Short answer: a good cooler bag has a leakproof lining you can put ice straight into, a structured base so food stays upright, and a size that matches what you actually carry. For school, work and one person, a small insulated lunch tote is enough. For picnics, the park and the beach, go up a size to a cooler tote that fits food and drinks for the family.
Spixal makes both sizes, and both have the same leakproof PEVA lining. See the full Spixal cooler bag range, or keep reading for how to choose.
Spixal Cooler Bags at a Glance
| Insulated Cooler Tote Bag | Insulated Lunch Tote Bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Picnics, the beach, sport days, high schoolers and adults | School lunches, work lunches, a drink and snacks at the park |
| Size | 25.5cm wide x 26cm high x 14.5cm deep | 21cm wide x 20cm high x 10cm deep |
| Lining | Leakproof PEVA, holds ice, wipes clean | Leakproof PEVA, holds ice, wipes clean |
| Base | Structured, keeps containers upright | Structured, keeps containers upright |
| Pockets | Front and side pockets | Front and side pockets |
| Fits inside an Axis Backpack | Yes | Yes |
| Colours | Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Red | Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Red |
| Price | $49.99 | $44.99 |
Cooler Bag or Esky?
A hard esky is the pick for long, hot days away from a fridge, like camping or a full day of fishing. It's also heavy and bulky, even before it's full.
A soft cooler bag is the everyday option. It's light, it carries on your shoulder or in your hand, and it packs flat in the car. For a school day, a work day, a picnic or a few hours at the beach, a cooler bag does the job without the weight.
What to Look For in a Cooler Bag
A leakproof lining
This is the big one. Ice melts. If the lining isn't leakproof, the water ends up in the school bag, the car boot or the picnic rug. Both Spixal totes have a leakproof PEVA lining, so you can tip ice straight in. When it melts, the water stays inside the tote.
A structured base
Soft bags that slump tip containers over. A structured base keeps lunch boxes and drinks sitting upright on the way.
The right size
Bigger isn't always better. A half-empty cooler bag warms up faster because there's more air inside. Pick the size that matches what you usually pack.
- One person, one lunch: the Insulated Lunch Tote Bag at 21 x 20 x 10cm.
- A bigger lunch, or food and drinks for a parent and kids: the Insulated Cooler Tote Bag at 25.5 x 26 x 14.5cm.
Easy to clean
Spilled yoghurt and melted ice happen. A lining that wipes clean means the bag stays fresh for longer.
Pockets on the outside
Front and side pockets keep napkins, cutlery, sunscreen and keys out of the cold, wet part of the bag.
How to Keep Food Cold in a Cooler Bag
- Start cold. Pack food straight from the fridge.
- Freeze a drink bottle. It works as an ice brick and it's a cold drink by lunchtime.
- Put ice on top and around. Cold air sinks, so ice on top of the food works hard.
- Fill the gaps. A full bag stays colder than one with lots of empty space.
- Keep it in the shade. Out of the sun and out of a hot car.
- Keep the zip closed. Every time it opens, the cold escapes.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises keeping cold food at 5°C or colder. When in doubt on a hot day, keep the ice topped up and eat the most perishable food first.
What Fits in the Insulated Cooler Tote Bag?
The Cooler Tote Bag is roomy enough to pack food containers for the family, or food containers and drinks for a parent and the kids. One easy way to pack it for a day out is a snackle box for each person. For ideas on what to put in it, see our picnic food ideas and beach picnic ideas.
Using a Cooler Bag for School and Work
Both totes slot inside an Axis Backpack, so lunch has its own spot and nothing gets squashed. The smaller Lunch Tote suits primary, middle and high schoolers. The Cooler Tote suits high schoolers with big appetites, and adults on a long day. For more on lunch bags specifically, see our guide to the best insulated lunch bags in Australia.
Our Promise
Every Spixal product comes with a 12-month warranty. If you don't love it, return it within 30 days and we cover the return postage within Australia.
Cooler Bag FAQs
What is the difference between a cooler bag and an insulated lunch bag?
Mostly size. Both are insulated and keep food cold. A lunch bag is sized for one person's lunch. A cooler bag is bigger, made for food and drinks for a picnic, the beach or a long day. Spixal makes both, with the same leakproof PEVA lining.
Can you put ice straight into a Spixal cooler bag?
Yes. Both the Insulated Cooler Tote Bag and the Insulated Lunch Tote Bag have a leakproof PEVA lining that holds ice. When it melts, the water stays inside the tote.
Is a cooler bag better than an esky?
For everyday use, yes. A cooler bag is lighter and easier to carry for school, work, picnics and the beach. A hard esky suits long, hot days away from a fridge, like camping.
What size is the Spixal Insulated Cooler Tote Bag?
25.5cm wide, 26cm high and 14.5cm deep. It fits food containers for the family, or food and drinks for a parent and kids.
How do you clean a cooler bag?
Wipe the lining with warm soapy water, then leave the bag open to dry fully before you zip it up. The Spixal PEVA lining wipes clean.