Mastering the Art of Cooler Backpacks: Icemule Classic Soft Cooler

From Hikes to Beach Days – Discover Unmatched Convenience and Chilled Perfection with ICEMULE.

As an active mother of teenagers who thrives on outdoor adventures, finding gear that enhances both convenience and functionality is an absolute necessity. When I stumbled upon the Icemule Classic Medium Soft Cooler, proudly designed in the USA, I knew I had discovered a gem that perfectly aligned with my family’s adventurous lifestyle.

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This backpack cooler has not only streamlined our outdoor excursions but has also become an essential companion for picnics, hikes, and beach days.

15L Soft-Sided Sling Backpack Cooler Review

I received the Classic Medium Soft Cooler from ICEMULE to test out for this gear review. Backpack coolers are an excellent choice for families that are always on the move. Whether you’re embarking on a nature hike, packing up for a beach day or heading to a music festival, having easy access to your favorite drinks and snacks is essential. The Icemule Classic Soft Cooler is an absolute game-changer.

Soft Cooler: Combining Quality and Convenience

First and foremost, the fact that the ICEMULE is founded and still operates out in St. Augustine, Florida. This cooler reflects a dedication to quality, durability, and ethical production practices, a trifecta that has become increasingly important to me as a conscious consumer.

Cooler Backpack: A Fusion of Practicality and Style

The term “backpack cooler” barely does justice to the intelligent design of the Icemule Classic. It seamlessly merges the functionality of a soft-sided cooler and the convenience of a sling-style backpack with one shoulder strap into a dry bag-style design. Plus the shoulder strap is removable for maximum storage versatility.

The Classic Medium is a 15-liter cooler bag that measures 9″x9″x18″ and weighs only 2 pounds. Carrying chilled beverages and snacks is effortless with the padded, adjustable strap that distributes weight evenly.

Whether we’re tackling a moderate trail or meandering along the shoreline, the ergonomic design ensures maximum comfort for me and my teenagers.

Game-Changing Features: What Sets the Icemule Classic Apart

Ice Retention

The Icemule Classic has redefined my expectations for ice retention in a soft cooler bag. With its proprietary PolarLayer™ insulation and MuleSkin™ exterior, this cooler keeps its contents chilled for an astonishing 24+ hours and is super lightweight (2 pounds without any ice).

Gone are the days of worrying about melting ice and lukewarm refreshments. Given our summer heat in Oklahoma, I can attest that this cooler gets the job done. This bag does an excellent job of keeping food and drinks cold even through a full day outdoors.

The quality of this bag is top-notch, with durable materials and construction that will last for years. It also comes in several colors and sizes, making it perfect for any outing. I can confidently recommend this cooler to anyone looking for something reliable and dependable to keep their food cool while exploring the outdoors. You won’t be disappointed!

Capacity and Versatility

The Medium size of the Icemule Classic boasts an impressive 15-liter capacity. It can hold up to 12 cans or 4 wine bottles—talk about accommodating the varied preferences of me and my family! Plus, the roll-top design allows for easy expansion or compression, depending on the day’s requirements.

Waterproof and Tough

Our outdoor escapades often involve water activities, and the Icemule Classic’s waterproof and rugged construction offers peace of mind. The welded seams ensure that even if the cooler takes an accidental dip, its contents remain safe and dry.

Note: Just like with a dry bag, it’s important to note that there is a correct and incorrect to close this bag. It’s recommended to always fold the top of the bag toward the logo side (front of the bag), secure the buckle towards the back, and allow air to remain inside. This will ensure your contents remain dry and chilled longer. See the brand’s video below.

Hands-Free Convenience

With the hands-free nature of a backpack, I can effortlessly navigate rocky terrains or engage in impromptu games with my teenagers without compromising on refreshments.

These days I prefer a sling-style bag, which can be worn over either the left or right shoulder for complete comfort. This soft-sided cooler is no exception. I find it easier to carry than a traditional backpack and the strap is adjustable, accommodating a variety of body shapes and sizes.

Cost and Quality

The Icemule Classic is an excellent example of an affordable, high-quality product. With a price tag of $84.95 for the Medium, it offers superior ice retention and functionality compared to its counterparts at a fraction of the cost. Given the quality of construction and material used in its production, I believe it will be around for years to come.

Additional sizes are available ranging from the Mini 9L to the Pro X-Large 33L, $64.95 to $144.95.

Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Companion for Our Outdoor Adventures

As an active mother who treasures the great outdoors and quality family moments, the Icemule Classic Medium Soft Cooler has become an indispensable asset. Its impeccable design and capacity to keep our favorite treats frosty even in the midst of our wildest escapades have truly elevated our outdoor adventures. With this cooler backpack in tow, my teenagers and I are set to explore, discover, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Find this and other ICEMULE coolers on their website.

Cooler Bag FAQs

Are backpack coolers worth it?

A good backpack cooler will keep food and drinks cold for hours and even days, which makes it perfect for long hikes, day trips, or car trips. Plus, not having to lug around a heavy traditional cooler can make life much easier. Backpack coolers come in all different sizes and styles, so there’s something out there that’s sure to fit any need you might have.

What’s the difference between a cooler and an insulated bag?

The primary difference between a cooler and an insulated bag is that coolers are designed to keep food and drinks cold for long periods of time, whereas an insulated bag may not be as effective in keeping contents cool. Coolers typically contain specialized insulation or gel packs that absorb the heat from their interior environment, while insulated bags usually only rely on air space between layers of fabric for insulation.

Note: A soft-sided cooler was provided for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.

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