RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Review

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I’ve been using the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler for a months now, and it’s been a good addition to my outdoor adventures. With its impressive build quality and excellent ice retention, this cooler has exceeded my expectations in many ways.

Features and Performance

Capacity and Durability

The RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler has a 84-can capacity and is constructed with roto-molded technology for extreme durability. This cooler can keep your drinks, food, and meat cold for up to 7 days when following RTIC’s Cooling Tips. The cooler weighs 37.7 lbs., making it sturdy yet manageable for one person to carry. I found it perfect for my 5-7 day camping trips, and I am already planning on using it next year on a 9-12 day trip to Colorado.

Ice Retention

One of the standout features of this cooler is its ice retention. The 3-inch foam-insulated walls provide long-lasting ice retention, keeping the contents cold for extended periods. Even without pre-chilling, the cooler kept ice for the entire duration of a 5-day camping trip to Hoffmaster State Park. RTIC claims it can lock in the cold for up to 7 days, and based on my experience, I believe it.

Portability

The heavy-duty rope handles make it easy to carry the cooler, even when it’s fully loaded. The handles are comfortable to hold and provide good clearance for walking. Additionally, the cooler can double as a step stool or tabletop, which is a handy feature when camping.

Heavy-Duty Protection

The durable silicone T-latches and molded tie-down slots ensure that the contents stay secure. The roto-molded construction makes the cooler tough enough to handle various excursions, from fishing trips to desert weekends.

Personal Experience

Power Outage Test

Recently, my area experienced a power outage that lasted for two days. I used the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler to keep my frozen food from spoiling. I loaded it with various frozen items and added a few bags of ice. Despite the high temperatures outside, the cooler maintained its low temperature remarkably well. When the power was restored, my food was still perfectly frozen. This incident alone nearly justifies the cost of the cooler.

Camping Trip

On a recent 5-day camping trip to Hoffmaster State Park, the cooler truly proved its worth. Hoffmaster, one of my favorite spots, is just 30 minutes from home but feels like a remote paradise with its location on Lake Michigan and numerous woodland trails. Preparing for the trip, I packed the cooler with the following items:

• 25 cans of assorted drinks
• 10 one-liter bottles of water
• 2 750ml bottles
• 6 iced teas
• A drink mix
• Two bags of ice

Despite the cooler being fully loaded, it held everything comfortably with room to spare. Over the next five days, the cooler performed exceptionally well. Even after multiple openings throughout each day to grab drinks, the ice held up, and everything remained cold. By the end of the trip, there was still ice left in the cooler, a testament to its excellent insulation and ice retention capabilities.

Handling and Portability

While the cooler is quite heavy when fully loaded, the heavy-duty rope handles made it manageable. The handles have foam padding that prevents them from digging into your hands, and their length provides good clearance, making it easier to carry. I appreciated the recessed design of the handles, keeping them out of the way when the cooler is stationary. Additionally, there are cutouts on the sides for grabbing the cooler directly, which is useful when sliding it in and out of the truck.

Practical Features

The cooler’s design includes several thoughtful features. The lid has a rubber seal that ensures a tight closure, and the durable silicone T-latches keep it securely closed. The cooler’s corners have holes for locks, adding an extra layer of security for the contents. The drain plugs are well-designed, allowing for easy drainage of melted ice without having to tilt the cooler excessively. One small improvement I would suggest is the addition of a built-in bottle opener as on the 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler, which would be a convenient feature for camping trips.

Cleanup

Once we got home, I emptied the cooler and rinsed it off. The drain plugs work really well, letting all the water flow out easily. I tilted the cooler on the stairs to make sure it dried completely, and you can see how well-designed the drains are. You can loosen the main plug a little to let water slowly flow out through two holes, or take it all the way out for a faster drain. There’s also a bigger plug on the left side of the cooler that drains even more water. Since it’s higher up, opening just that plug will quickly lighten the cooler. Then, you can open the right-side plug to let the rest of the water out.

Recommendations

I highly recommend the RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler for anyone in need of a reliable and durable cooler. It is available for purchase on RTIC’s website for $249.99. The cooler is currently available in several color options, including White, Lagoon, Navy, Dark Grey, and Tan. All the colors are attractive, and I would be happy with any of them.

In conclusion, this cooler is a great investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and needs a reliable way to keep their food and drinks cold. The RTIC 65 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler combines durability, excellent ice retention, and practical features, making it one of the best cooler on the market in my opinion.