Top 5 Ice Chests for Overlanding: RTIC, YETI & More Reviewed
If you’ve been on the trail for more than a day, you already know how important it is to keep food and drinks cold. And let’s be honest—most of us don’t start out with a $1,000 powered fridge/freezer in the back of our rig. For beginners, weekend warriors, or anyone who just wants a reliable cooler without breaking the bank, a solid ice chest is the way to go. Even once you upgrade to a powered option (something I’m personally aiming for), having a dependable cooler still makes sense. It’s great for short trips, overflow storage, or tossing in the truck when friends tag along. The five coolers below are some of the top-rated options you’ll find on Amazon, backed by feedback from Reddit overlanding groups, expert reviews, and real-world testing. Each one is measured by insulation, durability, portability, and value—so you can find the best fit for your adventures.
Grab the cooler that lines up with your priorities—whether that’s lightweight design, max ice retention, or budget-friendly reliability—and test it out on a weekend trip before relying on it for the long haul.
RTIC Ultra-Light 52-Qt Hard Cooler
The RTIC Ultra-Light 52-Qt stands out because it delivers premium-level ice retention without the back-breaking weight. At just 21 lbs, it’s 30% lighter than most rotomolded coolers but still tough enough to handle rough trails. In testing, it kept food safe for up to 145 hours and drinks chilled for 151—more than enough for a long weekend. The tradeoff? The rope handles aren’t the easiest for solo lifting, and it skips small extras like a built-in opener.
Pros:
30% lighter than most rotomolded coolers
Excellent ice retention (145+ hrs)
Durable build with tie-down slots
Dual drain plugs for easy cleanup
Cons:
Rope handles can be awkward
No built-in bottle opener
YETI Tundra 35 Hard Cooler
YETI has earned its reputation, and the Tundra 35 is a perfect example of why. Rotomolded and bear-resistant, it’s designed to take a beating. With up to 3 inches of insulation, its ice retention is among the best in class. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller rigs or solo setups, though the premium build comes with extra weight and a price tag to match.
Pros:
Rugged, bear-resistant construction
Up to 3" insulation for top-tier performance
Non-slip feet + tie-down slots for secure travel
Cons:
Heavier than other mid-size coolers
Expensive compared to competitors
Igloo 50-Qt Overland Ice Chest Cooler
If you’re looking for affordability without sacrificing space, the Igloo 50-Qt Overland is a strong pick. It features thick foam insulation, a UV-resistant body, and a roomy design that works well for groups. While it won’t match the ice retention of YETI or RTIC, it’s reliable enough for weekend trips. Some users do mention the lid can be finicky to latch tightly, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Spacious capacity for groups
UV inhibitors protect against sun damage
Cons:
Average insulation compared to premium brands
Lid can be tricky to seal firmly
RTIC Ultra-Light 22-Qt Wheeled Cooler
For anyone tired of lugging heavy coolers by hand, the RTIC 22-Qt Wheeled model is a game changer. It’s lightweight, rolls smoothly on rugged wheels, and has a telescoping handle for easy transport. With 2.3 inches of foam insulation, it keeps things cold for solid stretches. The drawback? Capacity is on the small side, making it best for short trips or solo runs, and wheels may struggle in deep sand.
Pros:
Easy to maneuver with wheels and handle
Lightweight design
Built-in opener + dual drain plugs
Cons:
Limited capacity for longer trips
Wheels can bog down in sand
Dometic Patrol 20 Qt Ice Chest
Built like a tank, the Dometic Patrol 20 is all about durability and reliability. With its rotomolded one-piece construction and deep-freeze seal, it locks in cold impressively well. Its compact size makes it ideal for solo explorers or short trips, but that also means you’ll run out of space fast with a larger group. Price is also closer to premium, so you’re paying for the toughness.
Pros:
Rugged one-piece construction
Excellent ice retention with deep-freeze seal
Leak-proof drain for easy cleanup
Cons:
Small capacity
Higher price for its size
Bottom Line:
Choosing the right cooler depends on what matters most for your style of overlanding. The RTIC Ultra-Light 52-Qt is the best all-around pick, balancing performance and value while keeping weight down. If portability is key, the RTIC 22-Qt Wheeled makes camp life much easier. For budget-conscious buyers, the Igloo 50-Qt Overland delivers solid performance at a great price. And if you’re chasing premium durability and max cold retention, the YETI Tundra 35 or Dometic Patrol 20 are worth the investment.
In short—go RTIC 52-Qt if you want balance, RTIC 22-Qt for convenience, Igloo for affordability, and YETI or Dometic if you want premium gear that’ll last for years.