YETI Tundra 50 Review

Up until now, we never believed that there would be a cooler company that would become a household name.

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Then came YETI.

From fishermen, to hunters, to campers, to weekend adventurers, YETI is seemingly taking over the cooler market, as there’s really no one who makes coolers quite like theirs.

If you consider yourself a nature enthusiast, you’ve most likely seen one of these bad boys hanging around.

In our YETI Tundra 50 review, we’re going to give you all the info you’ll ever need to help you to understand why these coolers are so popular now. Trust us when we say this: It is not all hype.

The YETI Tundra 50 is a premium cooler for the extreme peeps.


The Review

Yeti Tundra 50 Cooler

Specifications

  • ​Outside Dimensions: 24” x 18” x 17.5”
  • ​Hard-shell rotomolded polyethylene
  • ​Can hold 41.75 liters
  • ​2,550 cubic inches of inside space
  • Thick permafrost insulation

Pro's

  • ​Double Haul Military-Grade Handles for Transport
  • ​Leak-Proof Draining System
  • ​Cold Lock Gasket to Keep In Cold Air
  • ​Near-Indestructible Rotomolded Construction
  • ​Incredible Ice Retention
  • Anchor Point Tie Down Slots

Con's

  • ​Heavier than most other hard-shell coolers
  • ​Pricey

​Why is the Price So High?

As with all YETI coolers, and their hard-shell coolers especially, you have to understand that you are not only paying for a typical cooler, but one that will give you the greatest performance out of all. When it comes to rotomolded coolers, the YETI Tundra 50 is no doubt one of the most expensive on the market in terms of size, and while it would be easy to cut a few hundred off the price and go with some cheap-y WalMart cooler, you will b sacrificing the performance and durability that only YETI can provide.

To name a few of the quality features onboard, we have the tough-as-nails rotomolded construction, the interlock lid system, and the permafrost insulation. These things will help to keep your food in tact for a week or longer, not something many other coolers can promise. When you put those features in conjunction with the accessories and warranty that YETI offers, you have a cooler that is truly unmatched.

Insulation Performance

The YETI hard-shell coolers use what the company calls fatwall insulation. This insulation is basically two-inch-thick walls that give you insane ice retention, much better than other coolers on the market. It’s easy to assume that whatever you put in your cooler will still be good after 10 days, even when the heat gets pretty gnarly.

Secondly, the hard-shell coolers utilize permafrost insulation, an insulation technique unique in many ways to YETI. This is basically polyurethane foam that is injected into the walls of the coolers so that it expands and fills the inside, just how you would insulate a house. Polyurethane is used in a plethora of things from surfboards, to chairs, to quality work boots, and beyond. Having the extra insulation definitely adds a few pounds to the Tundra 50, though with the cooling properties, we think it’s worth the small hassle of transport.

Lastly, YETI has built on the Cold Lock Gasket, which is essentially a heavy-duty, commercial-grade freezer gasket built onto the lid. Not only does it make sure that your lid is shut tight so that you don’t get any leaks from the inside or out, it also helps to keep cold air from getting out and warm air from getting in.

Tundra 50 on Raft
Tundra 50 with divider
Tundra 50 in Open View
Yeti Tundra 50 Testimonial

YETI Tundra 50 vs. YETI Tundra 65

So the first thing that you’ll notice about the YETI Tundra 65 vs. the 50 is that the 65 is larger with a higher carrying capacity. It can hold a max of 42 cans of beer or 52lbs of ice, while the YETI Tundra 50 can hold up to 35 cans of beer or 43lbs of ice. This also makes the YETI Tundra 65 about 3lbs heavier at 29lbs empty.

The second difference you’ll definitely notice is the shape. The Tundra 50 is more of a cubicle shape, making it a bit easier to store and transport in small spaces than the Tundra 65. If you’re someone who needs to pack tons of supplies in your trunk space or boat, this is where the 50 might be the better option. If you’re someone who needs extra space in your cooler to pack more items or larger items, we would definitely recommend getting a hold of the 65.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are the T-Rex Latch different from your normal cooler latches?

They are actually quite different than any other types of latches we have seen, though they work really well. The closure method on these is much different from a plastic latch that you would latch on. Because they are made of a stretchy rubber instead, you basically stretch them through a hole so that they stick.

You use two fingers to grab the latch, stretch it down below the channel, and let it snap into place. They work in conjunction with the ColdLock gasket, putting pressure on the lid so that it doesn’t open or leak. These latches are also molded into the actual cooler design so that you don’t have to worry about them breaking or snapping off, like you would with some plastic latches.

Are YETI Coolers Bear Proof?

The YETI Tundra meets the standards from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee for being bear resistant. What many people don’t know is that they must be using the master locks to actually make them bear-resistant. Luckily, YETI makes their master locks with extra long shanks to fit perfectly through the holes on top. Their coolers have also been tested in simulation, as well as in real live bear situations.

YETI isn't the only bear-aware cooler brand though. There are many other bear-proof coolers on the market that double as great coolers for the beach.

How can I secure the YETI Tundra 50 to my truck bed?

The YETI Tundra 50 comes with a few built-in features that make it perfect for hauling around in a truck bed. First off, you have the “bear foot” non-marking feet grip that basically help your cooler to stick to just about any surface with sliding around. If you’re afraid of scuffing up your truck bed, you’ll be happy to know these protect against it.

Secondly, you have the built-in bulldog strap guides that let you strap down your cooler so that it is securely ratcheted while you haul it.

Does the YETI Tundra 50 come with a warranty?

The YETI Tundra 50 comes with the same warranty that all of YETI’s hard-shell coolers come with, which is a five-year limited warranty period. If you find that there is some sort of manufacturer error or defect while you are using it within those first five years, you can return it to YETI and get a new one sent to you for free! There are a few more conditions that go along with the warranty, and because it would be a lot to write about, we’ll direct you to their warranty page here.

Does the YETi Tundra 50 come with any accessories?

The YETI Tundra 50 actually comes with a beautifully handy yet simple steel dry goods basket. Have you ever experienced picking up your ham sandwich out of the cooler to find that it is completely drenched and soggy beyond repair? This little dry goods basket helps to solve that problem by keeping your dry foods from sinking into the icy depths. It’s built to fit the cooler perfect and just rests on top with a few side latches to hold onto the cooler’s inner ledges.

How can I transport my YETI Tundra 50?

The YETI Tundra 50 comes with two ways to carry it. Because it is pretty heavy, especially when it is full, you’ll most likely be carrying it with a friend. If that’s the case, you have the marine-grade double haul handles that are built into each side. The handles are made with a foam that makes it comfortable to carry, and the ropes are ultra-strong, so you don’t need to worry about them breaking. There are also small handles that are molded into each side if you’re carrying it solo as well.


Overall Rating

So does the insane performance and durability of the YETI Tundra 50 make it worth the dough? Honestly, if you think about it like a long-term investment, we 100% believe that it is worth it. It is made of premium materials and is far more functional than just about any other hard-shell cooler that’s out on the market.

The YETI Brand is a solid example of a company that doesn’t cut corners or make compromises in order to get away with being cheap. The extra weight might make it a bit harder to transport around, but if you take into consideration all of the other positives about the cooler, it is an overall A+. If you’re looking for a cooler that will last you forever, or one that is just near bulletproof, you’d be hard-pressed to find one better than YETI.

should you buy?
YETI Tundra 50
  • 7/10
    Price - 7/10
  • 10/10
    Insulation - 10/10
  • 10/10
    Mobility - 10/10
  • 10/10
    Durability - 10/10
9.3/10
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