The summer heatwaves are here. If you’re heading to the beach, packing for a festival or you just want to keep your lunch from becoming a hot mess, the best cool bag and boxes are here to help keep your food and drink cold for hours.
Finding the best cool bag or box isn’t always straightforward, though. There are so many options out there, from soft bags to insulated boxes and that’s before you even factor in size, design and budget. The first step in finding the right cool bag for you is to think about how you’re going to use it. A compact bag that’s ideal for slipping under your desk and holding your lunch is a different kettle of fish from a large holdall-style cool bag built for a full day at the beach.
Other things to look out for when choosing the best cool bag is good insulation, a sturdy zip or closure, a lining that’s easy to wipe down and clean and, of course, a bag or box that’s easy to carry and store when not in use.
A good cool bag isn’t just for summer days out, either – they’re also brilliant for keeping in the car to store your shopping, especially if you like to hop around a few different shops. Once you start using a properly insulated cool bag, you’ll wonder how you ever did without one.
With all that in mind, I’ve tested a range of different cool bags and boxes that cover different style, sizes and price points, to help you find the best one for your needs.
Read more: Best flasks that will keep drinks cold for hours
The best cool bags and boxes for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Stanley 1913 all-day Julienne mini cooler, 7l: £80, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Dexham reuse, reduce, recycle RPET cooler bag: £11.27, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for picnics – Cath Kidston pink raspberry large cooler bag: £30, HartsofStur.com
- Best for outdoor adventures – PetroMax 8l cooler bag: £126.95, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: Best portable BBQs, tried and tested
Stanley 1913 all-day Julienne mini cooler
Rating: 5/5
Best: cool bag overall
Why we love it
- Easy to access
- Nice to carry
- Keeps contents cool for up to 12 hours
Take note
- On the pricey side
Stanley’s 1913 all-day Julienne cool bag was easily the best cool bag I tested. It’s got everything you could want – it’s lightweight, easy to carry, easy to access (thanks to the distinctive doctor’s bag hinge) and it keeps things cooler for longer.
The cool bag also has a decent 7l capacity – if you’re using slim ice packs rather than loose ice, you can get quite a lot of food and drink in this cool bag. During testing, I was really impressed (especially for a soft-sided bag), as it kept drinks cool for hours. I found loose ice melted down after around eight hours, but if you’re using ice packs you can add a good few hours on to that time. It’s a really nice bag to carry, too, as it has a padded hand strap or a longer over-the-shoulder strap.
It is on the pricey side compared with some other options in this roundup, but you can feel by the quality of the construction that this bag is a durable option that should see you through many a summer heatwave. If you’re looking for a genuinely good bag that’s going to keep your items cooler for longer, it’s a no-brainer.
Key specifications
Buy now £80, Amazon.co.uk
Trail camping cool box
Rating: 5/5
Best: cool box overall
Why we love it
- Has a storage spot for ice packs
- Great size
- Easy to carry
Take note
- Can feel a bit weighty when full
Trail’s 22l cool box is a great size for a family. It’s the best cool box I tested as it’s durable, easy to carry and it comes at a reasonable price point. One of my favourite design features is that, inside, there are two slots in which you can put your ice packs. Although, I found that my ice packs don’t fit in the slots once they’ve been frozen, as they swell up too much, but for storage it’s perfect.
Performance wise, this cool box did well in testing. It held its temperature for about 24 hours, making this a brilliant choice for full days out or even overnight stays. The inside is nice and roomy, too.
It’s not too heavy for a box, coming in at 3.8kg. However, when it’s full, I found it felt a little weighty. It’s also easy to clean – it’s just needs a quick wipe over when you’re done. Overall, this is a great choice for longer trips away.
Key specifications
Buy now £44.99, Amazon.co.uk
Dexham reuse, reduce, recycle RPET cooler bag
Rating: 4/5
Best: budget cool bag
Why we love it
- Made from recycled plastic
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to store
Take note
- Better suited to short-term use
This budget-friendly Dexham cool bag is made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can enjoy your picnic knowing that you’ve prevented plastic ending up in landfill. The bag is very lightweight and roomy, making it ideal for family days out. The insulation is quite thin but, for the price, it did a reasonable job of keeping things cool.
It’s not really a cool bag that’s going to keep things ice cold all day, though, so if you may want to consider a different option for long days out. However, during testing, it kept drinks cool for a couple of hours, so it’s definitely one that I’d take with me if I was going to have an afternoon at the park or beach.
