The correct cooler can make all the difference when it comes to keeping ice frozen and beverages cold during outdoor excursions. Grizzly and RTIC are two brands that are frequently at the forefront of the discussion. Both provide rotomolded, high-performance coolers that are designed to withstand harsh environments, but which one offers the best cooling capacity, longevity, and value?
Everything you need to know before purchasing your next ice chest is covered in this comparison of the Grizzly and RTIC coolers. We’ll compare the real-world performance of these two products, looking at everything from build quality and design to ice retention, portability, and cost. Knowing the main distinctions between hunting, camping, tailgating, and weekend travel enables you to make the best decision.
Grizzly Coolers are renowned for their lifetime warranty, tough durability, and American-made workmanship. They are made for people who require the highest level of durability and reliable performance in challenging outdoor settings. However, RTIC Coolers have a reputation for providing comparable performance at a lower cost, making them desirable to consumers on a tight budget who nonetheless desire high-end cooling outcomes.
Although both coolers offer outstanding ice retention and durable insulation, minor variations in features, construction, and portability may affect your experience. In order to determine which one best suits your lifestyle, we compare Grizzly and RTIC side by side in this article. You’ll discover unambiguous answers here, regardless of whether value, longevity, or cooling effectiveness are your top priorities.
Let’s compare the Grizzly and RTIC Coolers and see which one is the true winner of being the greatest travel companion for your upcoming outdoor excursion.
Overview
Understanding the history and design philosophies of each manufacturers is crucial before delving into performance and features. Although they serve somewhat different markets and have slightly different goals, Grizzly and RTIC have both established solid names in the cooler sector.
The Grizzly Coolers
Durability is the foundation of Grizzly Coolers, which are proudly manufactured in the USA. For ultimate strength, the exterior and inside of every Grizzly cooler are molded together in a one seamless piece thanks to rotomolded construction. Even in the most severe circumstances, this design guarantees resistance to impact, cracking, and warping. As evidence of its faith in its craftsmanship, Grizzly also provides a lifetime warranty.
Hunters, fishermen, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts that want dependability in challenging terrain frequently choose Grizzly Coolers because of their robust appearance. These coolers are long-lasting due to their heavy-duty hardware and bear-resistant certification. Additionally, Grizzly places a strong emphasis on American manufacture, which appeals to people who respect regional manufacturing and long-term robustness.
RTIC Coolers
With an emphasis on affordability, RTIC Coolers joined the market as a direct rival to luxury brands. The tagline for the brand is “Overbuilt.” Its goal of providing premium rotomolded coolers at a reduced price is aptly summed up by the phrase “Not Overpriced.”
RTIC coolers include sturdy handles, solid rubber latches, and excellent insulation for both casual and demanding use. They are well-liked by beachgoers, campers, backpackers, and tailgaters who want great ice retention without breaking the bank.
Despite not being produced in the United States, RTIC coolers are a popular choice among sensible consumers because to its performance, affordability, and contemporary style.
Design Quality and Construction
One of the most obvious distinctions between Grizzly and RTIC coolers is the way they are designed and constructed overall. Although rotomolded construction is the industry standard for cooler manufacturing, the design features of each brand show distinct objectives and strengths.
Grizzly Coolers
Grizzly Coolers are designed to be durable. Each cooler is constructed from a single piece of rotomolded plastic that is resistant to collisions, drops, and harsh weather. Even in direct sunlight, days of steady cooling are maintained by the thick, pressure-injected insulation. To keep the cooler steady on any surface, Grizzly also incorporates non-slip rubber feet, stainless steel hinges, and sturdy rubber locks.
An essential feature for hunters and campers, each Grizzly cooler is IGBC-certified bear-resistant, meaning it satisfies safety regulations for protecting animals. With molded handles, integrated tie-down slots for convenient transportation, and a built-in ruler on the lid, the design is both practical and durable. These coolers feel as sturdy as they appear and are made to last a lifetime.
RTIC Coolers
Similar in its rotomolded design, RTIC Coolers provide superior insulation and durability at a more affordable cost. It has a sleek, straightforward, and incredibly useful design. RTIC versions are easy to carry and secure in cars or boats because they have heavy-duty rope handles, molded tie-down slots, and T-latches.
RTIC coolers withstand harsh conditions quite well, despite not being IGBC-certified. Additionally, compared to Grizzly models, they are typically lighter and simpler to handle, which makes them more convenient for regular users.
When it comes to design, RTIC stands out for its practical simplicity and affordability, while Grizzly triumphs for its robust construction and heavy-duty performance. Reliable, sturdy coolers made to withstand challenging journeys are produced by both manufacturers.
