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.

The short answer

RTIC Soft Pack 30 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Road trippers and budget-minded campers who want YETI-level leakproofing and capacity without the YETI price. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack

4.3

$92.65as of Jun 7

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, but for casual coolers, picnics, and tailgates it is hard to beat the value and packability.

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 →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

RTIC Soft Pack 30

4.6

$129as of May 29

The RTIC Soft Pack 30 is the value pick that keeps showing up in head-to-head tests against YETI. 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 for 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 →

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	—
Inside Dimensions	15.5 x 8.5 x 10.5 in	—
Shell	600D polyester canvas, Scotchgard topcoat	—
Insulation	3/4 in high-density closed-cell foam	Up to 1.5 in closed-cell foam
Liner	Welded TPU, abrasion-resistant	—
Cold Hold	~55 hours food-safe (tested)	Up to 2 days
Carry	Duffel handles + removable strap	Removable shoulder strap
Empty Weight	—	4 lb
Closure	—	EZ waterproof zipper
Construction	—	Welded leakproof seams
Floats	—	Yes

← See the full ranking of best soft cooler bags