Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
OT - Soft cooler alternatives to the YETI or RTIC?
I was given a couple RTIC soft coolers last year. We got the Softpack 20 and the Softpack 30. The 20 is great for day trips...bringing a dozen beers and an ice pack along to a trail, and the 30 is better for picnics and camping. True to form, that thick side insulation really does keep the cold in for an impressively long time.
Still, that 20 is a $125 cooler and the 30 is a $150 cooler. (On sale now, and almost always, for $80/$100)
So here's the rub, my Softpack 20 didn't last a year before the zipper binds aggressively at the corners. I should say, it lasted just over a year because RTIC won't warranty it. In a nice email I pitched myself as a loyal customer (I have a lot of their products) and pointed out that this cooler is in otherwise excellent shape, but is no longer useable because it's extremely difficult to close. I asked if they could offer me zipper advice, a discounted cooler, or even a one time replacement. Nope, nope, nope. "sorry, you're out of warranty. Go f*** yourself."
(there is no way to avoid this without pressing hard in front of the zipper to keep it flat. I have not been able to convey this to the rest of the family and I'm only successful 50% of the time. It's a pain. And impossible with one hand like if you have to access the cooler while driving.)
I was surprised it broke so soon... so I figure I would check the YETI warranty for the Soft coolers and it is 3 years! But the cooler is also three times the price as the Hopper Flip 18 is $300.
Have you guys found any other softpack coolers similar to the RTIC or YETI models? I did a quick search and the Igloo ones have thinner walls and the Ozark Trail ones don't have the same consistent wall thickness insulation. It's more of a stuffing look to it that gets thing at the top.
Appreciate any purchase tips. Maybe I'll try the Ozark one and see if I notice much of a difference.
Comments
-
Pelican... 3 year warranty on the soft sided coolers
Cheap, no.
https://www.pelicancoolers.com/products/pelican-elite-soft-cooler
~ John - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
XL BGE, LG BGE, KJ Jr, PK Original, Ardore Pizza Oven, King Disc
Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers! -
Did you use the zipper grease/lube that came with the cooler? Just curious because I have a 20 and a 30 also and haven't used the grease/lube that came with either of them. Wondering if that made any difference. my 30 is two years old and the 20 is new. The newer cooler does open a lot better than the older 30 ever did.
-
Agree with @Lowcountrygamecock
I use zipper grease on my soft sided RTIC and Poor Bear Coolers from day 1.
No issues so far.
Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
Yes. When I got both coolers they were very difficult to open. I applied the wax that came with the RTICs and it made a huge difference. I have added more when needed, which isn't very often.
LBGE/Maryland -
I bought an Ozark one last year for pool side and day trips. Works wonderfully for that. Have not taken it on a river trip yet so not sure how it will hold up to that kind of abuse. So far for the price it's hard to beat.
Large and Small BGECentral, IL -
Thanks. Those look like nice coolers. Priced like the YETIs, though.
The Pelican and YETI coolers seem to offer a much different zipper than the RTIC. It is a beefy dry zipper. The RTIC has a standard zipper with a coating over top of it. That is what is giving me problems. Maybe I'll just take a razor blade and trim off the outer shield since they are not warrantying it anyway...
LBGE/Maryland -
I have the Yeti hoppers and use the grease no issues
Xl bge ,LG bge, two 4' crusher cone fire pits. Weber Genisis gasser and
Two rusty Weber kettles.
Two Rivers Farm
Moncure N.C. -
dont own any soft sided coolers but engals are built for salt water abuse and the zipper is water/air tight and does not need a lube. i do own an engal bait cooler though, great cooler
fukahwee maineyou can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it -
FYI -- I read a tip once that lip balm (e.g. ChapStick) can serve as a zipper grease alternative if that's all you have on hand. I have used this on my stubborn winter coat zipper from time to time and it does seem to help.
LG BGE, KJ Jr, Smokin Bros. Premier 36 and Pizza Party Bollore -
Polar Bear might be an option for you. They run good deals every so often.
-
that is what I was thinking @KiterTodd just cut the flaps off on the corners with a xacto knife
South of Columbus, Ohio. -
I don't have one of these but I know a couple of people who do, and they love them.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Large BGE since 2011. Still learning. -
I read decent reviews of Wal-Mart Ozark Trail coolers somewhere.
Also, it seems from the pic that the zipper pull is binding on the material adjacent to the zipper teeth. May have to wrestle a bit to get it free. Then zipper lube may help?
#1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February 2013 • #3 Mini May 2013A happy BGE family in Houston, TX. -
I have two RTIC soft coolers, the 20 and 40. They get tough now and then so I lube it like a porn actress and it's as good as new. One is going on 3 or 4 years.
