The best cooler bags and boxes to buy in the UK this summer

If you've got your hands full with the kids, beach toys and the like, a lightweight cooler backpack will definitely come in handy. Use it on walks, camping, day trips and more. The insulated lining makes sure that the contents will be kept cool for up to 16 hours.

Waterproof, durable and hardy, this Tourit cooler backpack does the job. It comes in five different design choices and has thousands of great reviews on Amazon. With loads of pockets to store all your essentials, as well as a leak-proof liner, this is one you'll use for years to come.

Review: "Love it so far. Just got it 3 days ago so that I can take the 4 and 2-year-old to the beach by myself and it has already made my life so much easier. Went to the beach today with the kids again-lugging my chair, their tent and beach toys. Putting the weight of the heaviest items on my back made the trek through the sand so much more bearable. Albeit I did not load it up with cans. 4 bottles of water. A few cut fruit jars. Dry snacks. Perfect for one adult and 2 kids."

A brightly coloured cooler bag is exactly what's needed for those family trips down to the beach. High-density insulation means that the contents will be kept cool for hours, perfect for days out.

With the shoulder strap and shape of the bag, it means that it's well balanced as you carry it easily on your shoulder. In case of any spillages, the heat-sealed lining means that any spills won't leak and be cleaned away easily. Made from wipe-clean material, this cooler bag couldn't be an easier option.

Review: "Well thought out - collapses for storage with Velcro straps to hold it in place. Kept food very cold/frozen for the four hours we needed it to, and sure it would have lasted for longer if needed, and it looks great."

In two different colour choices, this Isothermal backpack by Decathlon keeps your cold drinks cool for up to 7 hours. Designed with carrying comfort in mind, this cooler bag has adjustable straps, foam back, waist and chest belt and thumb loops for your support.

It can also be folded down for convenience, and the sturdy outer material is abrasion-resistant meaning it'll withstand any bumps while keeping the contents safe.

One reviewer said: "A great size for a family of four on a day out. It's comfortable to wear, holds our picnic and keeps it cool."

Another wrote: "This backpack keeps everything cool for quite a while. The more cold packs you put in it, the better. I used this backpack during the last couple of hot days we had, and everything inside was nice and cool for hours."

This cooler bag from Amazon is ideal for family picnics in the bar. The exterior of the bag is made from high-density water-resistant dirt-proof Oxford fabric for durability and easy cleaning. While the interior lining is padded with EPE foam for great thermal resistance. The cooler bag can hold all the essentials a family will need for a picnic so it’s great for holidays and BBQs.

It also comes with two side mesh pockets for storing additional drinks and bottles while the handy front pocket can be used to store napkins. The padded handle and detachable shoulder strap make it easy to carry and transport too.

A reviewer said: "Great cool bag. The bag has 2 net side pockets and a zip front pocket which is not insulated. The main compartment is well insulated and keeps my drink cold with an ice pack most of the day. The material and zips are made well. Perfect for taking to work or on a picnic.”

Looking for a trendy cooler bag to take on your next picnic or beach trip? Look no further. This cooler bag from Joules, which also come in a striped design, is spacious, insulated, and has an adjustable shoulder strap for carrying.

One reviewer said: "Lovely quality, simple and great to use. Perfect size also. Absolutely Love it!"

With a 24-litre capacity, including room to stand two large bottles and an in-car socket, this electric coolbox from Halfords offers a lot for its price tag.

It’s one of the best cooler bags because it powers from your car's 12v accessory socket and has a capacity of 24 litres with the ability to cool up to 18°c below the temperature of the air surrounding the coolbox. The cool box casing is made from polypropylene which is durable plus the interior can be easily wiped clean.

A reviewer said: “This coolbox is brilliant. It is just the right size to hold large bottles as well as food. Relatively quiet. You need to buy the mains electric connection but the fact that that is a separate item means the connected cable stores neatly and without hassle. We are very pleased with our purchase.”

The Business & Pleasure Co canvas cooler bag is ideal for someone looking for a luxurious option. It’s crafted from the brand’s signature canvas treated with water, while it’s mould-resistant and features a UV coating so it’s beach-ready. It keeps your refreshments cool while the vintage-inspired straps and supple leather handles make it easy for you to stylishly transport your picnic essentials. It features a zip fastening and can store multiple drinks!

Review: "LOVE this cooler! So classy and elegant. Lots of room, beautiful print on the outside and on the inside. The handles are perfect as well as the strap to carry. Pockets on the outside too! LOVE!"

This cooler bag from outdoor adventure brand Red Paddle is said to be in a different league. Making its mark on the best cooler bag roundup, the functional summer must-have is available from John Lewis and keeps ice cool for days.

The functional cooler bag is easily portable with its carry straps and additional shoulder strap while it is also 100% waterproof and leakproof with a special watertight zip. The cooler bag hybrid’s impressive cooling capabilities mean it lives up to its 72-hour credential for keeping ice frozen - and it floats!

There are also two side pockets and a luggage tension system for attaching it to your boat, roof or car. If you’re looking for an easy-to-carry cooler bag for adventures for a family of six, this is one of the best.

One reviewer said: “This bag will find itself being dragged everywhere. Paddling, kayaking, sailing, picnics, long car trips.”

Another wrote: "Was able to keep items cold for 48hrs. But do try to keep it closed. Not massive inside but well made."

If you’re looking to add a touch of style and finesse to having the best cooler bag, then Fortnum &Mason is a great place to start. Their picnic cool bag, available at £40, is essential for alfresco dining and it’s the perfect size for a family picnic.

The interior is lined with the brand’s signature print while the eco-friendly cooler bag is made from recycled materials inside and out. There’s space for nibbles and pockets to ensure your tipples stay put while it’s easy to clean at the end of the day.

The zip-up lightweight cool bag is also comfortable to carry with its contrasting black carry straps and most importantly, it’s fully insulated to keep your picnic goods chilled. Get the matching blanket and wine cooler to really look the part!

Keeping your lunch cool for 9 hours, this lightweight cooler box from Decathlon is spacious and easily folds away for storage. Used for a number of purposes, the bottom of the cooler has been made with reinforced 600 denier polyester fabric (PES) to increase durability.

A reviewer said: "Bought this to replace other plastic cooler. A great size, non-bulky and keeps your fresh food cool whilst camping. Easy to clean and folds down when not in use."

Simple, easy to use and super affordable. This family cool bag from Halfords keeps contents cool for 6 hours with its thick thermal insulation, so it's ideal for a day out or beach trip. With PVC lining that has bonded seams, any spillages won't leak and can be wiped clean with ease.

A reviewer said: "Bought two of these for a family holiday. Sturdy, easily portable, ideal size, easy to pack into a car and kept everything cool."