Rotomolded coolers, like YETI, RTIC, and countless others, aren’t exactly cheap. So you might ask, “Why not just buy a $40 cooler at Walmart?”
But odds are, you won’t realize you really want a high-quality cooler until you’re lounging on the beach, camping, or relaxing at the cabin, and your ice-cold beer has all turned lukewarm.
High-end coolers are an investment, but that’s because they are built for durability and performance. Plus, the ice retention of rotomolded options guarantees you will always have a frosty beverage, even on a hot, sunny day.
Two of the biggest players in the market are YETI and RTIC. But with near-identical designs, understanding which is better for you can be tough.
No fear! We’ve compiled the pros and cons of each brand based on research, testing, and customer reviews. We’ll also compare a couple of the brand’s bestsellers to help you make the move to rotomolded! And if you want to shop around, take a look at GearJunkie’s roundup of Best Coolers.
YETI vs. RTIC
On the surface, the product lines from both brands look — cough, cough — similar. Both RTIC and YETI carry almost all of the same sizes of soft-sided and hard-shell rotomolded coolers.
They also have comparable features like drain systems, heavy-duty handles, anchor point molded tie-down slots, and bear-resistant certifications. However, the brands have two key differences: price and quality.
YETI offers a wider range of rugged and burly (read: overbuilt) products; its price tags reflect this. If there’s been one knock against the brand, it’s in its manufacturing. There’s a lot of speculation over how much of its products are sourced and built in the U.S. versus overseas.
On its website, YETI asserts, “Our Tundra coolers are manufactured in the USA at facilities located in Iowa and Wisconsin as well as at a facility located in the Philippines. Our Hopper coolers are manufactured in China.”
It’s still unclear where the materials originate. However, if you value U.S. manufacturing, you can contact the brand directly at (512) 394-9384 to order a cooler from American soil.
If you’re shopping for other product accessories, YETI has even more to choose from. The Austin, Texas-based brand makes seat cushions, beverage-holder attachments, ice packs, waterproof gear bags, dog bowls, and much more. It even offers a wide range of customization options.
If you’ve ever researched high-end rotomolded coolers, you’ve undoubtedly been hit with social media suggestions for RTIC coolers. The brand, which YETI sued for imitating its products, has legions of followers. Why? Well, its prices are a fraction of YETI’s.
And RTIC stakes its name almost in direct opposition to YETI with its slogan, “Overbuilt — Not Overpriced.” RTIC sells its products for around half the price of YETI — a significant difference for a seemingly similar product.
For its part, RTIC manufactures all of its products in China. Based on several online reviews, many RTIC owners rate the brand’s quality as comparable to YETI, potentially making RTIC a great option if you’re on a budget and looking for a cheaper rotomolded cooler.
Brand History
YETI
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Born in Austin, Texas, YETI has been around since 2006, when the company basically revolutionized the cooler market. Brothers Ryan and Roy Seiders, who were tired of their coolers breaking, founded YETI with quality in mind and an outdoor junkie target market, including hunters, anglers, and campers alike.
When it was founded, YETI commanded the high-quality, durable cooler market and boasted the longest ice retention. Priced at $200, its rotomolded coolers were significantly more expensive than the $40-50 coolers then on the market. However, consumers soon realized that the premium price bought them a long-lasting premium product, and the company took off.
Since then, YETI has cultivated a loyal, passionate following. It’s grown from its country boy roots to a publicly traded, billion-dollar leviathan. Many of its products end up in our guides to the Best Coolers, Best Backpack Coolers, and Best Soft-Sided Coolers.
RTIC
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Rotomolded Hard Cooler Comparison
YETI Roadie 24 vs. RTIC 22
YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
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Specs:
- Capacity: 18 cans / 24 lbs. of ice
- Weight: 12.8 lbs.
- Drain plug: No
RTIC 20
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Specs:
- Capacity: 24 cans / 25 lbs. of ice
- Weight: 17.5 lbs.
- Drain plug: Yes
YETI 65 vs. RTIC 65
YETI Tundra 65 Hard Cooler
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Specs:
- Capacity: 42 cans / 52 lbs. of ice
- Weight: 29 lbs.
- Warranty: 5 years
RTIC 65
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Specs:
- Capacity: 64 cans / 75 lbs. of ice
- Weight: 36.5 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year
Soft Cooler Comparison
YETI Hopper M30 vs. RTIC Soft Pack 30
YETI Hopper M30
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Specs:
- Capacity: 20 cans / 28 lbs. of ice
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Closure: Leakproof magnet
RTIC Soft Pack 30
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Specs:
- Capacity: 30 cans / 30 lbs. of ice
- Weight: 4 lbs.
- Closure: Waterproof zipper
Frequently Asked Questions
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