At just 21.6 lbs, the RTIC Ultralight 52 is the perfect companion for your next camping trip or picnic. With a 50-quart capacity, it's large enough to hold plenty of food and drinks for our group. This medium to large-sized cooler combines convenience with unique features to provide an excellent-performing product.
The RTIC is very sturdy and can handle a beating. We jumped and dragged this cooler around with very few signs of wear and tear. However, during this jostling around, we noticed a slight leak around the lid. This shows the lid isn't airtight or watertight.
The rubber T-shaped latches resemble many of the competitors. They are stretchy and easy to use. However, we are concerned that these pose a weak point as the rubber feels flimsy.
RTIC includes compatible slots that pair with a tie-down kit, which helps to keep it from slipping around or turning over while driving.
We were impressed with the freezable divider wall available for this cooler (sold separately). We froze it overnight, and the next day had a chilled wall to categorize our belongings. The Ultralight has two drainage ports, with one being a V-shaped exit for easy cleanup. And because it's so light, picking it up to shake out the last few drops is easy.
We love that it's available in a handful of bright, exciting colors, as opposed to the classic monotone options. RTIC also has additional kits for purchase. We bought some, and of these, we particularly like the compatible tie-down kit. This keeps it extra secure in a boat or truck with straps and mounts. We really love the integrated locking system to keep all our belongings secure in bear country.
In our tests, the Ultralight 52 lasted 145 hours at food-safe temperatures and 151 hours at ideal drink temperatures. RTIC claims to last a whopping 10 days at food-safe temperatures, but this isn't shocking. Many cooler companies claim to last much longer than they actually do. This may be due in part to the pre-chilling method that many recommend. Sure, you may get a longer span with this method, but we find it unlikely that most people will do this. That's why we didn't do it in our testing and, consequently, why our cooler never made it to the 10-day mark. Still, nearly six days below 40°F will get you through the weekend and any grill-focused day trip.
The Ultralight has an injection-molded body with three inches of closed-cell foam insulation. This and the freezer-style gasket lid help keep cool air in and hot air out. Additionally, the raised feet keep the bottom of the cooler from resting on hot surfaces. This allows for airflow underneath and cuts down on unnecessary heat exchange. For being so light, 21.6 lbs to be exact, this 50-quart cooler had an impressive insulation performance.
Despite its medium to large internal volume, the RTIC manages to stay lightweight and portable. Weighing in at only 21.6 lbs, this model is, on average, about 10 pounds lighter than its rotomolded counterparts. Our testers of various builds had no trouble lifting, loading, or dragging this cooler around, even when it was completely full.
Its nylon rope handles lift well above the cooler, allowing for comfortable transport without hitting your hands on the plastic body. The handles are made from textured plastic and are easy enough to grip. However, we wish they had some cushion, as gripping hard plastic for long periods can get a bit tiresome. Molded-in side handles provide a stable lifting and loading option when the rope handles aren't cutting.
The Ultralight 52 has good capacity for most short trips. Despite its rectangular shape, the RTIC is large enough to fit an upright 2-liter jug or wine bottle, and can hold up to 61 cans, making it exceptionally fit for a small cookout or a couple of days of camping.
Overall, we were impressed with how easy it was to use the Ultralight. With two drain plugs, you can easily empty the cooler from multiple angles, making the process quick and hassle-free. It includes a leash for a plug, so you won't have to worry about losing that crucial tiny piece. The T-shaped latches are easy to grasp and hold in hand to open the container. The lid opens past at a 90-degree angle and won't shut on your hands while you're trying to load it up.
We were lucky enough to purchase this cooler when RTIC was including the wire basket and freezable dividers. Unfortunately, these are no longer included, so you'll have to buy them separately, which jacks up the cost. However, we greatly appreciated these organizational options. The basket rests high up above the ice, ensuring food and other items stay dry. The freezable dividers were game-changing, allowing us to organize the internal space while chilling the contents easily. Additionally, the lid is sturdy enough to be used as a stool, table, cutting board, or chair.
| Awards |  Best Insulation for the Price |
|---|---|
| Price | $229 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A lightweight and colorful update to the RTIC line that includes nice accessories at a more accessible price |
| Pros | Lightweight, easy to use, great features |
| Cons | Flimsy latches and hinges, leaky lid |
| Rating Categories | RTIC Ultralight 52 |
| Insulation (35%) | |
| Moving & Lifting (35%) | |
| Packable Space (20%) | |
| Ease of Use (10%) | |
| Specifications | RTIC Ultralight 52 |
| Food Safe Days | 5.8 |
| Cold Drink Days | 6.3 |
| Measured Weight | 21.6 lbs |
| Measured Exterior Dimensions | 27.3" x 18.5" x 17.5" |
| Measured Can Capacity | 61 |
| Wheels | No |
| Features | Tie-down slots, dry ice compatible, lid functions as casting platform, lockable |
| Measured Capacity | 49.0 qt |
| Upright Wine Bottle Fit | Yes |
| Measured Internal Height | 12.0" |
| Outer Construction | Injection molded |
| Inner Construction | Not listed |
