RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 50 Can - Durable Floating Cooler

Our review of the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 50 Can finds it best suited for families and small groups who need a rugged, portable solution for day trips and water outings. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of lightweight construction and reliable insulation: with up to 1.5 in of closed cell foam and RTICs Cooling Tips followed, it can lock in cold for up to 2 days, making it a practical choice for beach days, picnics, and short camping trips. The floating design and waterproof zipper also make it especially useful around pools and lakes.

Key Features

• Up to 2 days of cooling: The insulated shell and 1.5 in of closed cell foam help retain cold for extended outings when packed according to the brand's cooling tips.
• Floating cooler: The bag floats, so beverages and snacks stay accessible during lake or pool days without immediate risk of sinking.
• Lightweight yet durable exterior: A heavy-duty nylon outer layer keeps the cooler tough on trails and beaches while remaining easy to carry.
• Leak-proof zipper: The RTIC EZ waterproof zipper prevents spills, making the interior safe from external splashes and helping contain melted ice.
• Multiple uses: Sized to hold up to 50 cans, it serves as a lunch cooler, beer cooler, travel cooler, or beach bag for varied activities.

Who It's For

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 50 Can is ideal for families or groups who need a robust, portable cooler that stands up to outdoor use and water-based activities. It works well for picnics, a day at the beach or lake, car trips, and campsite cooking where moderate ice retention and easy transport matter.

Those who regularly need multi-day cold storage in extreme conditions or require military-grade longevity for daily heavy use should consider hard-sided coolers or larger insulated chests instead. Also, buyers who prioritize a zipper that never needs attention may want to inspect the seam and zipper after purchase since some users have mixed feedback on long-term zipper durability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stays cold for extended periods when packed correctly thanks to substantial closed cell foam insulation.
• Floats, making it a strong option for pool and lake use where gear may get wet.
• Lightweight construction and heavy-duty nylon exterior balance portability with ruggedness.
• Reliable leak protection from the RTIC EZ waterproof zipper helps prevent messes.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed long-term durability, including concerns about the bottom separating under heavy use.
• Ice retention varies with packing and ambient temperature; it may not match rigid, high-performance coolers for multi-day trips.

Specifications

Brand	RTIC
Capacity	50 can
Insulation	Up to 1.5 in closed cell foam
Leak protection	RTIC EZ waterproof zipper
Exterior	Heavy-duty nylon
Floating	Yes

Our Verdict

The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 50 Can is a solid value for outdoor families and casual campers who want a portable, floating cooler that keeps drinks cold for short to moderate trips. Its combination of foam insulation, waterproof zipper, and rugged nylon exterior makes it a versatile choice for beach and lake days, though those needing extreme multi-day ice retention or absolute long-term zipper durability may prefer a hard cooler.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it keep ice?
When packed using the manufacturer cooling tips, the cooler can lock in cold for up to 2 days, though real-world results vary with outside temperature and packing technique.

Does the cooler float with a full load?
Yes, the design is intended to float, making it suitable for use on lakes and pools, though floatation will depend on how heavily it is loaded.

Is the cooler leak-proof?
The RTIC EZ waterproof zipper and sealed interior make the cooler 100% leak-proof in normal use, helping contain melted ice and prevent spills.