The insulated bag is the courier's primary tool, and the one they choose poorly most often. A bag too large throws off balance, a bag poorly insulated delivers lukewarm meals, fragile closures fail after three months of daily use. Here are the criteria that really matter, regardless of brand.
1. Volume: neither too big, nor too small
Volume is chosen based on vehicle and delivery type:
- Urban bike / e-bike: 20 to 35 L. Beyond that, the bag extends above the shoulders and catches the wind.
- Scooter / moto: 40 to 70 L, often in a rigid top-case or large strapped soft bag.
- Large orders / shopping: an expandable or bellowed bag avoids buying two.
The rule: pick the volume that covers 90% of your deliveries, not the exceptional 10%. A half-empty bag insulates better than an overstuffed bag forced closed.
2. Insulation: this is where the customer rating is made
A good bag keeps a meal above 60 °C for 20-30 minutes. What makes the difference:
- Foam thickness (typical PE/EPE insulation): at least 8-10 mm on the walls.
- Thermo-reflective interior lining (aluminized) that bounces heat back.
- An insulating closure: wide Velcro holds heat better than a simple zipper, often a cold spot.
A removable divider allows hot and cold separation (drinks, desserts) on the same delivery.
3. Rigidity and support
A collapsing bag crushes meals. Look for a rigid base (plate) and walls that hold up. For a scooter, a rigid top-case protects better than a soft bag but weighs more and is fixed permanently.
