Your questions about cool bags and cool boxes answeredWhat is the best cool bag? All of the cool bags featured in this roundup are excellent, however, the Stanley all-day Julienne mini cooler really impressed me. Although compact, its 7l capacity fits plenty of drinks and food, making it ideal for a range of occasions. The design also meant it was easy to access the contents and comfortable to carry. Another favourite was the Yvonne Ellen whale cooler bag. As well as having a lovely design, it’s lightweight and features a good capacity. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Dexham reuse, reduce, recycle RPET cooler bag and the Campingaz fold n cool minimaxi insulated cooler are solid options that won’t break the bank.I tested each cool bag with the same range of cold drinks and food items, to try and compare like for like as much as possible. I looked at how well the bags and boxes maintained their temperature over several hours in real-world conditions. During testing, I considered the following criteria.Insulation: Using my Gozney infrared thermometer, I looked at how well each bag held a consistent cold temperature. Capacity and usability: I assessed how much food and drink each bag could hold, and how easy the designs were to load and unload. Build quality: I paid special attention to the build quality of each bag, looking at the durability of the zips, handles and lining. Ease of cleaning: Cleaning your cool bag is important, so I considered how easy it was to wipe down the inside after use. Portability: It’s all very well finding a cool bag that prevents your food from getting warm, but it’s no use if you can’t easily carry it around with you.How long can a cool bag keep food and drink cold? This depends on each particular bag. The quality of the insulation and whether you’re using ice cubes or ice packs can make a huge difference. Most bags will maintain a cold temperature for four to 12 hours. Bags with a thicker lining could even retain a chill up to 24 hours. If you want to get the longest time possible out of your bags, then you may want to pre-chill the bag by popping it in the freezer for an hour or two. Should I use ice packs or just ice in a cool bag?Both work but ice packs are generally better because they last longer and keep the inside of your bag drier, as they don’t leave behind a lot of water as they melt. That said, lose ice is a good idea if you’re off on an impromptu picnic and haven’t got your ice packs ready in the freezer – just be wary that your food and drink will be sitting in a pool of water if you choose loose ice. What’s the difference between a cool bag and a cool box? Cool bags are, as the name suggests, soft-sided bags, and are are typically lightweight and foldable, making them easier to transport and store. Cool boxes are hard-sided, making them heavier and bulkier, but they tend to stay colder for longer, so they’re the more practical choice for camping or longer trips. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Rachael Penn has been contributing to IndyBest since 2021, testing everything from the best frying pans to the best pizza ovens. Rachael has put each of these cool bags and boxes through rigorous, real-world testing. After filling them to the top with ice and drinks, she heaved them around while full, and took them on the road to find out just how practical they are. Whether for day trips or longer excursions, all of the cool bags and boxes included here have been fully vetted by Rachael. For more outdoor recommendations, read our review of the best family tents