I prefer hard side coolers for my outings.

I like foam coolers next because they are easy and cheap to find at gas station stops for last minute ice/beverages/food and have no expectation of it surviving the trip and bringing.

We have a couple soft sides but they are worthless for long term cooling and forget about using loose ice cubes. The thawed water will leak through the zipper if it sloshes around or tips. Best bet is use frozen water bottles which will thaw and become drinkable or ziplock bags of ice. It works for us for very short trips of just a few bottles or cans.