RTIC Ultralight 52 Review

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 your group. This medium to large-sized cooler combines convenience with unique features to provide an excellent-performing product.

Performance Comparison

Insulation

For our insulation test, we set the coolers in a temperature-controlled room for 10 days. They were full of ice and a small device that measured ambient temperature. We noted when each model's internal temperature rose above 40° and 50° Fahrenheit. The former represents the FDA-recommended food-safe temperature, while 50° is the ideal beverage temperature. 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 by this method, but we find it unlikely that most people are going to 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° will get you through the weekend and any grill-focused day trip.

The Ultralight has a rotomolded 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.

Durability

Next is our durability test, which is comprised of us dragging, jumping on, and rolling over these coolers. We also inspected every nook and cranny, noting any potential weak points or problem spots. 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 these pose a weak point as the rubber feels flimsy. Additionally, the hinges feel a bit weak and could become a problem with continuous rough use, though nothing ever broke during our testing. When set out in the sun, the cooler becomes slightly warm to the touch but nothing unbearable. RTIC includes compatible slots that pair with a tie-down kit to keep it from slipping around or turning over while driving.

Ease of Use

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. It's also large enough to fit an upright 2-liter jug or wine bottle.

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 easily organize the internal space while chilling the contents. Additionally, the lid is sturdy enough to be used as a stool, table, cutting board, or chair.

Portability

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 lbs lighter than its competition. 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 just aren't cutting it.

Additional Features

Lastly, we looked into any features each model included and whether or not it took away from their overall functionality. We were most impressed with the freezable divider wall available for this cooler (sold separately). If you freeze it overnight and the next day, you'll have a chilled wall to categorize your 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 an easy task.

The Ultralight is available in a handful of bright, exciting colors, as opposed to the classic monotone options. RTIC also has additional kits for purchase. Of these, we particularly like the compatible tie-down kit. This keeps it extra secure in your boat or truck with straps and mounts. The cooler has an integrated locking system to keep all your belongings secured.

Should You Buy the Ultralight RTIC 52?

The Ultralight 52 packs in a lightweight body with an excellent insulation performance for just a fraction of the price of its competitors. Though it's still a little pricey, this is no styrofoam grocery store cooler. This RTIC is built to last and will keep your food fresh longer than most others. This easy-to-carry cooler is a great companion for fishing, picnics, camping trips, and beach trips.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

The Orca 58 is another model that does well overall. It lasted the longest in our insulation tests and is very durable. However, it'll cost you a little extra. In terms of portability, you can't get much better than the Yeti Roadie 60. This model has two wheels and functions much like a suitcase, although it can handle the rigors of trails and sandy beaches. This premium cooler is an excellent option, but it is also on the pricier side. For more side-by-side results, check out our review of coolers.