Rtic 20 vs Yeti 20: Almost Identical But Slightly Different

This Rtic 20 vs Yeti 20 comparison is frequently asked for by potential customers of these products. This is due to their extreme likeness in design and function. In fact, a lawsuit had been filed against Rtic because they are the most exact replica of the Yeti. According to sources, Rtic had been forced to discontinue some of their models.

That being said, there are still some Rtic 20 models available on Amazon. This is why we will move forward with this comparison; in order to let you in on the real differences between them. Although there are not that many, they are enough to warrant a review and be taken into consideration when purchasing one of these products.

Related: Yeti Rambler vs Rtic: What So Many People Wonder

Rtic 20 vs Yeti 20

Preview
RTIC Cooler 20 Quarts
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
YETI Roadie 20
YETI Roadie 20
Title
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
YETI Roadie 20
Price
$159.99
Price not available
Capacity
20 quarts
20 quarts
Dimensions
26.5" x 16.5" x 16"
19.5" x 12" x 15"
Weight
17.50 lbs
15 lbs
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Permafrost
Construction
Rotomolded
Rotomolded
Ice Retention
10 Days
Up to 5 days
Latch
Heavy-Duty Rubber T Latches
T-Rex Lid Latches
Features
Non-Slid Feet | Bear Resistant
FatWall design
More Information
RTIC Cooler 20 Quarts
Preview
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
Title
RTIC 20 QT Ultra-Tough Cooler Hard Insulated Portable Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drink, Beverage, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Boat, Barbecue, Tan
Price
$159.99
Capacity
20 quarts
Dimensions
26.5" x 16.5" x 16"
Weight
17.50 lbs
Insulation
Polyurethane Foam
Construction
Rotomolded
Ice Retention
10 Days
Latch
Heavy-Duty Rubber T Latches
Features
Non-Slid Feet | Bear Resistant
More Information
YETI Roadie 20
Preview
YETI Roadie 20
Title
YETI Roadie 20
Price
Price not available
Capacity
20 quarts
Dimensions
19.5" x 12" x 15"
Weight
15 lbs
Insulation
Permafrost
Construction
Rotomolded
Ice Retention
Up to 5 days
Latch
T-Rex Lid Latches
Features
FatWall design
More Information

What They Have In Common

We have mentioned that the designs of the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20 are practically identical. You might wonder why would include a section on what they have in common. The list below is meant to illustrate some of the features that these coolers have that you may not know about. All of these features are included in the Rtic 20 and in the Yeti 20.

Drain spouts:

A cooler would not be complete without a drain spout to expel all of the melted ice that builds up after a couple of days. You must keep the water away from things like sandwiches.

RTIC Hard Cooler, 20 qt, Tan, Ice Chest with Heavy Duty Rubber Latches, 3 Inch Insulated Walls

Draining the water from the cooler will help to maintain the refrigeration on the inside to where it should be. These coolers have drain spouts on the sides where you can simply tip over the cooler and let the water drain out of the hole.

Molded tie-down slots:

In case you would like to lock or tie down the lid to cure it to the body of the cooler, the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20 both have slots that permit you to do this. The slots are molded into the base material of these coolers at the corners. This ensures that you get a durable tiedown spot that will not break off.

Heavy-duty rope handles:

In order to allow two people at a time to carry these coolers, rope handles are included. The theory behind rope handles is that when one person moves one way, the other is free to move the other way. Some people like this and some people prefer basic candles built into the chassis. Either way, the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20 both have identical rope handles.

T latches:

The T latches on these coolers allow you to snap the lid shut so that you know nothing will leak out.

YETI Roadie 20 Cooler, Desert Tan

Rubber seals:

Just as with a freezer, rubber seals are included on the inside of the top lid in order to keep in the melted ice, as well as trap the cold air in.

Comparison Of The Rtic 20 vs The Yeti 20

Comparing these identical models can be rather difficult considering that the Rtic 20 is built so similarly to the Yeti 20. However, there are a few key differences that might sway you to purchase one over the other. Here they are, in no random order:

Volume capacity:

Judging by the model names of the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20, one might think that they both have the same volume capacity. Actually, there is a slight difference between them.

RTIC Hard Cooler, 20 qt, Tan, Ice Chest with Heavy Duty Rubber Latches, 3 Inch Insulated Walls

When it comes to the numbers included in the model names of the Rtic, these numbers represent the number of quarts that it can hold. However, the Yeti 20 does not hold 20 quarts. In general, the Yeti holds fewer quarts than the name suggests. So in this case, the Rtic 20 has the highest volume capacity by a noticeable margin.

Ice retention:

A number of customers have tested the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20 side by side in order to determine which of these coolers holds ice the longest.

Generally speaking, they are both meant to hold ice for about 4 days in the summer heat. However, the tests determined that the Rtic 20 holds ice a little bit longer, perhaps up to an extra day!

Quality materials and design:

Based on customer reviews, the Yeti 20 seems to use materials that are higher quality Rtic 20.

YETI Roadie 20 Cooler, Desert Tan

This is especially apparent when it comes to the gasket ceiling, which is not as adequate in the Rtic 20. There is also the fact that the Yeti 20 has nice rubber handles, while the Rtic 20 only has foam handles.

Warranty:

The Yeti 20 has a five-year warranty, whereas it is difficult to find any information on whether the Rtic 20 is under warranty, especially since they have been discontinued according to sources.

Price comparison

There was a day when the Yeti 20 was double the price of the Rtic 20. Since the Rtic 20 is now more difficult to find, it seems that they have risen their prices slightly. Also, the Yeti 20 is now discounted heavily on Amazon. At this point, the prices of the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20 are comparable. To view current prices on Amazon, please see below.

The Verdict

There are only a few slight differences between the Rtic 20 and the Yeti 20. It seems that the Yeti 20 uses slightly better quality materials. However, according to some tests, the Yeti 20 does not hold ice as long as the Rtic 20. Moreover, the Yeti 20 does not actually hold 20 quarts like the Rtic 20 does. It holds less than the Rtic 20.

Overall, both of these coolers are excellent and provide great value for the price.

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