RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can - Floating, Leak-Proof Cooler

Our review of the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can finds it best suited for day trips, beach afternoons and short camping outings where portability and reliable ice retention matter most. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of thick closed-cell foam insulation and a secure zipper that keeps contents cold for up to 24 hours under normal use, with the potential to lock in cold for up to 2 days when you follow RTICs cooling tips. It is lightweight, floats, and fits neatly into a packed car or boat without being bulky.

Key Features

• Up to 24 hours cooling: The insulated soft pack keeps food and drinks cold for a full day and can retain cold longer when packed with recommended ice and techniques.
• Floating design: Because the bag floats it is an excellent companion for lake or pool days where you want drinks and snacks to stay with you on the water.
• Lightweight and durable shell: A heavy-duty nylon exterior makes the soft cooler easy to carry across varied terrain while resisting abrasion.
• Leak-proof zipper: The durable zipper closure creates a 100% leak-proof seal to prevent spills and soggy contents during transport.
• Generous insulation thickness: With up to 1.5 in of closed-cell foam the cooler locks in cold and slows ice melt compared with thin soft coolers.

Who It's For

The RTIC 20 can soft cooler is ideal for beachgoers, boaters and picnic users who need a portable, floating solution that holds a couple dozen cans or equivalent food. Its light weight and compact footprint suit solo travelers or small groups who want a reliable day cooler that fits under seats or alongside other gear.

It is less appropriate for multi-day backcountry treks where rigid, high-capacity coolers or longer-lasting hard coolers are required, and users who expect decades of maintenance-free service should note mixed reports about long-term zipper durability and occasional wear on seams.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent ice retention for day use thanks to thick closed-cell foam and tight construction.
• Floats on water, making it great for lake or pool outings where you want your cooler to stay with you.
• Lightweight and compact, easy to carry and store in a car or on a boat.
• Leak-proof zipper reduces spills and keeps interior dry when closed properly.

Cons

• Zipper quality has mixed feedback from owners, so heavy repeated use may show wear over several years.
• Not designed as a multi-day ice chest for extended trips without following specific cooling best practices.

Specifications

Brand	RTIC
Capacity	20 can (soft pack)
Cooling time	Up to 24 hours; up to 2 days with RTIC cooling tips
Insulation	Up to 1.5 in closed-cell foam
Leak protection	Durable zipper provides 100% leak-proof seal
Floatable	Yes, floats for pool and lake use
Shell material	Heavy-duty nylon exterior

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can is a practical, well-insulated day cooler that offers strong value for beachgoers, boat owners and anyone needing a portable, floating container for drinks and lunch. It balances weight, durability and ice retention effectively; buyers wanting a simple, reliable day cooler will find it hard to beat, though those who need multi-day performance or worry about long-term zipper life should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will this cooler keep ice?
The bag keeps items cold for up to 24 hours in typical use and can approach 2 days when packed with RTICs recommended cooling tips and sufficient ice.

Does it really float with contents inside?
Yes, the design allows the cooler to float, which is useful for pool and lake use when not overloaded with heavy ice and gear.

Is the cooler leak-proof?
The durable zipper is designed to create a 100% leak-proof seal to prevent spills when closed properly.