Get a Coleman soft cooler.

Yeah, just grab a Coleman soft cooler for under $50. It’s the right call.

Under $50, you’re not getting a rotomolded hard cooler — those start around $100. For a picnic, you don’t need that. A soft cooler like the Coleman 24-can or 30-can will keep drinks cold for a few hours, is easy to carry, and costs like $25–$40. Igloo makes similar ones that are fine too.

The only thing to watch for is the zipper — cheap ones can fail. Coleman’s are decent for the price. Don’t overthink it.

Your potato salad will be fine for a couple hours. That’s all you need.