Picture this: You’re out on a scorching hot day, maybe camping, fishing, or just at a backyard barbecue. You reach for a cold drink, only to find it lukewarm. Disappointing, right? Keeping your food and drinks perfectly chilled is a big deal when you’re enjoying the outdoors, and that’s where a good cooler comes in.
RTIC Coolers have become super popular because they promise to keep things cold for a long time. But with so many different sizes and styles, figuring out which RTIC cooler is the best fit for *you* can feel a little confusing. You want to make sure you’re not buying something too big or too small, and that it can handle whatever adventure you throw at it.
That’s exactly why we’re here! This post will break down the world of RTIC coolers, making it easy to understand their features and benefits. We’ll help you discover what makes each model special, so you can pick the perfect cooler that will keep your ice frozen and your drinks frosty, no matter where you go. Get ready to find your ultimate outdoor companion!
Top Rtic Cooler Recommendations
- 30% LIGHTER THAN ROTOMOLDED – The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 52 qt is designed to be more than 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity. Perfect for anywhere adventure takes you
- 3-INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes
- LONG LASTING ICE RETENTION – This portable cooler is made for portability, durability, and long lasting ice retention
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler. It can be carried by one person
- 52 QUART MODEL – This outdoor cooler 52 quart is true-to-size. It can double up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or extra cutting board. Exterior Dimensions: 27 ¼” × 17 ¼” × 17”; Interior Dimensions: 21 ¼” × 12” × 12”; Empty Weight: 21 lbs. Capactiy: up to 76 cans
- 30% LIGHTER THAN ROTOMOLDED COOLERS: At over 30% lighter than traditional hard-sided rotomolded coolers the RTIC Ultra-Light lightweight hard cooler is built for people who hate lugging heavy ice chests
- DAYS OF ICE RETENTION: Up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation on all walls keeps ice cold for days, not hours; Whether it's a weekend camping trip, deep-sea fishing, or a beach tailgate, your food and drinks stay cold in this insulated hard cooler
- 52 QUART COOLER — THE IDEAL SIZE: This portable ice chest cooler fits up to 76 cans (no ice) or 51 lbs of ice. Exterior Dimensions: 27.17” × 17.49” × 17.33”; Interior Dimensions: 21.25” × 12” × 12”; this lightweight hard cooler weighs 21 lbs
- FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: It’s the ideal ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, picnic cooler, day trip cooler, boat cooler, kayak cooler, fishing cooler, tailgate cooler or road trip cooler
- HARD-SIDED CONSTRUCTION THAT LASTS: Roto-molded-grade toughness in an ultra-light design; Non-slip rubber feet, heavy-duty latches, and resistant exterior stand up to years of outdoor use; Built harder than soft-sided coolers
- DITCH THE WEIGHT – The New RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 32 qt is designed to be more than 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity. Ultra-Light, it’s lighter and easier to carry for smaller adventures.
- 2.5-INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes.
- LONG-LASTING ICE RETENTION – This portable cooler is made for portability, durability, and long-lasting ice retention.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler. It can be carried by one person.
- 32 QUART MODEL – This outdoor cooler 32 quart has up to a 48-can capacity and can hold up to 30lbs of ice. It can double up as a bench, step stool, or tabletop. Exterior Dimensions: 23.2” × 15.2 × 14.5”. Interior Dimensions: 17 ½” × 11” × 9 ¾”. Empty Weight: 14.7 lbs. Capacity: 32 QT / up to 48 cans.
- UP TO 2 DAYS OF COOLING – The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler is the perfect insulated cooler bag to keep your food and drinks cool wherever needed. Locks in the cold for up to 2 days when following RTIC’s Cooling Tips.
- IT’S A FLOATING COOLER – Not to mention it’s a floating cooler, it floats, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. Ideal for a day at the pool or lake, no matter where the adventure takes you.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE – The Ultra-Tough soft cooler is lightweight yet tough enough to take on any terrain with its heavy-duty nylon exterior.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, lunch cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler. Features up to 1.5 inches of closed cell foam.
