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When it comes to keeping items cold in the great outdoors, Yeti coolers truly stand out. The company was founded in 2006 by two brothers who were dissatisfied with old-fashioned, low-quality coolers. As avid outdoorsmen, they designed the original Yeti cooler to preserve the fish they caught on their weekend adventures. Today, Yeti coolers are known for their rugged durability and superior insulation.
The Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler tops our list because, as Nicholas Gibson, founder of Meat Artisan, a luxury meat company in Olney, Illinois, says, “It offers a great balance between capacity and portability.” He also believes Yeti coolers have grown in popularity because they appeal to a wide range of consumers. “They’re built to withstand tough conditions and keep ice frozen for an impressive amount of time—a crucial feature for outdoor enthusiasts,” he says.
But they also appeal to folks willing to invest in a quality product for their next backyard barbecue: “Yeti has become a sort-of luxury fashion item—kind of the Chanel or Dior of the cooler world.” No matter how you use it, the best Yeti cooler is the one that fits your lifestyle.
- BEST OVERALL: Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler
Jump to Review - BEST FOR OUTDOORS: Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
Jump to Review - BEST SMALL: Yeti Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Cooler
Jump to Review - BEST FOR ENTERTAINING: Yeti Tank 85 Ice Bucket
Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Yeti Coolers
While Yeti coolers come in many shapes and sizes, there are only a few basic models. For hard coolers, the company offers three options: the Tundra, Roadie, and V Series. For Yeti soft-sided coolers, there’s just one: the Hopper.
In deciding what specific Yeti models to recommend, I considered factors such as size, capacity, durability, design, ease of use, portability, price, and how long items stay cold. I arrived at these picks by examining product specifications, user reviews, online videos, and other market research.
Sometimes, one factor outweighed another. For example, I don’t recommend the Yeti V Series. While this hard cooler does an excellent job of keeping food chilly, its stainless steel exterior makes it more prone to denting and scratching than the hard plastic of the Tundra and Roadie. Plus, some users report that the exterior gets quite hot. For $800, it just didn’t seem worth it.
Also, it’s worth noting that because they’re dry ice compatible, Yeti hard coolers need to release pressure, so they are not 100 percent leakproof—only leak-resistant. However, the ability to hold dry ice, which lasts longer and doesn’t leak like regular ice, is a selling point for many shoppers.
In addition, unlike some other cooler manufacturers, Yeti doesn’t list how long its coolers can keep items cold, simply noting that its hard coolers can hold ice for days. According to Yeti, other manufacturers’ specs are based on specific lab conditions that regular users would not replicate out in the real world. Suffice it to say, review after review indicates that Yeti hard coolers can and do keep items cold for days.
Our Top Picks
Offering a combination of top performance and value, these are the best Yeti coolers.
Best Overall
Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
Pros
- Comes with dry goods basket to keep dry foods dry
- Can hold dry ice to keep food and drinks extra cold
- Designed to be bear-resistant when used with padlocks
- Easy to clean; a bleach solution can be used for heavy-duty cleaning
Cons
- Lack of wheels makes it less portable than other options
- Heavy when fully loaded
Product Specs
- Cooler weight: 24.6 pounds
- Size: 25.6 inches wide by 15.9 inches deep by 15.5 inches tall
- Capacity: 54 cans (no ice)
There’s a reason the Tundra 45 is Yeti’s most popular model. As Gibson says, “The Tundra 45 is large enough to hold lots of food and drinks for events and activities, yet still manageable enough for one or two people to carry around.”
With up to 3 inches of insulation, thick rotomolded walls, and a virtually indestructible design, this large Yeti cooler is engineered to keep items chilled for days. It can hold up to 37 pounds of ice and can even store dry ice to ensure food stays extra chilly. The cooler also comes with a dry goods basket, so sandwiches and other snacks don’t get waterlogged. Plus, it’s even bear-resistant when used with padlocks, based on standards set by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).
While Yeti makes Tundra models that can hold up to 353 pounds of ice, bigger isn’t always better. The Tundra 45 is a great size for most users. However, it does get heavy when fully loaded and doesn’t have wheels. Still, this heavy-duty cooler is so versatile and perfect for hunting, fishing, camping, tailgating or even hosting outdoor get-togethers.
