Four hard-sided coolers. Your buddy already has an opinion. Here are the actual facts.
Updated February 2026The cooler that started a thousand arguments. Rotomolded with 2.8 inches of insulation, built-in bottle opener, and a lid cargo net YETI does not give you. Holds more actual volume than the Tundra 45 at a lower price. Your buddy who swears by YETI will not want to hear this.
The name everyone knows. Lightest in this lineup and genuinely holds ice longer than the competition. But the "45" is marketing. It actually holds 37.6 quarts. You are paying a real premium for the brand, the 5-year warranty, and the right to put that sticker on your truck.
The dark horse that Pelican case guys already know about. Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, not five years. Best ice retention in this group. The trade-off is weight. At 35 pounds empty, you will want a friend when this thing is loaded. Stainless steel hardware and the same DNA as their military-grade cases.
The one nobody talks about at the tailgate because it does not have the right logo. More capacity than the YETI, lighter than the Pelican, and less than half the price of both. Ice retention is solid for a week. The lid can warp over time, and the build is not as tank-like as the rotomolded options. But at this price with IGBC bear certification, it is genuinely hard to argue against.
| Model | Size | Ice Days | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTIC 45 QT | 45 qt | 5+ | 29 lbs | $240 |
| YETI Tundra 45 | 37.6 qt | 7+ | 23 lbs | $325 |
| Pelican Elite 45 | 45 qt | 10 | 35 lbs | $300 |
| Lifetime 55 QT | 55 qt | 7 | 24 lbs | $130 |