Head-to-head · Best Soft Cooler Bags

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack vs RTIC Soft Pack 30

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

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 3.8). 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 #5 in Best Soft Cooler Bags

RTIC Soft Pack 30

3.8

2 sources$129as of Oct 11

The RTIC Soft Pack 30 keeps showing up in head-to-head tests against YETI as the value pick. CleverHiker measured about four days before the ice fully melted. The zipper is stiff and it does not quite match the Flip 12, but at roughly a third of the price it is the best bang-for-buck technical soft cooler on the market.

Strengths

— EZ waterproof zipper and welded seams kept the bag leakproof and floating in CleverHiker's testing
— Wide opening and 30-can capacity swallow a full cooler of drinks for road trips
— Up to 1.5 inches of closed-cell foam keeps the structured shape without a hard frame

Watch-outs

— Tight-sealing zipper is stiff and tricky to open and close, especially when new
— Ice retention trails the YETI Hopper Flip 12 by a day or more in head-to-head tests

$129 · 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 30

Far cheaper than the YETI Hopper Flip 12 with similar ice life, holds more than the RTIC Soft Pack 20, and is more weatherproof than the canvas AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack, though it lacks the tote capacity of the YETI Hopper M30 2.0.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack	RTIC Soft Pack 30
Capacity	24 cans + 14 lb ice	30 cans
Outside Dimensions	17 x 10 x 12 in	15.5 x 12.75 x 11.5 in
Inside Dimensions	15.5 x 8.5 x 10.5 in	15.5 x 12.8 x 11.5 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	puncture-resistant, waterproof
Cold Hold	~55 hours food-safe (tested)	Up to 2 days
Carry	Duffel handles + removable strap	Removable shoulder strap
Ice Retention	24 hours in 100°F heat	—
Construction	Welded leakproof seams	Welded leakproof seams
Floats	Yes	Yes
Material	Nylon	Vinyl
Empty Weight	—	4 lb
Closure	—	EZ waterproof zipper

← See the full ranking of best soft cooler bags