RTIC Coolers: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Things Cold, Fresh, and Adventure-Ready

Introduction

Have you ever packed drinks or snacks for an outdoor trip and found everything warm halfway through the day? It’s no fun reaching for a soggy sandwich or melted soda. That’s why a good cooler is a must—and rtic coolers are becoming a top pick for people who love camping, fishing, tailgating, and picnics.

But what exactly makes RTIC coolers so special? They’re strong, smart, and easy to carry, and they keep your stuff cold for a long time. Some say they work just as well as the big brands, but they cost less—which means more value for your money.

In this easy-to-understand guide, you’ll learn all about RTIC coolers. We’ll break down the types, sizes, features, and how to pick the best one for your next trip. Whether you’re going to the beach, the woods, or your backyard, RTIC coolers have your back.

Let’s dive in and find the best way to keep your cool!

What Are RTIC Coolers?

RTIC coolers are outdoor containers designed to keep your food and drinks cold and fresh for days. They’re tough, reliable, and built for adventures. Whether you need to bring a six-pack to a ball game or food for a weekend camping trip, there’s an RTIC cooler that fits your plan.

RTIC makes different types of coolers, including:

Hard-sided coolers
Soft-sided coolers
Backpack coolers
Cooler bags
Tumbler cups and drinkware

These are loved by outdoor lovers, tailgaters, and even everyday families who want to keep lunch cold. The simple twist? RTIC coolers give you premium quality without the high prices you’ll find at other big-name brands.

So, if you want your chicken salad to still feel like it came from the fridge—RTIC might be your new favorite brand.

Hard-Sided RTIC Coolers: Built Like a Tank

One of the most popular options from RTIC is their hard-sided coolers. These are thick, super-insulated boxes made to handle long trips, rough weather, and heavy use.

Here’s what makes them awesome:

Heavy-duty design keeps ice cold for up to 10 days (depending on size and use)
Rotomolded construction, similar to what coolers on fishing boats use
Bear-resistant lids—yep, even curious creatures won’t get in
Non-slip feet so your cooler stays in place, even on boats or trailers
Strong handles and drainage spouts for easy carry and cleanup

They come in different sizes, from 20 quarts (for small outings) up to 145 quarts (for big adventures or tailgates).

If you spend hours—or days—out in the elements, a hard-sided RTIC cooler is the gear you need.

Soft-Sided RTIC Coolers: Lightweight and Handy

Don’t want to lug around a big, heavy cooler? RTIC’s soft-sided coolers make it easy to carry cold items on the go. These are lighter, flexible, and perfect for short trips, lunches, or beach days.

Here’s what people love:

Insulated walls that hold ice for over 24 hours
Waterproof zippers to keep spills inside and rain out
Wide openings to fit more food and drinks
Lightweight design that’s easy to carry with a shoulder strap or top handle

These coolers are ideal for:

Picnics with the kids
Soccer game snacks
Road trip meals
Daily use at school or work

If portability matters to you, a soft RTIC cooler is the way to go.

RTIC Backpack Coolers: Keep Your Hands Free

Ever tried juggling a drink cooler, a towel, a camping chair, and your phone? It’s not easy. That’s why RTIC backpack coolers are so smart.

These coolers are:

Worn like a backpack, keeping your hands free
Padded for comfort during hikes or beach trips
Made with leak-proof liners and zipper closures
Big enough to carry up to 20 or more cans (plus ice!)

This is a favorite for hikers, bikers, fishermen, and families on the move. A backpack-style RTIC cooler makes life easier when you’re off the beaten path.

How Long Do RTIC Coolers Keep Things Cold?

This is the big question, right? Let’s keep it simple.

Hard RTIC coolers: They can keep items cold for up to 10 days (with good ice and proper packing).
Soft RTIC coolers: Expect 1.5 to 3 days depending on the outside temperature.
Backpack coolers: Most last up to 24–36 hours, which is more than enough for a daily trip.

To help your ice last longer:

Pre-chill the cooler before packing
Use large blocks of ice or ice packs
Limit how often you open the lid
Keep it in the shade

With these tips, you’ll get every last hour of cooling power from your RTIC coolers.

