Bottom Line
An aesthetically pleasing option with an affordable price tag, the Hydro Flask Carry Out 20L is ideal for casual outings. Available in several eye-catching colors, the HydroFlask features stylish rounded corners and a 38-can capacity, offering more internal space than the other soft shell coolers we tested.
The fabric exterior of the Carry Out gives the cooler an elevated look; however, since it is only water-resistant and not as durable as the rugged shells of other models, the cooler is best suited for milder outdoor settings. We tested it in the tough terrain of California’s Eastern Sierra. Built-in handles and a detachable strap, combined with the light weight of the Hydro Flask, make it a highly portable option that is easy to take wherever you go.
The thin layer of foam insulation prevents cold temperatures from lasting more than a few days, but it helps keep the cooler lighter and maximizes interior space. The Carry Out offers plenty of room for a full day’s worth of cold storage or even the essentials for a weekend trip.
For short-term trips and casual outings, the Hydro Flask Carry Out is an excellent choice with spacious interior storage and a eye-catching design. Lightweight and portable, it’s a stylish soft shell cooler that offers a good value. Explore the other coolers we tested in our comprehensive guide to the best coolers.
How We Tested
For this latest update, we brought a selection of coolers to California’s Eastern Sierra, where spring days offered endless sun and warm temperatures to thoroughly test ice retention and temperature control. From sitting in hot vehicles in parking lots to high-elevation days bouldering in the Buttermilks, we tracked ice melt, measured internal temperatures, and used the coolers in terrain ranging from rocky high desert to marshy riverside to evaluate durability, portability, and ease of use.
Quick Specs
HydroFlask Carry Out 20L
Most Affordable Soft Cooler
CleverHiker Rating: 3.6/5.0
Price: $90
Empty Weight: 2 lb. 12 oz.
Volume: 21 qt.
Sizes: 12 and 20L
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Less burly than similar options
- Insulation less effective
Insulation
When it comes to temperature control, the Hydro Flask didn’t perform as well as other soft shell options. Soft shell coolers usually don’t insulate as effectively as hard shell models, but with only a thin layer of flexible foam, the Carry Out lacks the plush insulating cushion seen in soft shells from YETI and RTIC.
We monitored ice retention and internal temperatures by using the cooler in full sun and storing it inside a parked van to thoroughly test its insulation under different conditions. It took two days for the ice to completely melt in the Carry Out, and it took four days to reach temperatures of 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
A whole day less in ice retention compared to the YETI Hopper Flip and the RTIC Soft Pack, ice deteriorated faster in the Hydro Flask, and its shorter duration for keeping items cold makes it best suited for day use.
Durability
The Hydro Flask’s design gives it aesthetic appeal, but its materials are not as durable for outdoor use. During a bouldering trip in the dusty foothills of the Sierra Nevada, we noticed the exterior fabric quickly got dirty and was hard to clean. Although water resistant, the fabric doesn’t have the tough, waterproof qualities of the YETI and RTIC soft shells.
The interior liner is BPA-free and easy to wipe clean, making it easier to maintain cleanliness into the future. However, Hydro Flask warns against placing sharp objects nearby, noting it’s less puncture-resistant than other options. We also liked the reinforced sewn handles, which add durability and can comfortably support the weight of a fully loaded cooler.
Overall, the Hydro Flask Carry Out is well-constructed, but it is not intended for more vigorous outdoor use, especially in wetter conditions. The cooler is better suited and will last longer if reserved for lighter outings.
Volume
The Carry Out is the largest soft shell cooler we reviewed, surpassing comparable models by several quarts. Capable of holding 38 cans, the Hydro Flask offers a spacious interior that provides plenty of room for food and drinks.
We filled the cooler with a variety of lunch supplies for a day of climbing and found it easy to organize everything we needed inside. Personal-sized soft coolers are generally best for 1-2 people, but depending on your group’s needs, you can fit enough for an extra person into the Carry Out.
The larger volume of the Hydro Flask provides extra storage space, which is especially helpful when you have a lot to carry or want to stay well stocked for your day trip.
Ergonomics & Portability
The Carry Out is a highly portable cooler that’s easy to take to various locations. As one of the lightest coolers we reviewed, its weight is mostly from the items you pack inside, not the Hydro Flask itself.
Sewn-in handles offer a convenient way to carry the cooler from the top. Their length provides more flexibility compared to the small side handles of other soft shell models. The cooler also includes a detachable strap that can be slung over the shoulder. We wish the padding on the strap were denser — it wasn’t as comfortable to carry over longer distances — and adding padding to the built-in handles would also boost carrying comfort. Nonetheless, the Hydro Flask remains one of the lightest and most portable coolers we encountered.
The biggest flaw of the Hydro Flask is its zipper that keeps the lid shut. As a consumer-grade product, it’s more prone to misalignment and damage, and during our testing, we found that the zipper isn’t watertight. When tipping the cooler over, water leaked through the zipper. The Carry Out’s zipper is much easier to use than the waterproof ones used by YETI and RTIC, but we’d prefer a tighter seal over ease of use.
Features
Simplicity is key with the Hydro Flask. Without the built-in features found on other coolers, the Carry Out opts for a minimalist design, featuring only a small exterior pocket sewn onto the sleek, rounded body of the cooler. Additionally, Hydro Flask offers the Carry Out in just two sizes—12 and 20 liters—and does not have compatible accessories.
The one element of customization provided by Hydro Flask is color. The Carry Out is available in several nice choices, calming shades that further elevate the cooler’s fashionable aesthetic. It might be best to look elsewhere if you’re looking for a breadth of options in tailoring your cooler to your personal specifications, but for those who like the Hydro Flask’s style, the limited features shouldn’t be a problem.
Should You Buy the Hydro Flask Carry Out 20L?
If aesthetics are just as important as ease of use in a cooler, then the Hydro Flask Carry Out is the perfect combination of attractive design and functionality. Combining lightweight construction with high capacity in a stylish form, the Carry Out is easy to carry and has a spacious interior, ideal for everything you need for yourself and a few friends or a big day out.
We don’t recommend the Hydro Flask for your more rugged outdoor adventures. The cooler itself is more prone to dirt and damage, and its shorter insulation period means it’s best for single-day trips. That said, the cooler is still well-made and uses quality materials—just ones that aren’t as suited for outdoor exposure.
The Hydro Flask is one of the most budget-friendly coolers we tested, and if your cooler needs are for milder environments and short-term cold storage, then the Carry Out is an excellent and affordable choice.
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
For a full list of recommendations, check out our guide to the best coolers.
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Review: Like the Hydro Flask Carry Out, the YETI Hopper Flip is a cooler that’s both portable and attractive. The Hopper keeps ice frozen for more than a day longer than the Carry Out, although it has a slightly smaller capacity. Its price is significantly higher than the Hydro Flask, but the Hopper comes in various colors and features a durable design made for long-term outdoor use.
RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Review: With a thick layer of insulation, the RTIC Soft Pack keeps things cold for four days while offering ample storage space. Built-in handles and a shoulder strap make the RTIC a portable soft shell option whose sturdy construction is designed to withstand tougher environments. The only cooler we tested that floats, it’s a great choice for adventures on the water.
REI Cool Trail Split Pack Review: Featuring a divided design, the REI Cool Trail is half pack, half cooler. Made to look like a normal backpack, the bottom of the Split Pack is a personal-sized cooler insert, with just enough space to handle day trips. In a departure from other coolers, the top half provides room for all your non-cold essentials. Comfortably padded straps make the Cool Trail easy to carry, even over longer distances, and with its dual storage function, it’s ideal for day hikes.
