The best isothermal bags in the UK 2023

It's time for picnics, camping and hiking. To make the most of these relaxing moments, remember to equip yourself: buy a good cooler bag to carry your snacks and your meal. They are more practical than rigid coolers, less cumbersome, but just as effective. To learn more, read our guide.

Campingaz - Urban Bacpac Coolbag 30L 1
8/10

Best value for money

Campingaz - Urban Bacpac Coolbag 30L

The best cooler bag in 2021

This insulated backpack is functional and practical: it has a capacity of 30 L and is equipped with external pockets to facilitate the transport of your food, drinks, etc.

See the price

The Campingaz Urban Bacpac is designed for maximum transport of your picnic. It has a capacity of 30 L (which is equivalent to 8 bottles of about 1.5 L). The interior is equipped with 6mm polyester foam insulation (which keeps food cool or warm depending on your needs) and a black reinforced PVC bottom. The outer lining is 600D polyester. The bag is certified food contact compatible. Its straps are padded and perfectly adjustable for a more comfortable transport and less painful for the shoulders.

Campingaz - Shopping Cooler 15L Ethnic 2
7/10

Best value for money

Campingaz - Shopping Cooler 15L Ethnic

The best entry-level cooler bag

This isothermal bag with trendy colors will be perfect for shopping. You can also use it to keep your food and drinks cool.

See the price

This handy bag with handles is the perfect companion for a hot day of shopping, a trip to the beach or a picnic. It has a capacity of 15 L (33.8 cm; the equivalent of 5 x 1.5 L bottles). It has two straps, a large central pocket with zipper. It has a foldable bottom and has a cooling capacity of up to 10 hours (with ice packs). This bag is certified compatible for food contact.

Lifewit - Sac isotherme portable 30L 3
8/10

A great choice

Lifewit - Sac isotherme portable 30L

A great alternative

With its large capacity (30 L), excellent lining quality, insulation and wide opening design, this bag is perfect for you. It is suitable for all occasions.

See the price

This shoulder bag was designed to be lightweight and can be easily carried. It has a large capacity(30 L) and can hold the essentials for a family picnic or a group hike. Yet it is compact enough not to be bulky. It is also very functional with its exterior pockets that can hold bottles and even umbrellas. The exterior of the cooler bag is made of durable and water-resistant 1680D Oxford fabric. The inner lining has been made of food grade PEVA paper and padded with 8mm EPE foam for high thermal resistance. It has a padded handle and a detachable shoulder strap that offers multiple ways to carry.

Winmax - Sac Isotherme Repas Grande Capacité 12L 4
8/10

Very good

Winmax - Sac Isotherme Repas Grande Capacité 12L

A good value

This cooler bag was designed with to be as stylish as it is durable and practical. The brand has always been committed to creating comfortable and aesthetically pleasing products to make them reliable travel companions.

See the price

You can use this insulated lunch box equipped with two levels for the office, to go on a picnic or hiking, etc. The upper section is for "dry" food, it has a U-shaped opening. This section is ideal for fruit, snacks, pies, etc. The lower section is insulated, perfect for drinks, water, juice, etc. Detachable divider strips on the bottom of your bag will create convenient compartments to efficiently store your food. The inner lining is made of food grade aluminum foil and is padded with 5mm EPE foam. The outer fabric is 900D polyester, durable and waterproof.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cool bag

Any specific needs?

The best cooler bag in 2021

The best entry-level cooler bag

A great alternative

A good value

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.7/59 votes

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Comparison table of the best isothermal bags

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP EXCELLENT VERY GOOD
Campingaz - Urban Bacpac Coolbag 30L 5
8/10
Campingaz - Shopping Cooler 15L Ethnic 6
7/10
Lifewit - Sac isotherme portable 30L 7
8/10
Winmax - Sac Isotherme Repas Grande Capacité 12L 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Campingaz - Urban Bacpac Coolbag 30L
Campingaz - Shopping Cooler 15L Ethnic
Lifewit - Sac isotherme portable 30L
Winmax - Sac Isotherme Repas Grande Capacité 12L
This insulated backpack is functional and practical: it has a capacity of 30 L and is equipped with external pockets to facilitate the transport of your food, drinks, etc.
This isothermal bag with trendy colors will be perfect for shopping. You can also use it to keep your food and drinks cool.
With its large capacity (30 L), excellent lining quality, insulation and wide opening design, this bag is perfect for you. It is suitable for all occasions.
This cooler bag was designed with to be as stylish as it is durable and practical. The brand has always been committed to creating comfortable and aesthetically pleasing products to make them reliable travel companions.
Functional and ergonomic bag
Very good insulation capacity
Durable and excellent quality bag
A very stylishly designed bag
Good capacity
Foldable bag, very easy to store
Lightweight and compact
Spacious and very practical lunch bag
Excellent finishings
Strong and durable
Strong and comfortable strap
Solid and waterproof
Could do better in terms of design
Some users have complained that the color is not uniform (plain beige back)
High enough to hold a 1.5L bottle vertically
Some users found the bag a little too big for a simple lunch bag

