A 20-can soft cooler under 2 lbs is the sweet spot.

Yes, for most hikes. You don’t need an overbuilt Yeti for a day on the trail — the extra insulation adds weight you’ll feel after mile three.

The balance is simple: for a day hike (4–6 hours), a cheap soft cooler from Igloo or Coleman works fine. Throw in a frozen water bottle instead of ice packs and you’re set. For overnight trips, you do want better insulation, but even then something like an RTIC or Orca is lighter than a Yeti and keeps ice just as long.

I’ve carried a heavy cooler up a mountain once. Never again. Your back will thank you for the lighter choice.