Get the Yeti Tundra 45 cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Yeti.
Runner-Up
Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Pros
- Retractable handle for convenient storage and portability
- Single-piece tire construction for impact and puncture resistance
- Leakproof drain port quickly releases melted ice
- Tall enough to accommodate standing wine bottles
- Includes dry goods basket
Cons
- Does not support bear-resistant padlocks
Product Specs
- Cooler weight: 28.3 lbs.
- Size: 19.8 inches wide by 20.1 inches deep by 20.6 inches tall
- Capacity: 76 cans (no ice)
This Yeti Roadie wheeled cooler is beloved for its portability. Its durable tires are impact- and puncture-resistant. Its retractable handle makes for easy transport and storage. Plus, this tall insulated cooler easily holds wine bottles or 2-liter soda bottles upright. It comes with a dry goods basket to help keep snacks and ice separate.
Though its design doesn’t support the use of bear locks like the Tundra, the latches on the lid snap shut to seal in internal temperatures, so your food and drinks will stay chilly for days. For an ice chest cooler that wheels around with ease, the Roadie is a great option.
What our tester says: Amanda Tarlton, Bob Vila writer and product tester, says this about the cooler: “We recently drove from Baltimore to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with the Roadie packed full of meat, dairy, and other perishables. It sat in the heat for almost 12 hours before it was unpacked—and it was just as cold as when we left. I’ve also left ice in the cooler for more than 24 hours, and it did not melt a bit.”
Read our full review: Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Get the Yeti Roadie 48 cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Yeti.
Best Bang for the Buck
Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler
Pros
- Airtight zipper creates a leakproof seal
- Easy-to-clean interior just requires mild dish soap and water
- Can attach accessories to cooler
Cons
- Zipper requires maintenance
- Users report that it doesn’t keep contents as cold for as long as hard coolers
Product Specs
- Cooler weight: 4.5 lbs.
- Size: 17.7 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep by 12.8 inches tall
- Capacity: 30 cans (no ice)
Yeti’s soft coolers, like the Hopper Flip, are the perfect option for an afternoon at the lake. It closes with a thick, durable zipper that provides a leakproof seal, keeping food cold and dry even on a hot day in the sun. However, the zipper requires additional care and comes with wax that needs to be reapplied to keep it in top condition.
The durable loops on the front and back make it easy to fasten extra equipment, such as bottle openers, keys, or tools, onto the bag—making this lightweight mini Yeti cooler extremely versatile for the price. Constructed of fabric that’s waterproof, UV-, and puncture-resistant, this compact option is an ideal companion for any day trip outdoors and easy to store.
Get the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Yeti.
Best for Outdoors
Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
Pros
- Durable welded aluminum handle for towing
- Sturdy wheels withstand impact and punctures
- Bear-proof when secured with padlocks
- Secure anchor points to attach to vehicles
Cons
- Won’t roll over soft terrain, such as sand
Product Specs
- Cooler weight: 37.5 lbs.
- Size: 28.1 inches wide by 18.6 inches deep by 19.6 inches tall (exterior)
- Capacity: 82 cans (no ice)
This rugged Yeti wheeled cooler easily cruises over difficult ground, including rocky paths and gravel trails. However, like most wheeled coolers, soft terrain—such as sand—is an issue, so it may not be ideal for a day at the beach.
It features a welded aluminum arm for easy towing. It also shares many of the same features as the Tundra, including two rubber T-Rex latches that seal in the temperature as well as anchor points and nonslip feet so it stays secure when attached to a vehicle. Approved by the IGBC to stand up to a bear attack when secured with padlocks, this durable rolling Yeti cooler is ready for the great outdoors.
Get the Yeti Tundra Haul cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Yeti.
