RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Hard Cooler
A mid-size rotomolded hard cooler sold as a lower-priced alternative to premium names in the same size class. RTIC rates ice retention at up to five days when you follow its cooling tips.
Price
$239.00 (rticoutdoors.com)
Where to buy
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Check price at Amazon (paid link)Key specs
| Exterior | 26.35 x 18.19 x 15.75 in |
|---|---|
| Interior | 18.90 x 11.42 x 10.98 in |
| Empty weight | 29.5 lb |
| Capacity | 60 cans, or 41 lb of ice (RTIC) |
| Insulation | Up to 2.8 in of closed-cell foam, freezer-style gasket (RTIC) |
| Ice retention | Up to 5 days when following RTIC's Cooling Tips (RTIC) |
| Other features | Silicone T-latches, dual-plug Rapid V-Drain, stainless bottle opener, lid cargo net, non-skid feet, lock holes |
What the maker and reviewers highlight
- About $86 less than the YETI Tundra 45 list price on this site, with a larger claimed can capacity [source]
- A Yahoo hands-on test in 100-degree heat still had ice after 48 hours of frequent lid openings, and drinks stayed cold for three full days [source]
- Dual drain plugs, a built-in bottle opener, and a lid cargo net (RTIC; also praised in the Yahoo test) [source]
Things to weigh
- Heavier empty than the YETI Tundra 45 (29.5 lb vs 24.6 lb). Yahoo notes a packed cooler can top 70 lb [source]
- Yahoo's tester flagged uneven trim, lock holes that did not line up perfectly, and foam grips that may wear [source]
Who it's for in Texas
A rotomolded truck cooler for Texas summer weekends, bait, and the drive home with meat, at a lower list price than the Tundra 45. Plan on two people to carry it when it is full.
My take: coming soon
We have not tested this one ourselves yet. If I get it in the field, my notes will go here. No rating is given.
Related reviews: YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler