YETI vs. RTIC vs. Pelican vs. ORCA: Which Brand Wins the Cooler Showdown?
About YETI
Yeti was founded by Roy and Ryan Seiders in 2006.Yeti is an American outdoor manufacturer company based in Austin, Texas. Yeti specializes in products such as ice chests, vacuum-insulated stainless-steel drinkware, soft coolers, and related accessories.Over the course of the next 16 years, the brand focused primarily on their collection of hard- and soft-sided coolers, becoming a veritable household name in the cooler industry and acquiring a massive following, but has since expanded into numerous other categories including bags, drinkware, and even a suite of dog-friendly gear.Besides coolers, Yeti also makes tumblers, dry bags, and water bottles.Because of Yeti's popularity, they are able to sell their products at a premium price compared to other similarly made coolers and people will still buy them.
YETI Cooler Review
Yeti Coolers are the ultimate in design, performance and durability. They were created by authentic outdoorsmen who leveraged their experiences afield resulting in a product that exudes simplicity, durability, and quality bound with intelligently designed features. Besides coolers, Yeti also makes tumblers, dry bags, and water bottles.Because of Yeti's popularity, they are able to sell their products at a premium price compared to other similarly made coolers and people will still buy them.
Yeti offers a wide variety of cooler shapes and sizes, both in soft-sided and hard-sided varieties. These coolers have lid latches, hinges, permafrost insulation, among other features that are designed with sportsmen in mind. Furthermore, most yeti coolers are certified bear proof.
YETI coolers take a long time to build, and they are hand-made in the United States, which is another bonus for people who want to buy American products. The standard warranty for YETI coolers is five years, which is rather impressive compared to the one-year warranty that most coolers come with.If you have ever owned a YETI Cooler before, then you know how well they hold up over time. Most of the time, you do not have to worry about replacing your YETI cooler because they are built to last.
Where to Buy:
YETI(5% super cash back)
Walmart(up to 4% super cash back)
Academy Sports + Outdoors(1% super cah back)
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The Best Yeti Cooler
Price: $400
Color: 5 options
Capacity: 55-quart
The Yeti Tundra Haul Hard Cooler is expensive, but when you’re choosing a wheeled model, it’s worth paying for hardware that won’t break or strain under heavy loads.The arm of the Tundra Haul is made from a thick-gauge welded aluminum.The wheels are a single-construction plastic and not hollow or feeble-feeling as on so many other coolers. This cooler feels like you can roll it across anything without the handle straining or bending, or the wheels breaking.
Keeping our perishables cool, including two litre bottles stored upright, space for 45 cans of beer in total or 55 pounds of ice, the Yeti Tundra Haul one offers two inches of pressure injected insulation.
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About RTIC
RTIC is a company based out of Cypress Texas that was founded by two twin brothers in 2005. RTIC sells a multitude of products such as coolers, tumblers, water bottles, and koozies.Like their chief competition, RTIC was created with the intention of crafting unrivaled outdoor-ready gear — chiefly in the realm of adventure coolers. RTIC aimed to create high-quality coolers but at a lower price. To make this possible, they made their overbuilt outdoor gear ready for the customer by selling it directly to the consumer. There are no middlemen involved, which makes them much cheaper options.The brand has succeeded in gathering a fan base and become Yeti’s top rival.
RTIC Cooler Review
RTIC is a relative newcomer on the block and has only been making coolers since 2015. RTIC coolers are rugged and well-insulated. They make a huge range of soft coolers in a variety of sizes and styles, from classic soft coolers to lunch bags to backpacks to tote bags, so you're sure to find an option to suit you.RTIC hard coolers are rotomolded, a process that enables the manufacture of large plastic pieces in seamless units, making them extremely heavy-duty and capable of holding ice for days.But They do not make many hard coolers, so if you want to buy a hard cooler, you have limited options.
Because it sells almost exclusively direct to consumer, RTIC can sell its products at a much lower price while still turning a profit. With a wide range of soft cooler models, they're great for anyone looking for a lightweight and reasonably priced cooler for picnics and day trips.
