A soft cooler should make life easier, not give you one more piece of gear to manage. You want cold drinks when you reach for them, easy access throughout the day, and a cooler that does its job without constant fuss.
CORE's CLIMAKEEP line was built around fixing exactly those friction points. Here is how the system stacks up against a standard soft cooler, what the technology actually does, and which sizes make sense for different trips.
What Is CLIMAKEEP?
CLIMAKEEP is CORE's premium magnetic soft cooler line. Every model combines three technologies that work as a system:
- MagSnap™ Magnetic Closure: A built-in magnetic lid that works like a refrigerator door. Open with one hand, let go, and the lid seals closed on its own.
- HYPERCOLD™ Insulation: High-density EVA foam paired with a reflective PET film liner. The foam blocks heat transfer while the reflective layer bounces cold air back toward the contents.
- Welded Construction: Fully welded, leakproof, and waterproof seams throughout. No stitching holes for moisture to seep through.
MagSnap vs. Traditional Zippers
The biggest difference between CLIMAKEEP and a standard soft cooler is how it closes. Instead of relying solely on a zipper, CLIMAKEEP uses MagSnap, a magnetic lid that seals itself shut.
Here’s a quick soft cooler comparison based on closure:
| Feature | MagSnap Closure | Traditional Zipper |
|---|---|---|
| One-Handed Access | Yes, lid self-seals | No, requires two hands |
| Closure When Unzipped | Magnetic seal holds cold | Open, cold escapes freely |
| Long-Term Durability | No teeth to break or stiffen | Zippers degrade with use |
| Full Seal for Transport | Waterproof zipper included | Depends on zipper quality |
CLIMAKEEP coolers still include a waterproof zipper if you want to use one, but there’s no need in most cases. The magnetic seal handles the job on its own.
HYPERCOLD vs. Standard Foam Insulation
Budget soft coolers use a single layer of foam that holds ice for roughly 12 to 18 hours in warm conditions. Once the foam absorbs heat from the outside, cold retention drops fast.
HYPERCOLD insulation takes a different approach with two layers working together:
- High-Density EVA Foam: Thicker and denser than standard foam, slowing heat transfer from the exterior walls.
- Reflective PET Film Liner: Bounces cold air back toward the contents instead of letting the cold air absorb into the foam.
The result is ice retention of up to two days on the 12 and 18 can models, and up to three days on the 24 can backpack and 36 can models. For a camping trip lasting a full weekend, that kind of performance matters.
Welded Seams vs. Stitched Construction
Most soft coolers use stitched seams. Stitching leaves tiny needle holes along every seam, and over time, melted ice water finds a path through. Tip the cooler sideways in your trunk, and a slow drip becomes a puddle.
CLIMAKEEP coolers use fully welded seams with no stitching holes. The interior is completely sealed, and the waterproof zipper adds a second barrier. The combination makes CLIMAKEEP coolers fully leakproof when zipped, and the sealed construction even allows the cooler to float. For lake days, paddle trips, or anything near water, that detail earns the price of admission.
CORE CLIMAKEEP Lineup
CLIMAKEEP comes in four sizes. Each shares the same MagSnap closure, HYPERCOLD insulation, welded build, built-in bottle opener, and exterior pockets. The difference is in capacity and carry style.
12 Can CLIMAKEEP Soft Cooler
Holds 12 cans without ice or six with ice. Compact enough for a solo lunch run, a short hike, or keeping snacks cold on a park day. Shoulder strap and top handle for easy carrying.
- Ice Retention: Up to 2 days
18 Can CLIMAKEEP Soft Cooler
Holds 18 cans without ice or nine with ice. The box-style shape sits upright and packs neatly in a car. A solid middle ground for couples, small groups, and day trips.
- Ice Retention: Up to 2 days
24 Can Backpack Soft Cooler
Holds 24 cans without ice. Padded backpack straps free up both hands for hiking, festivals, or navigating a crowded outdoor event. The best magnetic cooler for longer carries.
- Ice Retention: Up to 3 days
36 Can CLIMAKEEP Soft Cooler
The largest in the lineup, holding 36 cans without ice. Designed for full weekend camping trips, group tailgates, and all-day cookouts where running out of cold drinks is not an option.
- Ice Retention: Up to 3 days
Grab a CLIMAKEEP for Your Next Trip
The difference between CLIMAKEEP and a standard soft cooler comes down to how long cold lasts and how little you have to think about keeping the lid sealed. The magnetic closure, multi-layer insulation, and welded construction work together so the cooler does more of the job on its own.
Whether you're packing drinks for a tailgate, food for a weekend campsite, or snacks for a beach day, there's a CLIMAKEEP cooler built for the job. See all sizes and colors in CORE's magnetic cooler collection and choose the cooler that fits the way you spend time outdoors.
FAQs
What does MagSnap do on a CLIMAKEEP cooler?
MagSnap is a magnetic lid seal that closes automatically when released, keeping cold air trapped inside without needing to zip the cooler shut every time.
How long does a CLIMAKEEP cooler hold ice?
The 12- and 18-can models retain ice up to two days. The 24-can backpack and 36-can models hold ice for up to three days.
Are CLIMAKEEP coolers fully leakproof?
Yes. Fully welded seams and a waterproof zipper create a sealed interior. Zipping the cooler before transport maximizes leakproof protection.
What is HYPERCOLD insulation?
HYPERCOLD uses high-density EVA foam combined with a reflective PET film liner to block heat transfer and reflect cold air back into the cooler.
Do you still need to zip a CLIMAKEEP cooler?
For quick access at camp or a party, the MagSnap seal handles cold retention. Zip the cooler fully before traveling or carrying on uneven ground.
What sizes do CLIMAKEEP coolers come in?
CLIMAKEEP is available in 12-can, 18-can, 24-can backpacks, and 36-can sizes to cover solo outings through group camping and tailgates.
