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AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler Review

A solid performer that's simple to use, easy to carry, and affordable
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ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review
This duffel style cooler is uncomplicated to carry with comfortable, asymmetrical strap attachment points.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Price:  $86 List
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Manufacturer:   AO Coolers
By Genaveve Bradshaw, Maggie Nichols, and Becca Glades  ⋅  Sep 22, 2023
69
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 17
  • Insulation - 35% 7.0
  • Convenience - 20% 7.0
  • Portability - 20% 6.1
  • Packability - 15% 8.0
  • Durability - 10% 5.9

Our Verdict

The AO Canvas 24 cooler is nearly impossible to go wrong with. Its simple design works quite well and costs less than much of the competition. For such an uncomplicated cooler, lacking waterproof zippers or a laminated exterior, it still manages to provide respectable insulation. It's straightforward to pack, painless to use, and has convenient duffel handles. When not in use, the whole thing folds flat, saving space that most other coolers cannot do. While you could get a huskier model for three or four times the price, the AO gets the job done for less. To compare it to the competition, check out our article on the best soft coolers.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple and easy to use
Decent insulation
Folds flat for storage
Duffel handles
REASONS TO AVOID
Shorter shoulder strap
Zipper and exterior fabric not waterproof

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award  Top Pick Award  
Price $86 List
$85.95 at Amazon
$63 List
$59.75 at Amazon
$55 List
$54.95 at REI
$40 List
$35.99 at Amazon
$45 List
$44.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A great cooler that's simple, easy to use, and less expensive than mostThis budget-friendly cooler lacks a zipped top, yet keeps its contents fresh among the restA handy model that won't stop meltwater leakage but is a useful and comfortable solution for infrequent and casual useA budget-friendly soft cooler that has plenty of storage, comfy straps, and decent insulation performanceThough this soft cooler is friendly to the wallet, its overall performance is subpar
Rating Categories AO Coolers 24 Pack... Arctic Zone Titan D... REI Co-op Pack-Away 24 Maelstrom Backpack 35 Arctic Zone Titan D...
Insulation (35%)
7.0
6.0
6.0
5.5
4.5
Convenience (20%)
7.0
8.6
8.2
6.0
7.3
Portability (20%)
6.1
7.2
3.3
5.4
7.2
Packability (15%)
8.0
6.5
6.5
8.5
6.0
Durability (10%)
5.9
2.9
7.0
3.6
2.5
Specs AO Coolers 24 Pack... Arctic Zone Titan D... REI Co-op Pack-Away 24 Maelstrom Backpack 35 Arctic Zone Titan D...
Measured Capacity in Cans 36 cans 30 cans 44 cans 36 cans 22 cans
Manufacturer Claimed Capacity in Cans 24 cans 30 cans 24 cans 35 cans 24 cans
Measured Capacity 23.4 L 19.4 L 27.6 L 20.0 L 10.8 L
Carry Style Lunchbox Lunchbox Pack Pack Pack
Food Shelf Life (Measured Days Below 40ºF) 2.3 2.1 2.1 1.8 1.5
Cold Beverages (Measured Days Below 50ºF) 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.0 1.7
Can a standard sized wine bottle fit? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Available in Different Sizes? Yes Yes No No No
Measured Weight 2.8 Ibs 3.7 lb 1.5 lbs 2.4 lbs 5.0 lb
Exterior Fabric Canvas Polyester Recycled polyester shell and abrasion-resistant recycled nylon bottom High-density insulation material Polyester
Closure Method Zipper Zipperless Zipper Zipper Zipper
Additional Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The AO Canvas 24 is a messenger style cooler with over-the-shoulder carry and duffel handles that can be bundled together. It's a fairly straightforward design without extra features but great value. It also comes in several other colors and sizes. This model earned its place among our top-ranked soft coolers.

Performance Comparison


ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - packing in all the daily essentials and keeping them fresh for many...
Packing in all the daily essentials and keeping them fresh for many hours, the AO is a top-tier soft cooler.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Insulation


Though it doesn't look as imposing as many of the hefty laminated soft coolers we tested, the AO still holds its own when it comes to insulation, achieving above-average performance among models we tested. Just under an inch of polyurethane foam is encased in a waterproof TPU liner covered by heavy-duty polyester.


In our insulation tests, the AO lasted an impressive 55 hours, maintaining USDA-recommended food-safe temperatures of 40º F or less. It then continued to keep temperatures under 50º F (desirable for many beverages) for an additional 5 hours after that for a total of 60 hours of chilled beverage time. Though this might not sound as impressive as some of the other coolers' performances under the same conditions, for a cooler that's not airtight and lacks a waterproof exterior, this is a solid performance.