Where to Buy:
RTIC Outdoors(up to 3% super cash back)
Bed Bath and Beyond(up to 4% super cash back)
The Best RTIC Cooler
#RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler
Price: $179.99 - $199.99
Color: 3 options
Capacity: 52-quart
The New Ultra-Light Series of Coolers have been designed by RTIC to meet the needs of adventurers looking for a premium lightweight hard side cooler.Utilizing the latest cutting-edge technology and innovative injected molded design, the RTIC 52 Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is more than 30% lighter than roto-molded coolers of the same capacity.With up to 3 inches closed-cell foam insulation, this cooler is all about extremes - from portability and durability to long lasting ice retention.
The RTIC 52 can do double duty as a bench, non-slip step stool, tabletop and extra cutting board while keeping ice, perishables and vital supplies cold. While it may not stand up to a side-by-side test of temperature control, it’s a worthy opponent if you’re seeking a high-quality cooler for road trips and weekends away.
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About Pelican
The Pelican brand has been around for quite some time, having been founded in 1976. It is the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance protective cases, coolers, drinkware, luggage and accessories. Built for professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and creators alike, Pelican products protect your adventure, everywhere - every time. Pelican originally created a variety of products to keep important items dry in extreme conditions. Pelican ice chests are commonly known to be easy to handle, large capacity coolers, that drain easy. They can be more costly than your average big box retailer cooler, but with that extra price you get a cooler that can maintain ice in 90 degree temperatures over extended periods of time.
Pelican Cooler Review
Over the years they’ve offered numerous different types of coolers and, still, today have a nice selection that includes a soft cooler, portable cooler, wheeled, and hard-sided coolers. They are best known for their Elite Coolers, their classic hard-sided model that is quite similar to Yeti coolers.
The Pelican coolers are 100% waterproof and airtight due to their advanced design with O-ring seals on the lid and gaskets around its lid. You don’t have to worry about outside contaminants spoiling your food items.The cooler can be submerged into water up to 6 feet deep without affecting its function or structure. The latches are made of stainless steel and won’t wear out or get rusty even after years of exposure to outside elements. If you need a heavy-duty cooler that can be used in the harshest conditions, Pelican is your best choice. It can withstand cold and hot temperatures for a long time.The weight is another advantage that makes Pelican cooler better than other models in its class. While most coolers come up to 100 pounds, Pelican can weigh up to 150 lbs.
There is a liftmetime warranty available on most Pelican brand coolers. This can help you handle the price and feel more secure with your purchase.
Where to Buy:
Pelican Products(5% super cash back)
Walmart(up to 4% suoer cash back)
The Best Pelican Cooler
Price: $199.95
Color: 5 options
Capacity: 20-quart
The Pelican 20 QT can accommodate approximately 15 cans of food or drinks, and its upright design ensures that champagne/wine bottles also easily fit in the cooler.Despite its slender design, the Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler retains ice for three days outdoors, even in the stifling-hot conditions. The Elite Cooler features 2 centimeters of insulation, which retains ice and keeps your beverages frosty for days while you're camping, boating, and recreating outdoors. Convenient extras, such as molded can holders and a built-in bottle opener, make it a great addition to your outdoor gear arsenal.
The Pelican 20 Quart Cooler is for the adventurers and travel enthusiasts, who go on long camping trips and need a durable cooler for rough use.
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About ORCA
Orca is an excellent brand by Arctic Products. It can withstand rough conditions for many years. The cooler is waterproof and keeps ice frozen for over three days with its heavy-duty polyurethane insulation foam (R-6 to R-10). As it comes from one of the best cooler brands in America, you can expect the interior (foam) to be very sturdy and reliable.
ORCA Cooler Review
ORCA is basically the minimalistic guru of the industry since it truly tends to avoid any distraction to the overall design of their coolers. Hence, you will find that hard-sided ORCA coolers are smooth, simple and to the point.Each and every cooler that Orca produces is one hundred percent American made.With a lifetime warranty, you can be sure that you are only getting quality products.Orca coolers are designed to be much more portable. They have built-in handles that can be removed, and the side of them has a hinge all along the bottom so you can stand them up on their own, which is another significant advantage.
