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Best Adult Lunch Boxes
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
Simply, what good is a lunch box that does not have enough storage to satisfy your needs? Do not strain yourself too hard on that question, as there is not one. If this aspect of the lunch box is below your desires, then you should look elsewhere. This is how important proper storage is, whether a lot or a little. But, storage comes in many ways; such as in the interior and exterior.
First, ask yourself when you are planning on using your future lunch box. Is it going to strictly be for your lunch at work? Do you plan on taking it on family vacations and accommodating for multiple people? The answers to these types of questions will have direct implications for the storage you will need. Once you have got a general idea of when and where you will use it, you can start analyzing the storage.
As you noticed, most of the entries on this list included several extra pockets for additional drinks and accessories. Outside pockets can hold key essentials such as snacks, water bottles, keys, smartphones, and wallets. Interior pockets can then hold foods that you do not want to become accidentally soggy. But, the interior still must remain spacious enough for your cold food items.
The reason exterior and additional pockets can come in handy is that you do not want to mix everything you possess in the interior. Outside pockets keep your accessories and snacks within arm’s reach and also prevent them from getting too cold inside. But, inside pockets are just as important as you will want to keep your cold and warm contents separated inside.
Insulation
Storage may be the single most important criterion in the process of deciding which lunch box you want. But, do not sleep for one second on the design of the insulation because this can be just as critically important. If you never plan on packing cold or hot contents (that need to remain so), insulation will never become an issue for you. It is hard to imagine, though, that you would never want to take refrigerated items along with you on your trip.
Without proper insulation, even with ice inside, the cold air will escape and your cold food items will begin to increase in temperature. After all, on scorching hot days ice will not take long to melt and transform into water. Thankfully, when it comes to insulation, there is not one set solution that you need to look out for. Various types of lunch boxes will have different types of insulation, so there is no need to concern yourself with finding one with a specific type.
On this list, specifically, there were a plethora of insulation designs. A few, in particular, were PEVA-lining insulation, neoprene insulation, PE-foam insulation, and food-grade aluminum foil. All of them will more than suffice, but the aluminum foil design is quite ingenious. Aluminum foil, combined with some other sort of foam insulation, will both conceal the temperature and keep your foods fresh for several hours. Think about when you store away food in your refrigerator, often times you probably end up wrapping it in aluminum foil.
Portability
The entire concept around a lunch box is to give people a means to store food/drinks away for their upcoming trip or event. While it is not against the imaginary rules, they can be used in the comfort of your home, as well. But, that seems a little pointless. Around 99 percent of the time, they are going to be used to transport food from one location to another one. During this process, it is helpful when the lunch box/bag is extremely portable. Almost every single bag will come with an adequate way to achieve this, so you do not have to stress too much about this.
Typically, they will come with either a solo-handle or dual handles on the top. Usually, the grips on the handles are constructed from some sort of leather or likewise material; ensuring a comfortable grip. The one extra feature you can keep your eyes on, that not all possess, though, is the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. In times where you have a heavy load and your hand is growing weak from carrying it around, it is convenient to be able to take the strap and carry it over your shoulder for a while. Even with a light amount of contents inside, the ability to use multiple carrying options is a huge bonus.
Now, as far as the ease of use, the major aspect you need to pay attention to is the zipper design. Even a toddler could figure out how to operate and open a lunch box, but a poor zipper can complicate matters exponentially. This is not necessarily a deal breaker, as many top models sometimes experience an issue with the zipper catching on the lining, and as long as it operates smoothly a majority of the time it should be fine. If it happens frequently, then you may want to look elsewhere.
Features
The main design features of the storage and interior insulation have already been covered in-depth, but there are still a plethora of other design choices and features that can sway your decision. For starters, how about the overall design of the lunch box? On any given trip, you can never predict what is going to happen. Contents can spill inside, debris and dirt can find their way on it, and accidental tears can happen. So, why not have a lunch box that manages to be prepared for all of it?
With bags that are leak-resistant and water-resistant, when contents spill inside (or ice starts to melt) the excess liquid will not escape the bag. However, what about the inside? This is where models with a stain-resistant material are so effective, as accidental spills will not leave unattractive stains. Then, there are the versions that are resistant to tears and dirt; which ensure the pack remains undamaged. Much like a smartphone case that claims to be shatterproof, as long as you do not intentionally attempt to puncture and tear the lunch boxes that have this design feature they will hold up against accidental instances (depending on how severe it is).