- RTIC EZ WATERPROOF ZIPPER – This outdoor cooler is a 100% leak-proof cooler thanks to the durable RTIC EZ waterproof zipper that prevents spills and leaks. This soft cooler comes in four sizes- 12 Can, 20 Can, 30 Can and 50 Can
- DITCH THE WEIGHT – The New RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 32 qt is designed to be more than 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity. Ultra-Light, it’s lighter and easier to carry for smaller adventures.
- 2.5-INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes.
- LONG-LASTING ICE RETENTION – This portable cooler is made for portability, durability, and long-lasting ice retention.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler. It can be carried by one person.
- 32 QUART MODEL – This outdoor cooler 32 quart has up to a 48-can capacity and can hold up to 30lbs of ice. It can double up as a bench, step stool, or tabletop. Exterior Dimensions: 23.2” × 15.2 × 14.5”. Interior Dimensions: 17 ½” × 11” × 9 ¾”. Empty Weight: 14.7 lbs. Capacity: 32 QT / up to 48 cans.
- ALL-TERRAIN INSULATED WHEELED COOLER: Venture into the great outdoors with confidence, equipped with the RTIC Ultra-Light insulated cooler, equipped with puncture-resistant, all-terrain wheels to effortlessly traverse through rough terrains
- PREMIUM ICE RETENTION: This RTIC cooler with wheels boasts 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation; this rolling cooler with wheels and handle keeps food and drinks cold for multiple days
- 30% LIGHTER THAN A ROTOMOLDED COOLER: This wheeled hard cooler with wheels is expertly crafted to be over 30% lighter than other coolers with the same capacity; large cooler with wheels; 29” L, 18 ¼” W, and 18 ¾” H
- MULTIPLE USES: Experience versatility with this portable cooler with wheels; this beach cooler with wheels makes a great ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, boat cooler, barbecue cooler, and more
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE: This lightweight cooler with wheels features an ergonomic silicone-gripped, no-slam, aluminum handle makes it easy to tow by just one person; it can double up as a bench, step stool or tabletop; Weight 30 lbs. Capacity: 52 quart cooler / up to 78 cans
- DITCH THE WEIGHT – The New RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler 32 qt is designed to be more than 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity. Ultra-Light, it’s lighter and easier to carry for smaller adventures.
- 2.5-INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes.
- LONG-LASTING ICE RETENTION – This portable cooler is made for portability, durability, and long-lasting ice retention.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler. It can be carried by one person.
- 32 QUART MODEL – This outdoor cooler 32 quart has up to a 48-can capacity and can hold up to 30lbs of ice. It can double up as a bench, step stool, or tabletop. Exterior Dimensions: 23.2” × 15.2 × 14.5”. Interior Dimensions: 17 ½” × 11” × 9 ¾”. Empty Weight: 14.7 lbs. Capacity: 32 QT / up to 48 cans.
- UP TO 24 HOURS OF COOLING – The RTIC soft insulated cooler is the perfect insulated cooler bag to keep your food and drinks cool wherever needed for up to 24 hours. Locks in the cold for up to 2 days when following RTIC’s Cooling Tips.
- IT’S A FLOATING COOLER – Not to mention it’s a floating cooler, it floats, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. Ideal for a day at the pool or lake, no matter where the adventure takes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE – The soft cooler is lightweight yet tough to take on any terrain with its heavy-duty nylon shell. Dimensions: 12 Can: 11” × 11” × 9½”; 20 Can: 13 ½” × 13 ¾” × 15 ½”; 30 Can: 15 ½” × 12 ¾” × 11 ½”; 40 Can: 18 ½” × 17” × 12”.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, lunch cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler. Features up to 1.5 inches of closed cell foam.
- LEAK-PROOF WITH ZIPPER – This outdoor cooler is a 100% leak-proof cooler thanks to a durable zipper that prevents spills and leaks. This Soft Pack comes in four sizes - 12 Can, 20 Can, 30 Can and 40 Can.
Your Guide to the Best RTIC Cooler
Choosing the right cooler makes a big difference for your adventures. Whether you’re camping, fishing, tailgating, or just heading to the beach, a good cooler keeps your food and drinks cold for a long time. RTIC coolers are popular for their tough build and ability to hold ice for days. Let’s dive into what makes an RTIC cooler a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at RTIC coolers, several features stand out.
- Ice Retention: This is probably the most important feature. How long can the cooler keep ice frozen? RTIC coolers are known for excellent ice retention, often lasting for several days.
