Hard coolers rely on thick, roto-molded plastic walls injected with open or closed cell foam to reduce heat conduction, while soft coolers use coated polyurethane or Mylar to reflect heat. Soft coolers are great for keeping groceries cold mid-transit or bringing beverages to the park for a couple of hours. High-end hard coolers are often roto-molded, which refers to the plastic manufacturing process that creates coolers without seams or stress points, making them extremely durable. Our list includes a range of durable, highly-insulated coolers that serve a variety of adventures across price points. I've personally tested a handful of these coolers and used them for beach weekends and going to the park in Brooklyn.