Soft cooler vs hard cooler: Soft wins for day hikes, hard for long trips

Soft coolers are lighter, easier to pack, and more comfortable to carry than hard ones for a few hours on the trail. Hard coolers are better for car camping or hot beach days where ice needs to last 24+ hours, but they’re bulky and awkward to carry any distance. Get a soft cooler with at least 0.5 inches of foam for $30–50, not an ultralight foil bag.