OT Magazine sponsored cooler test (but no RTIC)

swordsmn

http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/fishing/2016/03/ice-chest-throwdown-12-top-end-coolers-ranked-and-reviewed

I didn't check the date of the test/ article,  but I looked for the beloved RTIC, alas not there.
In my opinion, the RTIC 45 would have been a solid second if not #1

coomdaddy

Probably still waiting on it to come in.

SGH

My brother, don't put a lot of stock in those cooler tests. The results are usually influenced by donations. On that note, I own a Yeti 50. I assure you that it will out perform the cooler that supposedly beat it in the test. I'm not a Yeti advocate by any means. However I do call stuff fair and square. With that said, the Orion will crush them all if you do the ice test with the coolers sitting in the direct sun light. In my opinion, as far as sheer quality and ice retention goes, RTIC, Yeti and Orca are pretty close if the test is done in the direct sun. Orion and Pelican will be the two winners on ice retention every time no matter how the test is done. In the end, all rotomolded coolers will offer performance that far exceeds the average Joes needs. It is for this reason that I certainly think that RTIC is the best bang for the buck by miles. 
This part is simply my opinion, but I will share it nonetheless. As far as a practical everyday cooler goes, the Yeti 50 is damn near perfect. I love mine. 

TrailRunner

@sgh you are the reason I went and bought a Yeti 50(my wife thanks you, ha) to go along with my 20 and 65. I wanted the 105 but they didn't have it in tan at the time. I like the 50's height. 
Now im throwing up your name when I go looking at the Orion coolers too if you don't mind. 

SGH

TrailRunner said:

@sgh you are the reason I went and bought a Yeti 50(my wife thanks you, ha) to go along with my 20 and 65. I wanted the 105 but they didn't have it in tan at the time. I like the 50's height. 
Now im throwing up your name when I go looking at the Orion coolers too if you don't mind. 

The Yeti 50 is simply a outstanding cooler. It has several practical uses for me. Its small and portable, yet due to its extra depth you can stand wine bottles and gallon liquor bottles up in it. Its no secret that i enjoy messing with the Yeti crowd. But in realty Yeti has several coolers that i really like. All of the extra depth models (50, 105 & 210) are great coolers. They actually offer something over the competition. At least for now any way.
As far as the Orion coolers, they come at a hefty price. But as of right now, they are the epitome of premium coolers my friend. I hope that in the future RTIC offers extra depth models as well.

MaskedMarvel

@SGH no love for us Engel fans?

SGH

MaskedMarvel said:

@SGH no love for us Engel fans?

Indeed sir. I have a couple of small Engels. Their dry boxes and bait boxes have served me well for years. The truth is, i like most all of the rotomolded coolers out there. The Yeti 50 just serves a very specific task that makes me like it so much. But yes sir, Engel is a very fine manufacturer.