Wheeled cooler vs backpack cooler: Wheeled wins for tailgating, backpack wins for hiking

Wheeled coolers hold twice as much, fit a 12-pack upright, and don’t kill your shoulders for short hauls like tailgating. Backpack coolers are better for hiking, beach walks, or carrying a few sandwiches. The extra $30–50 for a wheeled model is worth it when feeding a crowd.