At Everich Outdoor, we know that choosing the right cooler matters—whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, an afternoon hike, or a beach day with friends. When it comes to cooler bags, the two most common types are soft-sided coolers and hard-sided coolers. Understanding their differences can help you find the best fit for your lifestyle.
What Is a Soft-Sided Cooler?
Soft-sided coolers are made from flexible, lightweight materials like nylon or polyester and usually feature closed-cell insulation. These coolers are:
- Easy to carry and highly portable
- Great for short trips, commuting, or outdoor workouts
- Available in backpack, tote, and lunch bag styles
- Typically hold between 5 to 20 quarts
Soft coolers are perfect for everyday use and situations where flexibility and convenience matter.
What Is a Hard-Sided Cooler?
Hard-sided coolers are made with rigid materials such as rotomolded plastic. At Everich Outdoor, we engineer our hard coolers for maximum durability and insulation. These coolers:
- Offer extended ice retention, often lasting several days
- Are rugged, impact-resistant, and suitable for tough outdoor conditions
- Range in size from 20 quarts to 50+ quarts
- Are ideal for camping, fishing, tailgating, and long trips
When performance and storage capacity are top priorities, hard-sided coolers are the reliable choice.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Soft-Sided Cooler | Hard-Sided Cooler |
| Weight | Lightweight, easy to transport | Heavier, built for durability |
| Capacity | Compact, 5–20 quarts | Large, 20–50+ quarts |
| Ice Retention | Several hours | Several days |
| Durability | Flexible, daily-use materials | Rotomolded, high-impact construction |
| Best Use | Day trips, lunch, work, gym | Camping, road trips, outdoor adventures |
When to Choose Each Type
- Choose Soft Coolers when you’re headed to the park, beach, gym, or office. They’re easy to carry and store.
- Choose Hard Coolers when ice retention, storage capacity, and rugged durability are essential for your trip.
Why Not Both?
Many outdoor enthusiasts prefer to own both—a compact soft cooler for daily use and a durable hard cooler for extended adventures. At Everich Outdoor, we offer customizable OEM & ODM solutions for both types.
Work With Everich Outdoor
With over 20 years of manufacturing experience, Everich Outdoor provides full-service customization for:
- Soft cooler bags
- Hard rotomolded coolers
- Backpack coolers
- Insulated lunch bags
- Branded drinkware and outdoor gear
Get in touch to learn more about our B2B cooler solutions and explore how we can support your brand with premium outdoor products.
Contact us today for samples, product catalogs, or a custom quote.
