Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We’ve tested quite a few products from CORE Equipment over the years, including their tents, pop-up shelters, screen houses, tables, and chairs. And so far, they’ve been one of those brands we’ve consistently had good experiences with. Their gear tends to be practical, easy to use, and designed with the little details in mind that make a difference when you’re using it.
So when I got the chance to test the CORE FlipBack 24 Can No-Zip Magnetic Cooler, I was curious to see if it would live up to that track record. This soft-sided cooler has a 24-can capacity, plenty of extra storage, and one feature that immediately caught my attention: a magnetic flip-top lid that lets you get inside without fighting with a zipper every single time. After using it for book club, a hot day at the beach, and even a road trip to Canada, I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for where this cooler shines. Let’s take a closer look.
Convenient Access Without the Zipper
I have used plenty of coolers over the years, and one thing that always seems to slow me down involves the zipper. The CORE FlipBack 24 Can No-Zip Magnetic Cooler takes that frustration away with its MagSnap magnetic lid. I can open the cooler with one hand, grab what I need, and flip the lid back into place without wrestling with a zipper.
I especially appreciated this feature when I had the cooler packed with drinks and snacks. The lid opens quickly and stays out of the way, which makes grabbing something from inside much easier. The one-handed latch also keeps everything secure when I carry the cooler around.
Great for Book Club
I brought the FlipBack Cooler to book club when I needed to bring snacks for a group of five. The 14.8-liter capacity gave me plenty of room for everything I wanted to bring, and I never felt like I had to cram everything inside.
The cooler kept my food and drinks cold throughout the entire evening. I also liked how easily I could access everything when people wanted something. Instead of digging through a complicated cooler, I simply flipped open the top and grabbed what I needed.
Impressive Performance at the Beach
The beach gave me the perfect opportunity to really put the cold retention to the test. I used the cooler on an 85-degree day and left it sitting in direct sunlight for about three hours. Even after spending that much time in the heat, I still had solid ice inside.
I packed plenty of drinks along with a few small snacks, and the cooler provided enough space to keep four people hydrated during our beach outing. I also really like the flat top. I could use it as a small table for snacks or other items, which gave the cooler another useful purpose while we relaxed at the beach.
Handy for Road Trips
I also brought the FlipBack Cooler along on a trip to Canada. I used reusable ice packs to keep our drinks cold while we traveled, and the cooler worked well for keeping everything chilled during the drive. Its size made it easy to fit into the car without taking up an unreasonable amount of space.
The long padded shoulder strap also deserves some credit. I find the strap much more comfortable than carrying a cooler by short handles, especially when I have to walk a distance with it. The padding makes the cooler easier on my shoulder and gives me more flexibility when I have other things to carry.
Extra Storage for Snacks and Koozies
The FlipBack Cooler also gives me several convenient storage options outside the main compartment. The zippered front pocket works great for smaller snacks that I want to keep separate from the drinks and food inside the cooler. I can easily fit things like granola bars or other small items without taking up valuable space inside the cooler.
I also really like the side mesh pockets because they work perfectly for can koozies. I can keep several koozies tucked into the pockets so they stay handy when I need them, rather than having them loose inside the cooler or stuffed into a bag. These extra storage options make it easy to keep the things I use most organized and within reach.
Soft-Shell Design
I am still deciding whether I prefer a soft-shell cooler or a traditional hard-shell design, but I definitely see advantages with the FlipBack’s soft exterior. I don’t have to worry as much about the cooler scratching surfaces when I move it around, and it feels easier to handle than many hard coolers.
My only question involves long-term durability. A soft exterior can potentially stain or snag more easily than a hard shell. So far, though, I have used the cooler several times, and it still looks brand new. I haven’t noticed any staining, snags, or signs of wear.
My Overall Impression of the CORE FlipBack 24 Can No-Zip Magnetic Cooler
The CORE FlipBack Cooler has quickly proven itself as a versatile cooler for everyday outings. I have used it for book club, a beach day, and a road trip, and it performed well in each situation. The magnetic lid stands out as my favorite feature because it makes accessing the cooler incredibly simple. The padded shoulder strap makes carrying it comfortable.
The cold retention also impressed me, especially after sitting in direct sunlight on an 85-degree beach day. I appreciate the flat top, multiple storage options, and compact size as well. I don’t have any significant complaints after my first handful of uses. At this point, I simply want to see how well the soft exterior holds up over time. So far, the CORE FlipBack Cooler has given me plenty of reasons to keep reaching for it. Visit the Core Equipment website if you are interested in checking one out for yourself. It is also available from amazon.com.