For the money, the build quality of this bag is impressive – it feels very sturdy even when full, and it folds down flat when not in use. The interior is also wipe-clean, so it’s easy to maintain. If you’re looking for something that’ll do the job for a couple of hours without costing the earth, this steal of a cool bag is ideal.
Key specifications
Buy now £11.27, Amazon.co.uk
Cath Kidston pink raspberry large cooler bag
Rating: 4/5
Best: cool bag for picnics
Why we love it
- Eye-catching design
- Easy to carry
- Easy to clean
Take note
- Loses structure a bit when not full
With about 20l of capacity, this Cath Kidston cool bag offers plenty of room for food and drinks for picnics with friends or family. The design is recognisably Cath Kidston – it’s bright and cheerful, but it’s not all about looks. The practical design has a shoulder strap and a set of cushioned handles, so it’s really easy to carry around. I also loved how much space there was not just in the bag but also in the front pocket and side mesh pockets, which means you can pack a few extras such as your phone or a book, without risking getting them wet.
Performance wise, I found that the insulated lining was very effective during my tests. It maintained a good temperature for about four hours with loose ice, making it a great choice for shorter day trips rather than a full day or an overnighter. It felt lightweight to carry, which makes a huge difference if you’re moving it from the car to the beach.
My only gripe is that, because the bag lacks a rigid base, it slumps when not full. However, that’s not really a deal-breaker. It was also super easy to clean, the lining just wiped dry. This is a really practical choice for afternoons out and picnics at the park or beach.
Key specifications
Buy now £30, Hartsofstur.com
Cath Kidston raspberry cooler bag, small
Rating: 4/5
Best: cool bag for lunches
Why we love it
- Compact and lightweight
- Plenty of pockets for its size
- Pretty design
Take note
- Not much space once the ice pack is in
If you’re looking for a compact lunch bag ideal for daily use, then this Cath Kidston mini cooler bag is the one. The small lunch bag has the same cheerful design as the larger model included in this roundup but the bonus is you can pop it in your backpack. Now it is quite small, as you’d expect from a lunch bag, with an ice pack filling up a lot of space. But you can still fit a drink, some sandwiches and a snack easily.
The great thing about this bag is it’s really light, weighing in at just 246g you won’t notice it, even when full. It’s also nice to carry and hold, as there’s a longer strap and carry handle. The insulated lining does a good job of keeping things cool – although it doesn’t get as cool as some of the bigger bags, it’s fine for lunch. You can’t really use loose ice with this bag, so you will have to invest in some ice packs.
Where it falls short is the capacity. When you’re using it without ice packs, you can pack quite a bit in, but when you add ice, it’s like playing Tetris with the filling. However, if you’re taking a packed lunch out for the day, it’s a stylish way to avoid warm sarnies.
Key specification
Buy now £15, Hartsofstur.com
Draper 08533 bunker cool box
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: premium cool box
Why we love it
- Stays cold for days
- Extendable handle
- Compact for the capacity
Take note
- It's heavy, so not great for carrying for any great distance
If you’re looking for a cool box that is tough, durable and has plenty of space for food and drinks, this option from Draper is perfect. It’s got a leakproof and UV-resistant exterior along with two interlocking latches to keep the box airtight and secure. The top of the box also has anchor points, so you can tie your box down to stop it from sliding and moving around.
Inside, there’s plenty of space, with an 18l capacity. It’s easy to get things in and out, as the lid opens up wide. Plus, because the lid is hinged, you don’t have to try find somewhere to rest it. In testing, it did really well – because the cool box stays airtight, the ice stayed frozen for days. This makes it ideal for longer trips while camping in the countryside or at festivals.
It’s nice and easy to clean, and it has a sweat-free exterior, so, no matter how cold it is inside, you won’t get any condensation forming on the outside. However, it’s not the lightest. Even when it’s empty, it’s pretty hefty, so you do need a bit of strength when carrying this box around when it’s full.
Key specifications
Buy now £150.34, Amazon.co.uk
PetroMax cooler bag
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: cool bag for outdoor adventures
Why we love it
- Weatherproof
- Ice stays frozen for more than 24 hours
- Multiple pockets
Take note
- The thick insulation reduces the space inside
If you love outdoor adventures, this PetroMax cool bag is a serious bit of kit. For anyone who needs a weatherproof yet reliable cool bag for camping, hiking or fishing, it’ll do the job nicely. It’s made from a water-repellent nylon and has waterproof zips, making it ideal for the ever-changing British weather. Something to be aware of is that the zips are really stubborn to start with, but they should loosen up over time.