- Durability: You want a cooler that can handle bumps and drops. Look for thick walls and strong latches. RTIC coolers are built to be tough.
- Size and Capacity: RTIC offers many sizes. Think about how much you need to pack. Do you need a small cooler for a day trip or a large one for a week-long camping trip?
- Portability: Some coolers have wheels or comfortable handles, which makes them easier to carry, especially when they’re full.
- Drain Plug: A good drain plug makes it easy to empty water from melted ice. It should be leak-proof.
Important Materials
The materials used in a cooler affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Rotomolded Polyethylene: This is a common material for high-quality coolers like RTIC. It’s a strong, seamless plastic that makes the cooler very durable and helps with insulation. This means it resists cracks and punctures.
- Insulation: The walls of RTIC coolers are filled with thick foam insulation. This foam traps the cold air inside and keeps the warm air out, which is key to long ice retention.
- Hardware: Look for strong, rust-resistant hinges and latches. These parts need to withstand outdoor conditions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make an RTIC cooler great, while others can affect its performance.
- Thick Walls and Lid: Thicker insulation means better ice retention. RTIC coolers have very thick walls.
- Good Seal: A tight seal around the lid keeps cold air in and warm air out. The rubber gasket on RTIC coolers creates a strong seal.
- Color: Lighter colors reflect sunlight better, which can help keep the cooler cooler. However, the insulation is more important.
- Sun Exposure: Leaving your cooler in direct sunlight for long periods will make it harder for it to keep ice frozen. Always try to keep it in the shade if possible.
- Pre-chilling: Always pre-chill your cooler by putting ice or cold packs inside for a few hours before packing it with your food and drinks. This helps it maintain its temperature better from the start.
User Experience and Use Cases
RTIC coolers are designed for people who enjoy the outdoors and need reliable cooling.
- Camping and Backpacking: Their durability and excellent ice retention make them perfect for multi-day trips where you can’t easily restock ice.
- Fishing and Boating: These coolers can handle the wet and rough conditions often found on the water. They keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold.
- Tailgating and Picnics: RTIC coolers are great for keeping food and drinks cold at outdoor events. They are easy to transport and hold a lot.
- Everyday Use: Even for a trip to the park or a backyard BBQ, an RTIC cooler ensures your refreshments stay chilled.
The robust construction means you don’t have to worry about it breaking easily. Users often praise how long ice lasts, even in hot weather. The handles are usually comfortable, and the latches are secure.
RTIC Cooler FAQs
Q: How long can an RTIC cooler keep ice frozen?
A: RTIC coolers can keep ice frozen for several days, often 3-7 days or even longer, depending on the size of the cooler, how often it’s opened, and the outside temperature.
Q: Are RTIC coolers worth the money?
A: Yes, for many people, RTIC coolers are worth the investment because of their durability, excellent ice retention, and long lifespan.
Q: What is the best way to pack an RTIC cooler for maximum ice retention?
A: Pre-chill the cooler, use block ice or frozen water bottles, pack it full, and minimize opening it.
Q: Can I use dry ice in my RTIC cooler?
A: Yes, you can use dry ice, but be aware it will keep things much colder and can make the cooler extremely cold. Ensure proper ventilation.
Q: How do I clean my RTIC cooler?
A: You can clean it with soap and water. For tough stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can work. Always rinse it well and let it air dry.
Q: Are RTIC coolers heavy?
A: They can be heavy, especially when full, due to their thick insulation and durable construction. Many larger models come with wheels or strong handles to help with transport.
Q: What is the difference between RTIC and Yeti coolers?
A: Both are high-quality coolers. RTIC coolers are often seen as a more affordable alternative to Yeti, offering similar performance in terms of ice retention and durability.
Q: Can I stand on an RTIC cooler?
A: Yes, RTIC coolers are built to be very strong and can typically be used as a seat or even a stable platform.
Q: Do RTIC coolers come with a warranty?
A: Yes, RTIC typically offers a warranty on their coolers, which covers manufacturing defects.
Q: What size RTIC cooler should I get?
A: Consider how many people you’ll be serving and how long you’ll need to keep things cold. Smaller coolers are good for day trips, while larger ones are better for longer adventures.