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IceMule Pro 33 Review

This drybag style cooler keeps its contents chilled on or off land
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IceMule Pro 33 Review
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Price:  $145 List
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Manufacturer:   IceMule
By Genaveve Bradshaw and Rebecca Glades  ⋅  Sep 22, 2023
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 23
  • Insulation - 30% 6.9
  • Convenience - 25% 7.2
  • Portability - 25% 6.3
  • Packability - 10% 3.9
  • Durability - 10% 9.6

Our Verdict

For a drybag that keeps its contents chilled, look no further than the IceMule Pro 33. This top-rated soft cooler is waterproof thanks to its roll-top opening and durable construction. Perfect for a day out on the water, the drybag floats in case it gets knocked off the kayak or paddleboard. It also has thick backpack straps and mesh back pads, so it's fairly simple to carry into your favorite picnic spot. It's large enough to pack just about any perishable you could think of, including plenty of cans and wine bottles. However, accessing the contents in this cavernous bag can be a challenge.
REASONS TO BUY
Large capacity
Waterproof
Backpack straps
Good insulation
Floats in water
REASONS TO AVOID
Uncomfortable to carry on bare skin
No carry handles

Compare to Similar Products

 
icemule pro 33
This Product
IceMule Pro 33
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Drybag Cooler
Best Buy Award
Best Soft Cooler on a Budget
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Soft Cooler
Best Buy Award
Best Soft Lunchbox
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Backpack
Price $145 List
$144.95 at Amazon
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Bottom Line This burly dry bag floats in water and will keep cool for the entire day on the riverThis budget-friendly cooler lacks a zipped top, yet keeps its contents fresh among the restA great cooler that's simple, easy to use, and less expensive than mostThis soft cooler has the lowest price tag of the soft coolers we've tested. While it isn't going to give you everything you need, it'll get the job done for quick and easy tripsAlthough not ideal for water activities, this highly portable, budget-friendly backpack performs adequately for short outings
Rating Categories IceMule Pro 33 Arctic Zone Titan D... AO Coolers 24 Pack... Lifewit Large Insul... Sparter 30-Can Back...
Insulation (30%)
6.9
6.3
6.7
4.7
4.5
Convenience (25%)
7.2
9.5
7.7
9.0
8.8
Portability (25%)
6.3
7.9
6.7
7.0
8.0
Packability (10%)
3.9
7.5
8.8
9.1
8.6
Durability (10%)
9.6
4.0
7.3
7.3
2.8
Specifications IceMule Pro 33 Arctic Zone Titan D... AO Coolers 24 Pack... Lifewit Large Insul... Sparter 30-Can Back...
Measured Capacity in Cans 56 cans 30 cans 36 cans 24 cans 35
Measured Capacity 31.4 L 19.4 L 23.4 L 13.2 L 17.5 L
Food Shelf Life (Measured Days Below 40ºF) 2.3 2.1 2.3 1.6 1.5
Cold Beverages (Measured Days Below 50ºF) 2.5 2.3 2.5 1.8 1.7
Carry Style Pack Lunchbox Lunchbox Lunchbox Pack
Can a standard sized wine bottle fit? Yes Yes Yes Yes, but can only fit small bottles horizontally Yes
Measured Dimensions L x W x H 15" x 9" x 28" (open)

15" x 9" x 16" (closed)
15.1" x 11.3" x 12.1" 17" x 9" x 12" 10" x 6.7" x 8.3" 10.8" x 7.5" x 17"
Measured Weight 3.6 lbs 3.6 lbs 2.8 lbs 0.8 lbs 1.2 lbs
Volume to Weight 8.7 L per lb 5.4 L per lb 8.3 L per lb 16.5 L per lb 14.6 L per lb
Closure Method Roll Top Zipperless Zipper Zipper Zipper
Available in Different Sizes? No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Exterior Fabric MuleSkinET Polyester Canvas Ripstop Oxford fabric with PU coating High-density scratch-resistant nylon material with extra PU coating
Additional Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Removable Liner? No Yes No No No
Available in Additional Colors? Yes; 4 Yes; 7 Yes; 5 Yes; 5 Yes; 5

Our Analysis and Test Results

A great option to take on the water, the IceMule Pro 33 is waterproof, durable, and floats. Its padded shoulder straps and mesh back help keep this portable and easy to use. However, its extra-large size can be a challenge when reaching the bottom of the bag.

icemule pro 33 - where will you go with your new cooler?
Where will you go with your new cooler?
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Insulation


A soft cooler that doesn't keep cool defeats the purpose, so we dedicated our most important metric to this. We packed each model with ice and strategically placed it in a small device that measures temperature. We specifically measured how long it took for the temperature to rise above 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The former is the FDA-recommended food-safe temperature; up to 50 degrees is the ideal beer-drinking temperature. Overall, the IceMule Pro 33 did well in this category, holding temperatures longer than the average.


This roll-top backpack-style cooler kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for about 55 hours (a little over two days). Likewise, it lasted at the beer-ideal temperatures of under 50 degrees for 60 hours. This means you can make it through the day with your fresh goodies staying cold. The Pro 33 is equipped with the patented IM AirValve. This valve allows for extra air to be added to the insulation layer. Additionally, this feature allows air to be released for easy storage.



