Are you in the market for a new cooler? If so, you may be weighing your options between Yeti and Rtic. Wondering which cooler is right for you and your needs. Both Rtic and Yeti coolers have become very popular in recent years, and for good reason! They offer quality construction and a variety of colors and sizes. Let’s put Yeti and Rtic head to head. We’ll take a closer look at the Rtic 45 quart cooler, 52 quart Ultra Light cooler, and Backpack cooler; and, we’ll compare them to the Yeti versions to help you decide which one is best for you!
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Rtic 45 Quart Hard Cooler
Rtic coolers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, which makes them extremely durable. They also have a thick insulation that keeps ice frozen for days. The Rtic 45 quart cooler can hold up to 36 cans of beer or soda, 40lbs of ice, and you can purchase a dry storage basket that is perfect for holding snacks or other items. This midsize cooler makes a perfect multi-purpose cooler. The 45 is small enough to carry on your own but large enough to hold beverages for the entire party. The Rtic 45 quart cooler is available in white, tan, blue, seafoam green and gray. This cooler retails for much less than the 45 qt. Yeti version, costing only $219.99.
Yeti Tundra® 45 Quart Hard Cooler
The Yeti 45 quart hard cooler is very similar to the Rtic 45. It too is made of rotomolded polyethylene and has thick insulation. The Yeti can hold 36 cans, 40lbs of ice, and includes a dry storage basket. The Tundra 45 also comes in a variety of colors from purple to yellow, and you can even customize the design. However, the main difference between these two coolers is the price. The Yeti 45 retails for $325.00, which is significantly more than the Rtic cooler.
Rtic 52 Quart Light Weight Cooler
The Rtic 52 quart light weight cooler is perfect for those who are looking for a bigger cooler but don’t want to sacrifice portability. This cooler weighs in at only 21lbs, which is about 30% less than the weight of a standard 52 quart cooler. The Rtic 52 Ultra Light can hold 64 cans, 40lbs of ice, and includes a dry storage basket. This light weight cooler is engineered to deliver the ice keeping retention performance you’ve come to expect from RTIC, but without the weight, perfect for any adventure. The 52 qt. Ultra Light cooler is available in two toned white and gray and white and blue, and it retails for $199.99.
TUNDRA HAUL® HARD COOLER
The Tundra Haul is Yeti’s answer to the Rtic 52 Ultra Light. This hard cooler is also on the lighter side, weighing in at 36lbs. The Tundra Haul can hold 45 cans and 55lbs of ice and features two wheels making it easy to transport for any need from camping to tailgating. The Tundra Haul comes in five different colors and retails for $400.00
BACKPACK COOLER
The Rtic backpack cooler is perfect for those who are looking for a portable cooler. The backpack cooler comes in two sizes, the 20 can and 30 can size, and can hold a bag of ice. It is compact, features a durable zipper, and is 100% waterproof. It can even float on the water! This backpack has adjustable straps and carrying straps on the top and sides, so you can wear it like a backpack or carry it like a cooler. The backpack cooler is available in five different colors and retails starting at $159.99
Yeti HOPPER® M20 BACKPACK SOFT COOLER
The Yeti Hopper M20 backpack soft cooler is very similar to the Rtic backpack cooler. It too is compact and can hold a bag of ice. This backpack cooler is made with ultra-durable fabric that can withstand punctures and UV rays; and, the interior and exterior are treated to be mildew resistant. The Hopper M20 also has adjustable straps and carrying handles on the top and sides. Using a 2:1 ice to cans ratio, this backpack cooler can carry 18 regular sized cans. The Hopper M20 backpack soft cooler is available in six colors and retails for $325.00.
Yeti vs. Rtic: Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a high-quality cooler that will keep your food and drinks cold for days, then either the Yeti or Rtic coolers would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, then the Rtic cooler is the way to go. Yeti coolers are also a great choice if you are looking for a cooler with more features, such as wheels, color varieties, or customization options. No matter which cooler you choose, you can’t go wrong with either!
