Table of Contents
If you love spending time outdoors—camping, fishing, tailgating, or just hanging out in your backyard—you know how important it is to keep your drinks cold and your food fresh. That’s where RTIC coolers come to the rescue. These coolers are tough, reliable, and built to hold ice for a long time. Whether you’re going on a hot summer trip or a weekend getaway, RTIC coolers make sure everything stays cold and ready to enjoy. They come in many sizes and styles, so there’s something for every family, adventurer, and grill master out there. In this guide, we’ll explore why RTIC coolers are a favorite pick for people who love the outdoors. You’ll learn what makes them special, how to choose the right one, real stories from users, and helpful tips to get the best out of your cooler. So, let’s dive into the chilly world of RTIC coolers—because no fun trip is complete without one!
What Are RTIC Coolers?
RTIC coolers are heavy-duty coolers designed to keep your items cold for a really long time. They’re perfect for outdoor use like camping, boating, hiking, beach trips, picnics, or road trips. RTIC stands for “Overbuilt. Not Overpriced.” This means they give you great quality at a better price than some of the famous brands out there. RTIC coolers are known for their thick insulation, strong latches, and rugged design. They are often compared to big names like YETI, but RTIC usually costs less and works just as well. You can find hard coolers, soft coolers, backpack coolers, and even drinkware like tumblers—all made by RTIC. Their products are known to keep ice for several days, even in the summer heat. If you want dependable cooling without paying a fortune, RTIC is worth a look—and maybe a spot in your trunk.
What Makes RTIC Coolers So Special?
One thing that makes RTIC coolers stand out is their ability to hold ice longer than regular coolers. Thanks to thick walls filled with insulation, they trap cold air and keep heat out. Many users report ice staying frozen for up to 5 days or more, depending on the temperature outside. RTIC also builds their coolers with strong materials that won’t break easily. You can sit or stand on most of their hard coolers—they’re that sturdy. Their lids have strong latches that seal tight, which helps trap cold inside. Some models also include a freezer-style gasket around the lid to make the seal even better. RTIC coolers aren’t just for looks—they’re built to perform, and that’s why so many people love them.
RTIC vs. YETI: Which Cooler Is Better?
A lot of people compare RTIC coolers to YETI. Both brands make hard coolers that look similar and perform well. But here’s the big difference—price. An RTIC cooler usually costs a lot less than a YETI of the same size. Both brands are made from durable plastic, have great insulation, and offer different sizes to choose from. For many users, RTIC offers the same performance for a better value. That makes RTIC a good choice for families and adventurers who want quality without overspending. While YETI fans may pay more for the name or a few design extras, most RTIC users say the performance is nearly the same. If you want to save money and still get a great cooler, RTIC may be the smarter pick.
Types of RTIC Coolers Available
RTIC makes more than just one type of cooler—there’s something for every need:
Hard Coolers: These are large, strong, and keep ice for days. Great for camping or beach trips.
Soft Coolers: Lightweight and easy to carry. Ideal for day trips or work lunches.
Backpack Coolers: These look like a regular backpack but keep your food and drinks cold while hiking.
Drinkware and Accessories: RTIC also offers tumblers, can koozies, and cooler baskets to make your trips even better.
No matter which type you choose, RTIC coolers are designed for long-lasting use. Many come with handles, wheels, or straps so you can take them anywhere easily. Choosing the right type depends on where you’re going and how many things you need to chill.
Best RTIC Coolers by Size and Use
Picking the right cooler size is important. RTIC coolers come in many options, from small to ultra-huge. Here are some top picks:
RTIC 20: Small, compact, and perfect for solo trips or lunches.
RTIC 45: Great for a weekend with friends or holding enough food for 2-3 people.
RTIC 65: A favorite for cookouts or multi-day camping trips.
RTIC 110 and 145: Best for big groups or long travel. These have tons of room.
RTIC Soft Pack 20 or 30: Ideal for road trips with limited space or one-day journeys.
Always think about what you’ll use the cooler for. If you’re spending the weekend at the lake, a larger RTIC cooler will serve you better. But for day trips, a soft pack may be all you need.
How Long Do RTIC Coolers Keep Ice?
One of the biggest reasons people buy RTIC coolers is ice retention. That means how long your ice stays frozen inside. With most RTIC hard coolers, you can expect ice to last 3 to 5 days, and sometimes even longer. Some users have reported up to 10 days when pre-chilled and kept in the shade. Soft coolers don’t hold ice that long, but they usually last 24 to 48 hours. Several factors can affect this, like outside temperature, how often the cooler is opened, and what kind of ice you use. Crushed ice melts faster than large chunks or ice blocks. The good news is RTIC coolers are built to perform without needing anything fancy. Just pack it full, keep it shut, and enjoy cold drinks longer.
