There are several advantages of having a small hard shell cooler. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best small hard shell cooler for you.

Our review process: Show/Hide

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Stanley Small Hard Shell Cooler READ REVIEW

Best For Boating: Buy: Yeti Small Hard Shell Cooler READ REVIEW

Best With Tray: Buy: Igloo Small Hard Shell Cooler READ REVIEW

Best For Easy Access: Buy: Arctic Zone Small Hard Shell Cooler READ REVIEW

Best For Shoulder Pad: Buy: Columbia Small Hard Shell Cooler READ REVIEW

Best For Stainless Steel: Buy: Coleman Small Hard Shell Cooler READ REVIEW

Best For Right Price: Buy: Arctic Zone Nice Cooler READ REVIEW

Best With Dry Storage: Buy: Coleman Great Bag READ REVIEW

Best For Small Capacity: Buy: Igloo Lunch Box READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Stanley Small Hard Shell Cooler

Buy on Amazon

Stanley has been making outstanding coolers for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and high-end materials. The Stanley Small Hard Shell Cooler has double-wall foam insulation that keeps this ice box cold for up to 36 hours. The high-density polyethylene outer shell, sturdy latches allow this cooler to take a beating with the durable rubber string you can hold stanley vacuum bottle on the flat top. The heavy - duty top handle makes this cooler easy to grab and carry.

The cooler has a drain plug, It is great for beach trips and has a durable design. Most importantly, the stanley small hard shell cooler keeps it cold, can hang with name brand, it is safe to eat and has a portable design.

Most buyers agree that the cooler is used to it & realized it's well balanced, can swing forward /back & down completely out of the way in low profile mode. Moreover, a few also found that the cooler can hold several bottles or cans as well as food containers or sandwich bags. Also, they also found that this cooler does not leak as it comes with a silicone gasket.

• This is used for other things, seals tight, it is simple and has an excellent design.
• This has a foamed lid and a body.
• The stanley cooler is designed with real world use in mind.
• The cooler and the elastic band on top to secure additional items.

Best For Boating: Yeti Small Hard Shell Cooler

Buy on Amazon

We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate cooler. The Yeti Small Hard Shell Cooler is exactly that - it's a simple cooler that hits all the right notes. The yeti small hard shell cooler is waterproof and resistant to punctures, and abrasions so it will hold its own when faced with the hazards of the wild. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the cooler offers superior cold-holding to ordinary soft coolers, with a capacity of up to 6 cans plus ice.

The cooler is yellow and it is very easy. Most importantly, the yeti small hard shell cooler lasts forever and it is good for large size.

Almost all customers opine that the cooler has lasted the test of time. Also, a few strongly agree that the cooler can hold 6 cans and up to 8lbs of ice. And, a few say that the cooler fits in the floor boards of the back seat in the car. To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best coolers for daily purposes.

• They ’re over-insulated, engineered to be tough, and tested to survive in extreme conditions.
• This is as good as gold, but gold is 17, 600x more expensive.
• This is a great way to pre-cool your yeti before loading it with food.
• This keeps items cold, is very insulated and it is great with freezer packs.

Best With Tray: Igloo Small Hard Shell Cooler

Buy on Amazon

Next on the list, we've got yet another cooler that manages to win our hearts. It's the Igloo Small Hard Shell Cooler and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient coolers you can buy. The igloo 's small hardshell cooler holds up well, is great for a great price, It is great for lunch snacks and has a special design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it is easy to access, it is used for ice cream and has an original design.

Finally, the igloo smallhard shell cooler is very durable, is inexpensive, it is great for customer service and has a durable design.

Most buyers agree that the cooler is easy to clean and not heavy to carry. In addition, a few say that the cooler works well for unlocking the lid. And, a few say that the cooler is made for 8-12 hours of use, so be prepared to refreeze ice packs every night.

• It will hold 19 or 20 of them.
• This is the perfect size for carrying lunch and drinks every.
• The lid swings open to either side for easy access to the contents.
• Push-button lid design for convenient one-handed operation.

Best For Easy Access: Arctic Zone Small Hard Shell Cooler

Buy on Amazon

The Arctic Zone Small Hard Shell Cooler is the most convenient cooler on the market today. The arctic zone small hard shellcooler is very big, It is just the right size and has a lightweight design. If you want to use the entire liner, the smartshelf is easily removed to provide one large compartment. The cooler also has an exterior zippered organizer pocket and an adjustable backsaver shoulder strap with non - slip shoulder pads that centers load weight to help reduce body stress.

The cooler is insulated with superfoam to keep contents cold and includes an ultra - safe leak proof, easy clean lining and a durable hardbody liner with smartshelf. Moreover, this is designed for non-slip, keeps cold, it allows for tons of room and has a shoulder strap design. Finally, the arctic zone small hard shell cooler keeps stuff cold, is rare, It is great for lunches and has a perfect design.

Most buyers found that the cooler does not leak if a water bottle breaks open or spills occur. Further, they strongly agree that the cooler is the perfect combination of cooler and tackle box. Moreover, a few say that the cooler is worth it for those that work hard and get hungry. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best coolers for daily purposes.

• The patented, "flip open" zipperless lid allows for quick access to food and drinks.
• Features ultra safe leak proof, easy clean lining and exterior zippered organizer pocket.
• This cleans up nice and the zipperless attachment is very secure.
• This comes in handy for silverware.

