The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can has been a faithful companion on countless adventures, but let’s delve into the details of my extensive experience.
For years, I struggled with flimsy coolers that failed to keep my drinks and food adequately chilled during outdoor excursions. I spent countless hours searching for a solution that would guarantee freshness and eliminate the hassle of constantly replenishing ice. The lack of proper cooling significantly impacted the enjoyment of my camping trips, picnics, and beach days. A reliable cooler wasn’t just a convenience; it was a necessity to maintain the quality of my food and beverages. The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can, I imagined, could have solved this problem much earlier.
- 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”...
Choosing the Right Soft Cooler: Factors to Consider
Soft coolers address the need for portable, lightweight, and often more affordable cooling solutions compared to their hard-sided counterparts. They are ideal for individuals and families who prioritize portability and ease of transport. However, it’s crucial to understand your specific requirements before investing. Consider the capacity you need based on your typical usage—a smaller cooler might suffice for day trips, while a larger one is essential for longer outings or larger groups. Think about the durability needed – are you a casual user or someone who will subject the cooler to rough handling? Lastly, evaluate the insulation capabilities; how long do you need your items to remain cold? Someone who only needs a few hours of cooling might find a simpler, less expensive cooler sufficient. Those planning all-day or multi-day trips will need a product with better insulation like the RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can.
- 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
Introducing the RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can
The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can is a portable, insulated cooler bag designed for various outdoor activities. It promises up to 24 hours of cooling and features a leak-proof design. This soft cooler boasts a durable nylon exterior, a spacious interior, and a convenient shoulder strap. Compared to market leaders, it offers a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing significant features. However, it may not offer the same extreme longevity or ice retention as some premium brands. This cooler is perfect for individuals and families needing a portable, durable, and affordable cooling solution for everyday adventures. It’s not ideal for those who need the absolute longest ice retention time or are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance.
- Pros: Lightweight, portable, durable, leak-proof, relatively affordable, floats.
- Cons: Zipper can be stiff, ice retention isn’t as long as some higher-priced models, shoulder strap might not be included in all models (check your purchase).
Deep Dive into Features and Benefits
Cooling Performance
The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can’s performance in keeping items cold has been, in my experience, a mixed bag. While it surpasses many lesser coolers in its price range, it doesn’t quite match the legendary ice retention of some top-tier competitors. On hot days, you’ll find your ice will melt more rapidly than advertised. The key, I’ve found, is to pre-chill the cooler thoroughly and use plenty of high-quality ice. Following RTIC’s cooling tips drastically improves performance. For day trips, it’s adequate but for multi-day excursions you’ll need a supplemental ice source.
Durability and Construction
The cooler’s heavy-duty nylon shell provides excellent protection against punctures and tears. I’ve taken it on several camping trips, beach outings, and even some slightly rougher terrain adventures without any issues. The stitching is sturdy, and the overall build quality feels robust. However, the zipper is a point of contention, more on that later.
Portability and Design
The lightweight design of the RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can makes it incredibly easy to transport. The shoulder strap (though its presence isn’t guaranteed across all models) is a welcome addition, enabling hands-free carrying. The overall design is sleek and compact, making it easy to fit into car trunks or backpacks.
Leak-Proof Zipper
The leak-proof zipper is a crucial feature of this cooler, and RTIC does a reasonable job here. However, the zipper can be a bit stiff, especially when new, requiring a little extra effort to open and close. Regular lubrication with silicone lubricant is essential to prevent jamming and maintain smooth operation. I’ve found that neglecting this maintenance is a recipe for zipper malfunctions. The rubber seals around the zipper help considerably here, but they can degrade over extended use.
Real User Experiences: A Consensus
My experiences align with many online reviews. While most users praise its portability, affordability, and general effectiveness, the zipper remains a common point of criticism. Some users have reported zipper failure after a relatively short time. However, many others highlight the importance of regular lubrication, suggesting this proactive measure can extend the lifespan of the zipper considerably. The overall consensus is that the RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can offers excellent value for its price, but with the caveat of needing consistent maintenance.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?
The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can effectively addresses the need for a portable, durable, and affordable cooling solution. Its lightweight design and ample capacity make it perfect for various outdoor adventures. While the zipper can be a point of frustration, regular lubrication can greatly mitigate this issue. If you’re looking for an affordable cooler that provides decent performance with the understanding of needing some maintenance, then this is a solid option. But remember, if unparalleled ice retention is your top priority, you might need to explore higher-end brands.
To check out the RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can and see if it’s the right cooler for your needs, click here to learn more!
Last update on 2025-08-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API