Wheeled coolers beat backpack coolers at the beach.

Get a wheeled cooler unless you’re hiking a mile over soft sand. For 95% of beach trips, the wheeled option wins.

Wheels handle pavement, boardwalks, and compacted sand just fine. You pull it behind you — no sweaty back, no awkward weight distribution. Backpack coolers tend to be smaller and get heavy fast. Fill one with ice and drinks for a family trip and you’ll regret every step.

The backpack only makes sense if you’re walking far over loose sand or down a dune where wheels dig in. But for that scenario, just bring a soft-sided cooler bag and carry it by hand. Or get a collapsible wagon — better than both.

Wheeled coolers are also easier to pack, easier to clean, and usually hold more. Don’t overthink it.

Your future self, hauling a twelve-pack and soggy sandwiches, will thank you.