RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 12 Can - Floating, Leak-Proof Cooler

Our review of the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 12 Can finds it best suited for outdoor days when portability and reliable ice retention matter most. This compact, floating cooler is geared toward beachgoers, anglers, and picnic users who need a lightweight yet rugged carry cooler that locks in cold for up to 2 days when packed according to RTICs cooling tips. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of good ice retention and a fully waterproof zipper that keeps contents dry and prevents leaks while on boats or at the pool.

Key Features

• Up to 2 days of cooling: When packed with proper ice and following RTICs cooling tips, the insulated interior keeps drinks and perishables cold for extended day trips.
• Floating design: The cooler floats, so it can be used at the pool or on calm water without sinking, keeping items accessible during water activities.
• Lightweight, durable shell: Heavy-duty nylon exterior makes the bag easy to carry while resisting abrasion from beach sand, rocks, and campsite surfaces.
• RTIC EZ waterproof zipper: A 100% leak-proof zipper prevents spills and water ingress, making it safe for use on boats or near water.
• Comfortable carry options: The cooler includes an adjustable shoulder strap and an external zippered pocket for small items and easy transport.

Who It's For

The RTIC 12-can soft cooler is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, and small-family outings where a compact ice chest is needed for drinks, lunch, or day-trip perishables. Its floating ability and leak-proof zipper make it particularly useful for pool days, lake trips, and boating where a lightweight, water-safe cooler is preferred.

Those who need very large capacity for multi-day car camping or group events should look at larger hard-sided coolers or the larger soft cooler sizes, since the 12-can size is focused on portability rather than maximum carry capacity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong ice retention for its size, keeping items cold up to 2 days when properly packed.
• Floats on water, adding convenience for pool or lake use.
• Durable nylon exterior with an adjustable strap makes it easy to carry across varied terrain.
• Waterproof RTIC EZ zipper prevents leaks and spills during transport.

Cons

• Zipper quality has mixed feedback from customers, so heavy or repeated use may reveal wear sooner than the shell.
• 12-can capacity is intentionally small and may not suit larger group needs.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 12 Can is a practical, value-minded choice for anyone needing a portable, floating cooler that keeps items cold for a full day or longer when packed correctly. It balances durability and light weight with useful features like a waterproof zipper and shoulder strap, making it a smart pick for beach, boat, and pool days-provided you accept the smaller 12-can capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the cooler keep ice?
When packed using RTICs cooling tips and with adequate ice, it can retain cold for up to 2 days for typical day-trip loads.

Is the cooler truly leak-proof?
The RTIC EZ waterproof zipper is designed to be 100% leak-proof and prevents spills when closed properly, making it suitable for boating and pool use.

Can it float with a full load?
The cooler is built to float, but buoyancy will depend on load and ice; it floats reliably for typical drink and snack loads.