Performance with this bag was super impressive – ice stayed frozen for more than 24 hours during testing, and the brand’s official stats say it can last up to four days. Despite being a bag, this design is really rigid, but that’s down to the thick inner insulation. However, that is somewhat of a downside, as it does eat into a lot of the internal space. You’re not going to get a huge amount in this bag, but there’s plenty of external pockets so you can save the inside for those items that really need to be kept cold.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors and needs a premium cool bag to match their lifestyle.
Key specifications
Buy now £126.95, Berryuseful.co.uk
Yvonne Ellen whale cooler bag
Rating: 5/5
Best: cool bag design
Why we love it
- Stunning design
- Internal pockets
- Easy to cary
Take note
- Cotton fabric isn’t as durable
I know looks aren’t everything but this Yvonne Ellen bag is genuinely one of the most beautiful cool bags I’ve seen. It has a gorgeous whale pattern and if you don’t get comments when carrying this bag I’ll be very surprised. The outside is made from cotton, which isn’t quite as durable as the polyester bags I’ve tested. If you are using it out and about, it’s likely to get dirty very quickly, and it’s wipe-clean only so that’s something to keep in mind when choosing your picnic site.
That aside, it’s a really good size and spacious enough for a picnic for two people. It has dual carry straps and is really lightweight so if you’re carrying it a distance from the car, it won’t bog you down. During testing, it kept drinks cold for several hours but I found loose ice melted quite quickly, so you may want to consider using ice packs for longer-lasting results.
The main consideration with this bag really is the material. If you’re more of an outdoor adventure, rough and tumble type of person, then a more resilient option is going to be a better choice. However, if you want something stylish to house your sandwiches on a hot day, look no further.
Key specifications
Buy now £35, Amazon.co.uk
Polarbox cool box
Rating: 4/5
Best: lightweight cool box
Why we love it
- Relatively lightweight for a cool box
- The lid doubles as a drinks tray
- Easy to carry
Take note
- The lid is slippery
This retro Polarbox cool box looks super, well, cool. It has a smooth moulded exterior, which has plenty of aesthetic appeal but the lid is really slippery when you’re trying to remove it. That said, the lid also doubles up as a drinks tray, which is a great little touch. It also comes in a variety of different colours, for the style-conscious among you.
With a 20l capacity, this cool box can fit quite a lot inside. Performance-wise, it did well during my tests – it kept drinks cold for about 12 hours (although the ice was completely melted in that time). It’s so lightweight that, even when full, it won’t weigh you down but the shape isn’t the most comfortable to carry.
It’s easy to clean, although, if you choose a lighter colourway, you may find yourself having to wipe the outside down a little more often, as the pastel shades tend to show more dirt. If you’re someone who wants to look the part when you’re picnicking at the park, this is a great choice.
Key specifications
Buy now £34.95, Hartsofstur.com
Thermos radiance family cool bag
Rating: 5/5
Best: cool bag for couples
Why we love it
- Great size for a small picnic
- Plenty of pockets
- Little hatch to access your items
Take note
- Difficult to fold down once it’s been opened up
Thermos knows a thing or two about insulation and keeping things chill, and this cool bag is proof of that. At 17l, I found it’s an ideal size for couples or a small family to enjoy a picnic. It has a great design with sturdy zips but my favourite feature is the little hatch that opens up on the top of the bag, so you can reach in and grab what you need without opening up the main zip area and letting in extra warm air.
During testing, it performed incredibly well. It kept drinks cold all day during warm weather. The ice didn’t melt down for about six hours, which was impressive.
The bag is a nice size to carry with both a shoulder strap and carry handles. It was also easy to clean, as the food-safe lining just needed a wipe down after use. Compared with some other cool bags tested, this one doesn’t fold down quite as neatly once it’s been opened up, which is a bit of a pain for storage, but not a deal-breaker. At the price point, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting a roomy cool bag that’s ideal for a full day out.
Key specifications
Buy now £30, Amazon.co.uk
Campingaz fold n cool minimaxi insulated cooler, 30l
Rating: 4/5
Best: large cool bag
Why we love it
- Roomy
- Folds flat when not in use
- Great price
Take note
- The Velcro can be a challenge
At less than £30, this Campingaz cool bag is a bit of a bargain – especially considering its generous 30l capacity. What I really loved about it was how it folded down – it’s ideal for storing away when not in use, but also it’s a great choice for leaving in the back of the car if you want to keep food cold after a trip to the supermarket.
The insulation is quite thin but it still kept food and drinks cold for about five hours in warm weather during testing. That said, I did use loose ice, so if you’re using ice packs expect an hour or two more.
