The best cooler for work and commuting

Our original pick, the Igloo Marine Ultra Backpack Cooler, is no longer available, but the Igloo Marine Backpack Cooler, which we think is better made (but also more expensive) still lets you go hands-free while carrying plenty of cold, fresh food that stays chilled for hours.

The Igloo Marine Backpack Cooler is not going to keep ice frozen for a week, but that's not what you buy it for. You chose this cooler because you need to keep a day's worth of food and beverages chilled and you don't want to lug around a bulky, boxy piece of hardware to do it.

Whether you work in construction, landscape design, field research, or any other profession that keeps you outdoors and/or often on the move (or if your hobbies involve spending the day outside), this is a great cooler to consider.

The Igloo Marine has a crush-resistant compartment accessed through a zippered top. It has the capacity for about a dozen 12-ounce cans, which is more than enough room for all the food and beverages a single person should need for a single day. The cooler has more than enough insulating foam to keep things cool all day provided you slip in an ice pack or two (or just a bag of ice) and keep the lid zipped shut.

A front zippered compartment is perfect for stashing a wallet, phone, and keys, while side pouches can hold a water bottle, piece of fruit, and so forth. The Igloo Marine Ultra Backpack Cooler has padded adjustable straps and should comfortably fit almost any teen or adult. Kiss the brown paper bag goodbye and keep things fresh and cool while you're on the go with this handy backpack cooler.

If you need something more leakproof and substantial for longer commutes, the Yeti Hopper BackFlip 24 is the best, most comfortable cooler backpack, and will well outlast the Igloo Marine Backpack.

Pros: Great for commuting or travel, adjustable straps for comfort, additional storage areas

Cons: Only maintains chill for about a day at best