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IceMule Classic Cooler: Definitive Review (2024)

IceMule Classic Cooler FI

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This is the Ultimate BoatPriority.com Review of the IceMule Classic Cooler on the market for [current year]

Access to a delightfully chilled drink anytime you need it is one of the highlights of a great kayak experience.

And I’m here today to show you our top pick cooler that my team and I chose. Honestly, this technical outdoor gear will keep the food and drinks you bring refrigerated and fresh during your kayak escapade.

So sit back, relax, and read on with me!

In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover:

  • Why Icemule Cooler is our Top Pick Cooler;
  • Pros and Cons of Icemule Classic Cooler;
  • My personal experience with the product;
  • Lots more…

Yes, you read it right; the Icemule Classic Cooler is our Top Pick for its highly updated features that I know you’ll love.

So, if you wanna know more about this soft cooler, come join me in this comprehensive review.

Let’s get going!

Top Pick Award

[amazon fields=”B00IYJ7NK4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”IceMule Classic Cooler” image=”1″ image_align=”center” link_id=”8662″]

Value for Money
8
Cold Retention
7
Durability
7
Features
10
Waterproof Features
7
Overall Score
76
  • Manufacturer: Ice Mule
  • Dimensions: 5.91 x 6.3 x 15.75 inches
  • Weight: 1.7 Pounds
  • Capacity: 10- quart capacity
  • Material: Vinyl/ Nylon

Bottom Line : Your go-to kayak cooler that suits any type of kayak adventure!

[amazon link=”B00IYJ7NK4″ title=”<< See Customer Owner Feedback >>” link_id=”6337″]

Pros


  • Leakproof and waterproof
  • Easy to carry
  • Can retain ice for up to 24 hours
  • High-quality shoulder strap
  • With insulation layer air removal
  • Great ice keeping performance

Cons


  • Less durable
  • Less storage space

Our Verdict: IceMule Classic Cooler

The IceMule Classic kayak cooler is the best soft kayak cooler for mobility, easy access, highly versatile, and value for money. It’s affordable, small, and comes with a cushioned and vented backpack-style sling strap.

I use this as my everyday cooler, and I take this on all my kayak trips.

Usually, backpack coolers and most soft coolers don’t tend to be able to keep things cold for a day (based on my experience); however, Icemule Classic breaks the record.

Well-deserved as our Top Pick Awardee

Wanna know more?

Because the IceMule is a medium 15l cooler, it can hold 12 cans and ice. The Insulation Layer material called the polarlayer insulation is sandwiched between a Moleskin outer and inside, as the name suggests. 

The polarlayer insulation makes it an excellent insulator that can keep ice for up to a day. Also, the IM AirValve allows for the insulation layer air removal, which allows the cooler to be rolled up and stored in its stuff sack.

Obviously, this is the difference between soft coolers and hard cooler. Most soft coolers can be folded and be stored in a stuff sack after use, while hard coolers can’t.

Going back…

…With its Ultra-tough Muleskin Exterior and Interior, this is a technical outdoor gear perfect for use on all your wild outdoor adventures. 

It also has a Foolproof seal to keep ice in and air out.

Not only that…

… this icemule is a leak proof soft cooler. 

I usually just toss this cooler about – I don’t worry about looking after it too much, and the fact that it’s leak-proof is a benefit. This waterproof cooler has reinforced seams and a zipper-less closing, so it won’t leak.

The large diameter (5.91 x 6.3 x 15.75 inches) can support 10 cans. The height can comfortably handle two rows, allowing for 20 cans plus ice. 

It’s also relatively simple to carry by the buckle and is comfy to carry over your shoulder. You can keep your arms free, hands free and it has a flexible feel allowing you to grab your surfboard, fishing pole, or other gear.

It can be folded up to the size of a newspaper at the end of the day after drinking all the cold drinks inside.

But here’s the dealbreaker for me…

… Although this Icemule classic cooler can hold 20 cans plus ice, there were a couple of minor things I need to mention.

…The underlying problem is the outside fabric’s lack of durability. Although the overall structure is superb, it cannot compensate for some materials – so just use smartly. 

After approximately 3 months of using the Icemule cooler backpack, I started seeing “cuts” in the outside shell. I work on boats with many sharp edges and points – a point to note – just take care with it.

Related: Best Kayak Cooler

Video Review Of The IceMule Classic Cooler

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Performance Comparison

1. Value For Money

As I’ve told you, the Icemule Cooler is great value for money! In fact, we scored this a solid 8 out of 10 when it comes to Value For Money.

