Best YETI Coolers for Your Exciting Adventures

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 5, 2024
If you ask us what coolers are the most effective and rugged, we will definitely answer you "YETI". They are the premium coolers that are the ultimate in their design, performance, and durability. YETI coolers are truly the stuff of legends. So, if you want the best gear for your outdoor trips, keep on reading our comparison chart of YETI coolers and take your pick. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Capacity
Material
Extras
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The patented Doublehaul ™ handles distribute the weight of the cooler evenly, thus greatly simplifying the transportation by two people, whereas the LIPGRIP ™ handles allow you to comfortably carry the chest by yourself.

CONS

It's rather heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

This is a top-quality cooler that will keep whatever you put in it cool all day long. It's a perfect choice not only for backyard barbecue or camping but also for long hunting trips. It's completely bear-resistant!

detailed parameters
Type

Hard cooler

Capacity

42 cans (2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume) or 52 lbs of ice

Material

Permafrost™ insulation (polyurethane foam), Plastic shell

Extras

Rotomolded construction, Fatwall™ Design, T-REX™ Lid latches, Anchorpoint™ Tie-Down slots, Neverfail™ hinge system, Lipgrip™ handles, Doublehaul™ handles, Vortex™ drain system, Bearfoot™ non-slip feet

Dimensions

30.6 x 17.25 x 16 inches

29 lbs

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The Bearfoot ™ feet ensure a stable placement of the cooler on any surface, which is especially important when it's used on boats, kayaks, skiffs and other types of water vehicles.

CONS

Basket for dry goods takes too much place. 

OUR VERDICT

If you need a compact yet extremely functional cooler, the Tundra 45 is your choice. It has reasonable size and weight to let you carry it by yourself. Yet, it can hold enough food and drinks for a short trip. Available in 4 trendy colors. 

detailed parameters
Type

Hard cooler

Capacity

28 cans (2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume) or 34 lbs of ice

Material

Permafrost™ insulation (polyurethane foam), Plastic shell

Extras

Rotomolded construction, Fatwall™ Design, T-REX™ Lid latches, Anchorpoint™ Tie-Down slots, Neverfail™ hinge system, Lipgrip™ handles, Doublehaul™ handles, Vortex™ drain system, Bearfoot™ non-slip feet

Dimensions

25.75 x 16.1 x 15.4 inches

23 lbs

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The VORTEX ™ drain system with the screw-in gasketed drain plug makes it possible to quickly get rid of the melted water. The plug is completely sealed and eliminates the risk of leaks. To drain water, you just need to partially unscrew the plug.

CONS

For the size, the capacity could be higher.

OUR VERDICT

This model is the best option for people who want to get a hard cooler by YETI at an affordable price. The Roadie 20 boasts almost the same design features as more expensive Tundra series, yet it's much more compact and portable.

detailed parameters
Type

Hard cooler

Capacity

16 cans (2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume) or 20 lbs of ice

Material

Permafrost™ insulation (polyurethane foam), Plastic shell

Extras

Rotomolded construction, Fatwall™ Design, T-REX™ Lid latches, Anchorpoint™ Tie-Down slots, Neverfail™ hinge system, Lipgrip™ handles, Vortex™ drain system, Bearfoot™ non-slip feet

Dimensions

19.1 x 13.6 x 14.25 inches

15 lbs

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The inner and outer layers are made of DryHide ™ fabric - a special 840D nylon with a double TPU coating. This solution makes the bag highly resistant to punctures and also protects it from UV exposure.

CONS

The zipper is too tight and may require lubrication.

OUR VERDICT

The Hopper Two 20 is a small YETI cooler that's is excellent for short outings. It's so light that you can take it with you on any hiking trip. You won't experience any fatigue while carrying your chilly drinks and fresh sandwiches.

detailed parameters
Type

Soft cooler

Capacity

18 cans (2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume) or 20 lbs of ice

Material

Coldcell™ insulation (rubber foam), DryHide™ shell (high-density fabric)

Extras

HydroLok™ Zipper, Carrying handles, Adjustable shoulder strap (Detachable), 6 D-ring tie-down points, HitchPoint™ Grid

Dimensions

22 x 10 x 16.5 inches

4.4 lbs

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The all-around leakproof HydroLok ™ Zipper and Wide Mouth Design of the bag give you the full access to the contents and make loading/unloading a breeze. The company also claims that the extended zipper increases insulation.

