Picture this: You’re out on a scorching summer day, the sun beating down, and your drinks are starting to feel lukewarm. Or maybe you’re planning that epic camping trip, and the thought of your food spoiling is a major worry. Keeping things cool and fresh on your adventures can be a real challenge, and choosing the right cooler to tackle those challenges can feel overwhelming.
RTIC Coolers have become a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, but with so many different models and features, figuring out which one is best for *you* can be a puzzle. You want a cooler that’s tough, keeps ice frozen for days, and fits your budget, but sifting through all the specs and reviews can leave you feeling a little lost. We get it – it’s a big decision for your outdoor fun!
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. We’re going to break down what makes RTIC coolers stand out and help you understand the different options available. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what to look for, so you can confidently pick the RTIC cooler that will be your trusty sidekick on every adventure, keeping your food and drinks perfectly chilled. Let’s dive in and find your perfect cooler!
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
- 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.
- DITCH THE WEIGHT: Experience the perfect blend of convenience, durability, and superior cooling with the RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Cooler. This ultra-light hard cooler is designed to be 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity
- SUPERIOR INSULATION: With up to 2.4” of closed-cell foam and a freezer-style gasket, this insulated cooler locks in the cold for up to 6 days (when following RTIC Cooling Tips), ensuring your drinks and food stay chilled even in the hottest conditions
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND SPACIOUS: This portable cooler is made for portability. It fits up to 30 cans or 8 wine bottles and makes an ideal picnic cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler; it can be carried by one person
- VERSATILE CARRYING OPTIONS: The 2-in-1 carrying strap of this outdoor cooler can be used as a shoulder strap or shortened to a handle, providing flexibility and comfort for any carrying preference. Made of durable webbing with a neoprene handle
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: Silicone T-latches ensure a tight seal, while the Single Plug Rapid V-Drain system allows for easy, hands-free draining. A built-in stainless steel bottle opener and silicone cargo net add to the convenience. Non-skid rubber feet keep the cooler in place on smooth surfaces
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Your Guide to the Tough and Trusty RTIC Cooler
RTIC coolers are built tough. They keep your drinks and food cold for a long time. If you’re heading out camping, fishing, or just to the beach, an RTIC cooler is a great choice. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Ice Retention
This is super important. How long will the cooler keep ice frozen? RTIC coolers are known for keeping ice for days, sometimes up to a week! Look for coolers with thick walls and good seals. This helps keep the cold air in and the warm air out.
2. Durability
You want a cooler that can take a beating. RTIC coolers are made to be strong. They can handle being dropped or bumped around. This means they will last for many adventures.
3. Size and Capacity
Think about how much you need to pack. RTIC has coolers in many sizes, from small ones for a day trip to big ones for a whole week. Measure your car trunk or boat to make sure the cooler fits. Also, consider how many people you’re feeding.
4. Portability
Some big coolers can be heavy when full. Look for features like strong handles or wheels. This makes it easier to move your cooler around, even when it’s packed with ice and drinks.
5. Extra Features
Some RTIC coolers have built-in bottle openers or drainage plugs. These little things can make your trip more convenient. A good drainage plug makes it easy to empty out melted ice water.
Important Materials
RTIC coolers use strong materials. The outside is usually made of tough plastic. This plastic is rotomolded. Rotomolding makes the cooler one solid piece. This means no weak spots. The inside is also strong plastic. The cooler has thick foam insulation. This foam is what keeps your stuff cold.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Thick Walls: Thicker walls mean more insulation. This keeps ice frozen longer.
- Good Seals: A tight lid seal stops cold air from escaping.
- Rotomolded Construction: This makes the cooler very strong and durable.
- UV Protection: Some coolers have UV protection. This stops the sun from making the plastic brittle over time.
Reducing Quality
- Thin Walls: Coolers with thin walls won’t keep ice for long.
- Poor Seals: If the lid doesn’t close tightly, warm air gets in.
- Cheap Plastic: Plastic that cracks easily won’t last.
- No Insulation: A cooler with no good insulation is just a box.
User Experience and Use Cases
People love RTIC coolers for many reasons. They are great for camping trips. They keep food and drinks cold for days. Fishermen use them to keep their catch fresh. Families take them to the beach for picnics. Tailgaters use them for parties. The coolers are easy to clean. They are built to last through rough adventures.
Some users mention that the larger coolers can be heavy. However, most RTIC coolers have features to make them easier to carry. The overall user experience is very positive. People trust RTIC to keep their items cold and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long can RTIC coolers keep ice?
A: RTIC coolers can keep ice for up to 5-7 days, depending on the size of the cooler, how much ice you use, and the outside temperature.
Q: Are RTIC coolers worth the money?
A: Yes, RTIC coolers are often considered worth the money because of their durability and excellent ice retention. They are built to last.
Q: What is rotomolding?
A: Rotomolding is a special way to make plastic products. It creates a strong, seamless, one-piece cooler.
Q: How do I clean my RTIC cooler?
A: You can clean your RTIC cooler with mild soap and water. Rinse it well and let it air dry.
Q: Can I put hot food in an RTIC cooler?
A: It’s best not to put hot food directly into an RTIC cooler if you want to keep ice frozen. Let hot food cool down before packing.
Q: Do RTIC coolers float?
A: Most RTIC coolers are designed to float, which is helpful if you’re using it on a boat or near water.
Q: What is the difference between RTIC and Yeti coolers?
A: Both RTIC and Yeti are high-quality coolers. RTIC is generally known for offering similar performance at a lower price point.
Q: How much ice should I use in my RTIC cooler?
A: A good rule of thumb is to use a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. This means two parts ice for every one part of food and drinks.
Q: Can I lock my RTIC cooler?
A: Yes, most RTIC coolers have built-in slots for locks, allowing you to secure your contents.
Q: Where are RTIC coolers made?
A: RTIC coolers are designed in the USA but are typically manufactured overseas.