RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can - Lightweight Floating Cooler

In this review of the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, well-built insulated bag for day trips and beach outings that prioritizes portability and reliable cold retention. The cooler is aimed at people who need a lightweight, durable pack-style ice chest for short trips and everyday use, and its biggest selling point is that it combines up to 2 days of cooling potential with a floatable design and a tough nylon exterior, making it easy to carry and use around water without worrying about leaks.

Key Features

• Up to 2 days of cooling: When used following RTICs cooling tips the insulated construction and closed cell foam help keep food and drinks cold for extended outings.
• Floating cooler: The bag will float, so beverages and snacks can stay on the water during pool or lake use without immediate risk of sinking.
• Lightweight and durable exterior: Heavy-duty nylon makes the cooler tough enough to handle beach sand, campsites, and car trunks while remaining easy to carry.
• Multiple uses: Sized and shaped to serve as a lunch cooler, beer cooler, travel cooler, or small camping cooler for day trips and picnics.
• Thick insulation: Up to 1.5 in of closed cell foam provides meaningful insulation to slow ice melt and keep contents cold longer.
• Waterproof zipper: The RTIC EZ waterproof zipper is designed to prevent spills and provide a leak-proof closure for wet environments.

Who It's For

The RTIC 20 can soft cooler is best for users who want a portable cooler for daily use, beach days, boating and short camping trips; it fits small grocer runs, packed lunches, or a round of drinks for a few people. Parents, anglers, and casual campers will appreciate that it floats and is light enough to carry long distances without sacrificing durability.

It is not intended as a replacement for a full-size hard cooler on week-long trips or for extended ice retention beyond manufacturer guidance; buyers who need multi-day ice retention under heavy use or who need to store large volumes of frozen food should consider larger insulated chests instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid insulation with up to 2 days of cooling potential when packed properly.
• Floats on water, which is convenient for pool and lake activities.
• Durable nylon exterior and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and resistant to wear.
• RTIC EZ waterproof zipper helps prevent leaks and spills in wet environments.

Cons

• Ice retention reports are mixed in real use; some users find it does not keep ice as long as expected under heavy use.
• The zipper has been called out by some customers for less-than-perfect long-term reliability compared with the rest of the build.

Specifications

Brand	RTIC
Capacity	20 can
Insulation thickness	Up to 1.5 in closed cell foam
Primary uses	Lunch, beach, travel, camping, picnic, drinks
Leak protection	RTIC EZ waterproof zipper (leak-proof)
Floatable	Yes

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can is a smart buy for anyone needing a versatile, portable cooler for day trips, beach time, and casual outdoor use; it delivers solid insulation, a rugged yet light build, and the convenience of a floating, leak-resistant bag at a reasonable value. For short outings where portability and durability matter most it is a dependable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will this cooler keep ice?
When packed using RTICs cooling tips it can lock in cold for up to 2 days, though real-world retention varies with ambient temperature and usage.

Is the cooler leak-proof?
Yes, the RTIC EZ waterproof zipper is designed to prevent spills and provide a leak-proof closure.

Can it float on water?
Yes, the design allows the cooler to float, making it useful for pool and lake use.