Best For Shoulder Pad: Columbia Small Hard Shell Cooler

Buy on Amazon

The Columbia smallhard shellcooler is specially designed for your regular use and has all the useful features. The Columbia small hardshell cooler looks cool, it is pretty good and has a perfect design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the cooler is perfect for meal prep, It is suitable for drying snacks and has a shoulder strap design.

Finally, the Columbia Small Hard Shell Cooler keeps stuff cold, It is very large and has a functional design.

Most buyers found that the cooler is easy to use, unlike the zipper, which is why the other cooler fell apart. In addition, a few also found that the cooler is easy to clean and open and grab a drink out of. In addition, they say that the front pockets make the cooler look a lot wider than it really is, but they 're entirely separated from the main compartment.

• This works great as a can cooler at the pool or beach.
• This is waterproof but it is a great lunch bag.
• This is a velco tab, lots of room, too.
• It is one foot high and about 1 foot wide. wo fit under the seats.

Best For Stainless Steel: Coleman Small Hard Shell Cooler

Buy on Amazon

Next on the list, we've got yet another cooler that manages to win our hearts. It's the Coleman small hard shell cooler and it's widely considered as the cooler that has the most suitable features. The Coleman small hard shell cooler is very useful, It comes with an ideal size and has a compact design. A portable ice cooler keeps food and beverages cold. In addition, this is highly recommend, is happy with the size, it has a flip top lid and has a portable design.

The cooler has removed the lid, size wise, and has an excellent design. Moreover, this keeps drinks cold, It is great for outdoor events and has a strong design. Finally, the Coleman Small Hard Shell Cooler keeps the lid closed, It is very compact and has the same design.

Most customers quickly discovered that the cooler fits six 8 ounce medela bottles perfectly. And, a few say that the cooler has plenty of space inside for a large lunch including a drink and bulkier snacks like popcorn. Further, they strongly agree that the snap lid is good, the cooler is sturdy, the lid flips over and slides to make a little tray table.

• This is good for packaging raw meat separately.
• This is good for any labor work job.
• The 5-quart capacity holds up to 6 cans.
• It is 10" long by not quite 7" high and a little over 7" deep.

Best For Right Price: Arctic Zone Nice Cooler

Buy on Amazon

Best part: Arctic Zone Nice Cooler costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The arctic zone nice cooler is designed for easy open, It is effective and has a pocket design. The Manufacturer says: The exterior includes our patented, “flip-open” zipperless lid for quick access to food and drinks as well as an insulated front pocket. The titan deep freeze 9 can zipperless cooler keeps ice for up to 2 days.

The cooler is really nice, is attractive, it is designed to worth every penny and has a good overall design. Also, the cooler is perfect for grocery shopping, has outer pockets, it makes for nice packaging and has a functional design. Lastly, the arctic zone nice cooler features an ultra - safe, leak proof, easily clean interior lining.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the cooler is easy to wipe off and the pockets. In addition, a few say that the cooler fits 16 cans nicely to add to that works well actually. In short, most customers call the cooler suits best, and no one questions it.

• This will last for many years.
• This can be used as a way to compare the performances of different coolers.
• This is great for daily use, Ice only lasts 1-2 days.
• This is way too big for that type of use.

Best With Dry Storage: Coleman Great Bag

Buy on Amazon

We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Coleman great bag for regular use. Moreover, the Coleman bag makes for nice quality, is great for the perfect size for golf, It keeps food cold and has a sturdy design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, this is for family trips, It is great for a fair price and has a cool design. Most importantly, the Coleman great bag is available in 3 attractive colors: blue, tan and grey.

Almost all buyers found that the cooler fits pretty well along with a small ice pack. Further, they also found that the cooler will be quite big for an 8 year old's lunch, but will fit a lot. Further, they strongly agree that this cooler does not. It has a small zipper compartment in front ( does n't hold much ) and a mesh area that does n't hide or secure items well. In conclusion, buyers found this to be one of the best coolers for daily purposes.

• This protects the soft liner from getting a hole in it.
• This can be used as a lunch bag for 10 years.
• This is great as a container holder in the main pouch.
• This does not leak because of the plastic removable hardliner.

Best For Small Capacity: Igloo Lunch Box

Buy on Amazon

If you often find yourself scrambling for an appropriate and satisfactory cooler, Igloo Lunch Box should be your first option for buying. The igloo lunch box works fantastic, It is good for storage space and has a great design. Manufacturer says: A rugged spin on the tried-and-true playmate, this job-site-approved cooler features our iconic tent-top design in a bigger, tougher design with plenty of room for hearty lunches and after-work beers. Also, this is best for quality construction, is very nice small, it is perfect for good size and has a great shape.

Finally, the igloo lunch box is perfect for lunches, is designed for light weight, it stays cool and has a very good design.

Almost all buyers found that the cooler is good for a lunch box or a 6-pack, but other than that it cannot hold much else. Furthermore, a few also found that the cooler is great for food and so much more. Further, a few strongly agree that the cooler does the job for the price but leaks when it tips over.

• This is perfect for keeping water cold in the car or taking lunch to work.
• This does not keep ice very well.
• The product is manufactured in the United States.
• There is also a great deal here on Amazon.