Updated Sep. 11, 2024
Looking for a cooler or coffee tumbler that gets the job done? We compared two of the most popular outdoor brands in our RTIC vs. YETI review.
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If you’ve ever gone camping or lounged at the beach, there’s a good chance you’ve come across products from two of the most popular names in outdoor goods: RTIC and YETI.
Appearance-wise, these brands look very similar. Their products are simply designed with bright colors and a four-letter block-text logo on the front. From a distance, you might not even be able to decipher which is which!
But when it comes to keeping cans cold, preserving your fresh catch or ensuring coffee stays hot all day long, how do RTIC and YETI stack up? We put both brands to the test to find which is a better investment.
In terms of the products they sell, the outdoorsy brands are quite similar. Both RTIC and YETI offer hard and soft coolers, insulated drinkware, bags and apparel. They also sell select outdoor living items, like camp chairs and blankets.
The key differences between RTIC and YETI are price and, per our Product Testing Team’s thorough evaluations, performance.
YETI products tend to be a bit more expensive. A 45-quart YETI Tundra cooler, for example, costs $300, while the 45-quart RTIC wheeled cooler runs for $270. Similarly, a 42-ounce straw mug from YETI costs $45, whereas the RTIC 40-ounce version sells for $35.
When testing the best coolers and the best coffee tumblers, our team found each brand had its merits—and its drawbacks. YETI had stronger cooler results while RTIC delivered a better tumbler. So, what gives? We’ll help you evaluate the price vs. performance debate—and determine which products to skip altogether.
RTIC began in Texas in 2014 with “the belief that high-quality coolers shouldn’t cost a whole paycheck.” Each product is designed to last for years of outdoor fun without the initial price breaking the bank. They prioritize finding (and using) durable materials at affordable prices.
Our expert Product Testing Team tested 12 coolers and 20 coffee tumblers, both with a strict testing methodology that weighed temperature retention, durability, cleaning and other key factors. We tested the RTIC tumbler and the RTIC 52-quart wheeled cooler.
In both tests, the RTIC gear fared in the middle of the pack. It was not the best, but it was also not the worst.
Our testers really liked the tumbler, especially its smaller bottom, which made it easy to hold without sacrificing capacity. It could also fit in both small and large cupholders. However, lid issues prevented it from making our list of top picks. The lid latch doesn’t fully snap closed and requires strength to unlock—making it easy to loosen the entire lid if you’re not being careful. Not what you want when sipping on hot coffee! Plus, the lid to our tumbler cracked after three drop tests, so it wasn’t the most durable option.
Moving on to the cooler, our testers loved the sleek look of this ice chest. The polar bear logo gets points for being downright adorable, plus the cooler is easy to open and has an accurate can capacity. We love the included cargo net for holding condiments, plates or delicate items you don’t want directly on the ice. The wheels are impressive, rolling over grass, concrete and even curbs with ease. We do wish the handle was a few inches longer to prevent running into your heels while you walk, but if you pull it from one side rather than directly down the middle, this issue is avoidable.
Ice retention, however, was pretty disappointing. The ice was fully melted within 72 hours. If you’re camping for a long weekend, this won’t do. But if you’re just heading to the beach for the day or stashing beer cans for a backyard bash, RTIC’s $249 price tag is a solid value. A comparable wheeled YETI model, the Tundra Haul, costs $425.
TMB STUDIO
This budget-friendly cooler is easy to transport and perfect for day trips.
VIA MERCHANT
Whether you're shopping for groceries or bringing a picnic to the park, this massive tote bag has you covered.
VIA MERCHANT
For just $15, you can enjoy a cup of joe with a cute polar bear pal. Plus, it keeps liquid hot for up to six hours.
YETI was founded in 2006 by Roy and Ryan Seiders. The pair was frustrated they couldn’t find a cooler suitable for serious anglers amidst scorching Texas weather. They designed their own, and the iconic Tundra cooler was born. YETI continued to build heirloom-quality products to help “get you out into the wild and keep you there longer.” Over time, they’ve developed a devoted fanbase and have become one of the most trusted names in the outdoor goods world.
Our team is not a stranger to testing YETI gear—especially the crew over at Family Handyman. To date, we’ve tried the Loadout GoBox, stackable cups, Roadie 48 cooler, French press and more of the best YETI products. I’ve also tested my fair share, including the Roadie 24 hard cooler, wine chiller and wine tumblers. At this point, you could say we’re YETI experts.
Plus, just like RTIC, our expert Product Testing Team tested 12 coolers and 20 coffee tumblers, both with a strict testing methodology. We tested the Tundra 45 hard cooler and 20-ounce Rambler tumbler.
In the cooler test, YETI came out on top, beating all the competition including Ninja, Orca, Lifetime and BruMate. In the tumbler test, we were underwhelmed by its performance.
While the tumbler test started out alright—our reviewers loved the overall drinking experience and dazzling color options—the Rambler left a lot to be desired. We found the body is wide and slippery, meaning it won’t fit in most cupholders. Plus, the lid leaks. For the price, we feel there are much better tumbler options. (Curious how the viral Stanley tumbler performed? Read our Stanley vs. YETI review to find out!)
The cooler, however, is best in class. The rope handles offer just the right amount of slack, it fits exactly 54 cans as advertised and the T-Rex-style latches were the best of all the ones we tested. The cooler’s one-piece, rotomolded construction exudes durability, and the ice retention performance proves it. Over the course of five days in a car with temperatures that teetered above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the YETI retained more than 15 percent of its ice by day four and measured at 54 degrees Fahrenheit on day five. Plus, even as the ice began to melt, the YETI was one of the more leak-resistant options we tried.
The only (slight) flaw is the drain cap. The process was slow and you could easily lose the cap as it’s not connected to the spout. You can find all the details in our YETI cooler review.
TMB STUDIO
For the best of the best, look no further than the YETI Tundra cooler. It blew all of the competition out of the water!
Katie Bandurski/Taste of Home
We love the Rambler travel mug for its easy-grip handle and cupholder-friendly bottom.
MARY HENN/TASTE OF HOME
Fido can get in on the fun, too! The YETI dog bowl is nonslip and extremely durable.
If you’re an avid outdoorsman or woman, there’s no beating YETI’s top-tier cooler performance. The YETI Tundra cooler delivered the best ice retention of the 12 coolers we tested, ensuring your wares stay chilled for up to five days.
However, if you’re just heading to the beach, park or backyard, RTIC’s cooler is a cost-saving option that delivers solid performance for up to three days. Plus, the rugged wheels make it easy to transport.
As for coffee tumblers? We recommend you’d look elsewhere. Both brands were adequate but not particularly memorable. Instead, pick up our best overall pick (and save a few bucks) with the Thermos King travel tumbler.
YETI gear is available at several online merchants, including the official YETI website, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Ace Hardware, Williams Sonoma, Bass Pro Shops and Tractor Supply. You can find RTIC products at the RTIC website, Amazon, Walmart, Target and Lowe’s.
Originally Published: August 25, 2024
