A SUP cooler is one of the best SUP accessories you can buy if you’re an angler or are simply spending a great deal of time on the water. A versatile accessory that can be used for much more than just paddleboarding, a high-quality cooler is an investment that you’ll enjoy for many years to come…
In this 2022 SUP cooler buyer’s guide, we’ll compare this year’s best rotomolded cooler options as well as our favorite soft-sided models. In addition to comparing the specs of each cooler, we’ll also discuss some pros and cons to help you figure out which cooler will be the best choice to bring along on your paddling adventures.
So without further ado, let’s talk coolers…
Best SUP Coolers (2022) — Comparison Chart
| MODEL | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT | VOLUME | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YETI Roadie 20
| 17.3″x14.3″x11.9″ | 15 lbs | 20 qt | Check Price | |
Grizzly 20 (G20)
| 19.25″x14.25″x12.4″ | 16 lbs | 20 qt | Check Price | |
Mammoth Cruiser 20 (MC20)
| 14.5″x13.2″x9.5″ | 9 lbs | 17 qt | Check Price | |
Grizzly Drifter 20
| 15.5″x13.8″x12″ | 4.7 lbs | 20 qt | Check Price | |
AO Coolers SUP Cooler
| 15″x9.9″x9″ | 3 lbs | 18 qt | Check Price | |
iROCKER SUP Deck Cooler
| 12.5″x10.5″x5.9″ | 15.2 oz | n/a | Check Price | |
THURSO SURF Cooler
| 16″x12″x6″ | 2.06 lbs | 20 cans | Check Price |
Rotomolded & Soft-Sided SUP Cooler Reviews
YETI Roadie 20
Made by what is undoubtedly the most widely known brand on our list, the popular YETI Roadie 20 is a durable, well-made rotomolded cooler that does a fantastic job of keeping ice cold during even the hottest of days on the water.
This cooler is super comfortable to sit on and the locking handle design keeps it from swinging back and forth while being carried. The convenient Anchorpoint tiedown slots make it easy to secure the Roadie 20 to your paddle board’s deck, and the hardware is all top-notch. YETI stands behind all of their coolers with a rock-solid 5-year warranty.
Grizzly 20 (G20)
Another incredibly well-built hard cooler that’s perfect for strapping to your SUP is the rugged Grizzly 20. A bit larger and heavier than the Roadie 20, the Grizzly G20 is essentially neck and neck with the YETI in terms of ice retention performance while costing slightly less.
The Grizzly 20 has the most comfortable carrying handle of all the rotomolded coolers we’re recommending, and the oversized drainage hole also allows it to drain faster than the others. 2″ tiedown slots make it easy to secure to your paddle board, and the built-in fish measurement ruler makes this a good choice for SUP fishing. Made in the USA and guaranteed for life, the Grizzly 20 is bombproof and built-to-last.
Mammoth Cruiser 20 (MC20)
The lightest and most portable rotomolded cooler on our list, the Mammoth Cruiser 20 is a smaller, cheaper alternative to the YETI and Grizzly 20 quart coolers and one of the best options for the money. While its ability to retain ice is not on par with the YETI or Grizzly, it’s still capable of keeping things cold for several days.
The top lid features four cup holders that are handy for drinks but not ideal if you’re planning to use it as a seat. Another tough SUP cooler that’s backed by a lifetime warranty, the Cruiser 20 is a more affordable, lighter option that’s ideal for a lot of paddlers. Mammoth also offers the Cruiser 25 which increases the capacity from 17 to 22 quarts.
Grizzly Drifter 20
An exciting new soft-sided cooler that really impressed us this year is the new Grizzly Drifter 20. A versatile, lighter weight option to the hard coolers on our list, the Drifter 20 has a convenient flip-top lid design, multiple storage pockets, and an adjustable shoulder strap.
On the side of the Drifter 20 is a handy bottle opener as well as a pocket for holding your water bottle. With its roomy, well-insulated interior, there’s plenty of space for your drinks and snacks, and the tough molded EVA lid and base and waterproof ballistic polyester shell are extremely durable.
AO Coolers SUP Cooler
Another outstanding soft-sided cooler for paddleboarding is AO Coolers’ SUP Cooler…
Capable of keeping your drinks and food ice-cold during an entire day on the water, this tough SUP cooler can hold up to 15 cans and plenty of ice. There are convenient tiedown points on the sides for quick and easy mounting to the deck of your board, and the carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap also make it a good choice when you’re on the go. Guaranteed for life, the AO Coolers SUP Cooler is a versatile and affordable option that’s worth considering.
iROCKER SUP Cooler Deck Bag
The smallest and most economical paddle board cooler on our list, iROCKER SUP’s Cooler Deck Bag measures 12.5″ x 10.5″ x 5.9″ and weighs in at only 15.2 ounces.
This lightweight bag is similar in size to a lunchbox and slips neatly under the bungee cord storage area on the nose of your paddle board. The fully lined interior helps to keep things cool on the inside, and the bag’s external storage pocket and convenient carrying handle are super useful and add to this bag’s versatility. For those times when you’re going paddling and simply need to keep a few cold ones chilled, this bag is a great SUP accessory to bring along.
THURSO SURF SUP Deck Cooler
Last but not least, THURSO SURF’s SUP Cooler Bag is another great soft-sided option that offers outstanding versatility.
This bag features a shape that is similar to iROCKER’s but it offers additional storage capacity. Measuring 16″ x 12″ x 6″ and weighing in at 2.06 pounds, THURSO’s insulated SUP cooler is capable of chilling up to 20 12-ounce cans. Featuring S-biner mounting hardware and a fully adjustable shoulder strap, this bag comes well-equipped to accompany you on all of your adventures.
