Lifewit Large Insulated 24 Review

At 10 by 6.7 by 8.3 inches and weighing in at only 0.8 pounds, the Lifewit Large Insulated 24 soft cooler isn't the biggest option we've tested—but it can still fit 24 cans in 13.2 liters of space. While it won't carry beverages and food for all of your friends and family, it can take along enough items for an easy day trip.

Performance Comparison

Insulation

We put an array of top models to the test, according to the USDA Safe Food Temperature scales. This cooler didn't impress us when it comes to insulation. While it wasn't the worst cooler we tested in terms of ice retention, it certainly wasn't anywhere near the best. It only remained below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for 1.6 days and below 50 degrees for 1.8 days.

We recommend only taking this cooler with you for quicker day trips unless you have access to a freezer or more ice during your time away (so you can load it up with more ice to cool it down again). The cooler certainly won't stay cold for the whole weekend, but it will get you through a beach day or a day on the trails.

Convenience

We found the Lifewit Large Insulated 24 to be very convenient. In fact, of all the metrics we tested, this is where it shined the most. That's because this cooler was fairly easy to pack up when you're ready and wipe down when you're done. It also has great storage, like a large exterior mesh pocket, to conveniently stash the stuff you need to easily reach (like your phone and car keys).

The entire top portion of this zipper unzips so it's easy to load up your food and beverages. And when you want to close it, you only need to zip it shut, and the top handle can velcro together. When you need to clean this cooler, you can easily wipe down its PEVU lining. While it can get a little wrinkly as a soft cooler, it is still pretty easy to clean the interior walls to wipe off any stains. The outside might not be as easy to wipe down as the PEVU lining, but we didn't have any trouble keeping this cooler clean.

The Lifewit is also fairly easy to store. It doesn't take up too much space, and it's small in size. You can easily squish this cooler down and stuff it in the car with the rest of your gear, or even stuff it into another bag (like a beach bag) when you're not using it. This cooler's square shape makes it easily storable.

Portability

The Lifewit Large Insulated 24 did okay in terms of portability. It functions more like a lunchbox, which makes it easy to tote around. It has one removable strap, and it connects with two plastic carabiners to plastic loops on either side. It all feels a little flimsy, but the straps are adjustable in length, and the small pad slides around it so you can place it where it's most comfortable.

There is also a velcro handle that goes over the top of the cooler with short straps to carry it by hand. These handles are relatively comfortable to carry. Alternatively, you can carry this cooler like a cross-body bag, but the thin padding can be uncomfortable when fully loaded and feels heavier. Still, however, this cooler does not feel bulky or awkward because it is so small and short. Its size alone makes it more portable.

Packability

The Lifewit Large Insulated 24 unzips from the top and fully flips down to the side of the cooler; this means you get full access, making it very easy to pack the cooler without your arms brushing against the sides of it. It stays open and upright on its own, as well. This cooler also keeps its shape, so it was easy to dump a bag of ice inside. You don't need to work around the lid flopping over or the sides caving in.

The Lifewit Large Insulated 24 also has one large zippered pocket on the outside that's 9.5 inches long. It can fit a number of objects, like your phone or even a small speaker. Just note that this pocket does get a bit bulky when it's full. The large mesh water bottle pockets on both sides of the body also add storage space for the water you want on the ready (that you don't necessarily need to keep cold inside).

Durability

We beat up our coolers as much as possible to see how they would fare over time, and we found that the Lifewit is not the most durable cooler.

The Lifewit sustained some damage during our testing, such as some fraying and loose strings along the edges. However, it didn't tear anywhere, and the zipper stayed intact (even though we doubted it). While wear and tear are to be expected with regular use over time, other coolers we tested made it through each challenge without any damage done. So, subtle signs of damage, like loose threads, were enough for us to lower this cooler's durability score.

Should You Buy the Lifewit Large Insulated 24?

The Lifewit Large Insulated 24 is not the cooler for everyone. This is best for those on a very tight budget. If you need a cooler at the last minute, this will suffice. Or, if you don't find yourself in need of a cooler often, this may also make sense to have on hand in the event of a beach day or walk in the park. However, many people may not find this cooler's low price tag worth the sacrifice of functionality.

Many other coolers we tested—although pricier—offer much better insulation and durability. That said, as long as you know what you're getting (and not getting), this cooler could be worth considering. Just don't expect the best quality.

What Other Soft Coolers Should You Consider?

If you are looking for a soft cooler that will last you a lot longer than the Lifewit Large Insulated 24, the most durable (and the most expensive) cooler that we reviewed is the Yeti Hopper M20. This cooler is sure to last you a long time, but it will also come at the highest end of the price range. While these two coolers are polar opposites in price, it's important to understand what you'll get at both ends of the spectrum.

For another more comparable budget-friendly option, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is a great cooler. It is also highly convenient and portable, and it actually insulates better than the Lifewit, too. You can be more confident bringing the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze along on longer trips than you would the Lifewit since your items will stay colder for longer.

If you aren't totally sure what you want in a soft cooler just yet, be sure to check out our full list of soft coolers we've tried out to get to know what metrics matter most to you.