Maelstrom Backpack 35 Review

The Maelstrom Backpack 35 looks and functions much like a traditional day bag. However, its main compartment is an insulated cooler. Its exterior is jam-packed with many pockets, pouches, and clipping points. Meanwhile, the lightweight backpack functionality keeps it convenient to throw on for the day ahead.

Performance Comparison

Insulation

When testing insulation performance, we packed each cooler in the lineup halfway with ice. Nuzzled within the ice was a mason jar holding a small device that logs the temperature inside of each cooler. We let the coolers sit for 10 days in a temperature-controlled room, not touching them once. We noted the exact time it took for each cooler to reach two specific temperatures, 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The Maelstrom falls just about average among backpack-style coolers.

The Maelstrom 35 lasted roughly 43 hours under 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the FDA-recommended food-safe temperature. Of course, we tested for the ideal beer-drinking temperature too, which is up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The backpack lasted slightly longer at 48 hours within this threshold. For a day trip, this cooler will be more than enough to keep your perishables cold. It's worth noting that darker colors will absorb more heat, though this backpack is available in multiple colors. If you're trying to maximize the cooler's power, consider choosing one of the lighter-colored options. Likewise, prechilling the entire cooler can add to its cool temperature longevity, though we didn't bother with this as most people don't typically pre-chill their coolers in the refrigerator.

Convenience

The Maelstrom Backpack is a fairly simple option in our lineup. It opens by a zip-lid top that exposes its easy-access main compartment. The lid stays open during the entire loading and unloading process, so there's no need to worry about it closing on your hand mid-grab. The bag itself has minimal structure, making it easy to store when not in use. Though, this also means it can be a bit flimsy during the initial loading phase.

When it comes to cleaning, the Maelstrom isn't the most straightforward. The interior fabric has bunched-up areas that are difficult to wipe down and dry. The exterior also gets somewhat soggy when exposed to the wet cleaning rag. All in all, the easy access design and small footprint make this a decently convenient option out of our soft cooler lineup.

Portability

Being a backpack-style cooler, the Maelstrom is an easy option for short or long-distance outings. The shoulder straps are padded and fully adjustable. Along with this are a lightly padded back panel, carry handle, and chest strap. The carry handle, located between the shoulder straps, is a nice touch as it makes lifting easier. Though it's not the most comfortable lifting handle, it's still better than not including it at all. It also doubles as a point to hang the bag from, for example, keeping it off the locker room floor at public pools.

The back padding of the bag has alternating panels of mesh in commonly sweaty places like the lower back and shoulders. The entire back panel is soft, lightly cushioned, and susceptible to clumping. When packed full, we had no trouble with the padding. However, when lightly packed, the back tends to bunch up. Considering how easy it is to throw on this bag, along with the many packing options it's equipped with, we find these minor inconveniences to be worth overlooking. Overall, it's fairly comfortable to wear around, and it has the added benefit that your hands can stay free.

Packability

The Maelstrom Backpack 35 is equipped to carry much more than a few perishable items. Within this 20 L pack, 36 cans plus ice comfortably fit. Roughly three cans deep, an upright wine bottle can also be carried to your picnic, as well as many other odd-shaped foods and goodies. The cooler is soft and wide enough that it's easy to rummage around and get any lingering can from the bottom. Plus, its lid has an interior mesh pocket for smaller items that are best separated from direct ice.

The exterior of the pack boasts many excellent storage options. The lid has a small, low-profile zipped pocket that would be a great place to store a phone while walking. The front of the bag has a large zipped pocket that could easily hold utensils and small plates. Outside of this pocket is a bungee cord for a light layer or towel. Each side of the cooler also features large mesh water bottle pockets, though these are big enough to hold onto a small book or jacket.

Five small gear loops are sewn into the exterior of the backpack. Here, you could clip on keys or a travel mug. Among the most unique features we've seen is the Maelstrom's hidden zipper pocket. This pocket is located along the lower mesh portion of the back panel. This is a stealthy way to keep your wallet, keys, or phone out of sight. And, just in case you forgot your bottle opener, the backpack includes one attached to the shoulder strap.

Durability

To test the longevity of these soft coolers, we thoroughly inspect the market for what real-life users had to say. Additionally, we look for any signs of damage throughout our lengthy testing. Throughout this process, we read many complaints about the cooler leaking. Within our own tests, we found this to be true. The main zipper is not watertight and susceptible to damage. When upright, we had no troubles with leaks. Though, we wouldn't want this to rest on its side for very long.

The second major portion of our durability tests was creating a soak test to test the soft coolers' water resistance. We filled large tubs with water and let each model soak for hours. When we returned, we inspected the inside for any water that made its way in, and we looked at the outside for dampness. As far as the Maelstrom goes, the exterior was completely soaked after its long bath. Meanwhile, the inside was only slightly damp. Some beads of water managed to creep their way in, but this isn't too terrible for the length of time it was left underwater. That's why we think this cooler is best for smaller trips from the grocery store or to the park.

Should You Buy the Maelstrom Backpack 35?

The Maelstrom Backpack is a highly functional bag with many great features to love. Primarily, it has enough pockets to hold onto whatever the day brings. Though it's not the most durable option out there, it's available at an accessible price point. For casual users with versatile plans, you can't go wrong with this backpack-style soft cooler.

What Other Soft Coolers Should You Consider?

Among the most unique options we've tested to date is the RovR KeepR. This caddy-style model has no top at all and is more of a party platter as far as coolers go. One of the best-performing models in our lineup is the AO Cooler. Simple and straightforward, its insulated compartment keeps its contents cool longer than most.