RTIC vs. YETI: Is RTIC Really That Good?

People often compare RTIC coolers to YETI—the big, expensive brand. They look similar and work in much the same way, so what’s the difference?

Here’s why many choose RTIC over YETI:

Much lower price for the same type of features
Strong rotomolded design like YETI
Good ice retention, often matching or closely competing with YETI
Same outdoor feel and long-lasting durability

If you want trusted cooling without spending hundreds more, RTIC coolers give you more bang for your buck.

Using RTIC Coolers for Different Adventures

RTIC coolers aren’t just for camping. You can use them just about anywhere!

Here’s how people use RTIC coolers every day:

Camping: Keep meat fresh, store drinks, and even use as an extra seat
Boating: RTIC coolers are made for water-friendly fun
Hiking: Use a backpack cooler for long or short trails
Tailgating: Serve up cold drinks and snacks right out of your trunk
Fishing: Keep your catch cold all day
Road Trips: Pack sandwiches, fruit, and drinks for miles of fun

Whether you’re out for an hour or a whole weekend, there’s an RTIC cooler model that fits your trip.

RTIC Drinkware and Accessories

RTIC doesn’t stop with just coolers. They make drinkware and accessories to help complete your setup.

How to Choose the Right RTIC Cooler for You

With so many great RTIC coolers, how do you pick the right one?

Ask yourself these questions:

How long will I be gone?
One day? Grab a soft or backpack cooler.
Three days? Go for a mid-size hard cooler.
A week or more? Get a big 65+ quart hard cooler.
How will I carry it?
Need something you can wear? Try the backpack model.
Have a truck or tailgate party coming up? Go with heavy-duty.
How much stuff do I need to pack?
Estimate based on cans or food per person per day—and always better to pack extra space rather than less.

The right RTIC cooler keeps your trip cool and your planning stress-free.

How to Keep Your RTIC Cooler Clean and Fresh

An RTIC cooler is designed to last for years, but it still needs care. Luckily, cleaning it is simple.

Here’s how to do it:

After each use, wipe it out with warm, soapy water
Let it air dry completely to avoid smells
For deep cleanups, use vinegar or baking soda
Never use strong bleach—it can damage the cooler inside
Store the cooler with the lid slightly open so it won’t trap moisture

Clean coolers last longer—and no one wants their drinks smelling like old fish!

RTIC Coolers: Real Reviews from Real People

Here’s what customers say about RTIC coolers:

“I took my RTIC 45-quart cooler on a 5-day camping trip, and the ice was still solid when we came home!” – Thomas L.

“The soft cooler is perfect for lunch at work or snacks on the go. Totally worth it.” – Olivia M.

“We used to be Team YETI, but honestly, our RTIC performs the same for half the price.” – Jen & Nate

These are just a few of the many happy stories showing that RTIC coolers really deliver on their promise.

FAQs

1. How long do RTIC coolers keep ice frozen?
Hard coolers can hold ice for up to 10 days. Soft coolers last between 1.5 to 3 days.

2. Are RTIC coolers heavy?
The larger hard-sided ones are heavy when full. BUT they have strong handles to make carrying easier.

3. Where can I buy RTIC coolers?
You can order them online from the official RTIC website or get them from Amazon and other retailers.

4. Are RTIC coolers waterproof?
Yes! Especially the soft-sided and backpack styles, which come with waterproof liners and zippers.

5. Can RTIC coolers hold hot items too?
They are made to hold cold, but can keep warm food insulated for a few hours in a pinch.

6. Does RTIC offer a warranty?
Yes. RTIC offers a limited warranty for factory defects. Always check their website for details.

Conclusion

If you love being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying food that stays fresh no matter where you go, then RTIC coolers are the perfect choice for you.

They’re tough, stylish, affordable, and built to last. Whether you need a hard cooler for a camping trip, a soft cooler for snacks, or a backpack cooler for adventure, RTIC has something for you. Plus, with excellent cooling power and smart extras like drinkware and durable materials, these coolers do far more than you might expect at their price point.