As cooler designs have improved in recent years, brands have increased their efforts to position their coolers as the best on the market. I obviously wanted to see how well some of the best coolers could preserve ice, but I was also interested in evaluating other standout features that set each model apart from the competition.
I spent several weeks camping and rafting, testing three of the most popular models on the market: the RTIC 45 Quart, Yeti Tundra 45 Quart, and Titan Pro 55 Quart. They were placed in rotation in the sun, on the backyard patio, and in the bed of my truck. I analyzed each model for ice retention, functionality, durability, and practicality.
While cooler manufacturers do internal testing at full ice capacity, I wanted a more realistic assessment, so I only used two bags at a time in each cooler. For consistency, I kept the same amount of drinks in each cooler. For the first test, I left the coolers in my backyard in full sun for several days. Then I took them on a few rough camping trips where they were exposed to a variety of weather conditions.
RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler: At a Glance
Evaluation: 9/10
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Rotationally molded
- Capacity: 45 quarts or 58 cans
- Dry weight: 26.6 pounds
WHAT WE LIKE
- Great price for a rock-solid cooler
- Also serves as an excellent seat
- Simple, durable design with replaceable parts
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- No advanced features such as interior lighting
Get the RTIC 45 cooler at:
Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler: At a glance
Evaluation: 9/10
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Rotationally molded
- Capacity: 45 quarts or 54 cans
- Dry weight: 24.6 pounds
WHAT WE LIKE
- Holds ice longer than most other coolers
- Lockable, certified bear-proof design
- Excellent design for boating; also serves as a seat
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- More expensive than other models of similar size
Get the Yeti Tundra 45 cooler at:
Titan Pro 55Q High Performance Roto-Hard Cooler: At a Glance
Evaluation: 9.5/10
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Rotationally molded
- Capacity: 55 liters
- Dry weight: £31.95
WHAT WE LIKE
- Bright LED light is very useful at night
- The tensioning straps on the lid allow you to quickly secure nearby objects
- High capacity; keeps ice fresh for a long time
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Highest price of all models in the test
Get the Titan Pro 55Q cooler at:
Which cooler beats the competition?
The thoughtfulness and design qualities of each cooler made for a very competitive field. I wish all coolers were as durable as this one. Yeti and RTIC were better suited as boat/raft seats, but overall the Titan beat them with its useful features and ice retention.
Ultimately, the Yeti and RTIC were very close in ice retention. They had no problems preserving ice for 3 days of camping in full heat. This required opening and closing the lids throughout the day, just like any normal camping trip. Both coolers also drained easily, locked without issues, and felt very sturdy.
The Titan Pro is a little bigger and the walls aren’t quite as thick as its competitors, but it actually holds ice a little longer. The Titan Pro features the Ice Saver, a thermal cover that goes over the contents of the cooler to reduce ice melting. Although I was skeptical at first, it helped the ice last much longer than expected. Add in the gear straps (great with a boat float pad), the interior LED lighting (groundbreaking), the bottle opener slot, the dry storage compartment for fruit and veggies, and the awesome drain plug, and this is a real winner.
Still, I love both the Yeti and the RTIC because they’re no-fuss coolers that are extremely sturdy. The rubber latches are ingeniously simple and effective; the drain plugs work flawlessly; and the handles make them easy to carry by yourself.
Ultimately, I would recommend any of these coolers. Yeti offers more color options, RTIC offers high performance for little money, and Titan Pro is an absolute rockstar.
How easy is setup and maintenance?
There’s not much setup required for coolers. These three models are ready to use right out of the box. Personally, I like to wipe everything down with a damp cloth to get a clean start.
Maintenance is another story. Every cooler needs cleaning. Fortunately, all models have good drain plugs and smooth surfaces that wipe down quickly. Over time, the latches can wear out, the drain plugs can get lost, or the handles can get damaged. I use and abuse coolers and know that this can happen. All models come with parts that are easily replaceable, so it is possible to maintain the cooler and keep it like new by simply swapping them out.
What design features make the difference when coolers are used intensively outdoors?
All three of these coolers are rotationally molded. Rotationally molded coolers typically have thick, insulated walls and a shell that can withstand heavy use. As such, all of these models are built to insulate well and last a long time. Insulation and durability are the main selling points of high-performance cooler designs.
Some other features are also crucial for a good cooler design. These are some of the features you should look out for and evaluate with notes on each model:
- Secure locking: Yeti and RTIC both have rubber latches that work really well. They’re simple, durable, and seal the lid instantly. Plus, they’re easy to replace if damaged. The Titan Pro is completely different with its mechanical plastic latches. They’re smooth, durable, and snap into place easily.
- Handles: All models feature a rope/strap style handle system that is functional and very easy to replace. Plus, there are no plastic parts that wear out quickly.
- Drain plugs: Quality drain plugs are often overlooked but are crucial. All models have screw-in drain plugs that allow the user to drain the cooler without having to remove the plug entirely. The Titan Pro has a retention system that attaches the plug to the unit so you never lose it. The RTIC has a plug on either side – one large and one small – which is very handy for controlling the drain rate.
- Bear-proof: Each model is compatible with a padlock to protect it from bears and increase security. Use a padlock to keep the lid closed and make the interior contents inaccessible.
- Interior layout: The RTIC and Yeti have baskets for easy internal organization. They are good for separating fruits and vegetables and other dry foods from the freezer compartment. The Titan Pro has a generously sized plastic bin for dry foods.
- Additional functions: The Titan Pro is the ultimate in accessories, featuring a bottle opener, interior lighting, tie down straps, the Ice Saver thermal cover and beautiful cam locks.
How do performance and quality compare?
In terms of performance, I would try any of these coolers with complete confidence. They all have exceptional performance. I plan on using the Yeti and RTIC for boating and hunting where they are specialized and can withstand rough conditions and heavy use. The Titan Pro is an all-around cooler that will see a lot of use at campgrounds.
How do the prices compare and are they worth the money?
These are top-of-the-line coolers, and the prices reflect the quality and durable build. The RTIC is the most affordable and a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a sturdy, rotomolded cooler. The Yeti is next in line, costing around $300, and the brand has a cult-like following for good reason. They are pioneers in the market and stand by their products. The Titan Pro is the most expensive, but it is also more spacious and offers some improvements.
There are coolers that cost much less and are better suited for occasional users. But for frequent use while overlanding, van living, hunting, and summer camping, these coolers are worth the price as they are built to withstand heavy use. They hold ice longer than budget options and their latches and handles last a very long time. Considering the quality and brand trust, I think these are worth the price.
Should you buy a rotationally molded cooler?
Looking for a cooler that will last a lifetime? Rotomolded designs are much sturdier than most plastic coolers and won’t leave you stuck with broken hinges and ice that melts the same day. Rotomolded coolers are perfect for people who value quality and demand top performance in the field. I love the ability to take meat on camping trips while maintaining cool temperatures for several days or longer.
Ultimately, while there are many cheaper models available, a rotomolded cooler is a worthwhile investment. Consider what you need and purchase one if the benefits will enhance your camping and outdoor experience.
Where can I buy the RTIC/Yeti/Titan coolers?
Get the RTIC 45 cooler at:
Get the Yeti Tundra 45 cooler at:
Get the Titan Pro 55Q cooler at:
Meet the tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer who splits his time between the great outdoors, travel, and home improvement projects ranging from RV building to home renovation and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and snow gear. With over a decade of professional writing experience, he also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com.
