Choosing the right cooler is a cornerstone of any successful camping trip. It’s not just about keeping your drinks cold; it’s about preserving perishable food for meals under the open sky and ensuring you have the energy for hiking, fishing, and relaxing by the campfire. The right cooler becomes your mobile kitchen and refreshment station, directly impacting your comfort and enjoyment in the great outdoors.
RTIC has built a reputation for crafting high-performance, durable coolers that stand up to rugged use without the premium price tag. From ultra-light hard coolers for quick getaways to massive rotomolded boxes for extended expeditions, their lineup offers a solution for every type of camper. This roundup will guide you through the best RTIC coolers to find the perfect companion for your next adventure.
The Best RTIC Coolers for Your Camping Needs
- RTIC 16 Qt Road Trip Cooler
- RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
- RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can
- RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can
- RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can
- RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
- RTIC Soft Cooler 40 Can
- RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
- RTIC Soft Cooler 12 Can
- RTIC Hard Cooler – 45 Quart
RTIC 16 Qt Road Trip Cooler
Meet your ultimate grab-and-go portable cooler. The RTIC 16 Qt Road Trip Cooler is lightweight yet tough, designed to be your companion for road trips, job sites, and weekend camping adventures. It effectively keeps drinks icy and food fresh for one to two days, making it ideal for short excursions.
Its slim design is a significant advantage, allowing it to slide effortlessly into tight spots like car footwells, boat decks, or the corners of a packed tent. Transport is made simple with a convertible handle that doubles as a shoulder strap. For added security, the auto-locking lid ensures no spills during transit—just push a button to pop it open when you need access.
RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
Transporting your cooler across a campground has never been easier. The RTIC 22QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler is about 30% lighter than traditional rotomolded coolers, reducing strain before you even start. Its large, rugged wheels and telescoping handle allow you to roll it smoothly over uneven terrain like gravel paths and grass.
Despite its lightweight build, it doesn’t compromise on performance. This cooler features up to 2.3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation to maximize cold retention for your getaways. The upright design is a space-saver, offering a capacity for up to 28 cans or 6 wine bottles while maintaining a compact profile that won’t take over your vehicle’s trunk.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can
For campers who need versatility, this soft cooler is a standout choice. The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler can keep your provisions cool for up to two days when used according to the brand’s guidelines. Its flexible design makes it easy to pack into a crowded car or carry on a hike.
A remarkable feature is its ability to float, making it ideal for campsites near a lake or river. You can take your drinks and snacks right into the water with you. Built with a heavy-duty nylon exterior, it is both lightweight and tough enough to handle the rigors of any outdoor terrain, and the leak-proof zipper provides extra peace of mind.
RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can
This reliable soft cooler is built for day trips and shorter camping outings. The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can is engineered to lock in the cold for up to two days, ensuring your food and beverages stay refreshing. Its portable design is perfect for carrying to the beach, on a picnic, or storing in your car.
Like its Ultra-Tough sibling, this model is also a floating cooler, adding a layer of fun and functionality to any water-based activities. Constructed from a robust nylon material, it strikes a great balance between being lightweight for easy carrying and durable enough to withstand the demands of travel and outdoor use.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can
When you need more capacity without moving to a hard-sided cooler, this 30-can model is an excellent option. The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler offers extended storage for larger groups or longer trips, all while maintaining the cooling performance of up to two days.
Its floating capability ensures your supplies are safe and accessible during water activities. The heavy-duty nylon exterior provides exceptional durability, protecting your contents from bumps and scrapes. This cooler is designed to be your go-to for substantial adventures where a larger, yet still portable, cooler is required.
RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
For the serious camper embarking on multi-day expeditions, the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler is built to perform. This rotomolded cooler is designed for extreme impact resistance and durability, ready for any environment your adventure might present.
Its exceptional ice retention is thanks to a thick layer of up to 2.4 inches of closed-cell foam insulation. This means you can keep drinks, food, and meat cold on that long weekend trip without worry. It’s the ideal solution for group camping, extended fishing trips, or any situation where maximum cooling capacity and longevity are non-negotiable.
RTIC Soft Cooler 40 Can
This high-capacity soft cooler is perfect for campers who need to feed a crowd. The RTIC Soft Cooler 40 Can provides ample space for a large quantity of drinks and food, with cooling performance that lasts for up to 24 hours, making it suitable for overnight trips.
Its floating design adds a unique element of convenience for lakeside campsites. Despite its larger size, it remains a portable option due to its soft-sided construction. The heavy-duty nylon shell ensures it can withstand the challenges of travel and outdoor use, making it a reliable workhorse for big adventures.
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
This compact hard cooler brings extreme durability to shorter trips. The RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler is built with impact resistance and long-lasting ice retention in mind, making it a reliable choice for a weekend camping outing.
It is designed to keep your drinks and food cold throughout your trip, offering reliable performance in a manageable size. A key feature is the heavy-duty stainless steel handle that locks into an upright position, allowing for effortless and secure one-handed carrying from your car to the campsite.
RTIC Soft Cooler 12 Can
For the solo camper or for use as a dedicated drinks cooler, the RTIC Soft Cooler 12 Can is the most portable option. It provides up to two days of cooling in a compact, easy-to-carry package that can be stowed almost anywhere.
