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The Best Mini Coolers We Tested and Recommend
Jan 15, 2025
While backpack coolers are good for day hikes and camping coolers reliably keep a week’s worth of provisions cold, there’s a slot for something that’s as portable as the former but as durable as the latter. A hard-sided mini cooler is the sweet spot that’s bigger than a lunchbox and has the same top-tier insulation as your favorite cooler.
When I set out to find the best mini coolers, I sought out models with a 25-liter capacity or less, a small footprint f0r easy storage, and reliable insulation. I landed on three to test: the Yeti Roadie 15, the Oyster Tempo, and the Bote Kula 5. I also spoke with Samara Robbins, Senior Product Manager at Yeti, along with Ian Sandmæl, co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Oyster, for further intel on all things coolers.
But before diving into my reviews, first figure out if a mini cooler suits your needs—and compliments the rest of your cooler collection.
The Best Mini Coolers I Tested
Most Compact
Best Insulation
Oyster 1st Edition Tempo Bundle
Best for On the Water
What Constitutes a Mini Cooler?
A mini cooler—for our purposes—is a hard-sided cooler made for longterm use that’s 24 liters or less. We aren’t talking about the classic Igloo lunchbox (though I’m a fan) as they’re too small, and we don’t mean soft-sided coolers as they tend to lack the same level of insulation.
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