Soft Cooler 13 vs System Cooler 62: Which Camp Cooler?
By Snow Peak USA - Japanese-Designed Camping Gear | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Comparisons
Compare Snow Peak's Soft Cooler 13 and System Cooler 62 on capacity, insulation, and portability to pick the right soft sided cooler for your camping style.
Quick answer
Choose the Soft Cooler 13 if you pack light for solo or two-person trips and want an easy-to-carry cooler with a removable shoulder strap. Choose the System Cooler 62 if you need to keep food and drinks cold for up to two days at camp and want a larger, highly insulated soft cooler with dual handles and an extra-wide opening. The main trade-off is portability versus cold-holding capacity.
Capacity and what fits
The Soft Cooler 13 has an expanded capacity and a taller interior that makes room for larger bottles, so you can stand up a few drinks or a big water bottle without cramming. It suits a day trip or an overnight where you carry your own food and don't need to feed a group. The System Cooler 62 is a much larger soft cooler built for basecamp-style trips; its extra-wide opening helps you load and dig out items without unpacking everything. If you are deciding between a small vs large camp cooler, count how many meals and drinks you actually chill, then add a little buffer for ice or cooling packs.
Insulation and how long cold lasts
The System Cooler 62 uses an integrated heat shielding sheet and 20mm thick insulation, which Snow Peak rates to keep contents cold for up to two days at camp. That makes it the better match for weekend camping where you arrive Friday and leave Sunday. The Soft Cooler 13 uses an updated insulating material for balanced cooling, which is enough for shorter outings but not intended for multi-day cold retention. Neither cooler is a hard rotomolded cooler, so if you need week-long ice retention, plan to restock ice or choose a different style.
Carrying, packing, and camp setup
The Soft Cooler 13 has a double-zippered closure and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, so you can sling it over your shoulder on the walk from car to campsite. The System Cooler 62 has dual handles and an interior mesh pocket for cooling packs, which keeps ice packs organized and helps you carry a heavier load with two hands. Both are soft sided, so they flex into tight car spaces and can be squeezed into a packed trunk. Neither includes a built-in bottle opener or wheels based on the supplied specs, so bring your own opener and expect to carry it.
How to choose for weekend camping
For a cooler for weekend camping, ask two questions: how many people are eating from it, and will you be near a store to restock ice? One or two people with a single overnight fit the Soft Cooler 13 well, especially if you want to keep the load light. Three or more people, or a trip where you won't leave camp, lean toward the System Cooler 62 for its two-day cold rating and larger opening. If you are unsure, the System Cooler 62 covers both short and long trips, while the Soft Cooler 13 is easier to carry every day.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Soft Cooler 13: portability: The adjustable/removable shoulder strap and lighter build make it easy to carry from car to campsite, and the taller interior fits larger bottles. But its insulation is designed for balanced cooling, not multi-day cold retention. Best when you carry your cooler often and chill for a day or one night.
- System Cooler 62: cold retention: The integrated heat shielding sheet and 20mm insulation keep contents cold for up to two days, and the extra-wide opening makes loading and serving easier. The trade-off is more bulk and weight to move around camp. Best when you stay put for a weekend and need food and drinks to last.
- Capacity vs. convenience: The Soft Cooler 13 is easier to pack into a tight trunk and carry short distances. The System Cooler 62 holds more but takes up more space and is better moved with two hands using its dual handles. Match the cooler size to your group size and how far you carry it, not just to how much food you bring.
Key product facts
- Soft Cooler 13: The Soft Cooler 13 is a renewed and upgraded soft cooler with expanded capacity, an updated insulating material, and increased height for larger bottles. It has a double-zippered closure and an adjustable/removable shoulder strap. The taller interior and shoulder strap make it a practical grab-and-go cooler for solo or two-person day trips and overnights.
- System Cooler 62: The System Cooler 62 is a soft cooler with high insulation power, an integrated heat shielding sheet, and 20mm thick insulation rated to keep contents cold for up to two days at camp. It has an interior mesh pocket for cooling packs, dual handles, and a double-zippered closure with an extra-wide opening. The two-day cold rating and wide opening suit weekend camping for groups, while the mesh pocket keeps cooling packs from sliding around.
Which cooler fits your trip?
Best for
- Solo campers or couples on day trips and single overnights
- Anyone who wants a light cooler with a shoulder strap for short carries
- Campers who pack larger bottles and want them to stand upright
Not for
- Groups of three or more who need cold food and drinks for a full weekend
- Campers who won't restock ice and need multi-day cold retention
- Anyone who wants a hard cooler for week-long ice retention