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - cool bag

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How to choose your cool bag

#1 - Straps and handles

All cooler bags have a strap or handle for easy carrying. But it may be more convenient to carry a bag with a long shoulder strap if your hands are already full. In other cases, you may prefer a bag with a shorter carrying handle. Fortunately, some cooler bags have both a shoulder strap and a carry handle so you can decide in each situation which method of carrying is best. We advise shoppers to look for an insulated bag with padded straps and handles for a more comfortable grip.

#2 - Compartments and pockets

Some insulated bags have a single compartment, others have two or more compartments as well as interior pockets for separate storage of various foods and drinks. Some even have exterior pockets where you can store food that doesn't need to be refrigerated, utensils, towels and other accessories you might need. Our advice is to choose an insulated bag with as many compartments and pockets as possible for convenience.

#3 - Easy to clean lining

For easy cleaning, look for an insulated bag with an inner lining that you can simply wipe clean when you're done using it. Some bags have liners with antimicrobial properties. These liners are more resistant to mold growth, and persistent odors.

#4 - Water and UV resistance

Whatever

your needs, choose a waterproof cooler bag, which is very useful in case you are caught in the rain. A must-have feature if you plan to use the cooler bag during a fishing trip, for a short cruise or any other water-related activity. Some cooler bags also have good UV resistance, so you don't have to worry about the heat outside if you're in the sun.

Insulation in cooler bags

Cooler bags are lined with insulation to keep your food and drinks cool (or warm). Generally speaking, insulated bags are made up of a layer of either open cell or closed cell foam.

  • Open cell insulation: This is essentially polyurethane packaging foam that acts as an insulating material. It is light, airy and the air bubble cells that form the insulation are loosely packed.
  • Closed cell insulation: this is the most expensive option and provides better insulation. The insulation cells (or air bubbles) are more ordered and tightly packed.

It is this layer that will keep the temperatures cold, and the thermal efficiency of your cooler bag will depend on its effectiveness.

Some manufacturers specify the thermal efficiency of their bag, i.e. the length of time it will keep your food or drink cool. To have an efficient cooler bag, look for an option that has a thermal efficiency of about 8 hours.

The different types of isothermal bags

There are three main types of cooler bags: lunch boxes, shoulder bags and backpacks.

Lunch Boxes

Lunchbox style cooler bags are quite small and compact. As the name implies, they look like a traditional lunch box, both in size and shape. They can therefore be perfectly suitable for taking your lunch to work or for your children's school lunch. Typically, this type of insulated bag has a removable inner lining for easy cleaning and a removable carrying strap.

Advantages:

  • This type of bag is compact, space saving and very easy to carry.
  • This type of bag will suit both adults and children to carry their lunch.
  • They are usually easy to wash, as they often have a removable lining.

Disadvantages:

  • This type of bag is quite small, it will usually only hold the ration of one person.
  • They are not recommended for outings like camping or fishing. In this case, we recommend a larger option.

Who is it for?

If you usually take your own lunch to work, or just like to go to the beach or park alone on the weekend with a good book, a few cold drinks and a snack or two, this type of bag is for you.

Shoulder bags or bags with handles

Sling bag style insulated bags are a bit larger: they can hold enough food for and drinks for four to six people inside. The most notable feature is the wide carrying strap, which is usually not detachable.

Advantages:

  • This is the most popular style of cooler bag because it's so easy to carry: you adjust the straps to your shoulder and you're done. You'll have your hands free while traveling, shopping, etc.
  • You will be able to store them very easily: this type of cooler bag can be reduced to almost nothing if you fold it enough. No need to find a special place to store it.
  • They have a more elegant style, which will allow you to match them with your outfits.

Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for very long walks: the shoulder strap won't allow you to spread the load over your shoulders.

Who is it for?

If you like to organize outings with family or friends (camping, small cruise, lounging at the beach, etc.), this type of bag can meet your needs. Shoulder bags are also very convenient for running errands.

