From the original gear guide. Product claims, ratings and field notes below retain their source wording; they do not represent new testing or verified certifications. Confirm current details with the retailer.
The problem
A conventional cooler can occupy a hand while you carry other equipment, and choosing capacity without dimensions or empty weight can make trip planning harder.
The solution
This soft cooler uses backpack straps for hands-free carrying and lists a 24-can capacity, 3.8 lb empty weight, and dimensions of 12 x 10 x 16 inches.
First impressions
- Build Quality
No independent inspection details were provided. RTIC describes the cooler as having welded seams and a durable zipper.
A closer look
The full story
At the water’s edge, carrying refreshments should not mean sacrificing a free hand for your board or fishing gear. The RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler is designed to carry its load on your back.
A beach day often begins with a small logistical puzzle: how do you carry cold drinks and snacks while keeping both hands free for a board, a fishing rod, or the rest of your kit? The tan RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler is designed around that simple need. Its backpack straps move the load onto your back, leaving your hands available as you make your way from the parking area to the water or a picnic spot.
The 24-can model measures 12 by 10 by 16 inches and weighs 3.8 pounds empty. RTIC says it holds 24 cans and a bag of ice, and that wine bottles fit as well. Those details make capacity easier to picture when planning a group outing: think through what you want to pack, then leave room for ice. The cooler has a zipper-top opening for access to the contents. For shoppers comparing sizes, the brand also lists a 36-can version at 15 by 10 by 20.25 inches and 5.4 pounds empty; it holds 36 cans and a bag of ice.
RTIC describes the 24 Can Backpack Cooler as built with premium insulation to keep contents cold for days. Its product description also cites welded seams, a waterproof construction, and the ability to float. These are manufacturer-stated features, not independent test results; for a particular trip, pack according to the conditions and follow any care guidance from RTIC.
The backpack format can make sense when carrying a conventional cooler would occupy a hand. A zipper-top soft cooler is also a straightforward option for outings where portable food and drinks matter more than rigid storage. Before choosing, compare the 24-can capacity and 3.8-pound empty weight with your expected load. If you routinely need more space, the 36-can version is the larger listed option, though it is also heavier and bigger.
The catalog listed this tan model at $159 and reported it out of stock in a snapshot dated October 21, 2026. Price and availability can change, so check the RTIC backpack cooler listing before planning a purchase. For a hands-free carry setup, review the tan 24-can cooler details against your capacity needs and trip plan.
The verdict
- Best For
Hands-free transport of drinks and snacks
Surf or fishing outings where carrying gear is part of the trip
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Read the guide →Facts & specifications
Product details
- Brand
RTIC Outdoors
- Sizes
24 Can
- Colors
Tan
- Where To Find
RTIC Outdoors product listing; catalog snapshot reported out of stock
- Official Name
RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler
Product facts
- Weight
3.8 lb empty
- Best For
Surf outings
Fishing trips
Carrying drinks and snacks hands-free
- Model Name
RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler, Tan
- Historical price text in original guide
$159 listed in catalog snapshot; verify current price
- Key Features
Holds 24 cans and a bag of ice, according to the product description
Backpack straps for hands-free carrying
Zipper-top opening
Welded seams; described by RTIC as waterproof and able to float
Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 16 inches
Performance & field notes
Field notes from the original guide
- Review Summary
No field-test details were provided. The available product information describes a 24-can backpack cooler with a 3.8 lb empty weight, zipper-top access, and manufacturer-stated insulation and waterproof construction.
Fit & buying advice
Buying decision guide
- Then
The listed 24-can capacity and 3.8 lb empty weight may be relevant to your comparison.
- If You
want a backpack-style cooler for a smaller group
- Alternative
Consider the listed 36-can version if you need more capacity and are comfortable with its larger dimensions and 5.4 lb empty weight.
Designed for
- Terrain Type
Beach access
Shoreline
Campgrounds
Buying advice
- Sizing Notes
The 24-can model measures 12 x 10 x 16 inches and weighs 3.8 lb empty. RTIC also lists a 36-can version measuring 15 x 10 x 20.25 inches and weighing 5.4 lb empty.
- Value Summary
The catalog snapshot listed the product at $159 and out of stock on 2026-10-21. Verify current price and availability with the retailer.
Care, brand & sustainability
About the brand
- Brand Name
RTIC Outdoors
Tips & companion gear
Companion products
- Why
Provides a personal drinking-water option alongside shared cooler contents.
- Item
Reusable water bottle
- Optional
Yes
- Why
Offers separate storage for items you want to keep apart from cooler contents.
- Item
Dry bag
- Optional
Yes
- Why
Can be considered as part of a cooling setup when planning what to pack.
- Item
Reusable ice packs
- Optional
Yes
- Why
The backpack carry format is described as leaving hands free for items such as a surfboard or fishing pole.
- Item
Beach or fishing gear
- Optional
Yes
Pro tips
- Title
Plan for packed weight
- Severity
essential
- Description
The listed 3.8 lb weight is empty; account for the contents and ice when deciding how much to carry.
- Title
Choose capacity before packing
- Severity
info
- Description
Use the 24-can capacity as a planning guide, and compare the larger 36-can model if your group needs more room.
- Title
Check the closure
- Severity
warning
- Description
Use the zipper-top opening to access the cooler, and make sure it is closed before carrying it.
- Title
Verify retailer details
- Severity
essential
- Description
The catalog snapshot reported the item out of stock; check current price and availability before setting out to buy it.
Complete your kit
- Name
Reusable water bottle
- Essential
Yes
- Description
A separate bottle is useful for keeping drinking water accessible during an outing.
- Name
Insulated drink container
- Essential
No
- Description
Consider one if you want a dedicated container for an individual drink alongside shared cooler contents.
- Season Specific
summer
- Name
Dry bag
- Essential
No
- Description
Can help keep items that should remain dry separate from cooler contents.
- Name
Reusable ice packs
- Essential
No
- Description
An alternative cooling item to consider when planning the cooler’s contents.
- Season Specific
summer
Summary & further reading
The short version
- Ideal Buyer
Someone comparing a hands-free cooler for surf, fishing, or other outings where carrying drinks and snacks is part of the plan.
- Deal Breakers
The catalog snapshot reported the product out of stock; confirm current availability.
No independent performance testing or warranty information was provided.
- One Line Summary
A 24-can soft cooler with backpack straps, listed at 3.8 lb empty and 12 x 10 x 16 inches.
Explore the product
Check RTIC Availability
More from the guide
View the 24 Can Cooler
Closing thoughts
Pack Cold, Carry Hands-Free
Review the 24-can cooler’s capacity, dimensions, and current availability.
Original call to action
Check Price and Availability
Further reading
How to Pack a Cooler for a Day on the Water | A concise guide to organizing drinks, snacks, and essentials for a hands-free outing.
Before you buy
Questions & answers
How much does the RTIC 24 Can Backpack Cooler hold?
RTIC lists capacity as 24 cans and a bag of ice. The product description also says wine bottles fit.
How much does the 24-can model weigh?
Its listed empty weight is 3.8 pounds.
Is the cooler waterproof?
RTIC describes the backpack cooler as waterproof, with welded seams, and says it can float. These are manufacturer-provided claims.
What was the listed price and availability?
A catalog snapshot dated 2026-10-21 listed it at $159 and reported it out of stock. Check the retailer for current details.