The build quality on this bag is great, if not a little over engineered. It seems like there’s Velcro for everything that helps it to stay flat, but this can also be bit of a faff. However, if you need a large bag that’s affordable and ideal for storing away, this is a great choice.
Key specifications
Buy now £29.99, Asda.com
Thermos radiance lunch bag
Rating: 3.5/5
Best: cool bag for the office
Why we love it
- Comfortable to carry
- Perfect size for a small lunch
- Easy to clean
Take note
- Not really much room once the ice pack is inside
If you’re fed up of your lunch rolling around the bottom of your handbag, this Thermos cool bag could be the solution. It’s only has a capacity of 4l, so don’t expect it to hold a feast, but it’s big enough for a drink and a sandwich and maybe a snack. The fact it’s really lightweight makes it perfect for throwing into your work bag, too.
It did well during testing – my drink stayed cold for about four hours and my sandwich stayed cool too. The bag was easy to clean at the end of the day, just needing a little wipe over. This isn’t a cool bag that you’re going to want to use loose ice in, so make sure you get a decent ice pack.
The only real limitation is the size. While it’s designed to be small, it is a little too small if you want a decent-sized lunch. Otherwise, for a lightweight option to take to work day-to-day, it’s perfect.
Key specifications
Buy now £15, Amazon.co.uk
Campingaz ethnic insulated bottle cooler, 1.5l
Rating: 4/5
Best: cool bag for bottles
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
Take note
- Doesn’t fit wider bottles very well
If you only need a cool bag to keep your wine chilled this summer, this bottle sleeve design from Campingaz is just the job. There’s no room to pop any ice or an ice pack inside but if you put it in the freezer for a few hours then pop your chilled wine bottle inside, it’ll stay nice and cool for the day.
My wine stayed cold for about five hours during testing, so if you’re heading to a concert or festival, this cool bag is the ideal choice. Of course, you can pop a soft drink in or water bottle instead.
However, I did struggle to get anything bigger than a standard bottle of wine inside this cool bag. For example, a prosecco bottle that’s wider on the base just didn’t fit, so you do have to be mindful about the shape of your bottle.
Key specifications
Buy now £11.99, Asda.com
Your questions about cool bags and cool boxes answered
What is the best cool bag?
All of the cool bags featured in this roundup are excellent, however, the Stanley all-day Julienne mini cooler really impressed me. Although compact, its 7l capacity fits plenty of drinks and food, making it ideal for a range of occasions. The design also meant it was easy to access the contents and comfortable to carry.
Another favourite was the Yvonne Ellen whale cooler bag. As well as having a lovely design, it’s lightweight and features a good capacity.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Dexham reuse, reduce, recycle RPET cooler bag and the Campingaz fold n cool minimaxi insulated cooler are solid options that won’t break the bank.
How I tested cool bags and cool boxes
I tested each cool bag with the same range of cold drinks and food items, to try and compare like for like as much as possible. I looked at how well the bags and boxes maintained their temperature over several hours in real-world conditions. During testing, I considered the following criteria.
How long can a cool bag keep food and drink cold?
This depends on each particular bag. The quality of the insulation and whether you’re using ice cubes or ice packs can make a huge difference. Most bags will maintain a cold temperature for four to 12 hours. Bags with a thicker lining could even retain a chill up to 24 hours. If you want to get the longest time possible out of your bags, then you may want to pre-chill the bag by popping it in the freezer for an hour or two.
Should I use ice packs or just ice in a cool bag?
Both work but ice packs are generally better because they last longer and keep the inside of your bag drier, as they don’t leave behind a lot of water as they melt. That said, lose ice is a good idea if you’re off on an impromptu picnic and haven’t got your ice packs ready in the freezer – just be wary that your food and drink will be sitting in a pool of water if you choose loose ice.
What’s the difference between a cool bag and a cool box?
Cool bags are, as the name suggests, soft-sided bags, and are are typically lightweight and foldable, making them easier to transport and store. Cool boxes are hard-sided, making them heavier and bulkier, but they tend to stay colder for longer, so they’re the more practical choice for camping or longer trips.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Rachael Penn has been contributing to IndyBest since 2021, testing everything from the best frying pans to the best pizza ovens. Rachael has put each of these cool bags and boxes through rigorous, real-world testing. After filling them to the top with ice and drinks, she heaved them around while full, and took them on the road to find out just how practical they are. Whether for day trips or longer excursions, all of the cool bags and boxes included here have been fully vetted by Rachael.
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