Keeping drinks and food cold on adventures has always been a challenge. Before discovering the RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can, I struggled with bulky hard coolers or flimsy bags that failed to keep things adequately chilled. The consequences of inadequate cooling were spoiled food and lukewarm drinks, ruining countless picnics and outdoor excursions. A reliable soft cooler was essential to enjoy these activities without worry.
Soft coolers are designed to provide portable, insulated storage for food and drinks, ideal for various outdoor activities like camping, beach trips, picnics, and sporting events. The ideal customer is someone who values portability and flexibility without sacrificing cooling performance. This cooler isn’t for everyone, though. If you prioritize extreme ice retention or need a very large capacity, a hard cooler might be a better option. Before purchasing, consider the cooler’s capacity (how many cans or bottles you need to store), desired insulation level (how long you need items to stay cold), durability (how rough your usage will be), and features like shoulder straps or leak-proof zippers.
- UP TO 24 HOURS OF COOLING – The RTIC ultra-tough soft insulated cooler is the perfect insulated cooler bag to keep your food and drinks cool wherever needed for up to 24 hours. Locks in the cold for...
- IT’S A FLOATING COOLER – Not to mention it’s a floating cooler, it floats, so your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go. Ideal for a day at the pool or lake, no matter where the adventure...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE – The soft cooler is lightweight yet tough to take on any terrain with its heavy-duty nylon shell. Dimensions: 12 Can: 11” × 11” × 9½”; 20 Can: 13 ½” × 13 ¾”...
Introducing the RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can
The RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can is a portable, insulated soft cooler designed to keep food and drinks cold for extended periods. It promises up to 24 hours of cooling and boasts a leak-proof zipper and floating capability. Unlike some competitors, it also offers a detachable shoulder strap for ease of transport. This particular model is best suited for individuals and small groups needing substantial cooling capacity for day trips or shorter excursions. It’s not ideal for long camping trips requiring multiple days of ice retention.
- Pros: Lightweight, durable, good cooling performance for its size, leak-proof zipper (initially), floats
- Cons: Zipper durability can be an issue, Velcro handle closure isn’t always reliable, relatively limited ice retention compared to hard coolers
- FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body Keeps the Ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F; logo color on cooler may vary
- ICE RETENTION: TempLock insulation keeps drinks ice cold
- FULLY INSULATED: Lid and body keeps the Ice for up to 3 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
A Deep Dive into the RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can’s Features and Benefits
Cooling Performance
My initial experience with the RTIC 30 Can was very positive. While the 24-hour claim might be optimistic depending on ambient temperature and how pre-chilled your items are, I consistently found it kept items cold enough for a full day at the beach or a long day of hiking. Using ice packs, rather than solely ice, extended its performance noticeably. The thick insulation is a clear contributor to its effectiveness.
Durability and Construction
The RTIC Soft Cooler‘s heavy-duty nylon exterior is impressively rugged. I’ve taken it on numerous trips, and it’s withstood bumps, scrapes, and even a few accidental drops without damage. The stitching is well-done, showing no signs of wear even after extensive use. However, this durability doesn’t extend to the zipper, which unfortunately proved to be its major weakness.
Portability and Design
The RTIC 30 Can’s lightweight design is a major advantage. Even when fully loaded, it’s easy to carry using the comfortable and adjustable shoulder strap. The size is also ideal – large enough to hold ample drinks and snacks, yet compact enough to fit in most vehicles. The included strap is a thoughtful addition, transforming this soft cooler from a simple bag into a practical, easy-to-transport unit.
Leak-Proof Zipper and Other Features
The leak-proof zipper is a key selling point, and for a while, it lived up to the hype. The seal was tight, and even when tipped or slightly jostled, it kept everything inside secure. However, (as many reviews noted) this is a point of failure that often leads to disappointment. I would recommend carefully inspecting the zipper when opening and closing the RTIC Soft Cooler to ensure the teeth are fully engaged to minimize stress on this crucial part. The floating ability, while a fun feature, is secondary to its primary function as a cooler.
What Other Users Are Saying
Online reviews for the RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can are mostly positive, praising its durability, cooling capacity, and affordability. Many users highlight its suitability for various activities, especially day trips. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues with the zipper’s longevity, echoing my own experience. Several users reported premature zipper failure, necessitating repair or replacement. Others note the Velcro handle closure can be flimsy, especially when new.
Final Thoughts on the RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can
The RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Can successfully addresses the need for a portable, well-insulated cooler for day trips and similar activities. Its lightweight design and impressive durability make it ideal for various outdoor adventures. However, the potential for zipper failure is a serious drawback that cannot be ignored. If you’re willing to accept this risk, and plan to handle it with care, this cooler offers excellent value for the price. To learn more about this excellent cooler, click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-08-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API