YETI vs RTIC vs Dometic Electric Coolers: Pros, Cons, and Our Experience
If you’re looking for a high quality cooler that keeps your food and drinks cold for days, chances are you’ve come across YETI and RTIC. Both brands are popular among campers, road trippers, and outdoor lovers, but they come with different features, price points, and levels of convenience. We’ve tested both brands firsthand and are sharing our honest experience to help you decide which cooler is right for you.
Our YETI Cooler Experience
We have two YETI coolers, the Tundra 45 and the Roadie 24, both of which we bought ourselves and love. Our first YETI, the Tundra 45, was purchased in November 2021 after our previous cooler was stolen from our apartment patio. We have had it for many years now and used it quite a bit. After a while, we realized we did not always need a cooler that large. On longer trips, we also wanted one cooler dedicated to drinks, especially when camping with family, so we got the Roadie 24.
Trying the RTIC Ultralight Cooler
A few years ago RTIC reached out to us and offered their 52 quart ultralight cooler with no strings attached. We figured, why not? It had a larger capacity and used a different construction process. The RTIC cooler is injection molded, which uses less plastic and helps keep the weight down. However, injection molding does not allow manufacturers to use a single piece of plastic, like rotational molding (roto-molding) does. Rotational molding creates thicker, more even walls from a single piece, especially in the corners, which can make it more durable. But it also makes the cooler heavier.
First Impressions of the RTIC on a Camping Trip
We took the RTIC Ultralight 52 quart cooler on a camping trip. It did pretty well. Even though it was only a one night trip, the cooler spent a lot of time in a hot car and out in the sun. The RTIC is noticeably lighter than the YETI when both are empty. Only time will tell how it holds up in the long run. For this one night trip, 52 quarts was definitely more space than we needed, but it was a good test. On the plus side, the YETI ice packs combined with regular ice cubes kept everything cold. All our food stayed fresh. One downside could be the overall size of the cooler. It takes up a lot of space in the trunk or truck bed, but it definitely holds plenty of food and drinks.
YETI vs RTIC: Durability and Construction
YETI has proven its durability to us over the years and has a strong reputation with its rotational molded coolers. Their success means they charge a premium for their products. One thing we love about YETI is how well their ice packs fit inside their coolers. The design is well thought out. YETI also has physical retail stores and is sold in stores like REI and other sporting goods shops, which is convenient if you want to see products in person or do an exchange. RTIC is fully online, which helps keep their costs lower.
Which Cooler Is Right for You?
We bought our YETI cooler before RTIC became more popular, so it is hard to say what we would do now if we had to start fresh. Honestly, you cannot really go wrong with either. It might just come down to your budget and the color you want. We will continue to update this post as we use the RTIC more.
YETI Ice: Is It Worth It?
YETI Ice might be one of our favorite products from YETI. We’ve seen real results and it consistently helps keep our cooler cold and ice frozen longer. If you’re curious about the science behind it, YETI’s website has a detailed breakdown of how it works.
For the best results, we recommend prechilling your cooler the night before. You can do this by filling it with ice packs or a bag of ice you plan to remove later. This helps drop the internal temperature before packing your food and drinks. Once the cooler is prechilled, add your YETI Ice, followed by a solid layer of regular ice on top.
If you’re packing food, place a layer of ice at the bottom and put the items on top. This helps avoid food getting crushed or soggy as ice melts and shifts. To improve ice retention, try to minimize empty space or air inside the cooler.
You can find YETI Ice at REI, Amazon, and other major retailers.
Dometic CFX5 45 Electric Cooler Review
In 2025, as our camping setup evolved with an enclosed truck bed shell and a rooftop tent, we became increasingly interested in switching to an electric cooler. The new setup allowed us to pack the truck quickly before leaving and gave our gear more protection in the truck bed.
After a lot of research, we chose the Dometic CFX5 45 because of its advanced technology and practical design. This electric cooler has a built-in battery management system to prevent over-drawing or draining the battery it’s connected to. Its insulated walls help retain cold temperatures for longer periods even when it’s not actively running.
While the CFX5 45 may be more than necessary for a quick weekend camping trip for two, we decided on this size over the CFX5 35 because the footprint is the same, the cost difference was minimal, and it’s better for longer trips or group camping. Plus, the extra space is perfect for keeping more items cold, like water and beer.
Pros of the Dometic CFX5 45
No need to buy or retain ice
More usable storage space since there’s no ice taking up room
Can be pre-packed well before a trip for quick departure
Consistent temperature control
Quiet compressor operation
Can double as an extra fridge at home or on the road
Remote monitoring and control with the Dometic mobile app
Cons of the Dometic CFX5 45
Requires a constant power source (we use the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2)
Costs three times or more than a YETI Tundra 45 or similar non-electric cooler
Can be heavy when fully loaded
Although built for camping, it still needs protection from water, dust, and rough transport
