BrüMate MagPack 12 vs 18 vs 24 Can: Which Soft Cooler to Pick?

Quick answer

For most people, the MagPack 18-can shoulder sling is the sweet spot: it holds enough drinks for a small-340299">small group without being bulky. Choose the 12-can if you're carrying it yourself for short trips, or the 24-can if you're supplying a larger crew and don't mind the extra weight. All MagPack sizes use leakproof IceShield™ technology to keep ice longer.

Capacity and real-world use

The number in each MagPack name refers to how many standard 12 oz cans it can hold. That's a useful starting point, but real-world capacity depends on how you pack. If you're mixing cans with food, ice packs, or bottles, you'll fit fewer cans than the maximum. For a solo day trip or a couple's outing, the 12-can size is often plenty. For a group of four to six, the 18-can hits the mark. The 24-can is best for larger gatherings or when you want to bring extra drinks plus snacks.

Portability and carry options

The MagPack 18-can is designed as a shoulder sling, which distributes weight across your body and keeps your hands free. That makes it easier to carry over longer distances than a traditional cooler bag. The 12-can and 24-can sizes are also portable, but the 24-can will naturally feel heavier when fully loaded. If you plan to walk far from the car to the beach or campsite, the 18-can sling offers a good balance of capacity and comfort.

Ice retention and leakproof design

All MagPack soft coolers feature IceShield™ technology, which BrüMate describes as helping keep drinks ice cold. The leakproof construction means you don't have to worry about melted ice leaking into your car or onto your gear. Larger sizes may hold ice longer simply because they have more volume and less exposed surface area per can, but the exact retention time depends on outside temperature, how often you open the cooler, and whether you pre-chill your drinks.

Compatibility with accessories

If you already own BrüMate drinkware, you can extend the cooler's usefulness with add-ons. For example, the Magflip Lid (product ID 341052) offers one-handed drinking and a magnetic closure that keeps the spout clean. The Wine Tumbler (product ID 341588) is insulated to maintain wine temperature, so you can pack it alongside cans without sacrificing your drink's ideal serving temperature. These accessories don't change the cooler's capacity, but they make it easier to tailor your setup to what you're drinking.

Trade-offs by size

• 12-can: Lightest and most compact, but you'll need to refill sooner for groups or long outings. Best for solo trips or couples who want easy carrying.
• 18-can: Shoulder sling design balances capacity and comfort, but it's still a soft cooler so it won't match a hard cooler's ice retention. Best for small groups and hands-free carrying.
• 24-can: Holds the most drinks, but it's heavier when full and less convenient for long walks. Best for basecamp setups or larger parties where you won't move it far.

Key product facts

• MagPack 18-Can Shoulder Sling Soft Cooler | Nightfall Blue: MagPack 18-Can Shoulder Sling Soft Cooler in Nightfall Blue uses IceShield™ technology and is leakproof. The shoulder sling design makes it comfortable to carry, and the leakproof build protects your car or gear from melted ice.
• Default Title: Magflip Lid features a magnetic closure for easy, secure sealing and one-handed operation. If you bring BrüMate drinkware, this lid lets you open and close your drink with one hand while holding the cooler or a can.
• Default Title: BrüMate Wine Tumbler is an insulated tumbler designed to maintain wine temperature for longer periods. You can pack wine without it warming up too quickly, making the cooler more versatile for adult beverages.

Which MagPack should you choose?

Best for

• Small groups of 4–6 people who want a hands-free carry option
• Day trips where you need a balance of capacity and portability

Not for

• Solo travelers who want the lightest possible cooler
• large-340301">Large parties that need to transport more than 24 cans at once