The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can is our best high-capacity floating cooler pick, and it scored 84 out of 100 in our testing.
A larger sealed soft cooler that floats and holds about three days of ice, best when 20 cans is not enough for the group.
A 30-can welded soft cooler with up to 1.5 inches of closed cell foam that measured roughly three days of ice in mild testing conditions.
First things first:
We tested it head to head against the other top kayak coolers, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Cold Retention, Durability, Features, Waterproof Features, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Best High-Capacity Floating Cooler
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can
- Type: Soft pack
- Capacity: about 30 cans plus ice
- Insulation: up to 1.5 in closed cell foam
- Closure: Waterproof zipper
- Real ice life: about 3 days
- Seams: Welded body, glued base
- Floats: Yes
Bottom Line : A larger sealed soft cooler that floats and holds about three days of ice, best when 20 cans is not enough for the group.
Pros
- Large 30 can capacity
- About three days of ice
- Floats and stays sealed
- Smoother zipper than most
Cons
- Bulky on a small kayak
- Glued base seams can fail
- Zipper still needs lubricant
Our Verdict: RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can
A larger sealed soft cooler that floats and holds about three days of ice, best when 20 cans is not enough for the group.
A 30-can welded soft cooler with up to 1.5 inches of closed cell foam that measured roughly three days of ice in mild testing conditions.
What's the bottom line?
Sealed zipper and welded seams keep water out and let it float.
It did not leak when knocked over in testing.
It held ice into the third day on a shaded lake weekend and never leaked a drop when it rolled off the deck. It is a big load for a small kayak though.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Large 30 can capacity
- About three days of ice
- Floats and stays sealed
- Smoother zipper than most
Reasons to avoid:
- Bulky on a small kayak
- Glued base seams can fail
- Zipper still needs lubricant
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can scored 84 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on waterproof features and weakest on durability.
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
It costs more than the 20 can but adds real capacity for group trips.
It still undercuts premium brands at this size.
Owners see it as a fair price for a sealed, floating 30 can cooler.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Cold Retention
One test held ice for three days, with the last cubes gone by day four in mid 60s to low 70s weather.
RTIC rates up to two days when you follow their cooling tips.
Here's what that means:
It uses up to 1.5 inches of closed cell foam.
Hot direct sun on a kayak deck will shorten those figures.
| Cold Retention | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can | 7/10 |
| Category average | 6.9/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Durability
The heavy fabric and welded seams take hard use.
As with the smaller RTIC, glued base seams are the long term weak point.
Testers reported smooth years of service, but keep it off hot surfaces.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.3/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Features
It holds roughly 30 cans plus ice for bigger outings.
The zipper runs noticeably smoother than many rivals.
It ships with lubricant to keep the zipper moving.
| Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can | 8/10 |
| Category average | 8.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Waterproof Features
Sealed zipper and welded seams keep water out and let it float.
It did not leak when knocked over in testing.
The waterproof zipper is still stiff and benefits from the supplied lubricant.
| Waterproof Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can | 9/10 |
| Category average | 8/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can?
A larger sealed soft cooler that floats and holds about three days of ice, best when 20 cans is not enough for the group.
It is best suited to groups and longer trips that need more than 20 cans.
Want to know the best part?
The big win: Large 30 can capacity.
The main compromise: Bulky on a small kayak.
We scored it 84 out of 100.
What Other Kayak Coolers Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can is our best kayak cooler on price. The best mix of ice life, waterproofing, and price for most kayakers who do not want to pay YETI money.
The Engel HD30 High-Performance Soft Cooler is our best cold retention kayak cooler. If you want the longest real ice life in a soft cooler for a full day on the water, this is the one to buy.
The Maelstrom Soft-Sided Cooler Bag (30/40 Can) is our best high-capacity cooler on a budget. A high capacity budget cooler with lots of pockets, best for value and volume rather than long ice life or full waterproofing.
Specifications
| Type | Soft pack |
| Capacity | about 30 cans plus ice |
| Insulation | up to 1.5 in closed cell foam |
| Closure | Waterproof zipper |
| Real ice life | about 3 days |
| Seams | Welded body, glued base |
| Floats | Yes |
Conclusion: RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can
After testing it against the other top kayak coolers, the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can earns its place as our best high-capacity floating cooler pick.
Its standout strength: Large 30 can capacity.
So:
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Bulky on a small kayak.
If you want groups and longer trips that need more than 20 cans, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler 30 Can ranks against the full field in our 8 Best Kayak Cooler guide.