Its floating capability makes it a fun and practical accessory for any water-related activity near your campsite. Built with the same tough, heavy-duty nylon exterior as the larger models, this small cooler is surprisingly durable and ready for your everyday adventures.
RTIC Hard Cooler – 45 Quart
The RTIC 45 Quart Hard Cooler sits perfectly between compact day coolers and large expedition-grade models. This size is versatile enough for weekend trips for small groups, offering substantial capacity without being overly cumbersome to transport.
As part of the RTIC hard cooler family, you can expect robust construction, effective insulation for reliable ice retention, and features designed for the outdoors. It represents a balanced choice for campers who need more space than a 20-quart provides but don’t require the massive capacity of a 65-quart cooler.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best RTIC Cooler for Camping
I’ve spent a lot of time on campsites, and I can tell you that a good cooler isn’t just a box; it’s the heart of your outdoor kitchen. When you’re looking at the 10 best RTIC coolers for camping, the sheer number of options can feel a bit overwhelming. But if you focus on a few key things, you can easily find the perfect one for your adventures. Let me walk you through what I always consider.
First up, think about size and capacity. This is the big one, literally. Are you a solo backpacker or are you feeding a family of five for a long weekend? Capacity is usually measured in quarts (qt). For a quick overnight trip for one or two people, a 20-30 qt soft cooler might be perfect. For a group of four on a three-day trip, you’re probably looking at a 45-65 qt hard cooler. My rule of thumb is to go a little bigger than you think you need. It’s better to have extra space for drinks and ice than to be cramming everything in.
Next, decide between a hard cooler and a soft cooler. This choice really depends on your style of camping. RTIC hard coolers are the tanks of the cooler world. They’re built with rotomolded construction, which is just a fancy way of saying they’re incredibly tough and have amazing ice retention, often keeping ice for days. They’re perfect for car camping or base camps where you don’t have to carry them far. Soft coolers, on the other hand, are all about portability. They’re lighter, easier to carry, and often have backpack straps. I love my soft cooler for hikes to a remote fishing spot or for keeping in the trunk of the car for day trips.
Don’t forget about the features that make your life easier. Look at the lid. Does it have a dry storage tray for keeping keys, phone, or condiments separate from the ice? Check the drain plug – a good one is easy to open and close without leaking. How about the handles? Padded, non-slip handles are a game-changer when you’re carrying a fully loaded cooler. And if you’re a serious angler or hunter, look for models that are certified bear-resistant. Finally, think about accessories. Tie-down slots are essential for securing the cooler in a truck bed or on a boat, and a bottle opener built into the handle is one of those small touches you’ll be thankful for.
By focusing on how you camp, who you camp with, and the features that matter most to you, picking the right RTIC cooler becomes a simple task. It’s all about matching the tool to the job so you can spend less time worrying about your food and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ice last in an RTIC cooler?
This is probably the most common question I get, and the answer depends on a few factors. In general, RTIC’s hard coolers are fantastic at ice retention. With a proper pre-chill (cooling the empty cooler with ice for a few hours before you load it) and a good ice-to-contents ratio, you can expect ice to last for about 5 to 7 days in their larger rotomolded models. Their soft coolers are great for shorter trips, typically keeping ice for one to two days. Remember, opening the lid frequently will let cold air out, so try to limit how often you peek inside!
Are RTIC coolers bear-proof?
Some of them are, yes! It’s an important distinction. RTIC offers specific coolers that are certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). If you’re camping in bear country, this is a critical safety feature you should look for. Not all of their coolers have this certification, so you’ll need to check the product specifications carefully before you buy. A standard cooler latch won’t stop a determined bear.
What’s the difference between RTIC and other premium cooler brands?
The main difference often comes down to price and specific features. RTIC built its reputation on offering coolers with performance and durability very similar to the leading high-end brands but at a more accessible price point. While the top-tier brands might have a longer heritage or some unique color options, RTIC provides a fantastic value. For most campers, an RTIC cooler offers all the toughness and ice retention they’ll ever need without the premium cost.
Can I use dry ice in my RTIC cooler?
You can, but you need to be very careful. Dry ice is extremely cold and can make the plastic of your cooler brittle, potentially causing cracks. If you decide to use it, never let it touch the interior walls directly. Always keep it on top of your contents, wrapped in a towel or newspaper. Also, ensure there is some ventilation; a completely airtight seal with dry ice building up pressure can be dangerous. For most camping needs, regular block ice is simpler and perfectly effective.
How do I clean and maintain my RTIC cooler?
Keeping your cooler clean is simple and will make it last for years. After a trip, I always empty it out and wash the interior with a mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the plastic. For smells, a baking soda and water paste works wonders. The most important thing is to let it air dry completely with the lid open before you store it. Storing it closed with any moisture inside is a surefire way to get mildew.
Which size is best for a weekend camping trip for two people?
For a typical two-person, weekend camping trip (let’s say two to three nights), I find a medium-sized hard cooler in the 35 to 45-quart range to be the sweet spot. This size is large enough to hold all your food, drinks, and plenty of ice without taking up your entire car trunk. It’s also a manageable weight when full. If you’re mostly packing drinks and just a little food, you could go smaller, but the 40-quart range is a very versatile choice for the 10 best RTIC coolers for camping.