In the past, coolers were made of only hard plastic and were a bit difficult to store in irregular spaces. Today, soft coolers offer flexible alternatives to their older, outdated cousins and can be utilized for a variety of applications. Large soft coolers can still fit more than a few cases of beer or carbonated sodas, while smaller versions make good collapsible lunch bags for school or business cafeterias.

Unlike plastic coolers, soft ones usually feature a number of unique, consumer-friendly designs. Many of them are fitted with side pockets to help carry condiments, utensils, cookbooks, bug sprays, or any other accessory that may be needed. They are also more likely to feature washable and removable linings, as well as travel wheels and handles. Many people who own padded roller coolers often use them as travel bags for their cameras, computer equipment, or other expensive pieces of carry-on items.

How Soft Coolers Keep Food and Beverages Hot or Cold

A soft cooler works by limiting the amount of heat transference between its contents (cans of soda, wrapped sandwiches, packaged meats and Tupperware full of potato salad) and the temperature of outside air. It does so by insulating the inside with soft, thermal linings that help to lower this rate as much as possible. While they are not specifically designed to add any extra source of heat or cold, most of these coolers are able to house hot water bottles or packets of ice--items that specifically help to make this rate even slower.

Soft coolers are made only for temporary cooling and heating solutions and should never be used for long-term storage unless the material is non-perishable. While professional, industrial-strength soft coolers can keep ice insulated for up to 24 hours, most consumer coolers can only last up to six or eight hours. Poorly made coolers (those prone to leaks) are even less likely to maintain ideal temperatures and may only keep food and beverages cold for a few hours.