This leakproof backpack cooler stays cold longer than a Yeti (2024)

About the Brümate Magpack

• Weight: 7.74 pounds (Empty)
• Size: Size: 13.5” x 9” x 20” (W x L x H)
• Capacity: 5.2 gallons
• Available Colors: Nightfall blue, lilac, sage, graphite

The Brümate Magpack is a vertically oriented soft cooler with detachable straps. It holds up to 24 cans, has a magnetically sealed leakproof lid, and three storage compartments.

How we tested

Based on its size and price, we decided not to test the Brümate Magpack like other backpack coolers and treat it like a full-sized soft cooler. We filled the Magpack halfway up with ice and placed two temperature sensors—one encased in methylcellulose and one in a plastic casing—buried in the ice.

We wait until all the ice melts to retrieve the sensors and then calculate how long the cooler maintained a temperature of 40°F or below.

In addition to insulation, we test how easily the cooler moves, the build quality, and storage space.

What we like

It has excellent cold retention

The Magpack took 91.5 hours to go from freezing to 40°F. That is amazing and is the best performance our sensors have recorded in a soft cooler. Most soft coolers get past the 24-hour mark, but only a select few make it past 48 hours.

To put it in perspective, the next-best result in the cold retention test is the Yeti Hopper M30 2.0, which lasted 87.1 hours. Yeti is always sold at a premium, so the M30 is about $100 more expensive than the Magpack.

The zipper-free lid is leakproof and durable

Unlike most coolers, which use velcro, zippers, or latches to secure the lid, Brümate uses a unique magnet design. After testing, we’re big fans. The magnetically sealed lid is completely leakproof—all you need to do is apply pressure to the lid and it instantly snaps shut. To open it, just pull on the latch to disengage the magnet. Overall, we found the lid was as foolproof as it was leakproof.

The magnetic buckle on the straps was also easier to use than a conventional snap-fit. The magnets naturally want to come together. So, even without looking, if you put the two ends vaguely together, they will secure themselves. Undoing them is just a matter of pressing a finger on the buckle.

The Magpack's build quality is also very impressive. We put a 15-pound weight on top and it didn’t sag at all—a testament to how dense the material is. Most soft coolers will depress under any significant weight placed atop them. We don’t typically do this, but we wanted to put the advertised durability to the test.

What we don’t like

The built-in storage can be an issue

During testing, we encountered issues accessing items we stored in the Magpack. For starters, the vertical nature of the main cavity means you need to dig through a lot of ice to get to the bottom. This setup forces you to be much more deliberate in how you pack.

The water-resistant side pockets could be more useful. Brümate claims they’re for small personal items like wallets, but only the largest zippered compartment can accommodate wallets. The other two pockets are less useful, only fitting smaller things like house keys or a sunscreen stick.

We expect something that touts itself as a backpack cooler to have more versatile storage. If that’s what you’re looking for, we’d recommend the Igloo MaxCold Voyager.

It’s more expensive than other backpack coolers

At the time of review, the Brümate Magpack 24-Can Backpack Soft Cooler costs $275. And while it’s likely to come down in price, it’s still going to be expensive.

The Magpack is an investment, and the value is only there if you use it regularly. For example, use it as an insulated grocery bag in places where your car bakes in the sun. For short and infrequent day trips, check out the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze.

And yes, the magnetic buckles are a neat feature, but that means you cannot repair them with generic parts.

Should you buy the Brümate Magpack 24-can Soft Cooler?

Yes, but buy it with a purpose in mind

The Brümate Magpack Backpack is a top-tier soft cooler. It has excellent insulation that keeps items cold for as long as (or longer than!) more expensive brands like Yeti. The rugged build quality can withstand scrapes, falls, and general rough handling, making it a great choice for keeping drinks and food cold on hot outdoor excursions and long drives.

However, it’s more expensive than other backpack coolers. Additionally, accessing what is inside the cooler can be a challenge. So, buy this Brümate soft cooler with a purpose in mind. It's a solid investment in a cooler that should seemingly last you for years to come.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.