Port-a-Parties
Move over, Styrofoam. These innovative coolers have all the bases covered—from sippy cups to six packs.
By Sarah Engler
- Best for the beach
- Freezer tote bag
Made of vinyl, this insulated bag is waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Throw in a day's worth of food and top with ice packs, and your lunch is safe from the beating sun. (The large size also makes it perfect for lugging cold groceries.)
$29, California Innovations, KeepYourCooler.com
- Best diaper-bag accessory
- Sippy cup
Keep milk or other kiddie beverages cool (and drinkable) with Thermos's new stainless-steel sippy cup. Double-wall vacuum insulation means the contents stay cold for six hours. It's also dishwasher-safe, super-durable, and leakproof.
$15, Thermos
- Best for camping
- Duo Bin
This ingenious bag from Kelty allows you to keep food in the insulated side and supplies in the other, then unsnap to set up the built-in work surface between the two. Comes with carry handles and a shoulder strap.
$80, Kelty
- Best for booze
- Dual wine tote
With two zippered compartments and chillers, you can appease the pickiest of palates by bringing both red and white wine to the next picnic—each at its appropriate temperature.
$31, CaddyO, QVC
- Six pack tote
More compact than the cardboard carriers and made from thick neoprene to keep bottles cool, this clinkproof designed tote is the best way to BYOB.
$23, Built
- Best for big gatherings
- Cool Fusion 40 Icy Tunes
This megacooler has it all: a 58-can capacity, external storage pockets, drink holders in the lid, wheels and a telescoping handle, and even speakers and an amplifier for your MP3 player.
$190, Igloo
- Best for lunches
- Hot and cold lunch cooler
Perfectly sized for one meal, this little tote is split into two sections. Keep hot food in one and a cool drink or dessert in the other. Also comes with a name tag and a shoulder strap.
$33, California Innovations, KeepYourCooler.com
