Bottom Line
The RTIC Ultralight 52 challenges the idea of high-capacity coolers with its remarkably lightweight design. It’s a cooler that you can easily carry alone, while still offering plenty of space for everything you need to keep cold. By using injection-molded insulation instead of the typical rotomolded technique found in larger coolers, the RTIC reduces weight. It’s nearly 10 pounds lighter than similar-sized coolers, and thanks to its compact shape and lighter frame, carrying the Ultralight 52—even when fully loaded—is simple.
We tested the RTIC during warm spring days in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada. Filling it with perishable snacks and cold drinks, we appreciated how little strain the Ultralight 52 put on our bodies as we carried it over rocky trails on sunny days outside.
The RTIC’s insulation is one of its weaker points. However, with seven days of ice retention, the Ultralight 52 still works well for a long weekend. Its ability to keep cold might not match similar rotomolded options, but the RTIC stands out by offering plenty of storage while being much lighter than other coolers. Besides being easy to carry, the RTIC is also more budget-friendly and costs less than other high-volume coolers. See how it compares to our other picks in our complete guide to the best coolers.
How We Tested
CleverHiker has tested coolers for years. In this update, we brought some to California’s Eastern Sierra, where spring sun and warm temps tested ice retention and temperature control. We tracked ice melt, measured internal temps, and used the coolers in hot vehicles, high-elevation bouldering, and varied terrain from rocky deserts to marshy riversides to evaluate durability, portability, and ease of use.
Quick Specs
RTIC Ultralight 52
Lightest Weight High Volume Cooler
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $230
Empty Weight: 21 lb.
Volume: 49 qt.
Sizes: 22, 32, 52 qt. / 52 and 72 qt. with wheels
Pros
- Very lightweight for size
- Affordable
- Durable design
Cons
- Not rotomolded
- Doesn’t retain ice as long as others
Insulation
Though they’re known for being some of the best insulators, rotomolded coolers are notoriously heavy. To keep the Ultralight 52 as light as possible, RTIC chooses an injection-molded style. The cooler is filled with 3 inches of closed-cell foam, which blocks air from passing through the insulation and traps cold temperatures. An O-ring gasket lines the cooler’s lid, creating a tight seal that helps maintain temperature control.
We filled the RTIC with ice and checked it multiple times a day to test its insulating ability. We found the Ultralight 52 kept ice for seven days and took eight days to reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 10 days to reach 50 degrees.
It might not hold the record for keeping things cold, but the RTIC’s week-long cold retention is an impressive feat for a non-rotomolded option, demonstrating its usefulness beyond just a single day.
Durability
Made with high-quality materials, the RTIC Ultralight is designed for outdoor use and to withstand harsher conditions. The main material for construction is a durable plastic that resists punctures, cracks, and more serious damage. We dropped the cooler from standing height and dragged it over various surfaces to test its durability.
The RTIC emerged with only minor scuffs. The tough shell used for both the exterior and interior of the cooler not only endures rough handling but is also easy to rinse off and clean, helping to extend its lifespan.
The bottom of the RTIC also has non-skid rubber feet that keep the cooler steady and stop it from sliding around. We found this really useful when traveling with it on the floor of our van over washboard roads. Even with all the bumps, the cooler stayed in place and didn’t bump into the other items in the back of the vehicle.
The RTIC Ultralight 52 is a durable option with design features and materials built to last for years. It’s rugged enough for outdoor use, and its sturdy construction can handle tougher environments.
Volume
When it comes to volume, the RTIC Ultralight 52 isn’t the biggest option out there, but it offers a mid-range space that’s large enough to hold everything you’ll need for a few days. We packed the RTIC with a variety of perishable supplies and cold drinks and found the cooler had enough storage to handle a long weekend trip.
The RTIC can hold up to 76 cans, and its compact rectangular design is tall enough to fit an upright bottle of wine or a 2-liter bottle. Although the Ultralight is marketed as a 52-quart cooler, the inches of insulation lining the cooler’s body reduce its internal space, making its actual capacity closer to 49 quarts.
