Rtic Softpak 40 Cooler Review

Choosing the right cooler can make or break your afternoon fun. Whether you’re traversing the great outdoors or just bringing a six-pack to a party, you want the best cooler available that doesn’t break the bank.

The RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler might just be the game-changer you’ve been seeking. The RTIC SoftPak 40 Cooler emerges as a promising companion, blending durability, portability, and impressive insulation capabilities.

As outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors seek the perfect cooler to keep their provisions chilled during excursions, the RTIC SoftPak 40 beckons with its robust construction and thoughtful design. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the features, performance, and overall functionality of the RTIC SoftPak 40 Cooler, aiming to provide an insightful guide for those in pursuit of a cooler that not only keeps things cool but also withstands the rigors of diverse outdoor environments.

What Is the RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler?

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The RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler is the largest of their soft pack coolers, and it holds up to 40 cans or 40 pounds of ice. Its carrying handles and shoulder straps make it easy for a single person to transport, and it takes up less space than your average car seat.

And no matter where you are for however long, the cooler is made with StayDry material and a waterproof zipper. In combination with its no-sweat exterior, the RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler will keep the contents cold without leaking. Plus, its anti-microbial liner is mold-resistant, making it even easier to keep clean.

RTIC’s Innovative Approach

In 2015, brothers John and Jim Jacobsen founded RTIC to design a durable cooler without charging exorbitant prices for their products. Unlike other major brands, you won’t find RTIC in retail stores.

Instead, RTIC sells directly to its consumers and ships from five major fulfillment centers, including its headquarters in Houston, Texas.

How We Reviewed

For this RTIC Softpak 40 review, we looked at a combination of Amazon reviews as well as reviews on the brand websites for each cooler. We also looked at other website reviews to determine which factors may be most relevant.

We compared the RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler to products of a similar design, including some recommended on Amazon as an alternative to it. And finally, we evaluated a random selection of praises and complaints to determine what you may experience.

How the RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler Compares

RTIC claims they overbuild, not overprice, their products. But does that mean they’re the best option for your family? For our RTIC Softpak 40 review, we compared the cooler to three other brands.

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler

The YETI website reviews average 4.7 stars out of 5 from 948 reviews, and an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon, out of 355 reviews. But unlike the RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler only holds 13 cans instead of 40.

Overall, customers rave about how well the cooler keeps beverages cold. Positive reviewers take it on road trips, to harsh work conditions, and even on flights. By the end of their adventures, customers love that the ice remains unmelted in the YETI cooler.

The most common disappointment in both positive and negative reviews is the zipper. Some complain that the “zipper is very difficult to open/close because of designed leak resistance,” while others have shared their photos of mangled zipper teeth.

It seems, however, that YETI has recently offered a zipper lubricant to make it easier to open and close.

Pros:

• Works well on road trips
• Keeps things cold
• Great customer service

Cons:

Cons

• Zipper
• Mixed reviews on ice retention

Arctic Zone 48 Can Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler

In addition to Igloo and RTIC, Arctic Zone Titan was a brand many YETI reviewers mentioned. The average rating on Amazon was 4.2 stars out of 5, although this rating also includes the other size variants (9, 16, and 30 cans).

Unlike others on this list, the 48 Can Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler doesn’t have a zipper. But this wasn’t usually a highlight in the reviews.

Reviews were mixed about whether the cooler could maintain a cold enough temperature for a reasonable amount of time. Many said it keeps food and beverages cold, but the ice doesn’t last as long as the brand claims.

Arctic Zone says the cooler keeps ice for up to 3 days but with a disclaimer noting that, after their 72-hour experiment, ice was still present.

A recurring negative for the product was the inner plastic lining. Customers noted that it was either cracked on arrival or that it cracked after months of use. It holds 48 cans.

Pros:

Pros

• Keeps food and beverages cold
• Shelf is handy

Cons:

Cons

• Fragile plastic lining
• Mixed reviews on keeping the temperature

ICEMULE Pro XXL Cooler

In contrast to the other designs, ICEMULE makes their coolers available as backpacks. The product has an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Amazon but includes ratings for the large and XL sizes as well.

Overall, people were impressed with how well it kept items cold. Customers raved about how easy it is to use over a few days, whether they’re hiking, biking, or just spending time at the beach.

And compared to bulkier coolers like the ones on this list, customers loved how easy it was to transport. One customer says it’s their go-to cooler!

But while he and others praised the straps, others were disappointed in either their comfort or quality. Negative reviews also noted that their bags leaked at the bottom. That will hold 36 cans and ice.

Pros:

Pros

• Rolls up easily when empty
• Easy to transport
• Keeps beverages cold
• Backpack option as well as carrying handle

Cons:

Cons

• Uncomfortable to carry when full
• Sweats and leaks

Pros and Cons of the RTIC Softpak 40 Cooler

The average RTIC Softpak cooler review on their website is 4.7 stars out of 5. On Amazon, the average RTIC Softpak 40 review for the camo pattern is 3.9 stars out of 5, whereas the cooler in grey has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Pros:

• Keeping beverages icy cold
• Quality cooler for a lower cost
• Durable and easy to carry
• Great customer service

Cons:

Cons

• Some complain about the quality of the lid seal
• The zipper can be difficult to use or can break after a while
• Some say it doesn’t keep ice frozen in varying external temperatures

RTIC Softpak 40 Review: Be Ready Anytime and Anywhere

Have you used an RTIC cooler? Do you recommend a different kind? Leave your RTIC Softpak 40 review in the comments!

Featured Image Source: Amazon.com