RTIC Coolers Review

[BillyBonds]

So, my RTIC 65 came on Friday. Solid as a rock! Finish wise, there are a couple of little dimples in the plastic where I guess there were air bubbles in the plastic, never inspected a Yeti close enough to see if they have the same thing, but it is certainly nothing that will effect function. I threw whatever ice I had in the fridge(maybe a pitchers worth), and the next day there was literally almost no melt. The drain channel in the bottom was not even filled. Not sure why I needed or what I will do with this 65 quart, 35 lb, tank of a cooler, but for $200 vs $400 for the Yeti, it was worth it just to have. Still waiting on my Softpak 30. Assuming it ships on time, I should have it within 2 weeks.

[Diesel1]

Nice - keep the reviews coming on these!

[BillyBonds]

Just got an email that my Softpak 30 shipped today pretty fired up to see this cooler. Unthinking will be a perfect cooler for the back of the Jeep for day trips to the beach. I like the idea of the soft coolers, but I hate Yeti's design for the top

I've had my RTIC 65 for a month now and I can say it is every bit as solid as any Yeti or Engel. It's big and heavy though, and since I don't own a boat, not sure how much use I am going to get out of it. It's too nice to use for BBQ's, and I don't camp as much as I used to. It's way nicer and more cooler than I really ever needed, which is why it's so great to have spent $200 on it instead of $400.

[BillyBonds]

So my RTIC Softpak 30 arrived yesterday and my initial impression is very positive. I've always hated the top of the Yeti Hopper, maybe it serves for greater reliability or performance, but it stinks for functionality. The RTIC 30 does not have that problem. Material seems to be the same at the Yeti, but I will confirm that again after my next trip to J&H. Unlike the RTIC 65 I received that seemed to have some minor dimples in the plastic, I could not find a flow in the craftsmanship of the Softpak. I will try to fill it with ice tonight and see how long it will last.

An update on the RTIC 65, I contacted customer support about the little dimples in the plastic, not because I feel there was any risk to structural integrity, but because they were on the inside, I didnt want them to become a place for mold, mildew, or bacteria to build up that would not be so easy to clean. I only contacted them to ask for a product recommendation to fill the little poc marks, but they insist on replacing the entire cooler. Seems a bit ridiculous when a tiny bit of plastic epoxy would do the trick, but I got tired of arguing with them about it and will just take the replacement.

[BillyBonds]

I've now been using the Softpak 30 a couple weeks, including two trips to Fire Island, and I can honestly say it was well worth the purchase. I'll take some picture later(cooler is in the Jeep and I dont have the Jeep today). Its easy to carry around, very rugged, and keeps things cold. It definietely keeps ice for well over 24 hours. Usually after 48 hours, I am down to just a little ice, or I'm left with still ice cold water. I dont drink canned beer, so I cant attest to it holding 30 cans, but it easily holds a 12 pack of bottles plus a half dozen non-alcoholic beverages for the misses, and ice of course. I've also never filled the thing with just ice to test how long it lasts, i've only tried 1 bag at a time(or whatever was in my freezer ice maker). I'm sure if I filled the empty cooler to the brim with ice and left it shut, I would get another day or so out of it, but in what world would that be useful? I have turned it upside down and given it a squeeze, trying to make it leak, but it is indeed a waterproof zipper.

As for the RTIC 65, I have already received my replacement, and it is flawless. Cant find an imperfection in the plastic anywhere. From the time I sent the original one back till the time I got the replacement, I believe it was 2 weeks on the button(despite the cooler having a 2 month lead time for new orders). I really thought replacing the original cooler for a few small cosmetic dimples in the plastic was overkill, but it makes me even more comfortable recommending their coolers.

As far as I know, you can only order their coolers directly from them, which is why their pricing is inline with the wholesale pricing of all the other manufacturers. https://www.rticcoolers.com/

I now own both their 20oz and 30oz tumblers, Softpak 30, and regular 65, and the $450 saved vs competitors was well worth the wait. The only complaint I might have(aside from the wait times) is the T-handles on the RTIC 65 swing freely and get in the way when trying to close the lid.

[Rubbermittens]

They make good stuff, I bought their Tumbler and it is every bit as good as my buddies $70 yeti

[robertseward]

Felt the same, no melting even after a day and also no sweating at all. I just love it in such a low price and I saw here: http://techzend.com/rtic-vs-yeti-coolers/ that they are now offering it under $150, instead of buying Yeti, I preferred to buy 2 RTIC 45' in $300 and I think Yeti is just a overpriced brand with less features.

[METALHEAD]

I bought the Yeti beer koozie on a whim and its absolutely awesome. . I always know which beer is mine and its cold to the very last drop. There is no doubt the Rtic would be just as impressive as I bought the Rtic tumbler just to try ($11 vs $30) and it performs as expected. Holds cold ice regardless of ambient temperature for way way longer than I need cold ice for. all with no sweating and a warm exterior. Kept my coffee warm in the cold garage all day this weekend too.

Cool stuff this science is.

[mickeyblueyes]

I used a Yeti water bottle all summer. It worked flawlessly 36 oz? I don't rember but on hot days it would get filled 4 or 5 times. Son in la said it was a waste of money. It may be to some but I drink water year round,I have a RO system in the kitchen,so to me it's not a loss. Always ice cold water.

just got a large travel mug type with lid ,I drink a bunch of tea in the winter, seems to keep it warm ,but no where as long as the screw top. If the other brand RTCI was at my fingertips I would try that too. Lowes had a BuBa cup for $9.99 some may want to check it out?

[NorthForkSportsman]

RTIC has been excellent working in the hot sun all summer the coolers and tumblers work excellent for the money can't go wrong. Now that it's cold the big tumber has been keeping my coffee hot for hours.

[1895guy]

I use both Yeti and RTIC. Love them both. I have a Yeti 45, Yeti coozi, RTIC 65 and an RTIC tumbler that i use for coffee and ice water every day at work. All great products. Can't complain one bit.

[The Blur]

How do you lift up a Yeti cooler?

[Diesel1]

How do you lift up a Yeti cooler?

With leftie and rightie...and Manuel

[Ransom]

Awesome reviews I need a few good coolers but couldn't see paying Yeti crazy prices. I've seen Yeti keep bait on ice or food no issues for up to 4 days NP depending how often you open them. RTIC half the price that I can see time to order a few thanks.

[Ransom]

Ok you sold me i see 65 $199 and 45 $175. Where are they cheaper ???