CONS

The top handle isn't very convenient. 

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for the best performing personal cooler for a day outing or just carrying lunch to the job, the Hopper Flip 12 is an ideal option. Plus, it's large enough to hold 12 cans or even a day’s worth of food for a small family.

detailed parameters
Type

Soft cooler

Capacity

12 cans (a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume) or 16 lbs of ice

Material

Coldcell™ insulation (rubber foam), DryHide™ shell (high-density fabric)

Extras

HydroLok™ Zipper, Carrying handle, Adjustable shoulder strap (Detachable), HitchPoint™ Grid

Dimensions

12.6 x 10 x 11.5 inches

3.1 lbs

Warranty

3 years

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YETI Tundra 65

Superior Insulation

If you need a heavy-duty cooler that will keep your food and drinks cold for an incredible amount of time, the Tundra 65 can be the best pick for you. It completely lives up to its motto “Wildly Stronger, Keeps Ice Longer”. The cooler outperforms the majority of other coolers in its ability to keep ice longer and endure the harshest heat. The thing is that it has extra-thick walls that hold up to two inches of insulation to provide you with unmatched ice retention. However, in order to deliver this amazing amount of insulation, YETI engineers had to sacrifice interior storage a bit. The ice chest can hold 39 cans and the ice necessary to keep them cool. The overall storage space makes 52 lbs. And no wonder that the cooler is rather heavy. So, when considering this cooler, you need to think not only about how cold you want the things to stay but also about how much weight you're able to carry.

We would like to point out that you can load dry ice in this cooler. And dry ice compatibility means that you'll be able to keep everything ice-cold even during your longest trips. The YETI Tundra 65 is a top-quality product that can be a perfect desert trip companion, hunting cooler, a fishing cooler, a marine cooler, a party cooler, and more. It's ready for any outdoor adventure.

Review of YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

Ultra Sturdy

With such a trip companion like the YETI Tundra 65, you've got no reasons at all to worry about mixing things up. The cooler is made from ultra-durable polyethylene that can withstand a variety of tasks again and again. Despite looking very similar to many other coolers on the first glance, the YETI Tundra 65 has a lot more to offer. The Rotomolded Construction makes it almost indestructible so it can endure all rigors of the trips. Moving to the design features, it boasts a patented T-Rex Lid Latching system produced from heavy-duty rubber materials, and features comfy handles made from military-grade polyester. The handles have textured grips, making it easy to haul the cooler even when it's fully loaded. Additionally, the YETI Tundra 65 can take padlocks for extra protection. And if you’re going to take it on a boat, the non-slip feet will prevent the item from sliding around. Plus, it has molded tie-down slots for mounting it to a boat or trailer.

Yet, the biggest selling point of this cooler is that it's certified as bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). And grizzly-proof design not only gives you peace of mind in a bear environment but also means that it's one of the most durable pieces of equipment ever. So, we can safely say that the Tundra 65 is a robust cooler.

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00DP1J0JI

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

I own three Yeti coolers. Tho not cheap, they keep ice longer than any cooler I've ever owned.

Size & Weight

After researching for weeks comparable sized coolers, this is what I got. Ice retention for a weekend camping trip and general beverage cooler for parties are its main duties.

Features

The cooler is extremely well built with lots of cool features. We love it!
 

YETI Tundra 45

BIFL Purchase

The YETI Tundra 45 chest is one of the buy-it-for-life purchases. The secret is that it has the rotomolded polyethylene construction - the same technology is used for the production of kayaks. This construction ensures superior impact resistance and ever-lasting durability. So, if you need a chest that is going to be banging around in the trunk of your car, this can be a worthy investment. In addition, the bottom and lid of the cooler are made of almost undestroyable UV-resistant material. Really, the cooler is so robust that the manufacturer has even certified it as a bear-proof chest if used with padlocks. However, take note that 2 padlocks are sold separately and should be attached to both front corners.

Another great feature is that the extra-thick FatWalls of the cooler contain proprietary PermaFrost™ insulation to ensure amazing resistance to outside temperatures. Full two inches of pressure-injected insulation run throughout the cooler body, whereas three inches are in the lid where the best insulation is essential. And since the insulation is pressure injected, it's much denser compared to other brands. Thus, the cooler can handle extreme temperatures and is compatible with dry ice. By the way, the dry ice has about 3 times more cooling power than regular ice.

