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Every good summer hang requires a cooler of some sort; beach days and BBQs can only be so fun when you’re dehydrated. Luckily, your options are more stylish—and convenient—than ever. You’ll find pretty pastel and punchy neon finishes aplenty in our edit, often with the added bonus of handy straps, durable materials, and a long-lasting chill. Read on for our 11 favorites.
The Hard Coolers
The Color Crush: Yeti Tundra Hard Cooler
Yeti’s Tundra can withstand all manner of rough and tumble, even hungry grizzlies (the locks are bearproof), but it made our list because the seasonal colors, like this Big Sky Blue, are a total delight.
The Ice-Less Queen: Oyster Tempo Cooler
So long, last-minute trips to the grocery for more bags of ice. All you have to do is put already-cold bevvies into Oyster’s innovative aluminum design and the interior vacuum insulation will keep them that way. (Psst: If they’re room temp, Oyster sells a set of ice packs to do the job.)
The Mini: Igloo Tag Along Too Cooler
This portable option holds 14 stacked cans, perfect for a smaller get-together where you’re in charge of the drinks. Plus the stay-open lid stays lets everyone serve themselves.
The Secret Seat: Business & Pleasure Hemingway Cooler
Miscounted your beach chairs? This retro cooler, a 2024 Domino Good Design Award winner, doubles as extra seating thanks to a magnetic cushion on the acacia wood lid.
The Soft Coolers
The Backpack: Corkcicle Eola Bucket Cooler Bag
Go on, take the scenic route. The padded straps on this vegan leather Corkcicle style make carrying up to five bottles of wine or 12 cans less of a slog.
The Pattern Play: The Somewhere Co. Blueberry Midi Cooler Bag
Our smallest pick, this twist on classic picnic gingham is the perfect size for lunch and drinks for two. Pop your phone in the outer pocket and you’re all set.
The Freestander: The Get Out Cooler Bag
Once you arrive at your destination, this structured backpack can stand up on its own like an on-the-go ice bucket. Its also impressively roomy, with a 24-can capacity that rivals some hard coolers.
The Retro Remix: Sunnylife Round Picnic Cooler Basket
No sacrificing of aesthetics here. Sunnylife managed to combine the charm of an old-school picnic basket with the modern utility of an insulated, zippered interior.
The More-Than-Just-Coolers
The Patio MVP: Veradek Outdoor Cooler Side Table
With a swivel of its top, this stone-like, ribbed side table reveals a 55-can cooler. When the BBQ is over, simply unplug the drainage stop.
The Plug and Play: GoSun Chillito Electric Cooler
This cooler gets its chill from a 24-hour rechargeable battery, which can charge your phone via a USB port at the same time.
The Life of the Party: Best Choice Products Outdoor Steel Rolling Cooler Cart
If you tend to throw big backyard shindigs come summer, this rolling ice chest is for you. Yes, it can fit 50 wine bottles, but it also acts as a stand-alone serving station (peep the built-in bottle opener and spacious bottom shelf for drinkware or other accoutrements).