REI Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler Review

Bottom Line

When you need a cooler to take on any trail, the REI Cool Trail Split Pack offers unmatched portability and just the right amount of storage for a day outing. Designed to look like a backpack, the Cool Trail features a divided design, with the bottom serving as a personal-sized soft cooler and the top with traditional rucksack open storage, uniquely providing space for both cold essentials and hiking gear. 

During testing, we packed the Cool Trail with drinks and snacks at the bottom and our climbing shoes and chalk bag on top to bring with us bouldering in California’s Eastern Sierra. For the hikes to the boulder fields, the Split Pack’s dual storage compartments and comfortable straps made it the ideal choice to carry everything we needed, while being easily portable. 

The Cool Trail doesn’t insulate as effectively or for as long as the other coolers we tested; it took 3 days for ice to completely melt, and the cooler part of the pack best fits 1-2 people. Ultimately, the Split Pack’s limited space and insulating ability make it more useful as a day pack, with its weight and more casual design also making it less suitable for backpacking. 

Whether you’re out with a friend or flying solo, the dual nature of the REI Cool Trail Split Pack ensures you can carry everything you need for a day on the trail. Its comfortable design is practical, portable, and affordable, making it an excellent choice for carrying anywhere. Check out our complete guide to the best coolers to see what other options we recommend.

How We Tested

For this latest update, we took a selection of coolers to California’s Eastern Sierra, where spring days offered endless sunshine 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.

Insulation

To keep the weight light for backpack carry, the cooler part of the Split Pack resembles a school lunch bag. A soft-shell insulated with a thin foam layer, the cooler is a removable insert that fits into the bottom of the bag. 

We tested the Cool Trail on warm spring days in sunny California and found that ice melted within three days, with internal temperatures rising to 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit by the fourth day. Even after the first day, though, ice was more melted and water was pooling more than in other coolers. 

Minimizing weight is clearly the main goal for the Split Pack, which is reflected in the cooler’s limited ability to keep cold temperatures. Without hard sides or thicker insulation, the cooler struggles to trap the cold effectively, and the consumer-grade zipper that seals it does not provide an extra seal. The Cool Trail is best for short-term cold storage, making it ideal for day trips rather than multi-day adventures.

Durability

Made with tear-resistant ripstop nylon, the Cool Trail is built for outdoor use. We dropped and dragged the pack across terrain ranging from prickly desert scrub to uneven dusty trails. It came away unscathed and weathered falls without noticeable damage.  

Backpack straps are the key carry points for the Split Pack. To test their strength, we fully loaded both halves of the pack and slung it over our shoulder to put maximum pressure on the straps. The straps held up under the extra load and, with their ample cushioning, stayed comfortable on the shoulders. 

We particularly appreciated the removable cooler insert. Being able to detach the cooler part from the rest of the pack makes cleaning much easier, which ultimately encourages long-term care and use. However, the insert’s zipper closure is the weakest point of the Split Pack design. As a standard consumer-grade zipper, it can easily become misaligned or damaged. 

The Cool Trail might not have the heavy-duty strength of hard shell coolers, but its fabric choice and strong stitching make it more than capable of handling outdoor use.

Volume

When it comes to cold storage, the Split Pack has the smallest volume of all the coolers we tested. With a capacity of 12 cans, the cooler insert doesn’t leave much room for food and drinks, and its smaller size is ideal for one or two people. 

The main advantage of the Cool Trail is its two compartments, offering space for cooler items and other carry-ons. While the split design reduces some of the maximum cold storage, it provides a specific spot for everything else you need to bring along. 

As an added bonus, the Split Pack features sewn-in cup holders on each side of the pack. Made with stretchy elastic that easily fits around our coffee mug and 32-ounce water bottle, the cup holders offer extra space for a drink or rain jacket. 

Although the small capacity of the Split Pack’s cooler section is better for short trips, the versatile design lets you carry everything you need for a day out in a single bag.

Ergonomics & Portability

As a backpack-style cooler, the Split Pack is one of the most portable options available. The thickly padded straps are comfortable, even when fully weighted, and their adjustability makes it easy to dial in the pack’s position on your shoulders. 

We kept returning to the Cool Trail for days when we biked to work. With plenty of space to store our lunch and non-cold items needed during the day, the pack rested securely on our back for easy cycling. 

Although the overall weight is less than other coolers, it’s somewhat heavy as a pack and not ideal for long, strenuous backcountry trips. We also found the zipper to be a weak point in the Split Pack’s design. Splitting the Cool Trail in half, two layers of zippers provide access to the cooler insert. We quickly discovered that the zippers are not watertight. Once ice began melting, we experienced some seepage around the zippers, and if the pack tipped over, water leaked through, spilling everywhere. 

A series of buckles line the front of the pack, with two securing the main rucksack lid and two on the bottom that could be used to lash a camp chair or blanket to the cooler. Unless you are using these bottom buckles, we found them somewhat frustrating, as the straps tend to get tangled in the zipper when accessing the cooler. 

Some design elements are minor inconveniences, but overall, the Cool Trail Split Pack stands out for its incredible portability. It’s a cooler you can carry with comfort and ease, especially when you have a day trip that involves a longer hike along the trail.

Features

Unlike any of the other coolers we tested, the Cool Trail is sold as is. There are no other color options, no accessories, and it isn’t available in different sizes. If customization is important, the Split Pack won’t meet that need. 

REI emphasizes how the removable cooler insert allows the pack to convert into a traditional rucksack when cold storage isn’t needed. Simply remove the cooler insert, and the bottom half becomes a regular storage space. The two-in-one design of the Cool Trail gives it a unique advantage and expands its versatility beyond just being a portable cooler.

Should You Buy the REI Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler?

For commuters and day hikers, the REI Cool Trail Split Pack strikes a balance between a rucksack and a cooler. It offers enough cold storage for a day trip, along with plenty of space for extra layers, water bottles, and other small essentials needed for a day outdoors. 

The Cool Trail’s minimalist insulation design helps reduce weight but sacrifices some temperature retention. Due to its limited insulating ability and smaller volume, the Split Pack isn’t suitable for multi-day trips and is best used for day-long outings. 

With its relatively low price, it’s an affordable choice that provides two-in-one value in its cooler and pack combination. The dual storage design of the Cool Trail is not only stylish but also one of the most portable coolers you’ll find.

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: YETI’s soft shell Hopper Flip is another highly portable cooler that’s both functional and stylish. Available in various fun colors, the Hopper keeps ice longer than the Split Pack and offers double the can capacity. Although it costs more, the Hopper Flip is a durable, long-lasting personal-sized cooler built for tough outdoor use.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Review: Similar to the YETI Hopper Flip, the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler is a soft-shell option with even more storage space. It features built-in handles and a detachable shoulder strap, maintaining portability despite the larger size. What truly sets the RTIC apart is its ability to float, making it ideal for days on the water. 

Hydro Flask Carry Out 20L Review: If you’re looking for an attractive cooler to bring to your next picnic or backyard barbecue, the sleek rounded lines and calming color choices make the Hydro Flask Carry Out an eye-catching option. A casual cooler built for day-use, its personal-sized portability offers more space than the Split Pack, but it’s less suited for wilder outdoor environments.