Finally, there are models that are dishwasher and freezer safe. Reasons, why you may feel the need to store your lunch box in the freezer, are entirely up to you. But, in the instances where it would lead a lending hand, it is nice to have. The benefits of being dishwasher safe, or easy to clean with a damp cloth, go without saying as eventually, you will need to give the lunch box a proper cleaning.
Top Ten Adult Lunch Boxes
1. Husky 82021N11
This Husky 82021N11 is known for its high-density thermal insulation that helps keep your food or drink cold or nice and warm for your convenience. It is Bpa-free and made from 100 percent lead-free materials. It has great features including 1 internal fully insulated pocket and has 2 mesh beverage sleeves. There are two ways of carrying the lunch bag as well so it makes it easy to take anywhere with you. It is great for long road trips, taking to work to hold your lunch, adventures, or even family trips. You can pack a whole lunch inside of it or just some drinks to keep them cool and clench your thirst when needed.
Read moreSize
On the sides and the front of the exterior, there are pockets for you to hold your accessories or your water bottles even. In the compartment, itself, there is plenty of room and can store various lunches. This Husky 82021N11 lunch box is 9.2 x 7.5 x 10.5 inches which are a great size for you to take around with you anywhere. It weighs 1.7 pounds so makes it extra portable.
Insulation
This lunch box is Bpa-free and is made from 100 percent lead-free materials. It has high-density thermal insulation and it not only conceals the temperature inside but ensures your food remains as fresh as possible. The Husky 82021N11 is made of 600 denier spun tuff heavy-duty water-resistant material making sure to keep out mold and unwanted odors.
Portability
Equipped are two options to carry this bag, via the top handle or adjustable strap. Both are very handy and the adjustable strap can be removed. Its weight and size also help with it being very portable and easy to take with you anywhere!
Features
This lunch box has many different features that make it very popular. The Husky 82021N11 comes with 1 internal fully insulated pocket and 1 external fully insulated pocket that helps to keep items both hot and cold while you are storing them in. So when you go to eat your food or drink your drink it is at the temperature you are wanting. It also has an external pocket on the back to keep your personal items in safely and there are 2 mesh beverage sleeves for you to grab your drink conveniently at any time.
2. Mier Adult Lunch Box
While the MIER lunch box is an above-average model, it is not quite up to par with other lunch boxes. This lunch box has two sections that keep cold and warm items separate. The top pouch is very roomy for extra storage or even for food items such as chips, or granola bars any food that does not need to be at a certain temperature and the bottom pouch is great for carrying your lunch like a sandwich or a salad and offers you enough space to put in an ice pack.
Read moreSize
There are two separate sections inside to keep cold and warm contents separated. The exterior includes several pockets for additional needs. This Mier Adult Lunch Box lunch box is very portable with its smaller size being 10.2” x 7.9” x 10.2”.
Insulation
The PEVA-lining insulation will keep your food safe and is eco-friendly. You are able to put ice packs in this lunch box and keep the food cool while you are out hiking or on a road trip. Making sure your food is cold or warm if needed and that it does the right job is what the insulation lining provides you with.
Portability
With a two-way dual zipper, the front is easy to access. For transportation, there is a soft handle strap and a detachable shoulder strap.
Features
It is a standard design that does not feature too many extra features. While others may be fancier and more efficient, the MIER lunch box is still a great choice.
3. Rubbermaid Lunchblox
Rubbermaid is a well-known brand and it can be trusted that they will create terrific products. Their LunchBlox lunch bag is certainly no different. It is a very lightweight lunch box with zip closures that make it easy to carry or bring places with a comfort-grip handle and even a removable shoulder strap. It even includes a specific compartment for bottles and utensils for you to keep your other items safely.
