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My RTIC collection continues to grow as I add new gear to my camping equipment. After upgrading my camper last year, I found myself with more fridge space and less need for a large cooler in the bed of my truck. I wanted something smaller, portable, and easier to handle for quick trips. The newly released RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler seemed like the perfect solution. I previously reviewed the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler nearly two years ago, and it has served me well. Now, with this new compact cooler, I was eager to test it in different scenarios even before camping season starts in Michigan.
First Impressions and Features
Right away, I noticed how lightweight this cooler is when empty. At only 20 pounds, with dimensions of 16.74 inches in height, 21.16 inches in width, and 15.67 inches in depth, it’s easy to lift in and out of my truck. The collapsible handle extends up to 38 inches, making it convenient to pull behind me. I did find that when fully extended, the cooler sometimes bumped into my foot as I walked. Adjusting my grip and pulling the cooler off to the side helped, but a slightly longer handle might improve this. The handle itself stands at about 19.29 inches when fully collapsed, meaning it sticks out slightly above the cooler. This minor design choice makes the cooler less perfectly symmetrical, which might be something to consider if uniform shape is important for storage or packing.
Another key feature is the cooler’s upright design, which allows it to hold six upright wine bottles or up to 28 cans. This thoughtful design helps save space when packing. I also really like the wheels. They’re nice and big, roll over obstacles easily, and aren’t made of plastic, making them durable and great for different terrains.
Puncture-resistant Wheels and Rubber Feet
Testing the Cooler in a Chemistry Lab
While Michigan’s camping season hasn’t started yet, I still found a great way to test the cooler. As a chemistry teacher, I often need ice for lab experiments. We were studying equilibrium reactions, and I needed an ice bath setup for my students. This cooler fit perfectly in the back seat of my car, and the side handles made carrying it up the stairs to my classroom manageable.
Once in the lab, students accessed the cooler throughout a two-hour session. The ice stayed solid overnight, and by the next day, after another two hours of use the ice was half melted. On the third day, there were just a few ice pieces floating in cold water.
The performance was what I expected. It worked well, but on a hot day, you would likely need to refill it with ice every other day, depending on how often the lid is opened. To maximize performance, I recommend pre-chilling the cooler before use, which helps maintain lower temperatures for longer periods.
Draining and Cleaning
The drain plug, located at the back, makes emptying the cooler quick and effortless. With the lid open, water drains fast due to the well-designed interior that directs liquid toward the plug. Even on flat ground, most of the water flows out smoothly, leaving only a minimal amount behind. After draining, I only needed to wipe it dry with a towel. One thing to keep in mind—if you try to drain the cooler with the lid closed, it creates suction that slows the process and makes reopening the lid more difficult. To avoid this, simply leave the lid open while draining.
Using the Cooler for a Party
My wife and I recently hosted a surprise 40th birthday party for one of her friends, and I used this cooler to keep drinks cold. It worked well. The cooler has a built-in bottle opener that came in handy. While enjoying the evening I did realize its 22-quart capacity is better suited for personal use rather than large gatherings. If you need to keep drinks cold for a big crowd, a larger cooler might be a better choice. But for a beach trip or picnic, this cooler is perfect. It’s easy to transport, keeps beverages cold, and doesn’t take up too much space.
Performance and Portability
The RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler is designed for convenience. Here’s what stands out:
- Portability: The ergonomic handle and puncture-resistant wheels make rolling it across sand, grass, and pavement easy.
- Insulation: With up to 2.3 inches of closed-cell foam, it keeps contents cold for up to four days.
- Capacity: While compact, it fits six upright wine bottles or 28 cans.
- Extra Features: It includes a built-in bottle opener, interior cargo net, and non-skid rubber feet.
Final Thoughts
This cooler is an excellent addition for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures, whether it’s camping, beach trips, or road travel. It’s lightweight, well-insulated, and easy to transport. While it may not be the best choice for large gatherings, it’s perfect for weekend getaways and personal use. The cooler comes in several color options and has a retail price of $169.00. If you’re interested in picking up the RTIC 22 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler or want more details, you can visit RTIC Outdoors.