Yeti has been one of the industry leaders in manufacturing ice chests for many years now.
It offers some of the most diverse features adding the design of the ice coolers which makes it extremely efficient and effective for long-term usage.
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Along with being a leader in the hard-sided coolers sector, it also offers some of the most prominent soft-sided coolers along with drink ware and buckets for storage.
We will now conduct a comprehensive best Yeti cooler review for you to make the most informed selection possible when choosing your next cooler.
Our Favorite Yeti Coolers
#1 Best Hard: Roadie 20
- Most amazing compact cooler on the market
- Perfect for beach, camping trips or just BOYB
- Patented ColdLock™ technology will keep your items cold for days
#1 Best Soft: Hopper Flip Portable
- Compact and looks damn sexy
- Perfect for work lunch or day & weekend warrior trips
- Leakproof HydroLok™ Zipper is a level above all other softies
This is one of the most portable coolers available in the market.
It can be very efficiently used to preserve food and store ice to serve it with refreshments whenever required with complete ease.
The best thing about this cooler is that it provides an effective ice retention mechanism which is more reliable than the other roto molded coolers that are in the market.
Like most of the Yeti coolers, this one also has an Interlocking Lid system which creates a barrier between the interior and exterior components.
Along with this, the T-Rex Lid latches further help in securing the lid tightly so that it helps in cooling faster.
It also has the ColdLock Gasket lock system that helps in sealing the temperature inside the chest of the cooler. The most remarkable feature on this cooler is the PermaFrost insulation that allows the pressure inside which helps in keeping the ice frozen for a long period of time.
Another reason for the ice to stay frozen long hours is due to the FatWall design which is a 2.5-inch polystyrene insulator that is closely sealed with a stretchy ball along with the socket clasp on the upper portion of the lid. This in combination with the freezer gasket seal completes the entire insulation system of this Yeti cooler.
#2 YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
This cooler is one of the heaviest duty coolers in the market which can help keep the ice frozen during field trips or outings to serve it with the drinks or food during parties or any other kind of celebration. This cooler is quite spacious as it can hold approximately 39 cans. Anything of this size or similar can readily be stored in this cooler. This is due to the 2-inch insulation and cold keeping gasket which helps in keeping the items stored in the cooler for longer hours. The dry ice compatibility further helps in keeping everything in the cooler readily intact for longer period of time in times of a long outing.
It can be used for different purposes without the cooler losing the tendency to work at a high level as the polyethylene material used in the cooler helps in making it extremely durable. It can be used in various ways as a hunting cooler or a marine cooler due to the versatility of the design features incorporated in it.
#3 YETI Tank 45 Bucket Cooler
One of the most prominent features associated with the Yeti coolers is that they work with the rotationally molded design along with the 2-inch thick polyurethane which helps in insulating the items inside for longer hours with much ease. Due to the rot molded feature, the Yeti cooler is completely durable and indestructible as an extreme level of protection is offered by this system to the entire cooler.
This cooler is highly compatible with the dry ice and helps to retain it for a long period of time. This cooler tank has the most significant feature of the Permafrost insulation which helps in the retention levels due to the consistent heat exchange to obtain a maximum thermal balance.
The No Sweat Design in this cooler is very helpful as it keeps the ice cooler bucket dry during all times without any leakage of water condensation. The Bearfoot design helps to secure the cooler in place which makes it very efficient to carry anywhere and for any kind of outing. The entire design and mechanism are very durable along with being extremely proficient and versatile in nature.
Due to the double haul handles along with the military grade nylon rope, this cooler is very handy and extremely portable. Due to all these features, this Yeti cooler serves the purpose of being more than an ice storage bucket. It can carry a heavy load on any kind of trip and make the overall experience completely worthwhile.
#4 YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
This is one of the best coolers available for people specifically looking for a durable cooler to carry during heavy and testing outings of all sorts. The Yeti Tundra 35 cooler has been specifically designed keeping in mind all these requirements of the people who prefer to go often for such outings. It is a small and portable cooler which has the capacity to hold 20 cans and a substantial quantity of food. The cooler is 16 inches wide which helps in the storage of an adequate amount of food and ice during long hours of the trip or adventure outings.
The rotomolded polyethylene construction that is used by this cooler has the same construction process and material which is being used in the manufacturing of whitewater Kayaks. This ensures that the cooler provides strength and durability during any kind of outing or adventure trip. The thick walls of the cooler have been built with PermaFrost insulation which helps in keeping the inside temperature much cooler irrespective of the temperature and weather conditions outside.