Convenience


Once you get the hang of it, the IceMule Pro 33 is fairly straightforward to use. This is an insulated dry bag, so it works as such and has the same features. It opens and closes through its roll top and buckle, creating a watertight seal. Like any other dry bag, getting enough rolls in is important to avoid leakage. That being said, if you pack too much, getting adequate rolls will be difficult and tricky to close. As the bag gets closed, any air within the bag takes up space. To get around this, IceMule includes bleeder vents to help air escape. Storing the Pro 33 is easy because of its soft, compressible body. Air can be evacuated from the insulation layer, and the full backpack can be rolled up to fit in tight places.


The IceMule is an excellent option to take on the boat or paddleboard. It's waterproof and floats. So, if it takes a tumble overboard, you won't need to worry about it sinking to the bottom of the lake. This is a great way to keep some cold water and snacks on hand as you venture about, even if it's baking in the sun. The dry bag is fairly large and deep. This can be a slight challenge when reaching for something at the bottom of the bag. Likewise, cleaning those bottom corners can be a slight struggle. Though the smooth interior is easy to wipe down and dry.

icemule pro 33 - the icemule pro 33 is a roll-top dry bag that keeps water out and...
The IceMule Pro 33 is a roll-top dry bag that keeps water out and its contents cool and dry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Portability


Though we love this drybag for days on the water, the Pro is great for just about any activity you have in mind. Its thick backpack straps and padded mesh back are comfortable enough to wear on hikes and keep hands free. These adjustable straps land on the wider side, but the chest strap helps keep the bag securely in place. However, when the bag is packed on the lighter side, we could feel the contents sloshing around against our backs.


This soft cooler is on the larger side and can be a bit awkward to lift overhead when packed full. This shouldn't be too much of a struggle for loading in and out of the car, though you'll be limited to using the backpack straps as the handles. Additionally, if you plan to wear the bag with a swimsuit, it can be uncomfortable against bare skin.

icemule pro 33 - the icemule pro wears like a traditional backpack and is comfortable...
The IceMule Pro wears like a traditional backpack and is comfortable enough to wear on longer journeys.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Packability


We dive deep into capacity, packing access, and extra storage options for this metric. More specifically, we consider the contents commonly packed in coolers and whether or not each model can accommodate them. Additionally, we assess how easy it is to access the contained goodies, and we inspect any outer pockets or clip points. The IceMule Pro 33 has a massive capacity but lacks in other areas.


This extra-large soft cooler can accommodate 56 cans plus ice. It's also large enough to pack in a bottle of wine and other odd-shaped items. Packing enough for the whole family should be no problem for this roughly 33 L bag. However, if your arms are on the smaller side, reaching the bottom can be difficult.

icemule pro 33 - the icemule pro has no trouble holding on to odd shaped items, like...
The IceMule Pro has no trouble holding on to odd shaped items, like bottles of wine.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Given that it's a dry bag, the opening tends to slouch over when empty, which can make loading a pain. The deep cavernous style can also be a challenge to reach into, especially if you're reaching for the bottom. However, when items are packed within, the opening stays propped open, and the items up top are fairly easy to grab. The Pro 33 doesn't have any exterior pockets, but it does have a large bungee on the front of the bag. Here, a towel or light jacket could be stored.

icemule pro 33 - the large bungee pocket on the front of the icemule pro 33 is great...
The large bungee pocket on the front of the IceMule Pro 33 is great for storing light layers or a book.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Durability


To see how well each soft cooler held up to daily wear and tear, we started by conducting a soak test. We filled up large containers with water and left the coolers to soak for hours. Then, we thoroughly inspected each model, looking for water on the interior and exterior. The IceMule Pro did exceptionally well in this waterproof test. The inside was completely dry, and the outside had minor droplets that were easy to brush off.


We also noted any damage that occurred during testing, including scratches, tears, or broken pieces. We had no trouble with the Pro throughout the entire process. The exterior is made with IceMule's “MuleSkinET” fabric. This sturdy fabric is durable enough to handle tree pokes and rock scrapes. Additionally, the straps and buckle feel well-made, not leaving any concern for potential breaks. Though our testing is limited to a few months, we think this soft cooler will last for years to come.

icemule pro 33 - the icemule pro 33 feels well-made and durable. this soft cooler is...
The IceMule Pro 33 feels well-made and durable. This soft cooler is ready for years of keeping goodies cold.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the IceMule Pro 33?


The IceMule Pro 33 is an excellent option if you're in the market for a drybag-style soft cooler. With its waterproof and durable qualities, this backpack is a great companion for your next river float trip. It's easy to get around with its backpack straps and padded back. It's also large enough to pack up for the whole family.

icemule pro 33 - the icemule pro 33 is an excellent option to take to the beach or...
The IceMule Pro 33 is an excellent option to take to the beach or river, as it floats and is waterproof.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Soft Coolers Should You Consider?


Another option that keeps your treats cool but has more of a traditional backpack style is the Maelstrom Backpack 35. This cooler is also budget-friendly and performs comparably. If you're hunting for a more personal-sized cooler for trail days, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack is a great option. This half-bag, half-cooler is great for days when you want to keep a perishable snack handy along with other trail necessities. If you're still looking for more options, see our review of top-ranked soft coolers.

icemule pro 33 - we appreciate the large size of the icemule pro. it can fit just...
We appreciate the large size of the IceMule Pro. It can fit just about anything inside, even odd-shaped items.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Genaveve Bradshaw and Rebecca Glades