The cooler has even more highlights that make it so appealing to customers. Thanks to No-Sweat-Design, the cooler always stays dry on the outside. It also has non-slip and non-marking feet keeping it steady on any surface. Plus, there're built-in tie-down slots on each side for extra stability. We are sure that you'll be impressed with the Tundra 65 functionality, durability, and refrigeration. After purchasing this, you might not need to buy another cooler in your whole life.

Review of YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

Best For

The Tundra 45 is one of the most popular hard YETI coolers for a good reason. It has the perfect size for a short trip or outing. It has a large enough 26-can capacity (2:1 ice-to-contents ratio) and can hold up to 35 pounds of ice. You can fill it up with beer for a BBQ, provisions for a picnic, or lunch for a hiking tour. To keep your sandwiches dry and prevent them from getting soggy, there's a special rack inside the cooler.

Even when fully loaded, it's small and lightweight enough to handle by yourself. The cooler has both roped handles and rigid handles that don't sway back and forth. The dimensions of the item make 25 ½" long x 16" wide x 15 ½" high. As you see, this is a mid-sized model that can easily fit in many trunks and backseats. This compact size makes the cooler rather maneuverable. 

All in all, the Tundra 45 chest boasts fairly good capacity that's easy to carry, durability enough to survive the harshest conditions, and amazing performance to last.

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B001COUOYK

 

YETI Roadie 20

Made to Travel

If portability and superior ice retention are the number one factors for you, the Roadie cooler is the perfect choice. It's a smaller alternative to the YETI’s most popular Tundra series. You will be able to bring this mini fridge just anywhere you wish without hassle. It’s extremely compact and very easy to fit inside the trunk, on the car seat, or just behind your back if you're riding a motorcycle.

For its price range, its build quality and insulation ability are second to none. And although its performance is not so high as Tundra series chests, it's still more than enough for most typical applications. If you load the proper amount of ice, you can expect that your food will stay cold for about 2-3 days. Moreover, the Roadie 20 is compatible with dry ice, and if you pack the chest up with it, you can expect even better performance. It will be able to keep your beverages icy even in direct sunshine.

As the name suggests, this YETI Roadie cooler has a 20-Qt capacity and can accommodate 12 cans and ice. We would like to note that it can hold long-neck bottles as well. The cooler is made from the best YETI’s materials and boasts the InterLock lid system. Rather than just sitting on top of the body, the lid interlocks with the body using a full-frame gasket. This way, the temperature is reliably sealed inside the chest. All in all, people who need a portable hard-bodied cooler for daily use (as a lunch box, for example) or occasional use during picnics or road trips will definitely appreciate the YETI Roadie 20.

Review of YETI Roadie 20 Cooler

For Your Convenience

The Roadie is available in several colors to suit your needs best. The design is clean, simple and convenient. The cooler is very easy to carry thanks to the stainless steel handle finished with an EVA foam grip. The handle locks upright for simple transportation in tight spaces, including the backseat of your car or the center console of your boat. In addition, you can secure the item with straps using the tie-down slots that are already molded into the body.

For easy draining, the cooler has a screw-in gasketed drain plug that doesn't leak. All you need to do to drain water is partially unscrew this plug. All for your convenience!

YETI Roadie 20 Cooler in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B004YIBWNS

 

YETI Hopper Two 20

Light and Capacious

YETI has upgraded their popular soft-sided Hopper bags and come with the new YETI Hopper TWO Portable Cooler. It's a top-notch soft bag that is definitely worth every cent. It offers the “Same durability but added accessibility.” The quality of this leakproof portable cooler is superlative. It’s made of DryHide Shell, a high-density fabric that is 100% waterproof and resistant to mildew, abrasion, and punctures. The liner of the bag is produced from an FDA approved food-grade material, while the closed-cell foam offers superior insulation. Therefore, this bag can hold cold way better than ordinary soft coolers. Also, the bag uses HydroLok zipper that is totally leakproof. The zipper is very sturdy and slides smoothly. It runs along the side of the bag, which makes it much easier for you to open the bag if you carry it over your shoulder.

The YETI cooler bag can keep ice for days. This model can hold 20 lbs of ice or 18 cans of beer, however, if you need you can choose more capacious options that can hold 30 or 40 lbs of ice and 24 and 36 cans correspondingly. The bag has 1.5″ thick insulation and can keep drinks cool or food fresh during short trips. The bag itself is quite lightweight, especially considering how much it holds. Thus, it’s ideal for hiking, fishing, boating, picnics and other outings.