4 Best Yeti Soft Coolers
#1 YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler
The Yeti soft coolers are basically designed to be extremely lightweight and portable so that they can be used to carry in numerous places for a longer period of time quite effortlessly. The Yeti Hopper Flip Portable cooler measures around 12.5 x 10 x 11.5 inches and is made up of thick walls of TPU-laminated nylon. The solid base to the entire cooler is made by the EVA foam which is designed to be at the bottom while the thermal insulation to the cooler system is rendered due to the thickness of insulation slabs on the wall. It is extremely convenient and user-friendly due to the wide zipper which gives complete access to the interiors of the cooler.
Due to the interior being anti-microbial and of considerable food-grade lining, food items or ice could readily be stored in it for long hours without getting perished. It is an appropriate cooler for family outings with the storage capacity of 3.2 gallons. Another remarkable thing about this cooler is the leakage-proof design due to the RF-welded seams which also ensures good durability and sustenance over a long period of time.
#2 YETI Hopper TWO Portable Cooler
This cooler is quite similar to the YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler in terms of having welded seams, cold cell insulation, and beefy Hydrolok Zipper. But there are certain modest variations in this model that makes all the difference. The primary thing is the handles of this cooler. The handles in this cooler have been designed in the middle and the sides along with an extended zipper which helps in easy access to it while traveling or carrying it from one place to the other. The extended zipper allows for a better access to the interiors of the cooler, thereby making it more user-friendly and convenient for usage and cleaning purposes.
The additional thick insulation is provided due to the 1.5 inches thickness of the cold cell insulation which comprises of the closed cell rubber foam and the extended zipper. This helps in keeping the food items and the drinks cold for days and nights during long journeys or outings. Along with having an increased and improved portability and quality as compared to the previous models, it is also resistant t punctures, mildew and UV rays which make it even more efficient for users.
#3 YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack, Fog Gray
This is an ideal cooler for people looking for a convenient option to carry while going on a solo trip or an adventure trip. The backflip cooler helps you carry it on your shoulders keeping your hands free which is a very effective alternative while going on a camping tour or any other kind of an adventure tour. It is extremely comfortable due to the meticulous design and structure of the cooler.
The load is equally distributed over the back of the person carrying it due to the ergonomic shape of the cooler or backpack. The comfortable shoulder straps are an add-on to the entire makeup of the cooler which helps in giving comfort and stability while carrying it on the shoulders. It has a durable DryHide shell along with an 840 denier nylon and TPU laminated material which is puncture resistant. The HydroLok zipper helps in keeping the thermal insulation intact for hours along with making the cooler very user-friendly. The 0.75 thick closed cell foam on the sides which makes up the cold cell insulation provides a superior quality of insulation thereby keeping the drinks and food items cooler for days at a stretch. It is one of the best handy coolers available in the market.
#4 YETI Hopper 40 Portable Cooler
It is also a soft portable cooler which can be readily carried for larger tours and longer days due to the increased capacity and performance. The design is tapered of this model along with a wider zipper which makes it very convenient to load and unload the items from it with much ease. Like the previous soft coolers, this one also has a cold cell insulation which comprises of the closed cell rubber foam that provides a superior cooling power than the rest of the regular soft coolers. The HydroLok zipper makes the cooler waterproof and leak-proof along with added convenience.
The additional feature that this cooler offer is the double stitch carry option which provides three alternate ways to carry the cooler. The load can be distributed in three different ways according to the convenience and preference of the user which makes it very flexible for usage.
Best Size Yeti Cooler for the Beach
Yeti Hopper Flip Portable Cooler
It is one the best coolers available in the market with an affordable price range which can be taken for any kind of beach trip ranging from something close to a watersports or camping in the secluded areas. The fabric and design of this cooler make it very efficient for usage and resistant to all sorts of external elements, shocks, and abrasions. This cooler can keep the food items and drinks cool for longer periods of time wherever you desire to take it. It is ideal to take it with you like an ice chest for short beach trips or weekend beach camping. It is the perfect size for any kind of family or solo beach outings as it has been designed in a very meticulous manner with optimum sizes.
Few reasons why this is an ideal size Yeti cooler to carry for any kind of beach outings are as follows:
- The HydroLok Zipper makes it leak-proof and waterproof which is an essential thing to consider to avoid the mess at later stages of travel.
- The wide zipper again helps in loading and unloading the items from the cooler with utmost ease thereby making it extremely user-friendly.
