Head-to-head · Best Soft Cooler Bags

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack vs RTIC Soft Pack 30

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Casual users who want a cheap, lightweight, fold-flat cooler for picnics, tailgates, and grocery runs rather than rugged waterproof duty. — read the strengths below before deciding.

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack

4.1

3 sources1 derived$92.65as of Aug 1

The AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack is the simple, collapsible, affordable pick. OutdoorGearLab liked its duffel-style handles, decent insulation, and fold-flat storage, and extended testing held food-safe temps for around 55 hours. The canvas shell is less rugged and weatherproof than the YETI and RTIC bags. For casual coolers, picnics, and tailgates, the value and packability are hard to beat.

Strengths

— Folds flat for storage, saving space most structured coolers can't
— Duffel-style handles and a removable strap make it easy to carry and load
— Maintained food-safe temperatures for roughly 55 hours in extended testing

Watch-outs

— Canvas exterior is less abrasion- and puncture-resistant than YETI or RTIC shells
— Top-zip duffel opening is not as leakproof as a welded waterproof zipper
— No floating capability and less water resistance for boat use

$92.65 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

RTIC Soft Pack 30

4.0

3 sources2 derived$129as of Aug 1

The RTIC Soft Pack 30 keeps showing up in head-to-head tests against YETI as the value pick. GearJunkie called out its leakproof design and easy-to-pack exterior, and CleverHiker measured about four days before the ice fully melted. The zipper is stiff and it does not quite match the Flip 12, but at roughly a third of the price it is the best bang-for-buck technical soft cooler on the market.

Strengths

— Roughly a third the price of comparable YETI models while matching most of the performance
— EZ waterproof zipper and welded seams kept the bag leakproof and floating in CleverHiker's testing
— Held cold for about two days in real-world high-desert use

Watch-outs

— Tight-sealing zipper is stiff and tricky to open and close, especially when new
— Ice retention trails the YETI Hopper Flip 12 by a day or more in head-to-head tests
— Fabric finish scuffs more visibly than YETI's DryHide shell

$129 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack

The lightest and most packable option here, undercutting the YETI Hopper Flip 12 and YETI Hopper M30 2.0 on price and storage, but giving up the welded leakproofing of the RTIC Soft Pack 30 and RTIC Soft Pack 20.

RTIC Soft Pack 30

Far cheaper than the YETI Hopper Flip 12 with similar ice life, holds more than the RTIC Soft Pack 20, and is more weatherproof than the canvas AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack, though it lacks the tote capacity of the YETI Hopper M30 2.0.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack	RTIC Soft Pack 30
Capacity	24 cans + 14 lb ice	30 cans
Outside Dimensions	17 x 10 x 12 in	15.5 x 12.75 x 11.5 in
Inside Dimensions	15.5 x 8.5 x 10.5 in	15.5 x 12.8 x 11.5 in
Shell	600D polyester canvas, Scotchgard topcoat	heavy-duty coated fabric
Insulation	3/4 in high-density closed-cell foam	Up to 1.5 in closed-cell foam
Liner	Welded TPU, abrasion-resistant	puncture-resistant, waterproof
Cold Hold	~55 hours food-safe (tested)	Up to 2 days
Carry	Duffel handles + removable strap	Removable shoulder strap
Ice Retention	24 hours in 100°F heat	—
Construction	Welded leakproof seams	Welded leakproof seams
Floats	Yes	Yes
Material	Nylon	Vinyl
Empty Weight	—	4 lb
Closure	—	EZ waterproof zipper

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