trails while relaxing to some nice music from your playlist.
When it comes to performance, this black container is designed as an insulated cooler. Specifically, its thermal nature allows it to keep meals hot (6 hours) as well as drinks cold (8 hours). Of course, you cannot mix the two types of food for efficiency reasons. Only one temperature can be prioritized for travel.
Finally, remember that water does not scare this container. It is completely waterproof and resistant to the elements. It is also easily maintained for the happiness of its users.
Blue Isothermal Backpack 20L
If elegance had a name, it would be this one from Healthy Lunch. This compact mini-bag has an elegant design and a vibrant blue color that makes it a trendy accessory.
Its 20-liter capacity is more than enough to safely hold your meals and drinks. You can, for example, keep your day's meal in it if you are planning a temporary trip or a hike in the forest.
On the road, the bag will be easy to use, mainly thanks to its carrying handle and its foam strap. The strap is adjustable to fit all body types. Your shoulders will not suffer especially if you have to walk for a long time.
In addition, the small bag is made to resist daily wear and tear. We can thank the designer who thought of Oxford 900D as the main material in the manufacturing process. Also, its polyester exterior coating is water resistant and protects it from rain and moisture.
On the inside, a 3-layer thermal protection is in place to ensure the preservation of :
- Freshness for 8 hours or more with the use of ice packs;
- Heat for a maximum of 6 hours.
Finally, you will benefit from a bottle opener that is integrated in the 100% secure delivery package.
Blue Isothermal Backpack 33L
After the previous product, we find a little more volume with this beautiful bag of 33 liters. The space is perfect to store :
- Meals;
- Drinks:
- Fruit;
- Snacks and other food products.
You can easily pack everything you need for an impromptu lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Like other insulated backpacks, this one is no exception to the double thermal performance rule. In other words, lovers of hot meals will be able to keep the temperature of their food intact for at least 4 hours.
On the other side, revelers won't run out of cold drinks or liquors, because the bag also keeps the cold out for 8 hours. And if you want to make this conservation last, just invest in a cold accumulator. All in all, this insulated cooler will maintain the ideal temperature of the food until you are ready to enjoy it.
To meet all your food transportation needs, the store has opted for a bag with adjustable and convenient shoulder straps. You won't feel a thing even when the bag is loaded. You can carry it easily on your back, keeping your hands free to enjoy your day. It also has external pockets to store your small items such as keys, cell phones, wallets, etc.
Camouflage Isothermal Backpack 20L
This insulated backpack from Healthy Lunch is simply practical and trendy with its military design. Indeed, its green camouflage pattern is inspired by military outfits, which allows it to discreetly blend into the natural environment.
So it will be perfect for a hiking trip, hunting or other outdoor activities. The pattern is also popular with urban fashion and streetwear enthusiasts, offering a cool, casual look. So we can say that Healthy Lunch has thought of everyone with this unique product.
Moreover, let's remember that this beautiful bag stands out for its high quality isothermal material that provides excellent thermal insulation. In fact, the inside of the bag is covered with several layers. They work optimally when the bag is filled to its maximum capacity. This minimizes the empty space inside and maximizes the efficiency of temperature retention.
What about the technical data of such a performance?
Indeed, the camouflage insulated backpack is designed to keep your meal fresh for 8 hours. This time can be extended by using ice packs. It can also keep your meal warm for 4 to 6 hours, which is ideal for winter meals or hot drinks.
Small Grey Insulated Backpack
As the name clearly indicates, this is the small insulated backpack of our collection because of its 8.5 liter size. With this capacity, it is perfect for carrying a delicious meal or snacks on the go.
As a reminder, the bag is made of high quality 600D Oxford material that is both durable and waterproof. This ensures that your food will stay dry even in wet conditions.
Further, it features optimized refrigerated compartments that can keep your food items cool for up to 8 hours. According to the datasheet, you can extend this time with the use of ice packs. In addition, it can keep your food warm for 6 hours, making it ideal for winter outings. In short, it shares the same performance as a 30-liter insulated cooler.
Moreover, you will appreciate the compact dimensions of the mini-bag which makes it easy to carry. These include
- a height of 31 cm ;
- a length of 23.5 cm;
- a width of 11.5 cm.
Apart from this advantage, remember that it is easy to clean and maintain. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth or rag to remove any food stains.
Finally, the 20L camouflage insulated backpack's delivery is secure, which means you can order with confidence.
