REASONS TO BUY
Variety of color options
Highly portable
Convenient size
REASONS TO AVOID
Mediocre insulation
Poor value
RTIC Ultra-Light 22 Review
A great choice for a short trip or a solo traveler, though we think a few tweaks would make this product stand out even more
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Kolby Anderson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 1, 2025
Contributions From: Genaveve Bradshaw
RELATED: The Best Coolers of 2025
Our Verdict
For those looking for a highly portable, well-built cooler for individual use or a quick day trip, the RTIC Ultra-Light 22 is a feature-packed cooler that checks many boxes. We feel like those looking for an upgraded lunchbox would love the RTIC. Although it delivered average performance in our insulation testing, it keeps things cool for over three days, which is adequate for many different use cases. The lid features a freezer-grade gasket and a built-in silicone pocket that is convenient for storing small things. The RTIC is pretty expensive for the capacity you get, so if you're on a tight budget, the Ultra-Light 22 may not be the right cooler for you. Review our full review of the best coolers on the market to learn more about the range of choices available today.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The RTIC Ultra-Light 22 is a rotomolded cooler built with closed-cell foam insulation and a freezer-style gasket in the lid. It features a 2-in-1 adjustable strap that also functions as a handle. The silicone T-latches that secure the lid are rubbery and a little stretchy, making it easy to open and close.
The strap on the RTIC Ultra-Light 22 is quite comfortable for carrying short distances.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Insulation
The manufacturer claims that the RTIC Ultra-Light 22 can last up to six days if you follow their ice retention tips, which is not part of our insulation performance testing but something to keep in mind. The Ultra-Light 22 maintained 40 degrees or lower for just under three and a half days, and within a few hours, 50 degrees came and went too. This performance is below average compared to all the other coolers we tested.
During our insulation performance testing, two iButton sensors are placed inside a mason jar to monitor temperatures inside each cooler.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The RTIC is pretty sturdy, especially for such a small cooler.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Durability
The RTIC 22 is quite secure once closed, featuring a freezer-style gasket to lock in the cold and moisture. It didn't leak at all during our water slosh test while walking with it, nor when we bounced it around or tilted it at an angle. The only time we noticed a tiny leak coming from the RTIC Ultra-Light was when holding it at a steep angle while walking — and that was negligible. Our lead tester, Gena Bradshaw, calls out its strength, saying, “Even though this is a very small cooler, I was able to stand on it and it remained stable.” The top of the lid is also textured with a nonslippery plastic; this helps provide an added degree of stabilization when standing on it.
The Ultra-Light 22 makes a convenient seat in a pinch.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We love the nifty built-in pocket under the lid of the RTIC Ultra-Light.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Although the RTIC Ultra-Light 22 doesn't have any handles molded into the cooler's body, there is enough of a lip on it to grab onto if necessary. We like the 2-in-1 carrying strap, which is made of a durable webbing material and features a neoprene handle for comfort. The strap is fully adjustable and can be shortened into a handle. RTIC claims the capacity of the Ultra-Light 22 can fit 30 cans. We had success fitting 38 12-ounce cans total, though this required a bit of Tetris. Its internal height of 12.5 inches can also accommodate a bottle of wine upright inside. It can fit up to eight wine bottles, making this cooler the life of the party. A nifty silicone net pocket on the lid's backside is great for small items. When the weekend is over and it's time to store the Ultra-Light 22, it keeps things simple with a convenient rectangular shape and small storage footprint.
RTIC claims the can capacity of the Ultra-Light 22 is 30, we were able to fit 38 cans.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The strap of the RTIC feels solid, and the neoprene handle adds to the comfort when carrying over our shoulder.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Portability
At 11.6 lbs, the RTIC Ultra-Light lives up to its name, being one of the lightest coolers that we reviewed. Tester Gena Bradshaw said, “I love the shoulder strap! The padding is comfy and eases the impact on my shoulder, and I could carry it comfortably even when wearing a tank top.” The convenient size of this cooler makes it very manageable for just about anyone to haul around. Although the strap is great, we wish it had molded-in handles as an alternative method for carrying it. This cooler seals quite well when latched shut, showing barely any signs of leaking when tilted side to side or lying on its side.
The RTIC has several convenient accessories, including a bottle opener and a tethered drain plug.
Additional Features
The RTIC Ultra-Light is available in nine colors and is compatible with many RTIC brand wine bottle holders, baskets, and dividers, allowing you to customize it for your use case. This cooler features a built-in stainless steel bottle opener, which is located right next to where you can lock the cooler. It has tie-down slots to secure it while traveling, and we loved the clever silicone storage pocket on the underside of the lid. RTIC's 3-year warranty covers the Ultra Light as well.
Being on the lighter end of all the coolers we've reviewed, the RTIC Ultra-Light is easy to throw around.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the RTIC Ultra-Light 22?
The RTIC Ultra-Light 22 is a highly portable cooler with some nifty features and solid build quality for a solo-sized lunchbox cooler or a lightweight beverage hauler for your next hangout. The insulation performance is average at best, but if your regular use case is three days or less, the RTIC has you covered. If your outings involve a fair amount of food and drinks, the capacity of the Ultra-Light 22 might not be enough space for you.
The lid of the RTIC 22 features a freezer-grade gasket that does a great job keeping cold air and water inside the cooler.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
If you need a lot more space than the RTIC 22 has to offer, we recommend checking out the RTIC Ultralight 52, which offers a large upgrade in capacity without a massive jump in price. If a wheeled cooler is more your speed, you can get the Xspec 45 Towable within that same price range. The Xspec is an excellent cooler that scored well in every metric we tested. Check out our in-depth review of the best coolers on the market so you can feel confident spending your money on the right cooler.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare RTIC Ultra-Light 22 versus top competing products:
—Kolby Anderson and Genaveve Bradshaw
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