______________________________________________I love lamp.. -
Like @DoubleEgger suggested you might have a look at Polar Bear. They do a 2 for 1 sale during the holidays and offer 20% coupons throughout the year.
I got two of these November 2014 (paid $80 for two) and they are still going strong. They are both pretty faded from the sun so they don't look so great, but they function fine.
Keep in mind that on this one the zipper is not leak proof or water proof. If it is filled with icy water and it tips over water will pour through the zipper. They do make nicer versions (H2O) that are UV resistant and completely water proof but they get much more expensive.
Actually while looking just now I see a "Solar Bear" that looks like a UV resistant version that is the same price. It only comes in one color. If I got another I would probably go with that.
I am not sure about the warranty. There is a picture that shows a limited lifetime warranty, but the text on the page that contradicts this. I also can't find info on exactly what is covered (e.g. zipper breaking).
Which came first the chicken or the egg? I egged the chicken and then I ate his leg. -
^^^^^This^^^^^
Polar Bear for the win. I love mine. And they have had a 2 for 1 sale every for at least the last two Christmas seasons.
XXL BGE, Karebecue, Klose BYC, Chargiller Akorn Kamado, Weber Smokey Mountain, Grand Turbo gasser, Weber Smoky Joe, and the wheelbarrow that my grandfather used to cook steaks from his cattle
San Antonio, TX
-
My Beautiful Wife got an RTIC softside cooler she uses everyday (M-F) for lunch at work.
Used the zipper lube as soon as we got it, and about every 90 days a small dab is reapplied.
Zero issues, and we pile stuff in there for her and her staff, adding stress to the zip line.
Cost more but so far it has performed well.
If it were a Yeti, it would have been perfect.
"Knowledge is Good" - Emil Faber
XL and MM
Louisville, Kentucky -
SWMBO bought this a couple days ago. It was 30% off. I don't expect it will be heavy duty enough to last with daily use, but it will be great for Jazz Fest and day trips.
https://www.rticcoolers.com/shop/coolers/day-coolers/Day-Cooler-15-Can-Backpack-Royal-Orange
______________________________________________I love lamp.. -
I have a bison soft cooler. Its more of a duffel style. I've enjoyed it so far.
Pratt, KS -
Bucee's now sells their own discount brand of soft coolers that are near identical to rtic.
Gittin' there... -
Polar Bear would send us coolers to give away at the Fest for several years. I have a couple i bought from them 5 or 6 years ago that i keep one in he truck and one in the van. When heading to Austin i include ice packs and still never a problem. Also use for the motel when traveling. The Yetis are to damn heavy to lug in the motel.
Salado TX & 30A FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers. -
If you got A Yeti, shurly you can afford a bell man to lug it to the room. :)
Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax
Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
Run me out in the cold rain and snow -
I have this one and lOVE it!! $60 and it is big enough to hold 6 bottles of wine.
https://www.costco.com/Coho-24-Can-Cooler.product.100469090.html
It also has the great costco warranty.
Cheers,
Jason
Orange County- CA -
I've read some good reviews about Tourit. there is a good side by side comparison to Yeti on YouTube.
Weber Genesis CP310; Weber Q1200 (camping); LBGE.
"If you haven't heard a rumour by 8:30 am - start one"
-
@Brason and @OshawaDave thanks! Both of those seem to have the same thick straight sidewalls of the RTIC/YETI soft coolers. I'll check them out.
I had forgotten about checking out Costco so will definitely stop by and look at one of those. Great price and the product quality is usually good as well.
Before buying a new one though I will try @nolaegghead suggestion one more time and see if lubing that up like a bad date is enough to get past the stuck points. I can get it unstuck, the point is is always get's re-stuck which makes it annoying.
Costco, always a good option. And while I'm there, might as well buy some meat....
LBGE/Maryland -
SWMBO just got her new Jazz Fest cooler in the mail 30 minutes ago.
______________________________________________I love lamp.. -
-
I'm a big fan of Engel coolers and love their soft one. Great stuff!!
Craig
Cockeysville, MD
LBGE and a large list of stuff I want
Categories
- All Categories
- 182.7K EggHead Forum
- 15.7K Forum List
- 459 EGGtoberfest
- 1.9K Forum Feedback
- 10.3K Off Topic
- 2.2K EGG Table Forum
- 1 Rules & Disclaimer
- 9K Cookbook
- 12 Valentines Day
- 91 Holiday Recipes
- 223 Appetizers
- 516 Baking
- 2.4K Beef
- 88 Desserts
- 163 Lamb
- 2.4K Pork
- 1.5K Poultry
- 30 Salads and Dressings
- 320 Sauces, Rubs, Marinades
- 543 Seafood
- 175 Sides
- 121 Soups, Stews, Chilis
- 35 Vegetarian
- 100 Vegetables
- 313 Health
- 293 Weight Loss Forum