- The Dry Hide shell protects it from all kinds of harmful external elements thereby making it durable for a long span of time.
- The coolness lasts for a longer period of time which is what makes it very efficient for users.
Factors to Consider When Buying
Size
The first thing that you’ll probably notice when looking at the array of Yeti Coolers is that they are all different sizes. While large coolers can give you tons of room for storing your entire life away, they can also be extremely cumbersome for someone who is constantly on the move.
If you’re doing overnight trips to the beach or mountains, we recommend something small like the Roadie 20 so you don’t have to lug around some massive beast. That being said, if your camping trip is taking you away from the modern cooling technology that is refrigeration for an entire week, a Yeti cooler like the Tundra 65 might just be your savior.
Material
You essentially have two choices when buying a Yeti cooler: A hard cooler and a soft cooler. Your purchase is truly dependent on your needs. Their soft, fabric coolers are made with a high-density dryhide shell that, while soft, is still resistant to punctures and water. The rubber on the inside is closed-cell and actually does quite well at holding in the cold. These are much better for portability. On the other hand, you have Yeti’s hard coolers. These coolers are rotomolded to provide the strongest construction possible while utilizing permafrost insulation to keep your food cold for long periods of time.
Transport
Coolers are pretty much mobile refrigeration. Unfortunately, some of these larger coolers aren’t so mobile. That’s why it can be useful to purchase one of Yeti’s Haul coolers if you need something to wheel around. It can be extremely helpful if you’re taking solo trips and don’t have an extra hand to help you out.
Proper Care
Before you even begin using your Yeti Cooler, it is recommended that you give it a brief wash with soap and water. This same soap and water clean should be performed after every use as well to make sure that your Yeti stays stain and odor-free. Does it smell like something died inside your cooler? Yeti recommends using a water and bleach mixture (6:1) and scrubbing it with a brush. If you have a power washer, feel free to use it get rid of hardcore stains.
What To Pack For The Beach
Here's a list of the best items to pack:
- Swimsuit
- Flip Flops
- Beach Bag
- Beach Towel
- Water Shoes
- Plastic Bag for Phone
- Sunscreen
- Snorkel
- Hat
- Beach Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some cool accessories that I can buy for my Yeti Cooler?
Yeti manufactures their coolers with the ability to customize them for your needs. Here are some of our favorite Yeti Cooler accessories:
- Tie-Down Kit
Available for Tundra models, you can use the YETI tie-down kit to secure your cooler to your truck bed, boat, or trailer. It is made of all stainless steel and comes with 2 straps, cam buckles, 2 deck plates, and mounting hardware. - Corner Chock Set
Available for Tundra models as well, the corner chock set allows you to secure your cooler with non-abrasive support. Though they’re made for Tundra models, they work well with other models too! - Cooler Cushion
Need a place to sit? This two-inch thick seat cushion is made of UV marine vinyl and easily screws onto your cooler lid to provide you with a little seat on your big Yeti. - SeaDek Lid Grip
This is awesome for fishermen! If you stand on your cooler, you can get a much better view into the water around you. The problem is, it is easy to slip, as the material on the top of Yeti Coolers is pretty smooth. With this slip-resistant SeaDek pad, you can create a safe casting platform atop your Yeti.
Should I use dry ice in my Yeti Cooler?
Sure! Dry ice is the best ice for keeping things cool, and has double the cooling power of regular ice. You can either use it by itself or in conjunction with regular ice. Just make sure that your cooler is in a well-ventilated area when using dry ice so that you don’t inhale Carbon Dioxide gas. It’s not harmful, but can cause shortness of breath or loss of consciousness if not careful.
Can I lock my Yeti Cooler up?
Unfortunately, Yeti Coolers do not come complete with locking systems. You can however purchase a cooler lock from Yeti and protect all your Tundra or Roadie models. Locking them up makes them resistant to bears as well, which is great for those camping in the mountains!
Final Thoughts - Which Should I Get?
All in all, Yeti coolers are some of the best-designed coolers out on the market today. They’re extremely durable and have great ice retention, two of the most important characteristics of any cooler.
Obviously you have to deal with the cost of a Yeti, but for a cooler that will last you forever, it’s a solid investment.
We recommend getting the Roadie 20 and seeing how you like it. It’s not too much of an investment and it is great for small trips. You can test the waters and see if you want to buy a bigger one down the line.
For some, YETI might not be the game changer cooler. If that sounds like you, check out our FinBin page for a more general list of the best coolers on the market.