Who would’ve thought…

that you can get this many high-end features at such an affordable price?

It makes your drinks cold, it has a high performance (for longer), and it’s definitely easy to take care of.

Well, that’s how Value For Money is Measured.

Rating

YETI Hopper
10
Engel USA Cooler
10
Ice Mule Classic Cooler
8
CreekKooler
7
YETI 20 Cooler
7
K2 Coolers Summit
7
Seattle Sports Kayak
7
Polar Bear Coolers
6

2. Cold Retention

The cold retention of icemule coolers is excellent, actually! 

But here’s the thing…

This cooler can make your drinks cold for a whole day and is perfect for kayak trips with friends!

You see, the ice will melt if you’re in a super hot/humid area, but it doesn’t happen all the time. 

I did a test and placed 18 beers and ice in this cooler (probably 105 in there). I had no ice after 24 hours, and though the water and beer were still cool, the ice had disappeared.

All in all, this backpack cooler is perfect for the beach, kayaks, canoe, or skateboard. It’ll keep you refreshed on a hot summer trip!

Rating

Engel USA Cooler
8
YETI Hopper
8
Polar Bear Coolers
8
CreekKooler
8
YETI 20 Cooler
8
Ice Mule
7
K2 Coolers
7
Seattle Sports Kayak
7

3. Durability

When it comes to durability, the Icemule Classic Cooler came up a little short amongst other coolers on the list

You can clearly read my experience above, where I experienced cuts and tears on the outside.

Icemule could improve the backpack’s reinforced seams and its exterior fabric to be more durable and withstand more hammer.

Rating

K2 Coolers
10
Engel USA Cooler
9
Polar Bear Coolers
9
YETI Hopper Flip 12
8
CreekKooler
8
Seattle Sports Kayak
8
Ice Mule
7
YETI 20 Cooler
7

4. Features

Finally, this is what Icemule Cooler can rightfully boast about. Its features, of course.

In fact, thanks to its cool and techy features, gave this a perfect 10 out of 10

Check these out…

It has leakproof fabric, roll top closure, and welded seams that give high performance.

Not only that, it has a foolproof seal, IM airvalve, and it’s an everyday cooler designed for all types of adventures – it’s a highly versatile soft cooler.

So what can you expect?

Indeed an everyday cooler designed for everyday use.

Rating

Ice Mule
10
CreekKooler
10
YETI 20 cooler
9
K2 Coolers
9
Engel USA Cooler
9
YETI Flip Portable
9
Polar Bear Coolers
8
Seattle Sports
8

5. Waterproof Features

Lastly, Icemule’s waterproof features. 

Although it has welded seams – floating this cooler alongside your kayak is not a good idea since it seeps water into your cooler.

But in general –  floating your icemule with water is for fancy purposes. I mean, why float when you can just keep it beside you, right?

It’s small, and very portable. You can just roll it and store it in your kayak and for sure, it won’t take up too much space!

Rating

YETI 20 cooler
9
Engel USA Cooler
8
YETI Flip Portable
8
Polar Bear Coolers
8
CreekKooler
8
K2 Coolers
8
Seattle Sports Kayak
8
Ice Mule
7

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

IceMule Classic Cooler

How does an Icemule cooler seal?

You can simply seal this Icemule cooler through its heavy-duty zippers, and don’t forget to roll the top part of the bag so it will be better secured.

Does this cooler float?

Yes, it floats… though I don’t necessarily recommend it if you can avoid it.

The heavy-duty seams and zipper-free construction provide buoyancy and relatively leak-free performance. Your belongings will be dry.

Are soft coolers worth it?

For everyday use, soft-sided coolers are just fine. Take them to the gym, the practice field, a day of fishing on the water, the golf course, or the office for lunch. 

One of the most appealing features of a soft-sided cooler is it’s lighter than a hard-sided cooler.

IceMule Classic Cooler

Conclusion: IceMule Classic Cooler

There you have it, The Icemule Classic Cooler! 

All the features and benefits, even the pros and cons, were served!

Now it’s the time for you to decide which to put your money on today.

Let me give you a quick recap…

This is a leak proof soft cooler for everyday use that’s definitely made to last.

It offers you excellent ice keeping performance and promises to make your snacks “Icemule cold.” 

I love its color varieties too.

What now?

Are you gonna get one? Was our review helpful? Let me know in the comments below! 

RELATED: Best Kayak Cooler

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