From Shimano's lifestyle line—the same brand known for the ICEBOX and VACILAND series that we also carry at Circles—we have just received some exciting new items for the upcoming summer.
Shimano is a global brand not only in the cycling world but also in fishing. They took their advanced, hard-earned cooler box technology from the fishing sector and applied it to products designed for everyday lifestyles and various outdoor activities beyond just cycling and fishing. While the aforementioned models were hard coolers, we are now introducing a new series of soft coolers.
Since the ICELAND and VACILAND are hard coolers, they were somewhat dependent on having a car, but these new soft coolers are bike-friendly and easy to use for a wide variety of activities.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look.
Cooler Bag Pro / A Rival to Hard Coolers
First up is the Cooler Bag Pro, which boasts cooling performance comparable to that of a hard cooler.
This tote-style shoulder bag features a vacuum-insulated panel at the bottom, where cold air typically escapes, giving it a maximum ice retention period* of 3.5 days for both the S and M sizes. This performance rivals the entry-level grades of the previously mentioned ICELAND and VACILAND.
*Based on in-house testing: measured by placing an amount of ice equal to 40% of the bag's capacity inside the soft cooler and storing it for 9 hours at 30°C followed by 15 hours at 20°C. Retention time is calculated based on when the ice melts completely. Cooling performance may vary depending on conditions.
Constructed with a highly durable 1260D CORDURA® ballistic nylon exterior, this bag is built tough. Yet, at only 1.5–1.6kg, it is significantly lighter than a hard cooler, making it very convenient to carry.
This light weight is its standout feature, offering a major advantage in scenarios where mobility is restricted or movement is required.
At Circles, we carry both the S and M sizes. The S size is particularly well-suited for cycling, as it fits perfectly inside a large WALD basket. You can use the bag as-is for grocery shopping, and it’s perfect for the upcoming season for bike-to-picnics, camp-rides, or any number of outdoor adventures.
It also features water-resistant zippers with dual sliders for easy opening and closing, as well as a front pocket for organizing small items. The MOLLE tape on the upper part of the pocket allows for customization with carabiners and other gear, making it a very well-designed bag overall.
Finally, the inner liner is removable thanks to a Velcro attachment. It’s made of a waterproof TPU material that prevents melted ice water from leaking out, and since it can be removed along with the bottom vacuum-insulated panel, it’s easy to clean if it gets dirty.
It lacks the bulkiness of a hard cooler, so if you're looking for something for daily use, or specifically want a cooler that's easy to transport by bike, this is undoubtedly the right choice.
SHIMANO Cooler Bag Pro
Color : Khaki, Anvil Grey, Charcoal
Size S(16L / 35cm x 35cm x 22cm) : 24,200 JPY (tax included)
Size M(18L / 43cm x 25cm x 27cm) : 25,300 JPY (tax included)
Mini Cooler Bag Pro
The other item is the Mini Cooler Bag Pro, which is perfect for casual use, much like a lunchbox.
It also features a vacuum-insulated panel at the bottom, and with just one frozen plastic bottle, it offers 8 hours of cooling performance—even in summer. It’s compact enough to fit inside most medium-sized bags, making it convenient for bringing lunch to work or packing drinks for an outing.
The exterior is made of a ripstop fabric woven from 210D x 200D CORDURA® nylon and UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene), ensuring durability without sacrificing lightness. It also includes water-resistant zippers and a mesh pocket on the underside of the lid to hold ice packs.
While it comes in M and L sizes, we are offering the M size at Circles, as we feel it's the most versatile. It’s sized just right to fit four 600ml plastic bottles laid on their sides. I personally plan to use it for bike-to-fishing trips with some rice balls and a drink, so I’m looking forward to taking it out on my next mountain stream outing.
SHIMANO Mini Cooler Bag Pro
Color : Khaki, Anvil Grey, Charcoal
Size M(24cm x 19cm x 15cm) : 8,250 JPY (tax included)
Summer is a battle against the heat, but to properly fuel up and enjoy your outdoor fun, the Cooler Bag series is definitely worth checking out.
Whether for cycling or everyday use, these are highly approachable coolers because of their soft construction, so be sure to take a look!