Review of YETI Hopper Two 20 Portable Cooler

Smart Design

YETI engineers have equipped the cooler with handles on the middle and sides. This handle configuration makes it easier for customers to haul it. We would like to note that the bag has no external pockets - only a top extra-long HydroLok Zipper that makes cleaning of the interior a breeze. Additionally, as it opens a little wider, it makes the food and drinks easier to access and easier to load.

The extra frills that this bag has include a few daisy chains and a few loops that can secure keys, gear, and other stuff. Also, the bag has tie-down points.

Summing up, we can say that the cooler is not only well-constructed but good looking as well. If you can afford this attractive and bombproof soft bag that can keep the contents absolutely cold for a long-long time, we will certainly recommend it. 

YETI Hopper Two 20 Portable Cooler in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01MZ6XKFI

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

I mention this, because this hopper 20 model is currently discontinued, and i'm glad i still found a brand new, authentic piece with all of its paperwork here.

Size & Weight

What can I say. It is a Yetti. Had smaller hopper and wanted a larger size to carry more beverages. This thing is great.

Features

Bought as a present for my parents. They love it except that the zipper isn’t on the top it is on the side.
 

YETI Hopper Flip 12

Excellent Personal Cooler

The Hopper Flip is probably the most portable offer from the YETI brand. Actually, it's the smallest model in YETI soft-sided cooler line up. The Hopper Flip comes in 8, 12, and 18-quart options that can hold up to 6, 12, or 16 cans of water, soda, or beer depending on the size of the bottles and your preferable cooling systems. You are free to fill the Hopper Flip with ice or use YETI's four-pound ice packs. They perfectly fit the bottom of the cooler, ensuring the best results.

The YETI portable cooler has a 1-inch insulation layer and leakproof zippers to hold ice for up to three days. Such powerful insulation can keep perishable items fresh and drinks frosty cool during a weekend trip or while you're driving to your destination in a scorching heat.

Everything about this YETI cooler bag screams sturdy. The Dryhide shell is made of high-density fabric that is completely waterproof and resistant to mildew, mold, punctures, and harmful UV rays. An EVA foam bottom gives a solid base, while a heavy-duty zipper is a bit stiff yet it’s made to be. Thus, the bag will stand up to the hazards of daily use.

We can safely say that the Yeti engineers have done their best to deftly combine the YETI's trademark durability and compact, portable body. The Hopper Flip 12 is probably the best personal-sized cooler you can find. It's small enough to be carried around as a lunchbox and, at the same time, it's large enough to hold a dozen beverage cans and some ice for picnics. The YETI Flip 12 is a solid fit for those looking for a long-lasting personal cooler.

Review of YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler

Ease of Use

The engineers have upgraded this YETI personal cooler and made it a little more comfortable by adding an extra carrying handle to the top. And in addition to top and side handles, the bag has a removable shoulder strap. The padded strap ensures comfortable hauling even if the cooler is full. Also, this small YETI cooler features daisy chains allowing you to strap it to the seat of your boat or the luggage rack on your motorbike. As another nice design touch, the manufacturer has included a Hitchpoint grid with MOLLE Zinger, MOLLE Bottle Opener, and SideKick. The MOLLE-compatible webbing straps enable you to attach some accessories or clip-on gear.

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Cooler in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $449.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B075TJ4BXL

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Bought this for my husband. It was his Father’s Day gift. He loves this and uses it everyday! Says it keeps his food cold even in 100 degree weather. HIGHLY recommend this and it’s worth the extra money compaired to other coolers.

Size & Weight

I love the size cus I did away with my lunch bag and stick my lunch in it as well.

Features

Either way I’ve taken this cooler fishing and holds enough food/drinks for the whole day.
 

What Is a YETI Cooler?

YETI is a Texas-based company that has a very interesting story. It was founded by two brothers who have always had a passion for outdoor adventures. However, they couldn't find a reliable cooler that could outlast the harshest weather conditions and longest trips. That's why they came with the solution to create the type of coolers that will have enough durability to survive and the amazing performance to last. Today YETI creates ultra-durable coolers that are capable of holding ice during extreme heat. For sure, these luxury products are not for everyone. They are for real outdoor enthusiasts, professional campers, hikers, fishermen, tailgaters, or barbecue kings and queens. All YETI coolers are extremely rugged and can keep things icy cool for long days. This is where the quality is totally worth the price. So if you want high-performing coolers from the world-renowned manufacturer, you're at the right place. In this review, we have rounded up the best models from different YETI series to bring your outdoor experience to a whole new level. And if you spend a huge amount of time on the road, you might be interested in car cooler bags as well. Are you ready for adventures?

