RTIC 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro Review (2026)
Updated September 21, 2026 · Research-based review
Our verdict
A tougher take on RTIC's soft cooler line for campers who load gear into truck beds or boats. The thicker insulation and reinforced shell hold up well to rough handling, though the 20 can size and roughly 4 pound empty weight keep it to short outings rather than multi-day food storage.
RTIC's 20 can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro upgrades the shell for campers who toss soft coolers into truck beds and boats.
Price range: $$$ (Premium)
What we liked
- + Ultra-tough shell resists punctures and abrasion better than basic bags
- + 20 can capacity covers drinks for an afternoon with friends
- + Pro version adds durability without jumping to YETI pricing
Trade-offs
- - Tougher materials make it heavier than simple soft coolers
- - Not large enough for multi-day food storage
What it is
The RTIC 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro is the upgraded version of RTIC's standard soft cooler line, built with up to 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation compared with the 1.5 inches on RTIC's base soft coolers. Exterior dimensions run about 13.39 by 10.63 by 14.57 inches and it weighs roughly 4 pounds empty. RTIC rates it to hold ice for up to two days under its stated testing conditions. The shell uses a heavy-duty coated fabric with a puncture-resistant, waterproof interior and welded, leakproof seams that let it be packed with loose ice instead of only ice packs.
Pro upgrades
Beyond the thicker insulation, the Pro version adds a Cold Lock Press Lid that seats into the sidewalls of the cooler, which keeps cold air in without needing to fully unzip the top every time someone grabs a drink. It also has a larger waterproof exterior pocket for storing dry items like snacks or a phone, fewer exposed exterior seams than the base model, and covered handle attachments that reduce a common wear point on soft coolers. Built-in carrying handles and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap make it easier to haul when full than a rigid hard cooler of similar capacity.
Fit for the job
This size is built for day trips rather than multi-day camping food storage, holding about 20 cans of drinks or a similar mix of drinks and snacks for a group heading to a lake, tailgate, or afternoon at the campsite. The reinforced shell and puncture-resistant exterior make it a better fit than a basic soft cooler for anyone tossing gear into a truck bed, boat, or ATV rack where it might rub against hard edges or gear. It floats, according to RTIC, which is useful for boat and beach use but is not something that matters much for a car campsite.
Value
RTIC has built its reputation on pricing soft and hard coolers below premium brands like YETI while using comparable insulation and shell materials, and the Pro version follows that pattern, costing more than RTIC's standard soft cooler but still well under a similarly sized premium hard-sided cooler. The tradeoff for the tougher shell and thicker insulation is added weight over a basic canvas cooler bag, which matters if this is getting carried any real distance rather than lifted straight from a trunk to a picnic table. For anyone who has torn through a lighter soft cooler before, the upgraded materials are the main reason to pay more for the Pro, and the added durability tends to pay for itself over several seasons of regular outdoor use.
Bottom line
The RTIC 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro suits campers and boaters who want a soft cooler that can survive being thrown around gear-first rather than carried carefully. The thicker insulation, Cold Lock lid, and reinforced shell are real upgrades over RTIC's base soft cooler, and the price stays reasonable next to premium competitors. It is not sized or insulated for multi-day trips, so campers planning longer stays should pair it with a larger hard cooler for food and treat this as the drinks and snacks bag for the day.
Frequently asked questions
How much ice does the RTIC 20 Can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro hold?
RTIC lists an ice capacity of about 12 pounds alongside its 20 can drink capacity, and it can be packed with loose ice thanks to its leakproof, welded seams.
Does the RTIC Pro soft cooler float?
RTIC states the cooler floats despite its durable construction, which is useful for boat or beach outings, though this claim comes from RTIC rather than independent testing.
How is the Pro version different from RTIC's standard soft cooler?
The Pro adds up to 2 inches of foam insulation versus 1.5 inches on the standard model, a Cold Lock Press Lid, a larger waterproof pocket, and covered handle attachments.
How much does the empty cooler weigh?
The 20 can Pro model weighs about 4 pounds empty, before ice or drinks are loaded in.
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