KULA Coolers 20L Backpack Cooler Review (2026)

Name: KULA Coolers 20L Backpack Cooler
Brand: KULA Coolers
Price: 150.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.3 (1 reviews)

Every other cooler in this roundup is designed to be carried short distances from a car; the KULA is built specifically as a backpack, with padded straps and a hip belt, for hikers who need to carry a loaded cooler an actual trail distance to a remote campsite or fishing spot. It sacrifices some ice retention duration for genuine carry comfort that no hard cooler or wheeled cooler here can match on foot.

Check current price →

$150 retail

8.3

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

Genuine backpack straps and hip belt make it the only truly hike-friendly cooler here
4.5 lbs empty is dramatically lighter than any hard cooler
Well-suited to fishing, hunting, or remote picnic spots requiring real trail distance
Rigid internal frame maintains cooler shape and some insulation performance

Limitations

Ice retention trails hard-sided rotomolded coolers meaningfully
Smaller capacity than most hard coolers in this roundup
$150 is a premium price for a soft-sided design
Not as protective of contents as a rigid hard cooler

Specifications

Capacity20 liters / ~24 cans

Ice RetentionUp to 24-36 hours

Empty Weight4.5 lbs

MaterialInsulated fabric with rigid frame

LatchesRoll-top closure with buckles

Drain PlugYes

WarrantyLimited 1-year

OriginMade in USA

Score Breakdown

Ice Retention

8.5

Durability

8.4

Portability

8.2

Capacity

8.2

Value for Money

8.3

What Sets It Apart

It sacrifices some ice retention duration for genuine carry comfort that no hard cooler or wheeled cooler here can match on foot.

4.5 lbs empty, $150 — a genuine backpack-style cooler built for hikers who need to carry it any real distance

Who This Is For

The KULA Coolers 20L Backpack Cooler is right for hikers whose priorities match its design: built around backpack-style hiking cooler, at $150.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of July 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

See the full comparison

All options in this category ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

View Full Category Comparison →

Common Questions

Is this the only cooler in this roundup actually designed to be hiked with?

Yes — while other coolers can technically be carried short distances, the KULA is specifically engineered with backpack straps and a hip belt for genuine trail-distance carrying.

How does its ice retention compare to a hard cooler for a day hike?

For single-day or overnight trips, its 24-36 hour ice retention is generally adequate; for longer trips, a hard cooler left at a base camp performs better over multiple days.

Who is the ideal user for the KULA cooler?

Hikers, anglers, or hunters who need to carry cold food or catch a genuine trail distance from their vehicle, where a wheeled or hard cooler simply isn't practical to transport.