Head-to-head · Best Soft Cooler Bags

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack vs RTIC Soft Pack 20

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.0). AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack is best for: Casual users who want a cheap, lightweight, fold-flat cooler for picnics, tailgates, and grocery runs rather than rugged waterproof duty. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack

4.1

2 sources$92.65as of Oct 11

The AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack is the simple, collapsible, affordable pick. OutdoorGearLab liked its duffel-style handles, decent insulation, and fold-flat storage, and extended testing held food-safe temps for around 55 hours. The canvas shell is less rugged and weatherproof than the YETI and RTIC bags. For casual coolers, picnics, and tailgates, the value and packability are hard to beat.

Strengths

— Folds flat for storage, saving space most structured coolers can't
— Duffel-style handles and a removable strap make it easy to carry and load
— Maintained food-safe temperatures for roughly 55 hours

Watch-outs

— Soft, collapsible body offers less structure when packed loosely
— Top-zip duffel opening is not as leakproof as a welded waterproof zipper

$92.65 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

RTIC Soft Pack 20

4.0

3 sources$99.99as of Oct 11

The RTIC Soft Pack 20 is the smaller sibling for solo use, day trips, and lunches. OutdoorGearLab logged about two days of food-safe cold and praised the waterproof construction and watertight seal, while noting that the cooler looks more capable than it ultimately performs. The zipper is stiff like the rest of the RTIC line. At this price it is a sensible compact pick.

Strengths

— Welded waterproof construction with a watertight seal and good straps
— Up to 1.5 inches of closed-cell foam holds cold for about two days
— Floats and resists punctures, so it shrugs off boat and beach abuse

Watch-outs

— OutdoorGearLab measured only about two days of food-safe cold, behind the leaders
— Look-and-feel sets expectations the cooling performance does not fully meet
— Thin strap padding under heavy loads

$99.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack

The lightest and most packable option here, undercutting the YETI Hopper Flip 12 and YETI Hopper M30 2.0 on price and storage, but giving up the welded leakproofing of the RTIC Soft Pack 30 and RTIC Soft Pack 20.

RTIC Soft Pack 20

A smaller, cheaper take on the RTIC Soft Pack 30 for solo use; it cannot match the ice life of the YETI Hopper Flip 12 or the capacity of the YETI Hopper M30 2.0, but undercuts the AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack on weatherproofing.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack	RTIC Soft Pack 20
Capacity	24 cans + 14 lb ice	20 cans
Outside Dimensions	17 x 10 x 12 in	13.5 x 13.75 x 9.5 in
Inside Dimensions	15.5 x 8.5 x 10.5 in	13.5 x 13.8 x 9.5 in
Shell	600D polyester canvas, Scotchgard topcoat	heavy-duty coated fabric
Insulation	3/4 in high-density closed-cell foam	Up to 1.5 in closed-cell foam
Liner	Welded TPU, abrasion-resistant	waterproof interior
Cold Hold	~55 hours food-safe (tested)	~2 days (tested)
Carry	Duffel handles + removable strap	Removable shoulder strap
Ice Retention	24 hours in 100°F heat	up to 2 days
Construction	Welded leakproof seams	Welded seams
Floats	Yes	Yes
Material	Nylon	Vinyl
Empty Weight	—	3 lb
Closure	—	Waterproof zipper

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