RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can - Durable Insulated Bag

In this review the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can is examined as a daily-use insulated bag for outings, lunches, and short trips; the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of lightweight construction and reliable insulation that keeps food and drinks cool for up to 2 days when used with proper cooling technique. The reviewer tested the bag for beach days and short camping outings and found it balances portability with ruggedness, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants a tough, floating soft cooler that still packs down easily.

Key Features

• Up to 2 days cooling: With up to 1.5 in of closed cell foam the cooler locks in cold when you follow RTICs cooling tips, making it useful for weekend day trips.
• Floating design: The bag floats on water so snacks and beverages stay with you at the pool or lake without sinking or needing extra support.
• Lightweight and durable exterior: Heavy-duty nylon keeps the cooler abrasion resistant while remaining light enough to carry on hikes or to the beach.
• 100% leak-proof zipper: The RTIC EZ waterproof zipper reduces spills and prevents leaks when the bag is properly closed and positioned upright.
• Multiple uses: The 20-can size works as a lunch cooler, drink cooler, or small trip cooler and fits common uses like beach days, picnics, and car travel.

Who It's For

The RTIC Ultra-Tough 20 Can is best for active people who need a portable, tough soft cooler for day outings: beachgoers, picnickers, anglers at the lake, and commuters who want a reliable lunch cooler. Its floating ability and lightweight nylon shell make it especially convenient for poolside and boat use where gear may get wet.

Shoppers who need multi-day refrigeration for longer camping trips or large groups should look at larger hard-sided coolers or higher-capacity soft coolers; additionally, customers who place extreme demands on zipper hardware may want to inspect the closure in person, since some feedback mentions zipper quality as a consideration.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stays lightweight while offering solid insulation for short trips, useful for everyday use.
• Floats on water, handy for lake and pool activities where you want your cooler to stay at hand.
• Durable nylon exterior resists wear on rough terrain and easy to carry to beaches and parks.
• Waterproof zipper design prevents spills when properly sealed, adding confidence with liquids.

Cons

• Ice retention gets mixed feedback; some users report shorter cold times depending on conditions and packing, so expectations should be realistic.
• Occasional customer comments point to zipper durability as an area to check for heavy daily use.

Specifications

Brand	RTIC
Model capacity	20 can
Insulation thickness	Up to 1.5 in closed cell foam
Leak protection	RTIC EZ waterproof zipper (leak-proof when closed)
Exterior	Heavy-duty nylon
Float feature	Floats on water

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can is a well-rounded, value-minded insulated bag for day trips, beach sessions, and packed lunches; its lightweight yet rugged build, floating ability, and waterproof zipper make it especially useful for outdoor water activities. Buyers who want dependable short-term cold retention and portability will find it a sensible choice, though those needing extended multi-day ice retention or heavy-duty zipper performance may prefer larger or different designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it keep ice?
With correct packing and following RTICs cooling tips it can lock in cold for up to 2 days, but actual ice retention varies with ambient temperature and how often the bag is opened.

Is the cooler leak-proof?
The RTIC EZ waterproof zipper is designed to prevent leaks when the bag is sealed and carried upright, making spills far less likely in normal use.

Can it float with contents?
Yes, the soft cooler is constructed to float, so it will stay on the water surface when not overloaded and used as intended.