AllOutdoor Review: 5.11 Tactical Allhaula 30-Can Cooler

AllOutdoor Review: 5.11 Tactical Allhaula 30-Can Cooler

Soft-sided coolers live in a weird space between convenience and performance. The 5.11 Tactical Allhaula 30-Can Cooler tries to bridge that gap with tactical styling and features that’ll appeal to anyone who wants their gear to look as functional as it actually is. After using it about five times for various gatherings – including a Fourth of July family event – I’ve gotten a handle on where this cooler succeeds and where it falls short. The short version: it’s a solid performer that hits the Goldilocks zone for size and capacity, but there is more to it than that. Dive in for the complete review!

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Specifications: 5.11 Allhaula 30-Can Cooler

The Allhaula’s construction centers on durability and weather resistance with its 840D nylon shell and 420D nylon liner providing the foundation for serious outdoor use. The waterproof, reinforced RF welded seams work with the waterproof zipper to create a sealed system that won’t leak when packed with ice and beverages. The compression molded bottom not only adds structural integrity but features a mirrored 5.11 logo that’ll leave an imprint in sand – a nice touch that shows someone was thinking about the details. The laser-cut MOLLE panels on three sides give you real customization options for attaching accessories, while the loop panel lets you add patches to personalize the look.

• Style: 5860091
• MSRP: $185.00
• Available Colors: Volcanic (Gray)
• Dimensions: 15.5″L x 11.5″D x 12.75″H
• Total Capacity: 1,092 cubic inch / 17.9 liter
• Weight: 3.69 lb / 1.67 kg
• Capacity: Holds up to 30 cans

Construction & Features:

• Waterproof, reinforced RF welded seams
• Compression molded bottom with mirrored logo
• Fully insulated design
• Laser-cut MOLLE panels on three sides
• 840D nylon shell with 420D nylon liner
• Loop panel for patches
• Side grab handles with padded shoulder strap
• Waterproof zipper

At $185 MSRP (though 5.11 runs sales frequently), it’s competing with some serious soft-sided coolers. The tactical features and MOLLE panels differentiate it from generic options, but you’re paying a premium for that styling.

“Make your mark in the sand with the newest member of our Allhaula Collection of heavy-duty gear bags. Designed for those times when the mission goals include serious refreshment and relaxation, the fully-insulated Allhaula 30-Can Cooler puts lesser soft-sided coolers in the shade. This 1,092-cubic-inch capacity cooler features waterproof, reinforced RF welded seams, a waterproof zipper, and laser-cut MOLLE panels for attaching accessories like the Allhaula Insulated Dry Pouch. Oh, and did we mention the compression molded bottom for durability? Make no mistake, this is a serious cooler for serious outdoor recreation.”

Out & About: 5.11 Allhaula 30-Can Cooler

This cooler looks bigger than it actually is in photos, but the internal space tells a different story. I found myself with more empty space than expected when using it for 2-3 people, which hit that sweet spot where you’re not struggling to fit everything, but you’re also not lugging around a massive bag. The 30-can capacity rating is realistic if you’re just doing cans and minimal ice. Add serious ice and some food, and you’re looking at a more practical 20-25 can capacity – which is still plenty for most situations.

The exterior looks sharp. The tactical aesthetic works without being over the top, and the MOLLE panels and patch loop give you customization options. I put a 5.11 patch on the loop panel, and it set the right vibe. The compression-molded bottom feels solid, and the mirrored logo design that imprints in sand is a nice touch. The handles feel secure and well-attached – no concerns about them ripping under the weight of beverages and ice.

Here’s where it gets mixed: the interior looks underwhelming. You can see all the seams, giving it the appearance of a non-lined duffel bag interior. It looks cheaper than the price point suggests, though I haven’t seen any signs of wear or tearing after several uses.

The waterproof zipper works well, but runs pretty stiff. Sometimes it’ll catch or feel tight enough that you worry about forcing it. I wish 5.11 included some zipper lubricant – some companies throw in basically a stick of ChapStick for this purpose. The zipper pull itself is well-designed, though. It’s made from cable with a rubber or soft loop, which feels much more durable than the cheap nylon pulls that break after a few uses.

Ice retention is solid if you understand how insulated coolers work. Like any quality cooler, you need to pre-cool it because insulation works both ways – it’ll hold heat just as well as cold. Skip that step, and your ice won’t last more than a day, just like any other brand. The cooler kept things cold for our gatherings and was easy to dump out afterward. No leaks, no issues with the RF-welded seams.

My only real complaint is that it might be slightly too large exterior-wise for some users. It’s a decent-sized bag that takes up meaningful space even when empty. But that size is probably necessary to achieve the 30-can capacity, and it’s still more manageable than equivalent hard coolers. Compared to hard-sided coolers, I’d take this 9.5 times out of 10. The only advantage hard coolers have is absolute durability, but that’s not something most coolers really get subjected to anyway. The portability and storage advantages of soft-sided designs win out.

Final Thoughts: 5.11 Allhaula 30-Can Cooler

The Allhaula 30-Can Cooler succeeds at being a functional, tactical-styled soft cooler that performs well for its intended use. The MOLLE panels and patch space let you customize it, the capacity hits the right zone for small groups, and the build quality should provide years of service.

The interior appearance is disappointing for the price, and the stiff zipper is annoying, but these are minor complaints about an otherwise solid cooler. If you want tactical styling with legitimate cooling performance, and you appreciate the customization options, the Allhaula delivers. If I were buying this with my own money, I’d be content with the purchase. It has the features I’d actually use and the durability to justify the investment.

In closing, I want to say thank you to 5.11 Tactical for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Allhaula 30-Can Cooler. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that this cooler is worth spending your money on? Would you take this on your outdoor adventures? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

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