RTIC vs Yeti Coolers: Best Selling Models Reviewed

RTIC vs Yeti CoolersOver the years, YETI has managed to establish itself as a leader in the cooler industry. The company knows how to make great coolers and consumers almost always get their money’s worth.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you should definitely check out the offerings from RTIC. This company might not receive the same amount of hype as YETI, but they still make some great products.

In fact, they are easily comparable to YETI. If you’re going camping, you’ll definitely want to check out the RTIC 20, 45 and 65 models. Then, you’ll want to compare them to the YETI Tundra 20, 45 and 65 models.

Which ones are the best? You can find out below.

Contents

RTIC 20 Cooler vs. YETI Roadie 20 Cooler

Are you trying to decide between the RTIC 20 And YETI Roadie 20 coolers? This is an issue that many consumers have, so hopefully this comparison of both coolers will help you finalize your decision. The first thing you will notice is the price differences. The RTIC Cooler is actually a little more expensive than the YETI Roadie 20. If this has not helped you make up your mind, then continue reading this comparison.

Model
RTIC 20
YETI Roadie 20
Image
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, White
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler White
Storage volume
24 cans
14 cans
Handle
Single (top)
Single (top)
Weight
20.6 pounds
16 pounds
Model
RTIC 20
Image
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, White
Storage volume
24 cans
Handle
Single (top)
Weight
20.6 pounds
Model
YETI Roadie 20
Image
YETI Roadie 20 Cooler White
Storage volume
14 cans
Handle
Single (top)
Weight
16 pounds

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Roto Molded Construction
Both the RTIC 20 and YETI Roadie 20 have a roto molded construction to ensure durability and longevity. Both manufacturers claim that their cooler is so durable that a bear can ravage it without doing any damage. This durability is contributed to the YETI’s FlatWall design, RTIC does not contribute this capability to anything.

Insulated Walls
To keep the ice frozen for longer periods of time, both coolers have insulated walls. In fact, the walls of both coolers are three inches thick. YETI claims to have utilized a PermaFrost insulation for its Roadie 20.

Dimensions
The inside dimensions of the YETI Roadie 20 are 10-inch X 13-inch X 8-3/8-inch and outside dimensions are 14-3/8-inch X 19-inch X 13-3/4 inch. The outside dimensions of the RTIC 20 is approximately 20.6-inch X 16.1-inch X 14.8-inch.

Side Drain
Both coolers are integrated with a side drain plug. This allows for quick release of water without actually needing to lift and tilt the coolers to the side.

No Sweat Exterior
RTIC claims that its cooler is designed to prevent exterior sweating. This design will ensure the integrity of the color, while keeping the exterior dry and clean.

Handle
Both coolers have very similar handles. Both handles have a center cushioning to provide comfort when they are filled. The rubber latches and latch moldings are also very similar. This design ensures a secure fit at all times. In addition to this, both coolers utilize a lid gasket to keep interior compartments cold.

Which Is Best
It is hard to determine which of these coolers is the best. If you read customer reviews, most are pretty satisfied with both coolers, with a few negative reviews for both. The only way to determine which cooler is best is to personally test them out. However, if you are looking to save a few dollars and not receive a dry food basket, then you should go with the RTIC 20. Both coolers are designed in the same manner, with many of the same features.

Click here for the latest YETI 20 price

See also  Grizzly Coolers vs Yeti: Best Selling Models Reviewed

 

More info: In this article, we take a look at how YETI Roadie 20 compares with the YETI Tundra 35.


YETI Tundra 45 vs. RTIC Cooler 45

Are you going to be travelling with three or four individuals? If so, you should definitely check out a 45 quart cooler. The good news is that YETI and RTIC both make a cooler in this size. This gives you a little room to play with. So, which one is the best?

Model
YETI Tundra 45
RTIC 45
Image
Yeti Tundra 45 Quart Cooler - Ice Blue
RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
Capacity
26 beer cans
36 beer cans
Handle
2 handles (side)
2 handles (side)
Weight
23 pounds
25 pounds
Model
YETI Tundra 45
Image
Yeti Tundra 45 Quart Cooler - Ice Blue
Capacity
26 beer cans
Handle
2 handles (side)
Weight
23 pounds
Model
RTIC 45
Image
RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
Capacity
36 beer cans
Handle
2 handles (side)
Weight
25 pounds

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Colors
First and foremost, you should look at the colors available. If you’re a picky individual and want a specific color, you’re definitely going to have to choose the YETI. The Tundra 45 is available in many different colors. The RTIC Cooler is not. With the latter, your options are really limited.

Dimensions
The dimensions of both coolers are pretty similar. The RTIC measures in at 15.5 by 26.5 by 16.5 inches. The YETI is 25 1/2, by 16 by 15 ½. If you can fit one in your vehicle, you’ll be able to fit the other one as well.

