RTIC Vs. Yeti: Which High-End Cooler Is Better?

RTIC 20

The RTIC 20 is one of RTIC’s smaller hard sided coolers designed for day trips, sundowners, and BBQs.

It comes with a 20 can or 20-quart capacity and does a good job of keeping things cold. RTIC claims up to 10 days of ice retention but this depends on a lot of variables. But, their 3-inch foam insulation is excellent.

In terms of durability, the RTIC 20 is rotomolded and therefore very hard to break. It secures well with non-slip feet so your things aren’t going to fall out, even if the cooler takes a tumble.

The cooler comes with an easy-to-use handle which works well. But, when full it is not so comfortable.

The cooler itself is heavy at 22 lbs empty, add 20 cans of beer plus ice, and it becomes a bit of an issue. You also don’t have the option for 2 person carry with this cooler.

RTIC 65

The RTIC 65 is pretty much a 65-quart version of the RTIC 20. The build and insulation are exactly the same, so it has the same cooling power, lockability, and durability, but it does come with a few differences.

The first is obviously capacity. This cooler is made for much longer trips with 65 quarts of space and you can fit a lot of drinks and food inside it. Ideal for weekend camping trips.

Being so big, carrying this alone when full is almost impossible. It weighs 36 lbs empty and fully requires two people unless you want a bad back. Luckily the rope handles at either end make carrying it with two people easily.

The lid on these rotomolded coolers is also textured for grip. It works as a chopping board, seat, step, and even viewing platform.

The design also ensures easy cleaning and easy drainage too, so tidying up after the fun isn’t such a hassle.

The one main issue with these durable coolers is their weight when empty. They are a full 7 lbs heavier than the equivalent Yeti hard coolers.

RTIC SoftPak 30

The RTIC SoftPak 30 is one of RTIC’s top soft-sided coolers and is the equivalent of the Yeti Hopper.

Being soft-sided makes it light and super portable while still having excellent cooling power and insulation. You can fit 20 cans inside it and have a cold retention for up to 24 hours, more than enough for a day out or sunset drinks.

These soft coolers are built to be tough with a puncture-resistant nylon shell and they are leakproof too, keeping the coolness in for better cold retention. The cooler also floats, so you won’t lose it if it falls overboard.

But, this soft-sided cooler doesn’t come without its issues. The zipper is hard to open and can break after a while. Also, it doesn’t hold ice for the 24 hours specified by RTIC.

RTIC 30 oz Tumbler

The RTIC 30 oz Tumbler is not an RTIC cooler, it is a travel mug that uses double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your drinks hot or cold.

Built from stainless steel, it is a tough mug that can handle the pressures of daily life or a long camping trip. You can keep your coffee nice and hot for quite a while, or your water cold, especially if you add some ice to it.

The lid screws on and is designed not to leak, but it does leak a little bit, so don’t be turning it upside down. Since the lid is designed to secure itself tightly, getting off and back on can also be a task. Something you won’t experience with the Yeti cooler brand tumbler.

Overall, it is a durable tumbler that does a good job of keeping your drinks hot or cold and it fits in most cup holders.

Yeti Roadie 20

The Yeti Roadie 20 is Yeti’s smallest rotomolded cooler and is ideal for day trips and cookouts, but might be a bit small for longer trips.

This Yeti cooler is lighter than the RTIC equivalent, certified bear-proof (unlike the arctic), and is easier to carry.

It features a drain plug for easy cleaning and rubber feet that stop it from sliding, just like the RTIC version.

You do have to pay a bit more for the Yeti, but it is lighter, lasts longer, has a 5-year warranty, and Yeti’s customer service is some of the best in the world in my experience.

Yeti Tundra 65

The Yeti Tundra 65 is the equivalent to the RTIC 65, but again the Yeti Tundra is better in a lot of ways.

Firstly, it is 7 lbs lighter than the arctic, which is a big win when it is full, as it gets very heavy.

Yeti claims to have “Unmatched Ice Retention” as they know that how long a cooler holds ice depends on a lot of variables, like if you use Yeti’s ice packs for example. Having used both RTIC and Yeti, my experience is that RTIC has a shorter ice life.

The Tundra is also rotomolded, has thick insulated walls, is super durable, lockable, can be tied down, is bear-proof, has non-sliding feet, and will be with you forever.

It is a bit more expensive than the RTIC but you get more for your money.

Yeti Hopper M30

The Yeti Hopper M30 is one of the best soft coolers I have ever used. Yeti used to make the soft cooler with a zipper that was both hard to open and would eventually break just like the RTIC soft pack.

Now, Yeti uses powerful magnets that close the Yeti Hopper coolers while also creating an ultra leak-resistant shield. The Yeti Hopper is super easy to open, close, and it still keeps everything cool too.

This cooler also features closed-cell foam insulation and does a great job of keeping ice. It also comes with a super durable shell that is both UV and puncture resistant.

Yeti also added webbing and clips to the outside so you can add zingers for tools, openers, and even the Yeti SideKick Dry Gear Case.

Again, this is more expensive than the RTIC version but you are getting a lot more for your money.

Yeti Rambler 30

The RTIC and Yeti tumblers are very similar but Yeti offers a bit more with their version for not much more money.

Like the RTIC, it is built with stainless steel and double-wall vacuum insulation. But, the Yeti is also dishwasher safe, doesn’t sweat on the outside, the DuraCoat paint doesn’t fade, and it has a better lid.

The lid uses magnets to hold your drink inside and you can literally turn it upside down and nothing comes out. The lid can leak a bit though if it is not properly closed, making sure it is secure / putting it on and off is easy.

The Yeti Rambler 30 does a great job of keeping drinks hot/cold, fits most cup holders, and is overall a bit better than the RTIC in my eyes.