Tips to Use Your RTIC Cooler Like a Pro
If you want to get the best performance from your RTIC cooler, here are some helpful tips:
Pre-chill your cooler: Put ice inside a few hours before packing to remove trapped heat.
Use block ice: Bigger ice pieces last longer than small cubes.
Don’t open often: Keep the lid closed as much as possible to hold in the cold.
Store in shade: Keeping the cooler out of direct sun helps ice last longer.
Don’t drain melted water right away: Cold water can help keep other items chilled.
By following these simple tips, you can see better results and make your ice last even longer on your adventures. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to outdoor fun.
RTIC Coolers for Camping and Outdoor Trips
Campers love RTIC coolers because they’re built for adventure. From long weekend hikes to backwoods fishing trips, these coolers are made for the wild. With long ice retention, you don’t have to worry about spoiled food or warm drinks. You can pack meat, cheese, milk, and even ice cream with confidence. Many campers like using dry goods baskets inside RTIC coolers to keep items dry and organized. The tough build means they can handle rough roads and even work as a makeshift camping table or seat if needed. Whether you’re camping deep in the forest or just at a nearby park, RTIC coolers keep food safe and spirits high.
RTIC Coolers for Road Trips and Travel
If you do a lot of road traveling, a cooler like RTIC can be your best friend on the go. Instead of stopping for snacks and drinks at gas stations, you can pack your own and save money. RTIC soft coolers fit easily in the backseat or trunk and keep items chilled all day. You can bring sandwiches, cold drinks, fruit, and even medicines that need to stay cool. On longer trips, hard coolers are great because they offer more storage and stronger cooling. The RTIC 45 or 65 works great for a family vacation or weekend getaway. With your cooler packed right, you’ll always have fresh food on the road.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your RTIC Cooler
Keeping your cooler clean is important for both health and long-term use. After each trip, make sure to:
Empty it out: Remove leftover ice, water, and food.
Rinse well: Use clean water to flush out crumbs or dirt.
Scrub light: A sponge with mild soap works fine—don’t use harsh cleaners.
Let it dry: Wipe and leave the lid open to avoid mold or smells.
Also, keep your cooler stored in a dry place when not in use. Don’t leave it locked up with moisture inside. Taking care of your RTIC cooler means it will be ready for many happy adventures ahead.
Are RTIC Coolers Worth the Money?
Many people ask: “Are RTIC coolers really worth the price?” And the answer is usually yes—for most outdoor lovers. These coolers are strong, hold cold well, and come at a price that’s very fair compared to big brands. If you enjoy spending time outside often, investing in a solid, reliable cooler makes sense. Over time, it pays off because you won’t need to replace it every year. People who buy RTIC once often become lifelong fans because of how well the coolers perform. So whether you camp, fish, tailgate, or road trip a lot, RTIC coolers give you a solid mix of price, performance, and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. How long do RTIC coolers really keep items cold?
Most RTIC hard coolers keep ice for 3 to 5 days, while soft coolers last around 1 to 2 days.
2. Can you sit or stand on an RTIC cooler?
Yes! RTIC hard coolers are built so strong, many people use them as extra seats or steps.
3. Is RTIC better than YETI?
That depends on your budget. RTIC offers similar performance at a lower price, which many people prefer.
4. Are RTIC coolers leakproof?
Their lids seal tightly, but always check before tilting. Soft coolers are splash-resistant, not 100% leakproof.
5. Can you use RTIC coolers for storing hot food too?
Yes, but they are built mainly for cold storage. They can keep hot food warm for a short time.
6. Where are RTIC coolers made?
RTIC designs its coolers in the U.S., but manufacturing is done overseas to keep prices lower.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the perfect cooler that keeps your food cold, lasts a long time, and won’t cost a fortune, RTIC coolers are a smart choice. From long camping weekends to everyday trips to the park, RTIC offers strong, reliable chill power you can count on. Their wide range of coolers means there’s something for everyone—big, small, hard, soft, or even on your back. They’re made for people who love to explore, who need dependable gear, and who want cold drinks waiting at every stop. So the next time you plan an adventure, big or small, bring your RTIC cooler along for the ride. Stay cool, travel smart, and enjoy every chilled moment with RTIC by your side.