What Features to Compare

Type

First of all, you need to decide on the type of a cooler - soft-sided or hard-sided. Soft coolers are perfect both for a daily and occasional use. You can carry them to the office, park, gym, picnic, etc. And the biggest draw to a soft bag is its portability. They are usually very compact and lightweight. They are also easier to carry because of handy shoulder straps that leave your hands free for other items. Also, most soft bags can be collapsed for easy storage. Accordingly, when not in use, they require a little storage space. As for the hard-sided coolers, they are best for road trips, tailgating, camping, hunting, and other similar outdoor activities. They are much more rugged and have better ice retention. Their insulation system is great and, thus, they can keep food, drinks, and other supplies cool even in harsh conditions. More often than not, hard-sided chests have a greater capacity. The majority of YETI hard coolers are bear-resistant and can be taken to the wildlife. However, they are usually much bulkier and cost more than their soft-sided counterparts.

Capacity

If you’re a solo traveler, you probably want to travel light and keep the size and weight of a cooler at a minimum. The smallest YETI bags have an 8-quart capacity and can hold up to 6 cans. However, if you're planning a long trip with your family, you definitely need to opt for more capacious models. The best way to decide on the right size of a bag is to think of the menu for your typical day, buy all the food, snacks, and drinks, and then stack them all neatly and measure the heap. Next, figure out a 2:1 ratio of ice to food. Take note that the sustenance that will be going into the cooler frozen should be counted as ice.

Design Features

Many travelers like cooler bags with numerous pockets and different storage options. With this in mind, YETI engineers do their best to bring functional coolers to the market. That's why most of their soft-sided bags have the options for holding items like keys, glasses, traveling knives, bottle openers, and more. Concerning hard-sided models, they often come fitted with molded tie-down slots for easy mounting to a boat, trailer, or truck. The most heavy-duty coolers have special slots for additional padlocks to make them completely bear-resistant.

Interesting Facts About YETI

How did it all begin?

Two brothers, Roy Seiders and Ryan Seiders, were avid outdoor enthusiasts who spent long hours fishing or hunting. However, all those flimsy coolers couldn't stand up to their outdoor adventures - the handles usually broke, the lids caved in, the latches snapped off. This frustrating issue led the brothers to a solution - create their own super-durable coolers. They founded the YETI company in 2006 and invented their first high-end cooler in the same year.

A new market

In 2008, the YETI company began selling its products in popular Bass Pro and Cabela's shops, thus entering the specialized market for outdoor enthusiasts. Their coolers were really successful, and in 2012, the private equity firm, Cortec Group, purchased the two-thirds stake of the YETI brand for $67 million.

Factories all over the world

Although all YETI coolers are designed in Austin, the USA, they are manufactured all over the world, including Wisconsin, Iowa, the Philippines, and even China.

It has paid off

Between 2013 and 2015, the YETI brand invested more than $40 million in marketing, which resulted in the Internet sales growth from almost $90 million to incredible $468.9 million.

Extra durable

YETI hard-sided coolers are rotationally-molded. The same process is often used for the production of rugged whitewater kayaks. A heated hollow mold rotates the polyethylene around as the material cools to create a solid piece. This way, you won't find seams and, accordingly, weak points on YETI hard coolers. They provide fantastic impact resistance and superior durability.

Every point of view matters

The YETI company share their ideas with their customers. Before patenting a new product, they ask customers whether they like their new inventions and what they would like to improve. Today, the YETI brand holds 26 issued patents and 313 pending patent applications.

Small ice is better

YETI specialists say that small cubed ice is best suitable for use in YETI coolers. However, if you have an opportunity to use dry ice, load it. 5 lbs of dry ice last 3x times more than standard ice cubes.

Are they really grizzly-proof?

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee has approved that some YETI coolers are bear-resistant. The committee even assisted the company in the research study where a real grizzly bear was trying to open a cooler... unsuccessfully!

Life-saving cooler

One of the YETI coolers has saved the life of a couple who had a boat trouble in 2016.

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Publish Date: 2018-07-04 14:54:58