The latches are the best among its class with no rubber gasket, so they will never leak even when exposed to extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or snow.They also work flawlessly in keeping out dust, sand, and other foreign objects from entering. While most cooler brands use synthetic rope for the handles, Orca uses nylon lines. They are super solid and durable.
In general, Orca is a more rigid and durable cooler than other brands in its class. It has better insulation and performs well even at high altitudes.If you want something that will last, looks just like Yeti, is price friendly, and is more portable, you should check out the Orca Cooler.
Where to Buy:
Walmart(up to 4% super cash back)
Bed Bath and Beyond(up to 4% super cash back)
The Best ORCA Cooler
Price: $320
Color: 11 options
Capacity: 40-quart
Orca 40 is an excellent medium-capacity cooler. This cooler provides ample room for you to store various items, from cans and bottles to bags of produce and protein. The 40 Quart Cooler is the best choice for bringing plenty of refreshments when you go camping or away for the weekend.There is a cargo net bag for extra storage on the backside of the cooler. You can place any items in the mesh bag that don't fit in the other bags or containers.The handles are extendable, making it slightly easier to carry.Most importantly, it can hold up 192 cans (or 32 six packs) of your favorite beverage, so at the very least, you’ll never run out of something to drink.
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YETI vs. RTIC vs. Pelican vs. ORCA Cooler: Comparison Side by Side
1.Sizes & Capacity
When it comes to coolers, size does play an important role. While some demand and call for larger sizes for events, outings, and adventures, there may be times when a smaller, more convenient cooler is in order.
YETI Cooler
YETI cooler models and their capacity based on number of beers and pounds of ice.
Model | Cans of Beer | Pounds of Ice |
Roadie 24 | 18 | 24 |
Roadie 48 | 42 | 39 |
Roadie 60 | 53 | 49 |
Tundra 35 | 21 | 26 |
Tundra 45 | 28 | 34 |
Tundra 65 | 42 | 52 |
YETI V Series | 46 | 55 |
Tundra Haul | 45 | 55 |
Tundra 75 | 57 | 75 |
Tundra 105 | 67 | 82 |
Tundra 110 | 74 | 90 |
Tundra 125 | 92 | 113 |
Tundra 160 | 115 | 141 |
Tundra 210 | 162 | 198 |
Tundra 250 | 181 | 221 |
Tundra 350 | 259 | 316 |
TANK 45 | 52*** | 43 |
TANK 85 | 102*** | 83 |
Hopper 8 | 8 | 10 |
Hopper 12 | 13 | 16 |
Hopper 18 | 20 | 24 |
Hopper Backflip 24 | 20 | 25 |
Hopper M30 | 26 | 36 |
As far as size range goes, a YETI cooler definitely has the upper hand for selection. They have way more sizes available, from the 20 quart model up to a massive 350 quarts (designed for fishermen and hunters).
RTIC Cooler
The Orca cooler lineup comes in different sizes which include 20, 26, 40, 58, 75, and 140-quart capacities. And these coolers are lightweight too, weighing 17, 19, 24, 32, 35, and 50 pounds, respectively.
Pelican Cooler
Size-wise, the Pelican cooler also comes in more sizes, but like the Orca coolers, they have limited options for their designs. The largest Pelican Cooler is the 52-quart Elite, which was able to hold up to 72 cans/bottles and will fit most backseats and some storage compartments of many RVs.
ORCA Cooler
With the Orca cooler line-up you’ll get numerous sizes to choose from, which means that your next party, outing or event will be able to handle crowds of most sizes.You’ll be able to find Orca coolers in sizes of 20, 26, 40, 58, 75 and 140 quarts.
2.Insulation
YETI Cooler
Yeti can achieve an extremely long cooling thanks to its Permafrost insulation technology. With the Permafrost insulation housed in a highly durable plastic coating, Yeti coolers can keep the interior temperature stable for extremely long periods.
