Yeti’s Toughest Competitor Launches Shockingly Affordable Waterproof Outdoor and EDC Bags

This latest launch continues RTIC’s ongoing trend of offering highly capable budget-friendly alternatives to its chief rival.

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By Sean Tirman

Published September 11, 2025

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Updated November 10, 2025

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Yeti launched its Cayo backpack, an all-weather workhorse EDC bag, earlier this year. It was a much more inexpensive yet highly competent alternative to the brand’s former Panga waterproof bag lineup.

So, perhaps it comes as no surprise that the brand’s chief competitor is now hot on that bag’s heels with the RTIC Ultra-Dry Collection. However, while positioned and equipped similarly, RTIC’s take is a good measure more budget-friendly.

But is that enough to help this new release stand apart? You be the judge.

Two black RTIC backpacks, wet from rain, are placed on a rocky surface outdoors with a blurred green background. The backpacks have visible water droplets on their surfaces, highlighting their waterproof feature. The larger backpack on the left has a front bungee cord system, while the smaller one on the right has a smoother front panel. — The Ultra-Dry bags are available in two sizes — 26 and 60 liters — and have some distinct differences.

City-to-trail bags

As mentioned, these packs are being positioned incredibly similarly to Yeti’s Cayo — ruggedized gear haulers that are as capable in an urban setting as they are in the great outdoors.

As such, both size options are similarly equipped, materially speaking. They both have heavy-duty waterproof-coated exteriors (IPX-6 rated) that are also puncture- and abrasion-resistant.

Two views of a black backpack with padded shoulder straps and adjustable buckles. The left side shows the backpack from the side, highlighting compression straps and a mesh panel. The right side shows the back of the backpack with padded back support and a sternum strap. The backpack has a sleek, durable design. — Both bags have adjustable straps, and the larger of the two has compression straps for additional security and stability.

They also both feature RTIC’s EZ waterproof zippers and welded seams to make them weatherproof and watertight. While they’re not intended for submersion (like Yeti’s Panga bags), they can take a beating in just about any weather, even the most extreme.

The smaller of the two bags, the Ultra-Dry Backpack, has a single lash point on the front toward its base, while the larger, the Ultra-Dry Duffle Pack, has a bungee lash system for extra gear-hauling prowess.

Along with rugged exteriors, the bags have a multitude of storage options, including laptop sleeves.

Rugged and refined

The bags vary pretty widely when it comes to storage capacity. The larger of the two stores up to 60 liters, whereas the smaller is far more compact at 26 liters.

That said, they do have some similarities. Both have numerous storage compartments in addition to their main compartments, accessible both outside and inside.

They also both have EDC-friendly carry options, like laptop pouches, for those that like to bring their computers with them through the city (or on adventures, if that’s your speed). Both bags also have a semi-rigid structure that helps protect whatever you store inside it.

The duffel’s 60-liter capacity is plenty for even longer trips.

Furthermore, they both have multiple carry options. The smaller is a relatively straightforward backpack; however, it also has top and side straps for suitcase-style carry. The larger has removable, stowable straps so you can carry it like a backpack or duffle, depending on your preference.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Both bags have so much more to offer, making their affordability even more impressive.

Here, you can see how each of RTIC’s bags wears and get a better idea of their vast size difference.

Available now

Both of the bags in the RTIC Ultra-Dry Collection — the Ultra-Dry Backpack and Ultra-Dry Duffle Pack — are now available on the brand’s site for $120 and $150, respectively.

For reference, the backpack is $130 less than its comparable Yeti alternative. Yeti doesn’t have a size comparable to the larger option — the largest is 35 liters — but the duffle is still $150 cheaper than the largest Yeti offering.