rtic 20 vs 30 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

RTIC 30 & RTIC 20 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the RTIC 30 rather than the RTIC 20.

Why Do I Recommend The RTIC 30?

  • The RTIC 30 has a larger 30-quart storage capacity for carrying more food, drinks, and ice on longer trips, whereas the RTIC 20 has a smaller 20-quart capacity.
  • RTIC 30 features a bigger interior volume to support multi-day camping and group outings with fewer restocking stops, while the RTIC 20 features a more limited interior.
  • It includes a wider and deeper body to fit taller bottles upright for easier access and reduced spills, while the RTIC 20 has less vertical room.
  • The RTIC 30 has longer ice retention time to keep perishables fresh through extended outdoor events, whereas the RTIC 20 maintains cooling for a shorter duration.
  • RTIC 30 features larger rope handles for more stable two-person carrying over longer distances when fully loaded, while the RTIC 20 features smaller handles.
  • It supports higher payload capacity to store heavier items like multiple beverage packs and large cuts of meat for group meals, whereas the RTIC 20 supports a lighter payload.
  • The RTIC 30 comes with a bigger lid surface for doubling as a more comfortable seat or work platform at campsites, while the RTIC 20 has a smaller usable top area.
  • RTIC 30 has more interior flexibility for arranging baskets, ice packs, and food separation during multi-day travel, while the RTIC 20 has less organizational space.

Maybe the RTIC 20 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the RTIC 30. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureRTIC 30RTIC 20
Capacity (Quarts)~30 Qt~20 Qt
Exterior LengthLargerSmaller
Exterior HeightTallerShorter
Exterior WidthWiderNarrower
Can StorageMore cansFewer cans
Ice RetentionSlightly longerShorter
Handle SizeLarger rope handlesSmaller rope handles
Carry StyleTwo-hand carryEasier one-hand carry
Load CapacityHigher payloadLower payload
Full WeightMuch heavier when fullLess heavy when full
Vehicle FitLess universalFits more vehicles
Storage Space NeededMore room requiredLess room required
Best Use DurationMulti-day tripsDay/overnight trips
Boating/Fishing FitBetter for groupsBetter for personal use
Tailgate CapacityLarger party sizeSmaller party size
PriceCheck RTIC 30 PriceCheck RTIC 20 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Cooler Type: Both are hard coolers, meaning they provide strong durability and better temperature retention than soft coolers. This allows them to withstand rugged outdoor use.
  • Rotomolded Construction: Both use rotomolding, which forms a single continuous shell. This increases toughness and enhances impact resistance in harsh environments.
  • Ice Retention Grade: Both provide multi-day cooling, keeping food and drinks cold on multi-day trips. This makes either one suitable for camping, fishing, and long outdoor events.
  • Insulation Type: Both models include thick wall foam insulation. The increased insulation density helps lock in cold and maintain stable internal temperatures.
  • Lid Latches: Each cooler uses heavy-duty latches that keep the lid tightly sealed. This reduces cold air loss and prevents accidental openings.
  • Non-Slip Feet: Both have slip-resistant feet that help keep the cooler in place during transport or on wet surfaces. This increases safety and stability.
  • Drain Plug: Both include a drain plug for removing melted ice water. This makes clean-up more convenient without needing to tip the cooler.
  • Rope Side Handles: Both use rope-style handles for easier two-person carrying. This improves handling when the cooler is fully loaded.
  • Bear-Resistant Design: Both coolers are built with rugged materials and locking capability that meet bear-resistant standards. This adds safety for campers in wildlife environments.
  • UV-Resistant Exterior: Each cooler is designed to resist sun damage and surface degradation. This helps maintain long-term durability when used outdoors regularly.
  • Rubber Gasket Lid Seal: Both feature a gasket seal around the lid to improve cold retention. The tight seal prevents warm air from entering.
  • Tie-Down Points: Both include areas to secure the cooler in a vehicle, boat, or trailer. This prevents shifting during transport.
  • Lock Compatibility: Both can be fitted with a padlock through integrated lock points. This helps secure contents during travel or storage.
  • Slip-Resistant Lid: Each lid is textured to provide better footing when used as a seat or standing platform. This enhances safety and practical versatility.
  • Fishing/Outdoor Use: Both are built for rugged outdoor applications including hunting, boating, tailgating, and beach trips. Their construction supports demanding use scenarios.
  • Dry Ice Compatible: Both can safely hold dry ice. This allows users to extend cooling duration for longer expeditions.
  • Cup Holder Compatibility: Both provide a lid design that supports placing drinks on top without rolling off. This improves convenience when outdoors.
  • Performance Category: Both belong to the premium cooler segment focused on high durability and strong cooling performance. Users can expect high-level reliability from either model.