Read moreSize
It is perfectly sized to hold stackable LunchBlox containers (sold separately) and ice blocks. In addition, there are specific compartments for utensils, accessories, and large bottles. This Rubbermaid Lunchbox measures in at 8.75” x 5.38” x 8.88” (W x L x H)
Insulation
This pack is fully insulated to ensure foods stay fresh for as long as possible. The insulation keeps out bad odors and helps keep your food nice and warm or cold if you prefer things such as yogurt, butter, or even cold drinks to stay insulated in it.
Portability
The lunch box itself is very lightweight and the comfortable grip handle and shoulder strap make it even easier to transport.
Features
It is BPA-free and can be placed in a dishwasher or a freezer. The Rubbermaid LunchBlox is terrific, but the insulation could have been a little better.
4. PWRXtreme Insulated
The undisputed king of lunch boxes is the Pwrxtreme Insulated Lunch Bag. With its impeccable design and features, it is not hard to see why. It is known for its ultra lightweight and leak proof lining with its PE foam insulation that helps to prevent leaks while maintaining foods at optimal temperatures. It features 2 mesh side pockets that expand to accommodate items such as large 20oz water bottles and even your smartphones to grab them conveniently.
Read moreSize
The interior is very spacious and will accommodate several stacked food containers, as well as water bottles. On the outside, there is a front zipper pocket that can hold various accessories and side pockets that will hold your beverages. This PWRXtreme Insulated lunch box is 9.5” x 7.5” x 9.5” (W x D x H).
Insulation
The PE foam insulation ensures that your food will stay cool (with ice included in the pack) for an adequate amount of time; while the non-toxic FDA-compliant Ethylene Vinyl Acetate prevents leaks.
Portability
Not only is there a double-sewn top handle for easy transportation but also an accompanying 48” shoulder strap. This strap can easily be attached via quick-release thumb clips.
Features
This pack is made up of high-quality nylon which will resist against punctures, stains and accidental tears. In addition, the lunch box is waterproof. For the money, there is not another lunch box on the market that surpasses the Pwrxtreme and its combination of simplicity, storage, and overall design.
5. Fit & Fresh Women's Downtown Lunch Bag
This is the only bag on this list that is strictly for women; so, men, this will make an excellent gift. This Fit & Fresh Women's Downtown Lunch Bag features exterior pockets that offer a convenient way to access your phone or personal items quickly. It has a soft durable cotton exterior and an eco-friendly gray PEVA lined interior that is very easy to clean and keeps away any odors or bacteria after usage.
Read moreSize
A very roomy interior will hold an adequate number of foods, while the exterior pocket can hold any other accessory. This Fit & Fresh Women's Downtown Lunch Bag measures in at 9” x 6” x 7.75” (W x D x T)
Insulation
The thick insulation will keep your meals cold and fresh, and the included slim ice pack can be used as a method of cooling. If you are wanting to keep your food or drinks extra cold you can even pack in the ice packs to ensure your items are kept safe.
Portability
The zipper and wire frame allows for easy access, while the two-handle straps make transportation a breeze.
Features
A PEVA-lined interior keeps they pack easy to clean and the soft cotton exterior is very durable. Unfortunately, the design is not for men. But, for women, this is a terrific option.
6. Attican Hango
Outside of its tremendous design and features, what is truly special about the Attican Hango Lunch Box is it comes with two different sizes. This Attican Hango lunch box comes with two different sizes for you to be able to bring a full meal or even pack just a small picnic if needed.
Read moreSize
The larger version will hold full meals for the day, while the smaller model will hold extra snacks and beverages.
Insulation
With an implemented thermal insulation system, you can feel safe storing cold foods for several hours. Making sure your food stays fresh while on the road or out for a nice family hike. Your family can keep their food at whatever temperature you are wanting!
Portability
On both bags, there is a leather handle strap for carrying. It makes this bag very easy to carry and you are able to bring it pretty much anywhere!
Features
Designed from high-density polyester 300D, the exterior is both fashionable and dependable. Including two separate sizes is a nice touch and they both will suit most of your needs.
7. Everyday Supply Co. Insulated Lunch Bag
There is not much wrong with the Everyday Supply Co Lunch Bag and even though it is a little lower on the list, it is still excellent. This Everyday Supply Co. Insulated Lunch Bag is known for being made of high-quality nylon and has the option to be stored in the freezer to keep food extra cold during the warmer months. Which is a great option for if you are putting just-drinks in it to keep them even colder.
