Upgrade Your Chill: Why Above Sea Level Wire Baskets are the Essential RTIC Accessory
If you own an RTIC cooler, you already know the deal. You bought it because it’s a tank. It keeps ice for days, survives the bed of a bouncing truck, and serves as a reliable seat by the campfire. But there is one universal "cooler tax" we all eventually pay: The Soggy Sandwich.
You know the feeling. You reach into the slurry of ice and water for a snack, only to find that your expensive deli meat or loaf of bread has become a waterlogged sponge.
At Above Sea Level, we’re obsessed with the details of the outdoors. We knew there was a better way to organize a cooler than those flimsy, solid plastic trays that come as cheap afterthoughts. That’s why we engineered our PVC-coated steel wire baskets specifically for the RTIC lineup.
Why Wire Beats Plastic Every Single Time
When you look for cooler organization, you’ll see two options: solid plastic bins and wire baskets. At first glance, plastic might seem fine. But once you’re out in the field, the flaws appear.
1. The Condensation Trap
Solid plastic bins act like bowls. Because there is no airflow, condensation builds up on the interior walls of the bin. That moisture has nowhere to go, meaning your "dry" goods are sitting in a pool of sweat.
Our wire baskets allow for total 360-degree airflow. This keeps the temperature consistent with the rest of the cooler without trapping moisture.
2. Drainage and Hygiene
If a grape busts or a juice box leaks in a plastic bin, you have a sticky mess to clean. If it happens in a wire basket? It drains right through to the ice. Our baskets are made from heavy-duty steel wire coated in thick PVC. This makes them rust-proof, easy to spray down, and incredibly durable.
3. The "Cold Sink" Effect
Cold air sinks. Solid plastic blocks that air from circulating effectively around your food. Wire baskets ensure that the frigid air from your ice reaches every square inch of your dry goods, keeping them at the perfect temperature without the soak.
Precision Engineering: The Perfect Fit
A cooler basket is only as good as its fit. If it slides around, it’s a nuisance. If it’s too wide, you can't use your divider.
We didn’t just make "generic" baskets. We engineered these to fit the specific dimensions of the RTIC Ultra-Light and Ultra-Tough series. Our design allows you to run one or two baskets alongside your cooler dividers, giving you a modular storage system that adapts to your trip.
Find Your Size: The Above Sea Level Lineup
We’ve expanded our range to cover the most popular RTIC models on the market. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a week-long haul, we have the grid.
RTIC 52 / 72 Ultra-Light Wire Basket
The RTIC 52 is the "Goldilocks" of the Ultra-Light series—not too big, not too small. Our basket for the 52 and 72 models is built to handle the height of these coolers, allowing you to stack ice deep while keeping your fragile items high and dry.
RTIC 32 Ultra-Light Wire Basket
The 32 is the ultimate weekend warrior. Space is at a premium in a 32-quart cooler, which is why a wire basket is even more critical. It forces organization and prevents your lunch from getting crushed by heavy cans or ice bags.
RTIC 65 Ultra-Tough Wire Basket
For those who prefer the traditional "Ultra-Tough" rotomolded series, the 65 is a staple. Our 65-quart basket is beefed up to match the rugged nature of this cooler. It’s the perfect companion for hunting trips or extended camping stays.
RTIC 22 Wheeled & Non-Wheeled Ultra-Light (Coming Soon!)
The 22 is the king of the job site and the sideline. We are currently finalizing the engineering on the 22 series basket to ensure it handles the unique dimensions of the wheeled version. Stay tuned—it’s coming sooner than you think.
Pro-Tips for the Ultimate Pack: Mastering Cooler Stratification
To get the most out of your RTIC and your Above Sea Level gear, build a system. Use this professional loading order to keep your ice for days and your food perfectly preserved.
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The Deep Freeze: Pre-Chill the Cooler & Your Cargo
Never ask your "good" ice to do double duty. If you throw 10 lbs of ice into a 90°F cooler, the ice spends its energy cooling down the insulation. Bring your RTIC inside the night before and "prime" it with a sacrificial bag of ice or high-quality ice packs to pull the heat out of the foam walls. Combine this with pre-chilled drinks and steaks that are already refrigerator-cold. -
Set the Stage: Divider First
It’s a rookie mistake to pour the ice and then try to jam the divider into the tracks. Slide your RTIC divider in first to lock in your layout. This creates a dedicated "dry side" and ensures you aren't fighting a frozen slurry later in the trip. -
The Foundation: Ice Logic
Layer the bottom with block ice if you’re heading out for more than two days—it acts as your cooler’s battery. Cover the blocks with a generous layer of cubed ice to fill the gaps. This creates a solid, frozen base that keeps the internal temperature consistent. -
The Heavy Hitters: Cans & Bottles
Place your drinks directly onto the ice foundation. Since aluminum and glass transfer cold efficiently, keeping them in direct contact with the ice ensures they stay crisp. Plus, they can handle the moisture, so they belong in the "basement." -
The Safe Zone: Above Sea Level Wire Baskets
This is where the magic happens. Suspend your Above Sea Level PVC-coated wire basket at the top. This is the designated "Safe Zone" for fragile cargo: eggs, deli meats, bread, and fruits. They stay just as cold as the drinks below thanks to the 360-degree airflow, but they stay 100% dry.
Built for the Journey
At Above Sea Level, we don't believe in "disposable" gear. Our PVC-coated wire baskets are designed to outlast the cooler itself. They won't crack in freezing temperatures like plastic and they're built to withstand the elements.
Whether you're navigating the salt air of the coast or the dry heat of the desert, our gear is built to perform.
Ready to stop the soak? Shop the full collection of RTIC-compatible baskets and take your cooler game to the next level.