Best Small
Yeti Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Cooler
Pros
- Designed to evenly distribute weight for more comfortable wear
- Front pocket to store and quickly access phones and keys
- Leak-resistant magnetic closure on top
- Light weight makes it easy to carry
Cons
- Smaller size makes it better for shorter outings
Product Specs
- Cooler weight: 4.5 pounds
- Size: 17 inches wide by 8 inches deep by 16 inches tall
- Capacity: 20 cans (no ice)
This lightweight option is perfect for anyone who wants to keep items cold on the go or even for use as a lunch box. The Yeti bag cooler is tall enough to store a wine bottle and seals shut with a leakproof magnetic clasp and two sturdy buckles.
Yeti offers this soft-sided cooler backpack in two sizes, but only the M12 version comes with the kangaroo pocket in front, where you can store your most important items: phone, wallet, and keys. The Hopper series pairs with lots of other Yeti accessories for greater storage capacity while maintaining a hands-free hike.
Get the Yeti Hopper M12 cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Yeti.
Best for Entertaining
Yeti Tank 85 Ice Bucket
Pros
- Open design for easy top access
- Sturdy handles made from polyester rope
- Extra-large capacity makes it a great party cooler
Cons
- Does not come with a lid
- Difficult to move once full
Product Specs
- Cooler weight: 19.3 pounds
- Size: 25.7 inches in diameter by 19.4 inches tall
- Capacity: 111 cans (no ice)
The Yeti Tank is a premium ice bucket for any party, perfect for keeping a keg of beer cold on a hot day or doubling as a cooler when filled with ice. This outdoor cooler is made with the same thick insulation as the other Yeti hard coolers, and users report that ice lasts long after the party is over. A separate lid can be purchased to keep the contents inside even colder. The large Yeti cooler bucket comes with durable handles made from polyester rope. However, when fully loaded, it is difficult for one person to move, so it’s better to set it in place first and then add ice and drinks.
Get the Yeti Tank 85 cooler at Amazon or Yeti.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Yeti Cooler
Whether you’re planning a trip to the beach or your favorite fishing spot, you can take a Yeti cooler along with you. When shopping for the best cooler, you’ll want to take into account the duration and location of the outing as well as what food and drink will be in the cooler. Aside from these basic considerations, also think about the main features each Yeti cooler offers.
Hardshell vs. Softshell
When deciding between a hard-shell or softshell cooler, it ultimately depends on your specific needs.
Yetis hard coolers are famous for their durability. They can withstand damage from fireworks, a giant slingshot, and a bear attack. The Yeti Tundra and Roadie are both made through rotomolding, a process that produces a single piece of hollow plastic. This creates the space for superior insulation. However, the thick insulation adds a lot of weight. Hard coolers are heavy and can be difficult to move once they’re fully loaded with ice, food, and drinks.
Soft coolers like the Yeti Hopper are more lightweight and portable. However, they’re designed to keep food cold for a single day—not an entire weekend in the woods. That doesn’t mean the soft coolers aren’t sturdy though. Made of waterproof and puncture-resistant fabric, they’re built to last and travel.
Size and Capacity
Like most coolers, Yetis are labeled by their capacity, measured in quarts. The Tundra 45 can hold up to 45 quarts, which, according to Yeti, gives you enough space to store food and drinks on an overnight trip for four people. A small Yeti cooler that’s under 25 quarts is probably better for a single-day trip.
Additional Features
Yeti coolers are premium for a reason—they come with the very best features. Tundra hard coolers can be used with dry ice and have a design that will withstand a ferocious grizzly bear attack. Hopper soft coolers are leakproof and waterproof and come with sturdy loops where you can clip on additional accessories.
While Yeti offers many interesting add-ons for its coolers, many aren’t included with the initial cooler purchase. That means you could be shelling out additional funds for cooler swag like bear-proof locks, ice packs, or dry goods baskets.
FAQs
Still have questions about which Yeti cooler will meet your needs? Check out the most commonly asked queries below to help you with your decision.
Yeti coolers are built to last for many years and come with a limited 3- to 5-year warranty.
Yeti hard coolers have several inches of insulation and should keep ice for a few days.
Hard coolers are made with a technology called rotomolding. During this process, a single piece of hollow plastic is injected with insulated foam. This advancement in cooler science creates a premium product with a high price tag.
