RovR TravelR Backpack Cooler Review

Many backpack coolers I’ve tested can feel like a compromise. You either get great insulation in a package that feels like a refrigerator with straps, or you get a comfortable bag that lets your ice melt by lunch. This time, I was packing the RovR TravelR 24L, which balances the two performances superbly well. Plus, it looks more like a traditional backpack.

I tend to be the cooler person in our family because I like to pack drinks and snacks for everyone. Usually, it means I am about to strap a rigid, boxy, sweat-inducing cube to my back that bangs against my lumbar and throws off my center of gravity every time I step over a stray root. Sometimes, I’ve debated whether having a cold drink at the summit or the hot springs was even worth the physical tax of hauling the gear to get it there.

That was exactly the internal monologue I was having as we prepped for a hike into some local hot springs with the RovR Travel, and I was pleasantly surprised at the top.

It was a good choice to bring this pack.

In short: The RovR TravelR 24L ($150) is a backpack first and a cooler second. In my ice retention test, the ice lasted 3 days. That is an honorable average length for the backpack coolers we tested. Visually, it looks more like a backpack than a traditional cooler. It is lightweight and one of the most comfortable backpack coolers we tested. It’s a great option if you are looking for something practical but doesn’t scream “I’m a cooler” for your next day’s adventure. 

See how this backpack cooler stacks up in the Best Backpack Coolers buyer’s guide.

RovR TravelR 24L Review

The Anti-Cooler Aesthetic and First Impressions

In the world of outdoor gear, there is often a push to make everything look as technical as possible, covered in webbing and ruggedized textures. The RovR TravelR 24L goes the opposite direction. It has a sleek, tapered profile and a color palette that feels at home at a trailhead but would not look out of place in a coffee shop or brewery after the hike. 

The zippers are heavy-duty and water-resistant, but not waterproof. If this falls over with melted ice, it will start to leak. But the zippers themselves are smooth, and the rubber pull tabs are easy to grab. The zipper is also small enough that it does bite my arm when I reach in to grab my food. 

Performance on the Trail and Carry Comfort

The hike to the hot springs was the real proving ground for the carry system. It was not a grueling alpine climb, but it was long enough that a bad pack would have made itself known within the first mile. We had it loaded down with six cans of sparkling water, bottles of still water, cheese, fruit, and those random extras that always seem to sneak into the bag. 

There were pockets to store all the extras. The two large mesh pockets held water bottles and sunscreen, and the large vertical pocket held a book and a slim wallet. The final pocket on top of the pack is fleece and holds my prescription glasses without fear of them getting scratched. 

The padded shoulder straps on the TravelR are surprisingly plush. The back panel did a good job of cushioning the load against my spine. Unlike many of those rigid, box-style coolers, the RovR has a bit of give. By the time we reached the steam of the springs, I realized I had not adjusted the straps once. That is the highest compliment I can give a carry system.

The Wide Opening Is a Win

Many backpack coolers utilize a narrow, envelope-style opening that feels like a tunnel. You end up reaching into a dark, freezing abyss, feeling around blindly for the one specific flavor of sparkling water you know is at the bottom. Every second you spend digging is another second of cold air escaping the bag.

The RovR TravelR 24L has a wide-top opening. This makes loading and unloading easy, without worrying about scraping your arm. 

To maximize the wide-load top design, undo the two side quick cinch latches and pull the opening apart. It spreads out and stays open. If you need to get in quickly without utilizing the wide top, the zipper pulls smoothly and easily. 

Real-World Ice Retention and Durability

Let’s talk about the numbers, because numbers are usually the dealbreaker for anyone investing in a backpack cooler. In my ice-retention test, which GearJunkie requires of all coolers being tested, I filled the cooler two-thirds full of store-bought cubed ice. I kept it in a room at 68 degrees Fahrenheit and checked the cooler every 12 hours until all the ice melted.

It started slightly melting within the first 12 hours. The ice was halfway gone in 36 hours, and the last ice cube was fully melted by day 3. It sits right in the middle of the other backpack coolers we tested, making its case as a good daypack cooler. 

The exterior is made of 420D nylon ripstop with a water-repellent PU coating. It is durable enough to walk through brush without snagging. The inside is also made of 420D nylon with 2xTPU coating. The wide-load top also helps with cleaning, making the space wide enough to see what’s going on and where the messes are. 

I have dealt with “leakproof” liners before that eventually started weeping through the seams, leaving a damp spot on the small of my back. The TravelR stayed dry on the outside. Even when the ice began to melt and shift during the hike back out, there was no seepage. 

Managing the Tradeoffs 

No piece of gear is without its quirks. The interior seems to have a little extra material, which makes it a little hard to clean. The wide opening is helpful to see inside, but the nylon material is not taut. 

I’d also love to see a chest strap on the pack, especially for when it is fully loaded. A chest strap would help disperse the weight, and I thought it was a big missed opportunity. 

Final Thoughts on the TravelR 24L

Ultimately, the RovR TravelR 24L does not turn the hike into a chore. It handles the basics — ice retention and durability — with ease. It wins on the smaller details like fun colors, pocket options, and a cooler disguised as a backpack. Whether you are walking a mile to a hidden hot spring, heading down to a crowded beach, or just meeting friends at a park, it plays its role. It fits into whatever atmosphere you bring it to.

It is rare to find a cooler that you would actually consider wearing, even if you didn’t have anything to keep cold. I think the styling on this one is that good. I tested the “coral” color, and it is bright, but I really liked it. If you are in the market for a backpack cooler that doubles as an everyday bag, the RovR TravelR 24L is one of the easiest recommendations I can make.