Bottom Line
When a big ice chest is overkill but your adventures still require something rugged, the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro is well suited for smaller-scale cold storage on and off the water. This soft-sided cooler provides plenty of space for one to two people on short trips and is capable of keeping ice frozen for several days.
Already big fans of the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler, we loved the Pro’s tougher, more refined construction. The cooler is completely waterproof, from the burly exterior to the zippered opening. Waterproof zippers are often tricky to use, but the Ultra-Tough Pro’s zipper operates smoothly while creating a tight, reliable seal. The cooler also floats, making it an excellent choice for water-based activities like kayaking or paddle boarding.
While testing the cooler in hot desert conditions in eastern California, the RTIC retained ice for three days and maintained food-safe temperatures for four. Although not as effective as hard-sided coolers, the Ultra-Tough Pro was impressive compared to other soft-sided competitors.
The Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro isn’t ideal for multi-day trips, but its reasonable price and quality design make it one of the best soft-sided coolers available. You can see how it stacks up to other favorites in our gear guide to the best coolers.
How We Tested
We brought the Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro along with us while fishing, bouldering, and exploring high-desert and alpine environments in California’s Eastern Sierra. To assess the cooler’s insulating capabilities, we exposed it to warm spring weather, monitoring ice melt and internal temperature. We also performed drop tests and dunk tests to gauge the cooler’s durability and leakproofing.
Quick Specs
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro 30 Can
Standout Soft Cooler
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $149
Empty Weight: 5 lb.
Volume: 20 qt.
Sizes: 20, 30 cans
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easily portable with multiple carry options
- Floats
- Durable
Cons
- Insulation eats into interior space
- Smaller capacity is best for one to two people
Insulation
Soft coolers typically don’t insulate as well as hard-sided models. Though the Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro succumbs to this weakness, its multi-day ice retention gives it an edge over some soft-sided competitors.
We tested the RTIC’s insulation by filling it with ice and leaving it outdoors, frequently measuring ice melt and noting its internal temperature. Enduring a mix of sun and shade in temperatures from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, the RTIC managed to keep ice for three days, with the last cubes finally melting by day four. The internal temperature hit 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit – the maximum point for safe food storage and the ideal temperature for chilled beverages, respectively – by the end of day four.
Many soft coolers are best reserved for day trips, but the Ultra-Tough Pro’s ability to keep ice frozen for multiple days makes it suitable for weekend outings. For insulation, RTIC opted for up to 2 inches closed-cell foam throughout. The waterproof body and zipper help the interior stay cold, even once ice has melted.
RTIC also incorporated a smart design feature they call their Cold Lock Press Lid. By adding an extra layer of foam to the lid, it presses into the body cavity and seals it, saving you from having to use the zipper every time you need to access the interior. This clever feature keeps cold air trapped inside the cooler while still allowing for quick access.
Durability
As its name suggests, the RTIC Ultra-Tough Pro is built to handle rugged outdoor use. The coated exterior is impressively tear- and puncture-resistant. We subjected the cooler to a series of tests to assess its structural integrity, dropping it onto surfaces ranging from concrete to grass and gravel. It suffered no scratches or dings, holding up flawlessly to our abuse.
The RTIC’s construction relies on welded seams, which we’ve found less reliable than reinforced stitching over the long term. However, unlike the exposed seams on the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Pack, the Pro covers many of the seams and attachment points with another layer of fabric. This better protects the seams from wear and damage. The cooler is also fully waterproof and easy to wash – simply rinse or wipe out the interior, and you’re good to go.
The only component that gave us some pause was the welded seams inside the cooler. Some of the edges looked a bit messy, and we noticed some visible glue drips. Other than the unfinished look, we didn’t have any issues in testing, but there is potential for these rough edges to deteriorate over time.
Volume
Soft-sided coolers are generally smaller in volume, making them best suited for short outings. However, the RTIC’s 30-can capacity is fairly spacious and easily accommodates a full day’s worth of food and drinks for one to two people (or even a light weekend adventure).
We were able to fit all the drinks, lunch supplies, and snacks needed to keep us more than satiated for a full day of fly-fishing. The 2-inch layer of foam does slightly eat into the cooler’s capacity, but that’s true of many coolers – and it’s not a huge sacrifice, by any means.
The rectangular build is taller than it is wide, which requires stacking items on top of each other. This makes it more challenging to access everything inside the cooler at once. The upside is that it can accommodate taller items like wine bottles upright.
The Pro also features a boxy exterior pocket, which is an upgrade to the thin pocket on the standard Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler. The depth of the pocket provides a more useful space for storing small items. It’s not large enough for anything substantial, but it nicely fits snacks like granola bars or kitchen accessories like a bottle opener.
Ergonomics & Portability
The RTIC offers several options for convenient carrying, along with a low weight that makes it easy to schlep from car to campsite. The cooler has built-in handles for carrying by hand, as well as a detachable shoulder strap with adjustable padding. There are also side handles made of webbing, although their lack of padding and smaller size makes them slightly less comfortable to grab.
The RTIC has a relatively large, rectangular profile, but it’s still comfortable to carry over the shoulder. We found the cooler rested nicely against our back and didn’t feel bulky or impede our ability to walk. Even when loaded with food and drinks, it was easy to alternate between the handles and shoulder strap.
Features
Unlike the cheaper Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler, which comes in four sizes, the Ultra-Tough Pro is only available in 20- and 30-can options. The cooler does come in several attractive colorways, although most are darker, which isn’t ideal for cold retention (lighter colorways are better at deflecting – rather than absorbing – radiant heat).
The lid flops over when adding or removing items, providing unrestricted access to the interior. The sealed zippers prevent leaks and keep water from spilling out. The cooler doesn’t have a drain, so it needs to be unzipped and dumped to remove any excess water, but its rectangular shape streamlines this process.
One notable aspect of the RTIC’s zipper is how smoothly it operates compared to similar coolers. RTIC provides a tube of lubricant to keep the zipper running effortlessly, but we never encountered any stickiness or jams when opening or closing the cooler.
As we mentioned above, the Ultra-Tough Pro floats. The cooler’s buoyancy and waterproof design are a boon for water-based activities like kayaking or paddle boarding.
Should You Buy the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro?
The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro is one of our favorite soft-sided coolers for shorter trips. It’s built to last with tough materials and offers a respectable three days of ice retention, which is more than many soft coolers. It’s also completely waterproof and buoyant, which is particularly appealing for days on or by the water.
Foam insulation keeps the RTIC lightweight and portable, but it won’t keep ice frozen as long as rotomolded or injection-molded coolers. Additionally, its smaller size is limiting for bigger parties or multi-day trips. For day outings or weekend adventures, however, the Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro is a quality option that’s easy to carry, well insulated, and made to last.
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
For a full list of recommendations, check out our guide to the best coolers. The three alternatives below are particularly strong alternatives to the Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro.
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Review: Backed by YETI’s stellar reputation for insulation, the Hopper Flip provides class-leading ice retention and adequate space for weekend trips. It’s not as large as the RTIC and comes with a steeper price tag, but the Hopper is incredibly capable and built to last.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Review: Very similar to the Ultra-Tough Pro, the standard Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler is another waterproof, buoyant soft cooler. It’s not as burly as the Pro, which features a couple design upgrades that boost its durability, but it comes in a larger range of sizes and colorways while stacking up well in most other areas.
REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler Review: For more laid-back outings, the lightweight Campwell is an easy and spacious alternative. It has a unique three-in-one design that allows it to convert into different shapes – tote, cube, or flat – depending on your storage needs. It won’t keep items cold for much more than a day, but its versatility and affordability are appealing for casual users.