What is the best brand of backpack?
Let's face it from the start: there is no "best" brand of backpack that is right for everyone. It basically depends on individual needs and preferences. However, here are some of the most popular backpack brands with a reputation for quality:
Osprey
Osprey is another American backpack brand that focuses on quality and comfort. To this end, their products are known for being ergonomic and adjustable. They offer excellent support and balanced weight distribution.
Deuter
Deuter is a German brand that operates in the field of innovation. Its backpacks are lightweight and durable with :
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps;
- Adjustable hip belts;
- Mesh pockets for easy access to essentials.
In addition, the German company offers its customers bags for hiking and city trips.
Patagonia
Here is another American brand that easily finds its place in this selection. Its particularity comes down to sustainable and environmentally friendly backpacks. The manufacturing process is eco-responsible with 100% recyclable materials.
The North Face
The North Face is an American brand of backpacks that is known for its quality and robustness. Its backpacks are designed to be weather resistant, with durable materials and reinforced seams. In addition, it offers a wide variety of backpacks, ranging from hiking bags to laptop backpacks. Some models offer features such as dedicated electronics compartments and hydration pockets.
How to choose the best cooler backpack?
Choosing the right backpack can make all the difference in your comfort when traveling. Here is a buying guide to help you find the best backpack.
Choosing based on storage capacity
The storage capacity or capacity depends on the intended use of the cooler backpack. For daily use, a backpack of 20 to 30 liters is sufficient. However, for multi-day hikes, a backpack of 40 to 70 liters is more suitable. In short, it is important to choose a backpack that can store everything you need without being too bulky.
Choose according to comfort
This criterion is essential, especially if you plan to wear the backpack for long hours of walking. Indeed, it must have specific features for better comfort:
- Well-padded shoulder straps;
- a waist belt to support the weight;
- a ventilated back structure to prevent sweating;
- compression straps to stabilize the weight;
Of course, a sturdy carrying handle is also a must.
Choose based on durability
This criterion ensures that the backpack will withstand wear and tear and the rigors of time. To that end, look for bags made from high-quality materials like 900D Oxford or 600D Oxford. In addition, ballistic nylon or polyester backpacks are generally more durable than cotton or canvas bags. Also, don't forget to check the stitching style of your backpack. It should be reinforced to prevent tears.
Choose based on thermal performance
If you're going to use your backpack in extreme weather conditions, thermal performance is an important consideration. In fact, it's the main reason for having a cooler backpack.
So, opt for backpacks that have multiple layers of insulation and protection. This will help you keep food and drinks cool or warm for several hours. For example, the Healthy Lunch brand offers cooler bags with a performance of :
- 8hrs or more to keep drinks cool;
- be 4h and 6h to keep food hot.
On the other hand, there are some bags that offer ventilation systems. This is very convenient to avoid overheating of the back when walking.
Choose according to style
Style is a matter of personal taste, but it's still a great criterion if you're an aesthetic lover. At Healthy Lunch, you'll find backpacks in a variety of colors, shapes and designs that will easily fit your lifestyle.
Choose based on available pockets
The best backpack doesn't have to be ordinary or just plain. It should facilitate the user experience for its owner through a slew of pockets:
- internal and external storage pockets;
- a bottle holder at the ends;
- pockets for personal items such as keys, wallets and more.
Ultimately, the best backpack is based on your intended use and the criteria that are most important to you. So take the time to research and compare different models before making a final choice.
What material for a backpack?
To meet all needs, we highly recommend Oxford which is a popular option for insulated backpacks. It is a cotton or polyester fabric, woven with a special pattern that gives it a unique texture and stylish look.
Oxford is often used for premium backpacks for everyday use. This makes sense, as it is durable and tear-resistant, but also soft and comfortable to wear. Bags made from this material can also be treated to be water resistant, meaning waterproof.
On the other side, you can always opt for mesh. This is a lightweight, breathable material that is ideal for sports or hiking backpacks. It allows good air circulation and thus prevents overheating at the back.
Conclusion
All in all, choosing a cooler backpack may seem simple. However, there are several factors to consider in order to find the right model for you. By using our comparison and buying guide, you can already evaluate the different criteria to select the perfect cooler backpack. Remember to pre-cool your food before putting it in the bag, keep the bag in the shade and check the temperature regularly. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy a nature trip without worrying about the quality of your meals.