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RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler: Hands-Free Cold Storage for the Day Out

At the water’s edge, carrying refreshments should not mean sacrificing a free hand for your board or fishing gear. The RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler is designed to carry its load on your back.

About RTIC Outdoors

Focus:

The Problem

A conventional cooler can occupy a hand while you carry other equipment, and choosing capacity without dimensions or empty weight can make trip planning harder.

The Solution

This soft cooler uses backpack straps for hands-free carrying and lists a 24-can capacity, 3.8 lb empty weight, and dimensions of 12 x 10 x 16 inches.

Full Review

A beach day often begins with a small logistical puzzle: how do you carry cold drinks and snacks while keeping both hands free for a board, a fishing rod, or the rest of your kit? The tan RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler is designed around that simple need. Its backpack straps move the load onto your back, leaving your hands available as you make your way from the parking area to the water or a picnic spot.

The 24-can model measures 12 by 10 by 16 inches and weighs 3.8 pounds empty. RTIC says it holds 24 cans and a bag of ice, and that wine bottles fit as well. Those details make capacity easier to picture when planning a group outing: think through what you want to pack, then leave room for ice. The cooler has a zipper-top opening for access to the contents. For shoppers comparing sizes, the brand also lists a 36-can version at 15 by 10 by 20.25 inches and 5.4 pounds empty; it holds 36 cans and a bag of ice.

RTIC describes the 24 Can Backpack Cooler as built with premium insulation to keep contents cold for days. Its product description also cites welded seams, a waterproof construction, and the ability to float. These are manufacturer-stated features, not independent test results; for a particular trip, pack according to the conditions and follow any care guidance from RTIC.

The backpack format can make sense when carrying a conventional cooler would occupy a hand. A zipper-top soft cooler is also a straightforward option for outings where portable food and drinks matter more than rigid storage. Before choosing, compare the 24-can capacity and 3.8-pound empty weight with your expected load. If you routinely need more space, the 36-can version is the larger listed option, though it is also heavier and bigger.

The catalog listed this tan model at $159 and reported it out of stock in a snapshot dated October 21, 2026. Price and availability can change, so check the RTIC backpack cooler listing before planning a purchase. For a hands-free carry setup, review the tan 24-can cooler details against your capacity needs and trip plan.

Product Details

Official Name

RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler

Brand

RTIC Outdoors

Where to Find

RTIC Outdoors product listing; catalog snapshot reported out of stock

Available Colors

Tan

Available Sizes

• 24 Can

Warranty

First Impressions

Unboxing

Build Quality

No independent inspection details were provided. RTIC describes the cooler as having welded seams and a durable zipper.

Surprises

Performance Metrics

Meet the RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler, Tan

Key Features

Holds 24 cans and a bag of ice, according to the product description
Backpack straps for hands-free carrying
Zipper-top opening
Welded seams; described by RTIC as waterproof and able to float
Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 16 inches

Best For

  • • Surf outings
  • • Fishing trips
  • • Carrying drinks and snacks hands-free

The Verdict

/5.0

Best For

  • Hands-free transport of drinks and snacks
  • Surf or fishing outings where carrying gear is part of the trip

Skip If

    Worth the Price?NO
    Would We Buy Again?NO

    Buying Decision Guide

    If you want a backpack-style cooler for a smaller group...

    Then The listed 24-can capacity and 3.8 lb empty weight may be relevant to your comparison.

    Consider the listed 36-can version if you need more capacity and are comfortable with its larger dimensions and 5.4 lb empty weight.

    Designed For

    Terrain Types

    Beach access
    Shoreline
    Campgrounds

    Weather Conditions

    Long-Term Considerations

    Durability Expectation

    Maintenance Required

    Repairability

    Resale Value

    Companion Products

    Reusable water bottle

    Provides a personal drinking-water option alongside shared cooler contents.

    Dry bag

    Offers separate storage for items you want to keep apart from cooler contents.

    Reusable ice packs

    Can be considered as part of a cooling setup when planning what to pack.

    Beach or fishing gear

    The backpack carry format is described as leaving hands free for items such as a surfboard or fishing pole.

    Sustainability

    Environmental Impact

    Labor Practices

    Brand Commitment

    Pro Tips

    Plan for packed weight

    The listed 3.8 lb weight is empty; account for the contents and ice when deciding how much to carry.

    Choose capacity before packing

    Use the 24-can capacity as a planning guide, and compare the larger 36-can model if your group needs more room.

    Check the closure

    Use the zipper-top opening to access the cooler, and make sure it is closed before carrying it.

    Verify retailer details

    The catalog snapshot reported the item out of stock; check current price and availability before setting out to buy it.

    "

    Real World Review

    Conditions:

    No field-test details were provided. The available product information describes a 24-can backpack cooler with a 3.8 lb empty weight, zipper-top access, and manufacturer-stated insulation and waterproof construction.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does the RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler hold?

    RTIC lists capacity as 24 cans and a bag of ice. The product description also says wine bottles fit.

    How much does the 24-can model weigh?

    Its listed empty weight is 3.8 pounds.

    Is the cooler waterproof?

    RTIC describes the backpack cooler as waterproof, with welded seams, and says it can float. These are manufacturer-provided claims.

    What was the listed price and availability?

    A catalog snapshot dated 2026-10-21 listed it at $159 and reported it out of stock. Check the retailer for current details.

    Buying Advice

    Sizing Notes

    The 24-can model measures 12 x 10 x 16 inches and weighs 3.8 lb empty. RTIC also lists a 36-can version measuring 15 x 10 x 20.25 inches and weighing 5.4 lb empty.

    Value Summary

    The catalog snapshot listed the product at $159 and out of stock on 2026-10-21. Verify current price and availability with the retailer.

    Complete Your Kit

    Reusable water bottle

    Essential

    A separate bottle is useful for keeping drinking water accessible during an outing.

    Insulated drink container

    summer

    Consider one if you want a dedicated container for an individual drink alongside shared cooler contents.

    Dry bag

    Can help keep items that should remain dry separate from cooler contents.

    Reusable ice packs

    summer

    An alternative cooling item to consider when planning the cooler’s contents.

    TL;DR

    A 24-can soft cooler with backpack straps, listed at 3.8 lb empty and 12 x 10 x 16 inches.

    Deal Breakers

    • The catalog snapshot reported the product out of stock; confirm current availability.
    • No independent performance testing or warranty information was provided.

    Ideal Buyer

    Someone comparing a hands-free cooler for surf, fishing, or other outings where carrying drinks and snacks is part of the plan.

    Pack Cold, Carry Hands-Free

    Review the 24-can cooler’s capacity, dimensions, and current availability.