Finding a cooler that balances performance, durability, and price can be a challenge. Many premium brands come with a steep cost, while budget options often sacrifice insulation and build quality. RTIC has built a reputation for offering robust coolers that compete with the top names at a significantly lower price point, making them a standout choice for value-focused shoppers.
Whether you need a simple lunch bag for work, a backpack for hiking, a soft cooler for the beach, or a massive hard cooler for a multi-day expedition, RTIC has a model designed for the task. This roundup breaks down nine of the best RTIC coolers available, highlighting the key features and benefits of each to help you find the perfect fit for your next outing without overspending.
Our Top RTIC Cooler Picks for Value
- RTIC Day Cooler Bag 15 Can, Soft Sided Portable Insulated Cooling Bag
- RTIC Lightweight Backpack Cooler, Aqua, 15 Can, Portable Insulated Bag
- RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box
- RTIC Soft Cooler 12 Can, Insulated Bag Portable Ice Chest Box
- RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can, Insulated Bag Portable Ice Chest Box
- RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box
- RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can, Insulated Bag Portable Ice Chest Box
- RTIC 145 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box
- RTIC Outdoors SoftPak Cooler – 30 Can
RTIC Day Cooler Bag 15 Can
For everyday use, the RTIC Day Cooler Bag is a reliable and affordable choice. Its soft-sided design makes it easy to carry, perfect for taking lunch to work, a few drinks to the park, or snacks for a picnic. The heavy-duty polyester exterior is built to handle regular use, while the high-density insulation inside works to maintain cool temperatures.
This bag is designed to keep contents cool for up to 24 hours, making it suitable for all-day activities. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss cooler that focuses on the essentials: portability, decent cooling performance, and a tough build. It’s an excellent entry point into the RTIC lineup for those who need a capable cooler without a large investment.
RTIC Lightweight Backpack Cooler
Hands-free convenience is the major benefit of the RTIC Lightweight Backpack Cooler. When you’re hiking, biking, or navigating a crowded beach, having both hands available is a significant advantage. This 15-can capacity backpack cooler is designed for mobility, allowing you to easily carry your refreshments on any day trip or adventure.
The insulated compartments keep your food and drinks cold, and the backpack design evenly distributes weight across your shoulders. It’s a practical solution for active individuals who want to keep their gear organized and accessible without sacrificing cooling performance. The design is both functional and comfortable for extended wear.
RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler
The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler addresses one of the main drawbacks of rotomolded coolers: weight. It is engineered to be over 30% lighter than traditional rotomolded coolers of similar size, making it much easier to lift and transport when fully loaded. This is a major benefit for boaters, campers, or anyone who needs to move their cooler frequently.
Despite its lighter build, it doesn’t compromise on insulation, featuring up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam. This ensures long-lasting ice retention for weekend trips. You get the durability and performance of a hard-sided cooler in a more manageable package, which is a compelling value proposition for many users.
RTIC Soft Cooler 12 Can
This 12-can soft cooler is a compact and versatile option that punches above its weight. It’s part of RTIC’s Ultra-Tough line, meaning it features a heavy-duty nylon exterior that can withstand rough handling. The cooler is also leak-proof and designed to float, making it an ideal companion for pool parties, lakeside gatherings, or boating.
With the ability to keep items cold for up to two days when used correctly, it offers impressive performance for its size. The combination of durability, flotation, and solid ice retention in a portable soft package makes it a great value for those who need a tough, small cooler for aquatic activities or general day trips.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can
For greater capacity in a soft-sided format, the 20-can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler is an excellent choice. It shares the same robust features as its smaller sibling, including the tough nylon construction, leak-proof design, and ability to float. The larger size is perfect for group outings where you need to carry more drinks and food.
The two-day cooling potential ensures your supplies stay fresh throughout a weekend camping trip or a long day at the beach. It provides a fantastic balance between the storage space of a medium cooler and the portability of a soft bag, all while maintaining the ruggedness RTIC is known for.
RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
The RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler is a rotomolded workhorse built for serious durability and ice retention. With 2.8 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, it is designed to keep ice for an extended period, making it suitable for multi-day fishing trips, camping expeditions, or tailgating events. The rotomolded construction offers superior impact resistance.
This size is a popular sweet spot, offering substantial capacity for a small group without being overwhelmingly large or heavy. It includes features like a sturdy latch system, tie-down slots, and a drain plug. For those needing a dependable, medium-sized hard cooler that can handle rough conditions, this model delivers proven performance.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can (Tan)
This is another variant of the capable 20-can soft cooler, offering the same performance in a different color option. The tan colorway may be preferable for those who want a more neutral or classic outdoor look. Its features remain identical: a two-day cooling capacity, floating capability, and a build designed to be both lightweight and highly durable.
Having multiple color choices allows you to pick a cooler that matches your personal style without compromising on any of the functional benefits. It’s a reliable, go-anywhere cooler that simplifies packing for a day trip with friends or family.
RTIC 145 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
When you need maximum storage, the RTIC 145 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler is built for the job. This rotomolded giant is intended for large groups, long expeditions, or commercial use, such as for guides or caterers. With 2.6 inches of insulation and extreme durability, it is made to hold a massive amount of provisions and keep them cold for days.