Ice Retention Performance
Ice retention is frequently the most important consideration when it comes to coolers. Premium versions are distinguished from ordinary ones by their capacity to maintain ice frozen and beverages cold for days. Although both Grizzly and RTIC coolers excel in this area, their approaches to preserving cooling efficiency differ significantly.
Grizzly Coolers
Because to their airtight rubber gasket seals and extra-thick pressure-injected insulation, Grizzly Coolers are renowned for their exceptional ice retention. Depending on size and circumstances, Grizzly versions have been demonstrated in real-world tests to retain ice for up to seven days. When properly packed and pre-chilled, larger models, like the Grizzly 75, may even keep the temperature frigid for more than a week.
Another factor that adds to its excellent performance is the lid design. Longer cold retention is achieved by Grizzly’s heavy-duty lid gasket and locking rubber latches, which stop warm air from leaking in. This dependable performance makes Grizzly an exceptional choice for hunters and campers who spend a lot of time outside.
RTIC Coolers
Additionally, RTIC Coolers have remarkable ice retention; with regular use, they can store ice for five to six days. Their commercial-grade insulation and thick rotomolded walls are made to compete with more expensive models at a much lower price. Although some customers report that the ice melts a little more quickly than with Grizzly in extremely hot conditions, RTIC’s robust gasket and tight lid seal efficiently capture cool air.
In summary, RTIC coolers provide exceptional cooling performance for the price, whereas Grizzly coolers lead somewhat in long-term ice retention. Both can easily manage multi-day excursions, but Grizzly is superior if maximizing ice life is the aim.
Portability and Usability
A cooler’s portability and convenience of use may enhance or ruin your outdoor experience, even if durability and ice retention are the most important factors. Both the Grizzly and RTIC coolers have features made for portability and ease, whether you’re going fishing, camping, or tailgating for the weekend. However, their implementations vary drastically.
Grizzly Cooler
Because Grizzly Coolers are made to last, they weigh more. Larger models may be more difficult to handle when completely laden because to the heavy-duty hardware and extensive insulation, which add to the substantial feel. Thankfully, Grizzly has tie-down slots, rope handles with nylon grips, and molded side handles that make lifting and fastening the cooler simpler.
Additionally, some models have non-slip rubber feet that secure the cooler on truck beds or boats, which is a minor but practical addition for outdoor enthusiasts. Even though Grizzly isn’t the lightest cooler series, it prioritizes stability and tough handling, making it perfect for settings where portability isn’t as important as durability.
RTIC Coolers
Because RTIC coolers are often lighter, they are more portable, especially for occasional users. The no-sweat exterior, integrated tie-down slots, and marine-grade rope handles improve usage while in transit. Another well-known feature of RTIC coolers is its ergonomic design, which makes it comfortable for one person to operate smaller models.
They readily fit into the compartments of automobiles, RVs, and boats thanks to their smooth appearance and significantly slimmer build. RTIC is the more practical option for customers that value portability and speedy setup.
All things considered, RTIC Coolers excel in daily usability and lighter handling, while Grizzly Coolers excel in robust stability and safe placement. Whether maximum durability or easy portability is the objective will determine which alternative is superior.
Durability
One of the main characteristics that sets high-end coolers apart from less expensive ones is durability. Although both Grizzly and RTIC are made to resist outdoor wear and tear, their different approaches to long-term dependability are highlighted by the variations in their materials, testing, and warranty coverage.
Grizzly Coolers
Tank-like construction characterizes Grizzly Coolers. Rotomolded polyethylene, which is also used to make kayaks and other heavy-duty storage equipment, is used to make each type. By removing weak points, this one-piece construction ensures resilience to impacts, cracks, and adverse environmental conditions. In addition to being IGBC-certified bear-resistant, Grizzly coolers have undergone testing to demonstrate their ability to sustain force from wildlife interactions.
The fact that every Grizzly cooler is manufactured in the USA reflects the company’s emphasis on quality assurance and craftsmanship. One of the strongest warranties in the market, which lasts a lifetime, supports the durability. Users may rest easy knowing that the cooler is designed to withstand decades of heavy use thanks to this warranty.
RTIC Coolers
Rotomolded construction is another method used by RTIC Coolers to provide strong defense against impacts and dents. Despite not being certified for bear resistance, they perform remarkably well in typical outdoor settings. Although RTIC coolers are designed to be dependable, price and usefulness are prioritized over indestructibility.
Grizzly’s lifetime guarantee is significantly longer than RTIC’s one-year limited warranty. They are still reliable for camping, boating, and tailgating, nevertheless, thanks to their materials and construction quality.