Backpacks

This is definitely

one of the best of insulated bags for most outdoor activities, especially those that involve walking because of its ease of carrying. All you have to do is carry it on your back like a regular backpack. This is the type of bag that will give you the most freedom of movement.

Advantages:

  • This type of bag is very portable thanks to their straps. With this type of cooler bag, you will have your hands completely free to hold your walking sticks for example, or to carry your camping equipment, etc.
  • Your load will be easier to carry because it distributes the weight evenly between your shoulders and back.
  • You'll also be able to carry a lot more rations than with other types of cooler bags.

Disadvantages:

  • Compared to a rigid cooler, they are intended for the same use (hiking, camping, etc), but they have a lower capacity to withstand impact.

Who is it for?

This type of bag is ideal for hiking, camping or fishing.

How are they designed?

While thermos flasks and lunch boxes rely on a vacuum created between the outer and inner layers to prevent energy dissipation, insulated bags keep food and beverages hot or cold by using a dense foam core layer. The thicker and denser the foam, the better the insulation. Insulated bags are therefore more flexible, more practical and easier to store.

Tips

Remove crumbs before washing the inside of your cooler bag

You must make sure to remove any dirt or food particles from the inside of insulated bags. Before washing it, take a clean, damp cloth or sponge and wipe the inside, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Pre-cool everything you need to pack in your cooler bag

Make sure

everything that goes into your insulated bag comes straight out of the refrigerator. They're not designed to cool things, just to keep them cool.

Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight

This is

sometimes easier said than done, but it's important if you want the bag to do its job as effectively as possible

Use ice packs instead of ice cubes

To

keep the inside of the bag cool, use ice packs, as standard ice cubes may flood the inside of your bag as they melt. The packs on the other hand, even if they melt, they won't do any damage.

FAQ

Which isothermal bag to choose?

In our opinion, the best insulated bag for most people is the urban bacpac coolbag 30 L from campingaz. Read more in our buying guide.

Can I put ice in an insulated bag?

You can put ice in a cooler bag to help keep your food and drinks cool. However, many users prefer to use ice packs or even frozen water bottles instead. You're less likely to end up with puddles at the bottom of your bag this way.

What is the best way to clean a cooler bag?

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the inside and outside with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. For stubborn stains on the inside, a mixture of baking soda and water usually works well. Let your cooler air dry completely before storing to prevent mold growth.

How long does an insulated bag last?

Although an insulated bag is not as durable as a hard cooler, it can hold up very well with proper care. Clean and store your bag according to the manufacturer's instructions, and you should be able to enjoy it for two to ten years.

Do insulated bags absorb odours?

They are less likely to retain unpleasant odours than hard-sided coolers. They are also less likely to harbor bacteria and molds that could produce their own unpleasant odors than coolers. This is largely due to the different materials in the bag's insulation system. This is a possibility that can still happen, so don't neglect cleaning your bag.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , bestreviews.com
  2. , outdoorgearlab.com
  3. , bestcooler.reviews
  4. , norchillcoolers.com 
  5. , h2r-equipements.com 
  6. , gifi.fr
  7. , mon-sac-isotherme.fr 
  8. , cotemaison.fr
  9. , cotemaison.fr
  10. , yeti.com
  11. , amazon.co.uk
  12. , sacisotherme.com
  13. , laredoute.fr
  14. , mon-sac-isotherme.fr
  15. , decathlon.fr
  16. , ikea.com
  17. , sac-isotherme-repas.fr
  18. , healthy-lunch.fr
  19. , amazon.co.uk
  20. , zodio.fr
  21. , amazon.co.uk
  22. , amazon.co.uk
  23. , carrefour.fr
  24. , papapiqueetmamancoud.fr
  25. , lafoirfouille.fr
  26. , lunchyshop.fr
  27. , laredoute.fr
  28. , saciso.com
  29. , norauto.fr
  30. , eatinbox.fr
  31. , campingaz-shop.fr
  32. , planetehealthy.com
  33. , larmoiredebebe.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Campingaz - Urban Bacpac Coolbag 30L 9
Campingaz - Urban Bacpac Coolbag 30L
Campingaz - Shopping Cooler 15L Ethnic 10
Campingaz - Shopping Cooler 15L Ethnic
Lifewit - Sac isotherme portable 30L 11
Lifewit - Sac isotherme portable 30L
Winmax - Sac Isotherme Repas Grande Capacité 12L 12
Winmax - Sac Isotherme Repas Grande Capacité 12L

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