Common Features

FeatureRTIC 30RTIC 20
Cooler TypeHard CoolerHard Cooler
Rotomolded ConstructionYesYes
Ice Retention GradeMulti-dayMulti-day
Insulation TypeThick wall foamThick wall foam
Lid LatchesHeavy-dutyHeavy-duty
Non-Slip FeetYesYes
Drain PlugYesYes
Rope Side HandlesYesYes
Bear-Resistant DesignYesYes
UV-Resistant ExteriorYesYes
Rubber Gasket Lid SealYesYes
Tie-Down PointsYesYes
Lock CompatibilityYesYes
Slip-Resistant LidYesYes
Fishing/Outdoor UseYesYes
Dry Ice CompatibleYesYes
Cup Holder Compatibility (Top Surface)YesYes
Performance CategoryPremium coolingPremium cooling
Price Check RTIC 30 Price
Check RTIC 20 Price

FAQ

Which cooler is larger, the RTIC 30 or the RTIC 20?
The RTIC 30 is larger in overall dimensions and interior capacity, holding more cans, food, and ice than the RTIC 20, making it better for group trips or longer outings.

Is the RTIC 20 easier to carry than the RTIC 30?
Yes, the RTIC 20 is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight, especially when fully packed and carried by one person.

Do both coolers hold ice for multiple days?
Yes, both are designed with premium insulation and rotomolded construction to keep ice for multiple days under typical outdoor conditions.

Can both coolers be used for camping and fishing trips?
Yes, both are durable and weather-resistant, making them reliable for camping, boating, fishing, tailgating, beach days, and outdoor adventures.

Do both RTIC coolers have a drain plug?
Yes, each cooler includes a drain plug that allows you to easily drain melted ice water without tipping or lifting.

Can the lids on both models support sitting or standing?
Yes, both coolers have strong slip-resistant lids that can be safely used as a seat or platform, adding convenience at campsites or events.

Do both RTIC 30 and RTIC 20 come with heavy-duty latches?
Yes, both include sturdy latches that ensure a tight seal and secure closure to improve ice retention and prevent accidental openings.

Are the handles strong enough for heavy loads on both coolers?
Yes, both use robust rope side handles designed to handle fully loaded weight, allowing stable two-person carrying.

Do both coolers fit inside most cars or SUVs?
The RTIC 20 fits more easily in small vehicles and compact trunks, while the RTIC 30 may require more interior space due to its larger size.

Is the RTIC 30 worth the higher price compared to the RTIC 20?
The RTIC 30 costs more because of its increased capacity and longer ice retention, making it worthwhile if you regularly carry more items or travel for several days.

Can both coolers be locked to prevent access?
Yes, both models have lock-ready features that can be used with a padlock to secure food and drinks from wildlife or theft.

Are both coolers UV-resistant and built for harsh outdoor use?
Yes, both are made with UV-resistant materials that withstand sun exposure and rough handling without cracking or degrading quickly.

Do both models work well with dry ice?
Yes, both the RTIC 30 and RTIC 20 are dry-ice compatible for trips requiring extended cold storage beyond regular ice performance.

Are these coolers suitable for air travel or long road trips?
Both can be strapped down using integrated tie-down points, making them secure for road travel, while air-travel suitability depends on airline restrictions.

Which cooler should I choose if I mainly do solo day trips?
The RTIC 20 is the better everyday option for lighter loads, easier handling, and quicker outings, while the RTIC 30 is ideal when extra storage is regularly needed.