It features all the robust construction elements of the smaller hard coolers but on a scale meant for major events or off-grid living. While it is a substantial piece of gear, it represents significant value compared to other coolers in its class, offering premium-level capacity and performance at a more accessible price point.
RTIC Outdoors SoftPak Cooler – 30 Can
The RTIC SoftPak Cooler offers a high-capacity soft-sided option, able to hold up to 30 cans. This design is perfect for those who need the storage of a medium hard cooler but prefer the flexibility and easier storage of a soft bag. It likely features durable materials and strong insulation consistent with the RTIC brand.
This cooler is suited for extended day trips or as a primary cooler for weekend camping where a hard-sided cooler might be less convenient to pack. It provides a great middle ground, offering more space than the 20-can models while maintaining the portability and manageable weight of a soft cooler.
How to Choose the Best RTIC Cooler for Value
When I’m looking at the 9 best RTIC coolers for value – Dec. 2025, my first step is always to figure out what I actually need. It’s easy to get drawn to the biggest, toughest model, but that’s not always the smartest buy. I ask myself a few key questions: How many people am I usually feeding and hydrating? Is this for a day at the ballpark, a weekend camping trip, or a multi-day fishing expedition? My answers directly point me to the right size and type.
Size is the biggest factor. RTIC measures in quarts, and I think of it like this: a 20-30 quart soft pack or hard cooler is perfect for my day trips and tailgates. For a weekend for two, I’d look at a 45-65 quart hard cooler. If I’m with a crew for three or more days, that’s when the 70+ quart monsters come into play. Remember, a “full” cooler stays colder longer, so if I buy too big and it’s half-empty, my ice suffers.
Next, I consider the build and features. For hard coolers, I check the claimed ice retention. RTIC often matches or comes close to the performance of the premium brands for a lower price, which is the core of their value proposition. I look for features that matter to me: Do I need a non-slip feet for the boat? A drain plug that’s easy to use? T-latch vs. slam latches? For soft coolers, I check the insulation thickness, the quality of the zippers, and whether it has a leak-proof liner. I don’t pay extra for features I won’t use.
Portability is huge. A fully loaded 65-quart cooler can weigh over 100 pounds. So, I always check the weight of the empty cooler and the handle system. Rubberized, ergonomic handles are a must for larger models. For the big ones, I make sure it has heavy-duty rope handles and integrated slots for tie-down straps. Wheels can be a game-changer if I’m moving it across a parking lot or beach regularly.
Finally, I think about my specific use case. If I’m mostly using it from my car to a picnic table, a standard hard cooler is fine. If I need to hike a mile to my favorite fishing spot, a soft pack or a smaller hard cooler with a great shoulder strap is essential. By matching the cooler’s strengths to my actual habits, I ensure I get the most value for my money without overbuying.
FAQ
How does RTIC’s ice retention compare to more expensive brands?
In my experience, RTIC coolers perform impressively close to the top-tier brands. Their hard coolers, which use rotomolded construction and thick insulation, often have ice retention claims of 7-10 days or more under ideal conditions. While the absolute premium brands might edge them out by a day in lab tests, for real-world use like a long weekend camping or fishing trip, an RTIC will absolutely get the job done. This performance at a lower price point is a major reason they make lists like the 9 best RTIC coolers for value – Dec. 2025.
Are RTIC soft coolers leakproof?
Most RTIC soft coolers feature a welded, seam-sealed interior liner that is designed to be leakproof. This means if ice melts inside, the water should stay contained within the liner. However, I always recommend being cautious. They’re great for preventing spills from the inside, but I wouldn’t submerge them in a lake or trust them on their side for hours with liquid directly against the zipper area. For typical use, they handle melted ice and drinks very well.
What’s the difference between T-latches and slam latches?
This is a common design choice. T-latches are the metal or plastic latches you flip open and shut, often with a padlock capability. They provide a very secure, pressurized seal and are standard on most heavy-duty rotomolded coolers. Slam latches (or push-button latches) are simpler—you just press a button to open. They’re quicker and easier but may not create as tight a seal. For my max ice retention trips, I prefer T-latches. For a cooler I’m opening constantly at a backyard BBQ, slam latches are more convenient.
Is it worth getting a cooler with wheels?
If you’re regularly dealing with a large, fully-loaded cooler (think 70 quarts and up), wheels are a back-saver. Moving 150+ pounds of cooler, ice, food, and drinks across sand, gravel, or a parking lot is no joke. For smaller coolers (45 quarts and below), the added cost and complexity of wheels usually aren’t necessary since I can manage the weight with the handles. Always consider your typical terrain—small wheels struggle in deep sand or rough ground.
How do I clean and maintain my RTIC cooler?
It’s simple but important. After each use, I empty all melted ice and debris. I wash the interior with a mild soap and warm water solution, using a soft cloth or sponge. I avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can damage the plastic. For smells, a baking soda paste or a diluted vinegar rinse works well. The key is to let it air dry completely with the lid open before storing it. Never store it while wet, as that can lead to mildew.