10 Best Rtic Coolers 2025 in the United States

The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler stands out for being 30% lighter than traditional rotomolded coolers, making it easier to carry for beach trips, camping, picnics, fishing, and other outdoor activities. It has a large capacity of 52 quarts, able to hold up to 76 cans, which is great for longer outings or larger groups.

The cooler includes 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, which ensures long-lasting ice retention, keeping your beverages and food cold for extended periods. This makes it highly reliable for camping and fishing trips where ice retention is crucial. Durability is a strong point with its tough polypropylene material, meaning it can withstand rough handling and the elements.

It weighs 21 pounds when empty, which could be a bit heavy for some to carry alone, despite the reduced weight compared to rotomolded coolers. The cooler's dimensions allow it to double up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or even a cutting board, adding versatility to its use. It also features a practical drain plug for easy cleaning and maintenance. While its price might be higher compared to lighter alternatives, the combination of durability, capacity, and ice retention performance makes it well worth considering for anyone needing a reliable outdoor cooler.

The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can is a well-designed portable cooler ideal for everyday use such as beach trips, picnics, camping, or carrying lunch. Its 20-can capacity (around 12 liters) strikes a good balance—not too bulky but spacious enough for snacks and drinks for a small group. One major plus is its ice retention ability; it can keep contents cool for up to 24 hours and even longer with proper preparation, which is impressive for a soft cooler.

The cooler is lightweight at just 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around. Its heavy-duty nylon shell adds durability to withstand outdoor use, and the leak-proof zipper helps prevent spills, adding to its convenience. The fact that it floats is a useful feature if you plan to take it on water-based activities like boating or poolside fun. That said, as a soft cooler, it won't match the ice retention or ruggedness of hard-shell coolers for extended or extreme outdoor use.

The 1.5-inch foam insulation is solid for short trips but might not be enough for multi-day adventures in hot climates. Also, while it is portable, the size and shape might not fit all car trunks or backpacks effortlessly. This cooler is an excellent option if you want something light, easy to carry, and effective at keeping your food and drinks cold for a day or so during casual outdoor activities.