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Lifewit Large Insulated 24 Review

An excellent choice for those with a strict budget looking for a daily lunchbox
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Lifewit Large Insulated 24 Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $30 List
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Manufacturer:   Lifewit
By Genaveve Bradshaw and AnnaMarie Houlis  ⋅  May 2, 2024
67
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 19
  • Insulation - 30% 3.4
  • Convenience - 25% 9.0
  • Portability - 25% 7.0
  • Packability - 10% 9.1
  • Durability - 10% 7.3

Our Verdict

The Lifewit Large Insulated 24 is one of the best budget soft cooler options out there and comes at only a fraction of the price of the rest of the units in our best soft cooler review. Though we wouldn't take it on multi-day camping trips, we think it's a perfect knock-around soft cooler that can get from point A to B while keeping your food and beverages chilled.
REASONS TO BUY
Budget-friendly
Convenient outside pockets
Water-resistant material
Very portable
Easy to pack
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the best insulation
Zipper feels flimsy
Not very durable

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best on the Tightest of Budgets
Best Buy Award
Best Soft Cooler on a Budget
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Soft Cooler
Top Pick Award
Top Eco-Friendly Cooler
Top Pick Award
Best Multi-use Backpack
Price $30 List
$19.99 at Amazon
$63 List
$62.99 at Amazon
$86 List
$85.95 at Amazon
$40 List
$39.98 at Amazon
$40 List
$35.97 at Amazon
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Bottom Line This 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 tripsThis 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 mostAn eco-friendly option that is ideal for conscious adventurersA budget-friendly soft cooler that has plenty of storage, comfy straps, and decent insulation performance
Rating Categories Lifewit Large Insul... Arctic Zone Titan D... AO Coolers 24 Pack... CleverMade Pacifica... Maelstrom Backpack 35
Insulation (30%)
3.4
5.2
5.8
4.5
4.3
Convenience (25%)
9.0
9.5
7.7
9.3
6.6
Portability (25%)
7.0
7.9
6.7
6.5
5.9
Packability (10%)
9.1
7.5
8.8
7.7
9.4
Durability (10%)
7.3
4.0
7.3
2.4
4.0
Specs Lifewit Large Insul... Arctic Zone Titan D... AO Coolers 24 Pack... CleverMade Pacifica... Maelstrom Backpack 35
Measured Capacity in Cans 24 cans 30 cans 36 cans 38 cans 36 cans
Measured Capacity 13.2 L 19.4 L 23.4 L 18.5 L 20.0 L
Food Shelf Life (Measured Days Below 40ºF) 1.6 2.1 2.3 1.9 1.8
Cold Beverages (Measured Days Below 50ºF) 1.8 2.3 2.5 2.1 2.0
Carry Style Lunchbox Lunchbox Lunchbox Lunchbox Pack
Can a standard sized wine bottle fit? Yes, but can only fit small bottles horizontally Yes Yes Yes, but only horizontally Yes
Measured Dimensions L x W x H 10" x 6.7" x 8.3" 15.1" x 11.3" x 12.1" 17" x 9" x 12" 16" x 9.8" x 13" 13.3" x 8.3" x 18.4"
Measured Weight 0.8 Ibs 3.6 lbs 2.8 Ibs 1.7 Ibs 2.4 lbs
Closure Method Zipper Zipperless Zipper Zipper Zipper
Available in Different Sizes? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Exterior Fabric Ripstop Oxford fabric with PU coating Polyester Canvas Recycled polyester High-density insulation material
Additional Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Removable Liner? No Yes No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


This Lifewit cooler is a great budget option with fun features like a large exterior pocket, but it's not the best of the best.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

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.

lifewit large insulated 24 - the lifewit large insulated 24 tied insulates well for a short time.
The Lifewit Large Insulated 24 tied insulates well for a short time.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

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.

lifewit large insulated 24 - this cooler has tons of storage space, including an exterior mesh...
This cooler has tons of storage space, including an exterior mesh pocket.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

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.

lifewit large insulated 24 - carry the lifewit by hand, over the shoulder, or like a cross-body...
Carry the Lifewit by hand, over the shoulder, or like a cross-body bag.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

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).

lifewit large insulated 24 - the lifewit can fit 24 cans and a small-sized bottle of wine...
The Lifewit can fit 24 cans and a small-sized bottle of wine horizontally.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

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.

Be warned - the Lifewit will soak through as your ice melts.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

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.

lifewit large insulated 24 - the lifewit's zippers are easy and water-resistant.
The Lifewit's zippers are easy and water-resistant.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

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 the best soft coolers we've tried out to get to know what metrics matter most to you.

lifewit large insulated 24 - the lifewit functions like a big lunchbox.
The Lifewit functions like a big lunchbox.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Genaveve Bradshaw and AnnaMarie Houlis