Weight
The weight is also pretty close. However, the RTIC is slightly heavier. It weighs approximately 25 pounds when empty. When the YETI Tundra 45 is empty, it will weight 22 pounds. This isn’t too much of a difference, but the YETI is lighter. Either way, both coolers are going to be fairly heavy when they’re loaded with ice and food.

The Basket
Fans of YETI absolutely love the basket that is included. You’re not going to get this with the RTIC. You can purchase it separately, but that is going to send the price tag higher. With that being said, if you feel that the basket is a must, you’ll definitely want to stick with YETI.

Bear Resistant
When camping, you’ll want to make sure that animals are not able to get into your cooler. This is why you need a unit that is bear resistant. Thankfully, both of these coolers are. As smart as Yogi Bear might have been, he wouldn’t be able to get into either of these cools.

Which Is Best?
At the end of the day, there are very few differences between these two coolers. The biggest differences are the basket and the weight. The basket is cool and it comes with the YETI. If you buy the RTIC, you’ll need to buy it separately. Also, the RTIC is slightly heavier.

Click here for the latest YETI 45 price

 


YETI Tundra 65 vs. RTIC Cooler 65

When you look at both coolers, you’re going to see that they’re almost identical. They might look the same, but they’re much different than you could ever imagine. The prices are almost the same too. Which one is going to be best for travelling groups?

Model
YETI Tundra 65
RTIC 65
Image
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White
RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
Capacity
42 beer cans
64 beer cans
Handle
2 handles (side)
2 handles (side)
Weight
29 pounds
37 pounds
Model
YETI Tundra 65
Image
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, White
Capacity
42 beer cans
Handle
2 handles (side)
Weight
29 pounds
Model
RTIC 65
Image
RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
Capacity
64 beer cans
Handle
2 handles (side)
Weight
37 pounds

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Capacity
First and foremost, you should know that both of these coolers have the same capacity. They can both hold 65 quarts of ice, food and cans. They’re both going to be great for families or groups who will be travelling together.

Weight
Before going any further, you’ll want to learn a little more about the weight of both coolers. Otherwise, you might buy one that is too heavy and it’ll wind up hurting your back. If you’re looking for a lighter cooler, you’ll definitely want to go with the YETI. After all, it weighs just 27 pounds. The RTIC Cooler 65 is much heavier at 37.5 pounds. Either way, both coolers are fairly heavy and you might need two people to lift them whenever you fill them up.

Bear Resistant
When you’re out there in the wilderness, you just never know what you’re going to encounter. You could run into all types of wildlife. In fact, a bear encounter shouldn’t surprise you. The good news is that both of these coolers are capable of resisting bears. The bears will not be able to get either cooler open.

The Basket
One key difference is the basket provided with the YETI cooler. The basket rests on top of the cooler when it is open. It is very beneficial for holding foods that should not be wet, such as sandwiches. The RTIC doesn’t offer anything like this.

Rotomolded Construction
If you’re looking for a cooler that is going to withstand the test of time, you’ll definitely want to choose one that features a rotomolded construction. The good news is that you’re not going to lose here. Both feature this type of construction.

Dimensions
To ensure that your new cooler will fit into the back of your vehicle, you need to know the dimensions. The Tundra 65 will measure in at 30 ½ in length by 17 3/8 in width and 16 inches in height. The RTIC 65 measures in at 32.5 by 19.5 by 18 inches. They’re similar in size and they hold pretty much the same quantity of items.

Which Is Best?
Both of these coolers are almost identical. They can hold pretty much the same amount. They have similar insulation. However, there is one minor difference. The RTIC cooler is significantly heavier. This won’t be a problem for some consumers. However, it will cause problems for older individuals and those travelling alone. If you want a lighter cooler, you’ve got to go with the YETI. Otherwise, you should be fine with either one.

Click here for the latest YETI 65 price

 


Common Features

Common Features Of RTIC Coolers
All RTIC coolers are equipped with silicone t-latches. They’re also bear resistant. The company’s coolers are made with rotomolding technology and they feature 2 to 3 inches of commercial grade insulation. These coolers feature freezer grade gaskets and molded tie-down slots too. Most of their coolers feature a rapid drain system too. Suffice to say, you can already see that they’re fairly similar to YETI coolers.

Common Features Of YETI Coolers
Again, YETI coolers are pretty similar to RTIC coolers. Like the RTIC coolers, YETI ones will feature a rotomolded construction too. They also have permafrost insulation to keep the ice cold for as long as possible. YETI coolers have an easy drain system that works exceptionally well. They’re bear resistant as well.


Further Information

We have produced a number of articles compared the leading cooler brands. These are: