Well, Brat Girl Summer must be officially over — according to RTIC, at least.
The renowned gear brand is offering 20% off one of their best-selling coolers, in the flashy neon green colorway just in time for Labor Day weekend. “Citrus” is cleverly the only shade on sale, which we’re not complaining about.
The ‘Brat Sumer’ enthusiasts love a good deal, but it also just so happens that this cooler is one of my favorite pieces of equipment by RTIC, for a couple of reasons…
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I love going to the beach, but I dread packing for a beach day. Why? The terror of forgetting something, my toddler getting hangry during the drive there, working up a sweat from dragging around heavy gear, the un-kickable fear of opening the cooler to lukewarm drinks and soggy sandwiches.
It’s all this and more that makes a day of travel more stressful than it should be, but there are a few things that have eased some of my concerns. One is this RTIC soft cooler. The lightweight, carryable cooler has survived multiple day trips to the Jersey Shore this summer, which pretty much speaks for itself. It’s never faltered.
It might just be the best cooler I’ve reviewed, and I can say this because I’m no stranger to outdoor gear. From my days camping in the Pacific Northwest to tailgating college football games — I’ve been tasked with trying out a variety of builds, most of which are around twice the price of the $71 Soft Pack Cooler.
But, none have matched its superior insulation and hassle-free, cross-body design.
Pros:
- Well-placed, thick straps and cross-body band make this cooler very easy to carry
- The material is waterproof and built to float without letting the inside get wet
- Different size and color options
Cons:
- A deep and narrow build is more suited for drinks over food
- The zipper is a bit stiff (but very durable)
Specs: Dimensions: 11” × 11” × 9½” | Can Capacity: 12 Cans | Empty Weight: 2.4 lbs
While it’s certainly not the most important factor, I’m impartial to stylish gear, and this cooler caught my eye off the bat. It comes in several shades, and I have the patriot colorway; it’s sleek, bright, modern, and hard to miss (or leave behind, for that matter).
As far as the weight goes, it’s pretty much as light as they come at just under 2.5 pounds. The wide carry straps and attachable shoulder strap also alleviate much of the weight, so it’s unlikely you’ll work up any type of sweat from toting this around. Plus, having the ability to sling this cooler over my shoulder has been a saving grace on beach days when I need free hands to wrangle said toddler.
Considering how light this RTIC cooler is, you’d be shocked at how much it can carry. A heavy-duty, coated exterior and waterproof, puncture-resistant interior make it exceptionally durable. The smallest version holds up to 12 cans, which should keep you set for a single day away. But, if you’re seeking something with a larger capacity, there are also 20, 30, and 40-can versions available.
Avid adventurers and outdoorsy types will also appreciate the fact that this cooler is 100% waterproof, and even floats. The welded seams and a waterproof zipper make it air and water-tight, so everything on the inside stays completely dry. I submerged it in my bathtub to test it out myself — and it worked! It’s a great quality for those heading to a Labor Day Weekend pool party — where a few splashes and splashes are inevitable.
When it comes to coolers, most of us are after ice retention and the RTIC soft cooler doesn’t falter in that category either. The walls are built with 1.5″ of closed-cell foam insulation to keep contents cool for up to two days. I’ve used this to transport my daughter’s bottles and snacks and can attest to the superior cooling abilities — everything comes out ice-cold and fresh.
If you’re looking for a cooler that will make your beach days easier, as opposed to more difficult, you’ve found it.
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