Though insulation reduces its overall size, the RTIC Ultralight 52 is easy to pack. It may not be the largest cooler we reviewed, but it performs well as a mid-size option with enough space to meet the needs of a few people or a weekend’s worth of travel.
Ergonomics & Portability
The main feature of the RTIC Ultralight 52 is its remarkably light weight. High-capacity coolers are usually heavy, but the Ultralight stands out by reducing weight while offering a larger capacity. The RTIC weighs less than other similarly sized coolers we tested, and we found it easy to carry alone. Its more compact rectangular shape favors height over length, making it easier to grip and carry from one place to another.
Molded side handles are integrated into the cooler’s body, but it also features sturdy woven handles that provide a more flexible carrying option. We found the rubber grips on the rope handles less comfortable for extended use, but having both handle options combined with the RTIC’s lightweight design makes the cooler highly portable.
The Ultralight 52 features stretchy, rubber T-shaped latches that are easy to undo while still keeping the lid secure and tightly sealed. Another useful design feature we found was the dual drain ports, one large and one small, both with attachment cords and sloped drainages for efficient water removal.
Features
RTIC offers a variety of customization options for the Ultralight 52. The cooler is available in several colors and comes in 22 and 32 quart sizes, along with 52 and 72 quart models with wheels. For organization, RTIC also sells a basket for dry goods and a divider, both specifically designed for use with the Ultralight.
The RTIC features a locking system that allows the cooler to be secured with a padlock and has built-in tie-down slots for mounting the cooler to a boat, trailer, or truck bed for safe transport. With these integrated features and the ability to customize it to your specific needs, the RTIC is one of the most versatile coolers available.
Should You Buy the RTIC Ultralight 52?
A fully loaded cooler can be a strain to carry. If you’re looking for an option that won’t break your back, the RTIC Ultralight 52 keeps weight low without sacrificing storage space. Its moderate size offers plenty of room for all the food and drinks needed for several people or a long weekend trip. Its dependable week-long cold retention and sturdy build make the RTIC a great companion for your next camping adventure.
Unlike some of RTIC’s other cooler options, the Ultralight 52 is not rotomolded. When it comes to insulation, it doesn’t quite match these alternatives. For those willing to add a few pounds for better temperature control, a rotomolded cooler might be a better choice than the RTIC Ultralight. The Ultralight 52 is ideal for those who want a cooler that’s lightweight and portable, easy to move and transport, yet still large enough to hold everything needed.
The Ultralight 52 is extremely affordable given the value it offers. It’s well-designed, durable, and versatile enough for various settings, from casual use to more rugged outdoor conditions. Its lightweight design makes it a portable choice that delivers quality at a reasonable price.
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
For a full list of recommendations, check out our guide to the best coolers.
YETI Roadie 48 Review: If you’re looking for another highly portable option, wheels elevate the YETI Roadie 48 to a class of its own. Its heavy-duty and puncture-resistant tires provide exceptional and easy maneuverability across all types of terrain and distances. With a capacity only slightly smaller than that of the RTIC, the Roadie offers a spacious fit for all your food and beverage needs, while delivering up to a week and a half of reliable temperature control.
XSpec 60 QT Review: Comparable in price to the RTIC Ultralight, the XSpec features rotomolded insulation that keeps items cold for over ten days. Slightly larger than the RTIC, its increased volume provides extra space for longer trips. While the XSpec isn’t as lightweight, its rugged design is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions.
Coleman Steel Belted Cooler Review: A throwback to Coleman’s coolers from the 1950s, the Steel Belted cooler blends vintage charm with portable practicality. Slightly larger than the RTIC by a few quarts, the Coleman maximizes internal storage, offering ample space for food and drinks and fitting mid-sized groups perfectly. Its compact shape and light weight make it especially easy to carry. Though less rugged, it’s priced comparably to the RTIC and makes a great choice if you want to add a touch of retro style to your next outing.