In conclusion, RTIC offers strong strength at a more affordable price, but Grizzly triumphs in terms of long-term assurance and ultimate longevity. Although both companies manufacture durable coolers, Grizzly has the advantage for serious outdoor enthusiasts due to its guarantee and construction quality.
Pricing And Cost Comparison
Value is just as important as price when comparing Grizzly and RTIC coolers. A cooler’s long-term performance, durability, guarantee, and brand reputation make it worth the investment; the initial cost only tells half the story.
Premium construction and materials are reflected in Grizzly’s cost. The 20-quart Grizzly model, for instance, costs roughly $229.99. Grizzly Coolers+1 The Grizzly 60 Qt is offered for about $359.99, indicating that their larger models are priced higher. The enormous Grizzly 450 Qt cooler costs about $1,299.99. Grizzly Coolers are a great option for individuals who require the highest level of durability and toughness because they come with a lifetime warranty and “made in USA” logo.
RTIC markets itself as providing “overbuilt, not overpriced.” Their mid-sized hard coolers are significantly less expensive than Grizzly’s; the RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light, for instance, costs about $159.00. For larger sizes, several RTIC models are listed for around $200 to $300 on rticoutdoors.com. Target RTIC is a good value option because of the substantial savings, even though the guarantee isn’t lifetime.
The durability and guarantee coverage of Grizzly make up for its premium price if you value long-lasting, tough performance and want to use it extensively for hunting or outdoor activities. RTIC provides the majority of the functions at a better price if you need robust cooling performance and dependability at a cheaper cost.
In summary, RTIC offers budget value through performance-for-cost, while Grizzly offers premium value through build and warranty. The “better value” depends on your spending limit, level of use, and anticipated longevity.
Pros And Cons
Both RTIC and Grizzly coolers offer dependable cooling, robust performance, and long-lasting design. Nevertheless, each model offers unique benefits and compromises based on your preferences, be they cost, portability, or ultimate toughness. To assist you choose the cooler that best suits your lifestyle, let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Pros of Grizzly Coolers
- Outstanding durability: It is practically unbreakable due to its rotomolded structure and bear-resistant certification.
- Superior insulation: Outstanding ice retention that, when used properly, can last for seven or more days.
- Made in the USA: Excellent quality control and craftsmanship.
- Lifetime warranty: Offers enduring users unparalleled peace of mind.
- Versatile: For hunters, campers, and serious outdoor lovers, the rugged design is perfect.
Cons of Grizzly Coolers
- Heavier build: For one person or for regular transportation, weight may be a problem.
- Increased cost: Not all budgets can afford premium pricing.
- Fewer color choices: Function is prioritized over visual diversity.
Pros of RTIC Coolers
- Reasonably priced: Provides high-end cooling at a reduced price.
- Portable and lightweight: Easier to manage and move.
- Strong ice retention: Perfect for most journeys, it keeps contents cold for five to six days.
- Modern design: A clean, easy-to-use interface with a range of scaling possibilities.
Cons of RTIC Coolers
- Limited Warranty: Limited to a single year, the warranty is shorter than Grizzly’s lifetime coverage.
- Not certified bear-resistant: Not as suitable for usage in the outdoors.
- Imported manufacturing: American-made goods may be preferred by certain consumers.
Conclusion
The final decision between Grizzly and RTIC coolers is based on the intended application and location. Though they serve somewhat different user types, both brands offer superior performance, robust construction, and long-lasting cold retention.
For people who value long-term dependability, American-made quality, and maximum durability, Grizzly Coolers are the obvious choice. Grizzly is the preferred cooler for hunters, fishermen, and extreme outdoor enthusiasts due to its bear-resistant certification, lifetime warranty, and outstanding ice retention. For those who value dependability above all else, its sturdy design and high-quality construction guarantee faultless performance even in the most demanding settings, making it a wise long-term investment.
RTIC Coolers, on the other hand, excel in terms of affordability and adaptability. These coolers provide high-end performance at a significantly lower cost. The sleek, lightweight, and useful design makes it ideal for families seeking great performance without going over budget, as well as casual campers and tailgaters. RTIC offers outstanding cooling and usability for regular outdoor usage, even if it lacks a lifetime warranty and bear-proof certification.
To sum up, each cooler performs exceptionally well on its own. If you want a cooler that can withstand rough excursions and last a lifetime, go with Grizzly. If you want dependable performance, portability, and excellent value for your money, go with RTIC. Whichever brand best suits your needs, both are well-established industry leaders in high-performance coolers, so you can be sure that your adventures and beverages will remain cool.