Many people want to keep food and drinks cold on the go but don’t know which cool bag to choose.

Cool bags, also called cooler bags or insulated bags¹, are designed to keep items cold using thermal insulation.

Keep reading to explore types, functions, comparisons, and surprising facts about cool bags and related products.

What are cooler bags called?

People often hear different names for cooler bags and wonder if they’re all the same thing.

Cooler bags are also called insulated bags, thermal bags, or ice bags², depending on region and use.

Cooler Bag Names Explained

Name	Description	Common Use
Cooler bag	General insulated bag	Picnics, camping
Insulated bag	Focuses on thermal barrier	Grocery shopping
Thermal bag	Highlights heat/cold retention	Food delivery
Ice bag	Older, casual term	Outdoor events

In my factory work, I often help clients match the right name to their market, ensuring marketing and packaging connect with local customers.

Why are tote bags cool?

People wonder why tote bags are now everywhere, from fashion to promotions.

Tote bags are cool because they combine style, practicality, and sustainability³, making them trendy and functional.

Why Tote Bags Are Popular

Reason	Benefit
Simple design	Versatile, easy to match
Eco-friendly	Reduces plastic waste
Customizable	Brands can print logos
Trendy image	Influencer-approved

One Australian fitness brand I worked with saw a sales boost after launching eco-friendly totes — they became part of their customer identity.

Do cool bags really work?

Many people wonder if cool bags are just marketing hype.

Cool bags work by using insulated layers that slow heat transfer⁴, keeping items cold for 4–12 hours.

How They Work

Feature	Purpose
Insulated lining	Reflects heat
Zippers	Seals in cold air
Outer layer	Blocks external heat

I recommend clients test samples — one Canadian client reported drinks stayed cold for 8+ hours at a summer event.

What is the best small cooler bag?

Shoppers want compact cool bags that deliver on performance.

The best small cooler bags are lightweight, well-insulated, leakproof, and easy to carry⁵, often fitting 6–12 cans.

Small Cooler Bag Features

Feature	Why It Matters
Size	Easy to carry/store
Insulation	Longer cooling time
Leakproof	Prevents spills
Straps	Comfortable use

A European supermarket client saw huge success giving away small cooler bags in a summer promotion.

How long can a cooler bag keep cool?

Buyers want clear info on cooling duration.

Most cooler bags keep contents cool for 4–12 hours, depending on insulation, ice packs, and weather⁶.

Cooling Time Factors

Factor	Effect
Insulation	Thicker lasts longer
Ice packs	Extend cooling
Outside heat	High temps reduce time
Bag size	Bigger = longer cool

A Singapore client successfully kept products cold at a festival all day with our RPET cooler bags.

What is the best cool bag?

With so many options, buyers feel overwhelmed.

The best cool bag balances durability, insulation, size, and price⁷, matched to specific needs.

Matching Bags to Use

Use	Recommended Bag
Daily lunch	Small soft cooler
Family trip	Large insulated tote
Camping	Hard-sided cooler
Food delivery	Thermal backpack

Our custom RPET cool bags became a hit for a beverage launch, doubling customer engagement.

What are sick bags called?

Many confuse cool bags with sick bags during travel.

Sick bags are called emesis bags, barf bags, or motion sickness bags⁸, used during nausea.

Sick Bag Types

Name	Use Area
Emesis bag	Medical settings
Barf bag	Planes, buses
Motion bag	Cars, boats

Some travel companies I work with source both cooler and sick bags together to simplify purchasing.

What can I use as a cooler bag?

People often look for last-minute alternatives.

Insulated grocery bags, lunch bags, or regular bags with ice packs⁹ can serve as temporary coolers.

Alternatives to Cooler Bags

Option	Limitations
Grocery bag	Short-term use only
Lunch bag	Small capacity
Regular bag + ice pack	Risk of leaks

A client once switched from tote + ice to proper cooler bags after a failed event — they never went back!

Are cooler bags as good as coolers?

Many wonder if soft bags match hard coolers.

Cooler bags are more portable but have shorter cooling time than hard coolers, which offer longer ice retention.

Cooler vs. Cooler Bag

Feature	Cooler Bag	Hard Cooler
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy
Portability	Easy to carry	Bulky
Cooling	4–12 hours	24–72 hours

I advise clients to choose based on event length and transport needs.

What are frosted bags?

People often confuse frosted bags with cooler bags.

Frosted bags are semi-transparent plastic bags used for retail, gifting, or packaging¹⁰, not cooling.

Frosted Bag Uses

Industry	Example Use
Retail	Boutique packaging
Events	Gift bags
Food	Takeout bags

I sometimes supply frosted bags alongside cooler bags for promotional campaigns.

What are ice cube bags?

Many shoppers are curious about ice cube bags.

Ice cube bags are plastic pouches with compartments that freeze into ice cubes¹¹, commonly used for home or event chilling.

Ice Cube Bag Details

Feature	Benefit
Pre-sectioned	Easy ice removal
Disposable	No cleanup
Compact	Saves freezer space

Some beverage clients bundle ice cube bags and cool bags for special promotions.

What are the different types of icing bags?

The baking world has its own “bags.”

Icing bags, or piping bags, are cone-shaped tools for cake and pastry decoration¹², made of plastic or cloth.

Icing Bag Types

Type	Use
Disposable	One-time use
Reusable	Professional kitchens
Coupler set	Multiple tips

I once helped a bakery client source branded reusable piping bags as part of their eco-friendly marketing push.

What are dissolvable bags made of?

Some clients are curious about biodegradable options.

Dissolvable bags are made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)¹³, designed to break down in water without leaving microplastics.

Dissolvable Bag Facts

Feature	Advantage
Water-soluble	No landfill waste
Biodegradable	Reduces pollution
Non-toxic	Safe for environment

We’ve seen rising interest in dissolvable packaging from eco-conscious brands across Europe and North America.

Conclusion

Cool bags and related products offer diverse solutions, from everyday cooling needs to innovative packaging, making them essential for modern consumers and businesses.