While the tag on our cooler claims that it's "guaranteed not to leak", we're pretty sure they're talking about the inner liner, because the zipper is not waterproof. If the AO gets tipped so that meltwater can touch the zipper or set down on a wet surface, the zipper won't stop it from leaking and the exterior won't prevent it from soaking up water. However, if you can avoid tipping the AO, the inner liner is waterproof and won't leave your backseat wet.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the ao cooler 24 is easy to pack up and get moving with.
The AO Cooler 24 is easy to pack up and get moving with.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

While we're pretty impressed by the overall insulation of this unassuming little cooler, we do find it a bit odd that it's only available in medium and dark colors. For something that will probably be used outside and likely will be exposed to sunlight, we'd prefer lighter colors that help reflect that extra heat. All in all, though, we're quite happy with the insulation performance of the AO, which is better than we expected.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the ao has a large exterior pocket that runs along the width of the...
The AO has a large exterior pocket that runs along the width of the bag, perfect for your keys or phone.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Convenience


When it comes to packing and unpacking the AO 24 Pack, it's pretty darn easy. Though it isn't quite as gaping on top as a flip-top model, with the ends unclipped, it stays open easily. The inside is one large space. Though the looseness of the inner liner is a bit odd, it doesn't detract from its ability to hold cold items. This is one area where we appreciate the flexibility of the body of the cooler. It comes in handy for being able to easily conform to the shape of whatever we want to bring with - like extra tall champagne bottles and large potluck dishes. And as much as we love watertight zippers, they're a pain in the neck to wrangle. In contrast, the standard zipper of the AO glides easily over its teeth.


This cooler is listed as holding 24 cans and 14lb of ice. We went ahead and measured it, to learn it comfortably carries 39 cans if you don't put anything else in with them, and has a 24 quart (23 liter) capacity. It's a very useful size. The AO also has one large outer pocket, stretching the entire length of half of the bag - from mid-seam on one end, all the way down the long side, to mid-seam on the opposite end. It's not an insulated pocket, but we think this giant option is more useful.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the ao includes carry straps that can be velcroed together by a...
The AO includes carry straps that can be velcroed together by a lightly padded handle, much like a duffel bag.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

To create a more compact, easy to tote package, the ends buckle down to the sides and the duffel handles can be held together with the attached velcro bundler. The only real knock against this cooler's ease of use is that the baggy internal liner can be harder to wipe clean and takes longer to dry after you're done using it.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the ao is capable of holding a large assortment of items, including...
The AO is capable of holding a large assortment of items, including those odd-shaped perishables.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Portability


Up against small, lunchbox-style models and handy backpack coolers, the messenger-style AO doesn't initially appear all that impressive. Its single-shoulder carry style with a full load is hard to enjoy for long distances. And while our smaller testers can wear the shoulder strap crossbody, most average and up users find the strap to be a little short for their liking. It does feature asymmetrical attachment points for the shoulder strap, helping to keep it from swinging violently as you walk.


For a fairly large messenger bag, it's not totally awful to take to the party. The 24 can size we tested is a pretty excellent capacity to size ratio. That is, it's large enough to be able to bring just about anything we're willing to carry on one shoulder. We also appreciate the long, comfortable duffel handles and their ability to attach together. Without contents, the AO weighs just 2.7 lb, making it one of the lightest coolers we tested. So while we aren't likely to be taking this cooler on a hike anytime soon, we don't mind carrying it a few blocks to the park.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the padded shoulder strap makes it simple to carry this cooler from...
The padded shoulder strap makes it simple to carry this cooler from place to place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Packability


When considering soft coolers' packability, we first consider how much the model can hold, including odd-shaped items like wine bottles. We also assess how easy it is to access the inside for loading items. Then, we consider any additional storage on the exterior of the pack. Overall, the AO did well in this metric.


The cooler stays open in a long rectangular shape that is easy to get in and out of, making it simple to pack up. Once packed, the edges clip down to create the box shape. It's roughly two cans deep and easily fits 36 soda or beer cans. Additionally, it had no trouble storing a wine bottle. The bag includes an exterior pocket that runs along the entire width of the bag. Here, low profile items like keys, a wallet, or a phone could be stored.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the exterior pocket is great for bringing along low-profile items...
The exterior pocket is great for bringing along low-profile items that don't need to be cooled.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Durability


This is another metric whereby the AO seems unimpressive - because we've matched it up against some seriously intense competition. And while it's true that the AO doesn't shine brightly among laminated coolers with waterproof zippers, it's still a pretty solid option. Lack of a waterproof zipper means no lubricant to apply (and reapply…). And its heavy-duty polyester canvas exterior is nothing to scoff at either. Welded seams help reinforce an already strong design, making this cooler a strong contender for years of picnics.


It also comes with instructions for use, care, and storage (as well as best insulation practices). According to its tag, this cooler is tear and heat resistant, UV protective, and anti-mildew. We can't vouch for any of those, though we didn't have any issues with any of these things during our several months of testing. AO Coolers also offers a limited lifetime warranty on the inside liner and top zipper. So though it's not on the same level as some of the more intense coolers we tested that seem almost "bombproof", the AO is a quality piece of gear.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - the ao is the perfect size to take along for most day trips, and it...
The AO is the perfect size to take along for most day trips, and it fits nicely within the car without taking up too much space.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should you buy the AO Canvas 24?


The AO 24 Pack Canvas Cooler is a competitive option that offers good performance at a lower-than-average cost. We appreciate its simple, easy to use design. If you're after the optimal intersection of performance and price, you can't really go wrong with the AO.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - adding to the ao's value, it can be folded into a smaller size for...
Adding to the AO's value, it can be folded into a smaller size for easy storage.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

What other soft coolers should you consider?


If ultimate cooling power is what you're after, take a peak at the RovR TravelR 30. This impressive cooler will have no trouble lasting over the entire weekend. We also recommend the RTIC Backpack 30 as an excellent backpack style option. The RTIC also does well in its insulation performance, but it has the added feature of being highly portable.

ao coolers 24 pack canvas cooler soft cooler review - there's much to love about the simple, affordable ao canvas.
There's much to love about the simple, affordable AO Canvas.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Genaveve Bradshaw, Maggie Nichols, and Becca Glades