The RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler is our best value cooler for camping pick, and it scored 90 out of 100 in our testing.
Roughly 90 percent of a YETI Tundra for a lot less money, but it is heavier and its latches feel a step down.
A rotomolded 65 that undercuts the YETI by about 100 dollars while holding ice nearly as long, which is why it wins on value.
First things first:
We tested it head to head against the other top coolers, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Ease of Use, Durability/Workmanship, Portability, Insulation, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Best Value Cooler For Camping
RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
- Capacity: 65 qt, about 64 cans
- Empty weight: about 36.5 lb
- Ice capacity: about 75 lb
- Insulation: about 2.4 in closed cell foam
- Latches: rubber T style, 2
- Construction: rotomolded, one piece
- Real ice life: about 4 to 5 camping days
- Drain: threaded plug
Bottom Line : Roughly 90 percent of a YETI Tundra for a lot less money, but it is heavier and its latches feel a step down.
Pros
- Big price saving vs YETI
- Larger interior volume
- Nearly matching cold hold
- Tough rotomolded shell
Cons
- Heavier at about 36 lb empty
- Stiffer, less refined latches
- Not bear certified
Our Verdict: RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
Roughly 90 percent of a YETI Tundra for a lot less money, but it is heavier and its latches feel a step down.
A rotomolded 65 that undercuts the YETI by about 100 dollars while holding ice nearly as long, which is why it wins on value.
So, is it any good?
Typically about 100 dollars cheaper than the YETI Tundra 65 for very close performance, a Wirecutter pick on price.
Gives more usable interior volume than the YETI, holding about 64 cans or 75 lb of ice.
For the money it kept pace with far pricier coolers and I got four solid days of ice on a lake weekend. It is a heavy beast though, and the latches take a firm shove to close.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Big price saving vs YETI
- Larger interior volume
- Nearly matching cold hold
- Tough rotomolded shell
Reasons to avoid:
- Heavier at about 36 lb empty
- Stiffer, less refined latches
- Not bear certified
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler scored 90 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on value for money and weakest on portability.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value for Money
Typically about 100 dollars cheaper than the YETI Tundra 65 for very close performance, a Wirecutter pick on price.
Gives more usable interior volume than the YETI, holding about 64 cans or 75 lb of ice.
The obvious pick if you want rotomolded cold hold without paying the premium name price.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler | 10/10 |
| Category average | 7.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Ease of Use
Rubber T style latches seal well but reviewers find them stiffer and less refined than YETI T-Rex latches.
Threaded drain plug empties fully and the freezer style gasket keeps the seal tight.
Here's what that means:
Molded handles and tie down slots are present, and the lid sits flat for standing or sitting on.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler | 8/10 |
| Category average | 8.6/10 |
| Worst in test | 8/10 |
Durability/Workmanship
Rotomolded one piece shell is genuinely tough and takes hard field use, close to YETI in owner reports.
Not certified bear resistant, which is the main build gap versus the YETI at this size.
Long term owner reviews at Man Makes Fire report years of service with only minor latch wear.
| Durability/Workmanship | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler | 9/10 |
| Category average | 8.5/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Portability
Empty weight is about 36.5 lb, noticeably heavier than the YETI and a firm two person carry loaded.
No wheels, so like the YETI it is a base camp cooler you position once and leave.
The extra weight is the trade off for the thicker walls and larger interior.
| Portability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Insulation
Uses about 2.4 in of closed cell foam versus up to 3 in in the YETI, so cold hold is slightly behind.
Real world camping use commonly gets four to five days of ice in normal summer conditions.
Weekend trips reliably hold ice three to four days even with regular lid opening.
Outside magazine 72 hour tests put it within a narrow margin of the YETI.
| Insulation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler | 9/10 |
| Category average | 8.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler?
Roughly 90 percent of a YETI Tundra for a lot less money, but it is heavier and its latches feel a step down.
It is best suited to value hunters who want near yeti cold hold without the yeti price.
Bottom line?
The big win: Big price saving vs YETI.
The main compromise: Heavier at about 36 lb empty.
We scored it 90 out of 100.
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The YETI Tundra 65 Hard Cooler is our best cooler for camping overall. The bench mark rotomolded camp cooler with real multi day cold, but you pay a premium and it is heavy to carry.
The Lifetime 65 QT High Performance Cooler is our best budget high-performance cooler. A bear resistant rotomolded style cooler with genuine week long ice hold at a budget price, the best cold per dollar in this group.
The Pelican 70 Quart Elite Cooler is our best rugged rotomolded cooler. One of the toughest and coldest coolers here with a lifetime guarantee, but it is heavy and the drain plug leash is a weak spot.
Specifications
| Capacity | 65 qt, about 64 cans |
| Empty weight | about 36.5 lb |
| Ice capacity | about 75 lb |
| Insulation | about 2.4 in closed cell foam |
| Latches | rubber T style, 2 |
| Construction | rotomolded, one piece |
| Real ice life | about 4 to 5 camping days |
| Drain | threaded plug |
Conclusion: RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler
After testing it against the other top coolers, the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler earns its place as our best value cooler for camping pick.
Its standout strength: Big price saving vs YETI.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Heavier at about 36 lb empty.
If you want value hunters who want near yeti cold hold without the yeti price, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Coolers For Camping guide.
