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

In this review of the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can the bottom line is simple: it is an affordable, well-insulated soft cooler for day trips where portability and floatation matter most. The single biggest reason to buy is reliable ice retention in a lightweight, easy-to-carry package that also floats, making it an excellent choice for beach days, boating, and poolside use. The review covers real-world temperature hold, build quality impressions, and practical strengths and limits for everyday outdoor use.

Key Features

• Up to 24 hours of cooling: The insulated bag keeps drinks and food cool for a full day under normal use, with the potential to lock in cold for up to 2 days when following RTICs cooling tips.
• Floating cooler: The soft pack floats, so it can ride on water at the lake or pool and keep contents accessible and dry while you relax.
• Lightweight and durable shell: Heavy-duty nylon exterior makes it easy to carry across sand and docks while resisting everyday abrasion.
• Leak-proof zipper: A durable zipper and sealed construction prevent spills and keep meltwater contained inside the bag for mess-free transport.
• Thick closed-cell foam: Up to 1.5 in of foam insulation helps maintain internal cold and protects contents from heat during a long day outdoors.
• Multiple uses: Sized and shaped to serve as a lunch cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, or camping bag depending on the outing.

Who It's For

The RTIC 20 Can soft cooler is best for outdoor enthusiasts who need a portable, lightweight pack for day trips to the beach, lake, or park, and for boaters who appreciate that it floats. It fits well in small boats and car trunks and is sized to carry a lunch or a couple dozen cans plus ice without being bulky.

Shoppers who need heavy-duty long-term commercial use, or who expect years of abuse without any maintenance, may want to consider a hard cooler or higher-end alternatives; some users report mixed experiences with long-term build durability, particularly the zipper. For typical recreational use this model offers strong value.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent ice retention for day trips and often keeps contents cool up to 24 hours.
• Floats on water, which is ideal for boat and pool use.
• Lightweight, easy to transport, and looks clean and tidy for picnics and travel.
• Good value compared with premium hard coolers while offering useful features like thick foam and leak-proof zipper.

Cons

• Zipper quality has been called out by some customers as a weak point after extended use.
• Soft construction means it will not provide the extreme durability of a hard cooler for heavy-duty or industrial use.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 20 Can is a practical, affordable soft cooler for weekend adventures, beach days, and boating where flotation and portability matter. It delivers strong ice retention, a useful leak-proof design, and easy transport for the price, making it a solid choice for recreational users who want the benefits of a soft pack without paying premium prices. Consider sturdier options if you need long-term industrial durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it keep ice?
Expect up to 24 hours of cooling in normal conditions; following RTICs cooling tips can extend that to about 2 days in ideal setups.

Does this cooler float?
Yes, the soft cooler is designed to float, making it suitable for use on lakes, pools, and in boats for convenience and safety.

Is it leak-proof?
The bag uses a durable zipper and sealed construction to be 100% leak-proof in normal use, keeping meltwater contained.