RTIC

Ultra-Light 22

Name: Ultra-Light 22
Brand: RTIC

budgetEU unavailable

At 11.6 pounds, this is the lightest sealed cooler here, yet lab testing measured 3.4 days below 40°F and 28 quarts of real capacity against its 22-quart claim.

$139 typical

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EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-08-122 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-02

SUBSTANCE SCORES

substance8.3/ 10

design7.5/ 10

value7.4/ 10

WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED

This is inexpensive because it uses a lightweight polypropylene approach, not because it omits the crucial pieces: thick closed-cell foam, freezer gasket and silicone T-latches. Lab testing confirms meaningful food-safe retention, not only an ice claim.

MATERIALS

Shellpolypropylene

Keeps the body unusually light for a gasketed hard cooler.

Insulationup to 2.4 in closed-cell foam

Closed cells resist water uptake and slow heat transfer.

Latchessilicone T-latches

Flexible latches compress the freezer-grade gasket.

CRITERIA

8/10

Temperature Retention

OutdoorGearLab measured 3.4 days below 40°F and 3.8 below 50°F.

9/10

Seal And Closure

Freezer-grade gasket and silicone T-latches.

9/10

Usable Capacity

Measured 28 qt versus advertised 22 qt.

10/10

Carry Ergonomics

11.6 lb plus adjustable 2-in-1 strap/handle.

8/10

Structural Longevity

Three-year warranty; lightweight construction is not an expedition shell.

8/10

Serviceability And Cleanup

Simple liner and integrated accessories; spare-part support not verified.

IDEAL FOR

·excellent budget buy
·solo weekends
·small cars
·day boating

NOT FOR

·large groups
·bear-country expedition use

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

At 11.6 lb it is unusually easy to grab. The adjustable strap/handle, bottle opener, tie-downs and interior silicone pocket are restrained, helpful additions rather than clutter.

LONGEVITY

Three-year warranty. Silicone latches are wear items; inspect them and the gasket regularly. Its payoff is low loaded carrying effort, not maximum shell thickness.