Get a soft cooler, not a hard lunch box

If you’re commuting by bike or motorcycle, a soft-sided insulated cooler is your best lunch box because it fits in a pannier, doesn’t shift around, and won’t crack when you drop it.

Hard lunch boxes are a pain on a bike. They don’t fit well in a backpack, they slide around, and if you crash they can break. A soft cooler with a waterproof liner and a sturdy zipper is the sweet spot.

Look for something like the Patagonia Black Hole or Klean Kanteen. They’re compact, easy to clean, and keep food at the right temp. For soup or something liquid, add a thermos and a small container for the solids.

Your lunch shouldn’t be the thing that ruins your ride.