Read moreSize
The interior can hold multiple Tupperware and there are pockets on the front and side to hold additional contents. This Everyday Supply Co. Insulated Lunch Bag is sized at 10” x 7.5” x 9”
Insulation
With double insulation, this pack will keep your contents cool or warm for several hours.
Portability
There is an included shoulder strap, in addition to the handle located on top.
Features
Being made with nylon, this lunch box can be stored in the freezer. Plus, it is water, stain, and leak-resistant. There is not much holding this back from pure greatness, but its small nature keeps it down a tad.
8. Cosfash Neoprene Lunch Tote
Capping off this list is the Cosfash Neoprene lunch tote, and it sure ends the list on a high note. It is made from non-toxic materials including neoprene that keep your family 100% safe from any bacteria or bad element. The exterior and interior include the soft neoprene material that resists from unwanted moisture or dampness.
Read moreSize
The Cosfash expands to fit a variety of meals and food dishes. However, it lacks the extra compartments that other lunch totes possess. This lunch box is 12” x 12” x 6” (L x H x W)
Insulation
Made up of neoprene insulating material, it efficiently resists dampness and moisture.
Portability
Opening this tote is a breeze with is smooth zipper and comfort-grip rubber exterior. As far as transportation, there is a convenient hole cut out at the top that can be used as a soft-rubber handle.
Features
Made up from neoprene materials, all the contents inside the pack will remain safe; as opposed to lunch bags made from cheap plastic. It is also stain-resistant and easy to clean with a damp cloth. If this had more storage capabilities, it would have climbed its way higher on this list. As it stands, it is an above-average lunch box that will more than suffice.
9. Fit & Fresh Jaxx Fitpak
While not the best, the one aspect that may steer many to the Fit & Fresh FitPak is the inclusion of several additional accessories. This Fit & Fresh Jaxx Fitpak lunch box is BPA-Free and measures in at measures 9"W X 7" D X 8"H, 12". It makes sure your food stays fresh while in it with its insulated interior and comes with containers that are freezer-safe and even 4) 2-cup and (2) 1-cup reusable portion control containers, a shaker bottle, ice pack, and vitamin case
Read moreSize
The bag itself has enough room to hold several meals throughout the day, with interior mesh pockets for other accessories and food. But, it also comes included with six containers (four, 2 -cups and two, 1-cups) an ice pack, a vitamin bottle, and a Jaxx Shaker Bottle. This Fit & Fresh Jaxx Fitpak lunch box measures in at 9” x 7” x 8” when empty and 12” x 7” x 9” (L x D x H) when Full (with included containers and bottles)
Insulation
Along with the large ice pack, the thick grey PEVA lining insulation will help keep contents cold throughout the day.
Portability
While there is no adjustable strap, there is a durable handle located on the top.
Features
The containers themselves are leakproof to avoid any spilling. Cleary, the extra accessories put this over the top. But, the lunch box itself is fantastic as well.
10. Lifewit Insulated Lunch Box
The Lifewit Lunch box is a very competent one in its own right and is more than suitable for anyone. This lunch box is constructed out of 1680D water-resistant dirt-proof Oxford fabric that makes it very durable and helps with keeping it waterproof and making it easy to clean. The Lifewit Insulated Lunch Box features wide openings for easy loading and unloading. As well as 2 sides mesh pockets for storing your water bottles, cell phone or even your umbrella when needed.
Read moreSize
First off, this lunch box will open wide for loading and unloading. Its spacious interior can hold meals for up to three people and the included side mesh pockets and deep front pocket accommodate for other dry food and accessories. This Lifewit Insulated lunch bag measures in at 7.87” x 7.87” x 9.84”.
Insulation
Made up of food-grade aluminum foil and 8mm EPE foam, the Lifewit has a terrific thermal resistance.
Portability
With an included shoulder strap and padded handle, there are multiple, comfortable ways to carry this pack.
Features
About the only aspect going against the Lifewit is its lack of attention and widespread use, as opposed to other models. But, it is as terrific as any bag on the market. With an exterior that is constructed from water and dirt-proof Oxford fabric, there is no need for concern about the exterior deteriorating.
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