That coupled with its ColdLock Gasket technology, a freezer-quality gasket that runs the length of the lid to keep cold air tightly locked in the cooler while keeping hot air out.
RTIC Cooler
RTIC'squality leaves something to be desired and have been known to cut some corners.
But their high end coolers are constructed with what is known as rotationally molded plastic. The rotomolding procedure ensures that every part of the cooler is made with a continuous thick wall with no imperfections.
Pelican Cooler
With the thickest insulation in the cooler industry, Pelican would be hard to argue with. Locking latches to keep contents in and cold, and wide wheels to navigate a variety of terrains and a lifetime warranty make this an attractive offer to the individual looking for their next cooler.
ORCA Cooler
The ORCA's insulation is thicker compared to Yeti’s.Orca coolers feature roto-molded ice boxes with thick-walled insulation in a seamless plastic coating which results in long ice retention periods that is mind-blowing. In addition to providing formidable insulation, the thick-walled construction also makes the cooler almost indestructible by any adversary, be it unfavorable weather conditions or wayward wildlife.
Orca’s insulation is similar to Yeti’s, but it doesn’t use the Permafrost insulation, rather, it uses an Integrated Insulation technology which helps to deliver maximum ice/cold retention and freshness for beverages and food stored in the cooler compartment. Lid gaskets also seal the interior firmly by preventing the entry of hot air or escape of cold air.
3.Ice Retention
YETI Cooler
Based on reviews and feedback from its customers, on average, YETI coolers can keep ice for up to 7 days. This is on par with other top-of-the-line brands.
RTIC Cooler
According to their website, you can expect ice retention times of up to 10 days.
Pelican Cooler
Pelican can also offer you hold ice retention of 10 days.
ORCA Cooler
As for Orca, the average ice retention time is about 7 to 8 days.
The the numbers may vary from cooler to cooler, condition to condition and person to person, what you can expect is at least a few days of ice, as long as you are not careless in the use of the cooler.
4.Design & Color
YETI Cooler
While Yeti’s core design is considered by many to be more than adequate, they go beyond and offer a wide range of color choices and some patterns and they even now offer various products that are adorned with sports teams. They also have special services where you can have custom logos made for work, sports, and or any other organization you are a part of.
RTIC Cooler
RTIC worships minimalism and that is evident in design. The RTIC coolers now come in three colors: white, tan, blue, seafoam green, grey and pink.RTIC’s choices on modifications and colors are somewhat limited. That being said, with their recently updated product lines they have expanded this quite a bit.
Pelican Cooler
Pelican Coolers have more flexibility in their designs. This is mainly due to its extra insulation layer on the interior walls, which provides better protection for food and other stuff kept inside.The Pelican coolers are available in a variety of colors, and some features may vary based on size.
ORCA Cooler
ORCA’s design seems so basic that it almost looks like a cheap brand but it makes up for it with a variety of rich colors.
Comparison Table
YETI | RTIC | Pelican | ORCA | |
Hard Coolers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Soft Coolers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Rotomolded Coolers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Price | $25 - $1,500 | $18.74 - $499.99 | $109.95 - $749.95 | $240 - $680 |
Warranty | 5-year | 1-year | Lifetime | 3-year |
Return Policy | Returns available within 30 days of purchase | Returns available within 30 days of purchase | Returns available within 15 of the receipt of the cooler | Returns available within 30 days of purchase |
The Verdict: Which is Best for You?
There was never going to be a clear winner in this contest. The truth is, like all gear and apparel, that the pendulum is going to swing in favor of one or the other depending upon the factors of an individual.
For starters, Orca coolers are a lot cheaper than YETI, and you can still get fantastic customer service from them even though they are not as well-known.
On the other hand, if you consider versatility, color options. longevity, and a variety of other considerations, then we recommend you go with a YETI cooler.
As for RTIC though, it sits at a very unusual spot. it seems like the budget option, and that would have been fine, but it costs as much as YETI, and yet you’re getting less instead of more.
If you want to buy a coller with lifetime warranty,you should choose Pelican.
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