OAGear Cooler Sports Pack Review

Storage Size: 20 cans (approx. 23 quarts) size

Construction: Plastic, fabric, and metal composition

Cost: Budget-priced

Features: two mesh side pockets, front zippered pocket, bungee cord mechanism, padded straps

Pros: Plenty of color schemes, very mobile, multiple storage areas, great price

Cons: Weak shoulder straps, only one size

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Last Updated by Brandon F. on July 16, 2020

This is our OAGear Cooler Sports Pack Review.  The OAGear Cooler Sports Pack is a backpack cooler made by OAGear and is intended for those looking to combine the carrying convenience of a backpack with the cooling power of a cooler.  It is made of heat-sealed liner that helps to stop leaks from occurring and has an external zipper as well as mesh side pockets to store those items that you don’t need to keep cool. 

In addition, some models even come with top straps that can be tightened to hold even more items in place while wearing.  There are two ways to carry it: conventional padded back straps as well as an overhead carrying handle.  It is available in a wide variety of colors and can hold around 20 cans plus ice (around 23 quarts of total storage volume).  It is made of various fabrics, plastic, and metal.

Insulation ability – 

Despite not really having much of an insulation layer nor having an air-tight sealing gasket, the backpack does a surprisingly decent job of keeping items cool for a full day.  Beyond that, you may have some issues but you can be assured that loading this up in the morning for an afternoon hike or outing should be within its capabilities.  We do wish that they offered a more robust, long-term solution for those short weekend hike excursions or camp trips, though.

Mobility and durability – 

Being a backpack, this is obviously very mobile.  The addition of another handle for those circumstances when you couldn’t put it on your back is a nice touch.  Furthermore, the alternate storage areas (front zipper, side mesh pockets, and optional top storage) provide ample room for those items you don’t need or want to get cold and that you want to have easier access to. 

In regards to build quality, unfortunately, there are some issues with the shoulder straps coming apart relatively early on.  When this backpack is loaded with contents and ice it becomes relatively heavy and the sewn-on shoulder straps can become to tear over time.  However, the leak-proof liner should be tough enough to handle the occasional scrape or bump without causing issues.

Visual Appeal – 

The looks of the Sports Pack greatly resemble a conventional backpack, which can be a good or bad thing depending on who you ask.  To the casual onlooker, it will simply look like a school bag.  The design is somewhat progressive with alternating fabrics and subtle aesthetic tweaks.  The real selling point is the vast choices in color schemes.  No matter who the target buyer they can likely find a color option that works for them.

Cost – 

This sports pack can be had in the budget price tier.  This is a very competitive price, particularly when you consider that these products tend to fall on the smaller size in terms of volume.  While most small coolers will be bumped up to higher price tiers on the dollar per quart ratio, OAGear manages to still keep their prices very competitive.

Overall Rating – 

The OAGear Cooler Sports Pack Review earns 3 out of 5 coolers.  This is a handy backpack that has better-than-average cooling performance while still adhering to the mobile benefits of a traditional backpack.  There are some build quality issues that are holding it back from having an even higher rating, but even after considering these the combination of cooling ability, style, and price makes this product a decent buy.