Cooler Size Guide
From a quick lunch stop to a full weekend at camp, the right cooler size can make all the difference. Use this cooler size guide to compare compact, mid-size and large options, then explore more ideas in our Cooler Buying Guide, Hard vs. Soft Coolers, Camping Coolers, How to Pack a Cooler, Soft Coolers, Backpack Coolers and Cooler Bags pages.
Small Coolers for Day Trips
Compact cooler sizes for lunch, snacks and drinks when you want to travel light.
Medium Coolers for Family Outings
A practical middle ground for beach days, road trips and afternoons outside with a little more to pack.
Large Coolers for Camping Weekends
Roomier cooler sizes for bigger loads, group meals and longer stretches at the campground.
Backpack Coolers for Easy Carry
Choose a backpack cooler when you want hands-free convenience on walks, tailgates and days on the go.
Cooler Bags for Grab-and-Go Plans
Cooler bags are a simple choice for picnics, errands and everyday outings where packability matters.
FAQs
For a day trip, a small cooler is usually the right place to start. Sizes around 12 liters work well for lunch, snacks and a few drinks without taking up much room. If you're packing for more than one person, moving up to a mid-size cooler can give you extra space.
Yes, a 25-liter cooler is a good everyday family size for many outings. The L.L.Bean Softpack Adventure Cooler, 25 Liter holds 30 12 oz. cans with ice, giving you a helpful point of comparison when judging capacity. For longer trips or larger groups, you may want a bigger cooler with more room.
A 45-quart cooler is a strong choice when you need space for a bigger load. It makes sense for camping weekends, group gatherings and longer outdoor plans when a small carry cooler may not be enough. If portability is your top priority, a smaller soft cooler or backpack cooler can be easier to manage.
Liters and quarts are two common ways to describe cooler capacity. Soft coolers are often listed in liters, while many hard coolers are listed in quarts, so comparing the shape and intended use can be just as helpful as comparing the number alone. For a broader look at cooler types, our Hard vs. Soft Coolers page is a good next step.
Soft coolers are often a great fit for smaller and mid-size needs. They’re easy to carry, simple to store and well suited to lunches, picnics and everyday outdoor plans. If you’re deciding between styles, visit our Soft Coolers page or read our Cooler Buying Guide for more help.
Choose a backpack cooler when hands-free carry matters most. A cooler bag can be a nice pick for quick grab-and-go plans, car rides and simple day outings. You can compare both formats on our Backpack Coolers and Cooler Bags pages.