RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 12 Can - Portable Floating Ice Chest UP

In this review the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 12 Can is recommended for anyone who needs a lightweight, portable insulated bag for day trips, poolside use, or short camping runs; the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of reliable ice retention and true floating capability. The reviewer found the cooler easy to carry and robustly built, with practical features like an adjustable shoulder strap and a zippered pocket, and concludes it performs like a high-end soft cooler for everyday outdoor needs.

Key Features

• Up to 2 days of cooling: With up to 1.5 in of closed cell foam and careful packing it locks in cold for long day trips or overnight outings.
• Floating design: The bag floats, so you can keep drinks and snacks with you at the pool or on the lake without worrying about sinking.
• Lightweight yet durable construction: Heavy-duty nylon exterior resists scuffs and makes the cooler easy to carry over varied terrain.
• RTIC EZ waterproof zipper: A purpose-built waterproof zipper prevents spills and makes the bag effectively leak-proof when closed.
• Versatile uses: Serves well as a lunch cooler, beer cooler, beach cooler or travel cooler for short trips where compact capacity matters.

Who It's For

The RTIC 12 Can cooler suits people who need a compact, reliable insulated bag for pool days, short beach visits, fishing trips, or work lunches. It is ideal for users who value portability and want a floating option so drinks stay with the person on water-based outings.

Those who need multi-day refrigeration for larger groups, or want a rigid hard-sided cooler for heavy-duty transport and greater ice capacity, should consider a larger or hard cooler instead. This 12 can size is focused on light to moderate use rather than extended camping expeditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very good ice retention for a soft cooler when packed and used with ice as recommended.
• Floats reliably, making it practical for pool and lake use.
• Lightweight construction with a durable nylon shell and convenient shoulder strap for carrying.
• 100% leak-proof design thanks to the RTIC EZ waterproof zipper.

Cons

• Some customers note mixed feedback on overall long-term durability, particularly around heavy use scenarios.
• The zipper quality has limited negative mentions, so intense daily use may reveal wear sooner than a rigid cooler.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 12 Can is a solid choice for anyone who needs a portable, floating cooler that keeps drinks cold for day trips and poolside use. It offers strong ice retention and practical features at a reasonable value, making it a smart pick for solo outings, small groups, and water activities, while those needing extreme durability or larger capacity should look to bigger models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it keep ice?
When packed using RTIC cooling tips it can keep items cold for up to 2 days in typical conditions, though performance depends on ambient heat and ice amount.

Is it truly leak-proof?
Yes, the RTIC EZ waterproof zipper is designed to prevent spills and makes the bag effectively leak-proof when closed correctly.

Can it float with contents?
The cooler is built to float and remains buoyant with typical drinks and ice, making it suitable for pool and lake use.